Hi Andy,

My name is Rick and I need a 12 step program.

I like the Hitec Ranger III radio for a transmitter. I own two of them right now with a couple of different receivers.

Apparently the receiver is what makes the radio single or dual conversion. It appears that you can use the same Ranger III for both single or dual. For dual conversion the crystals must be matched for that purpose and the receiver has to be dual conversion.

I have a Hitec HFS-03mm 3 channel receiver http://www.servocity.com/html/3-ch_hfs-03mm_fm_rx.html for my Soling 50, and recently put it in another 1 meter and bought a Hitec DCX for a replacement. The DCX is dual conversion, while the HFS is not.

The HFS003 gives me 3 channels and a range of 3,500 feet,
The DCX also gives me 3 channels but has a range of 6,000+ feet and is dual conversion.
At $56 for a receive you need to think twice if it is something you !QUOT!need!QUOT!. The single conversion 3 channel is $33.

The Ranger III is not as light or comfortable as the old Futaba Attack SR for goofing around. But for racing or big lake sailing I wanted dual conversion.

I have some multi channel 50mhz ham radios but I haven't made good use of them yet. Most of my boats are just the 2 channel sails and rudder setup.

I attached a picture of some of my boats I have added 5 more sailboats this year, including another 1 meter, a IOM and an ODOM.

What a great hobby this is!!!

Rick