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Old 10-13-2006 | 01:11 PM
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RCKen
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Default RE: Beginner Radio Question: Dymond?

Ok, looking at your ad brings a few thoughts/concerns to mind

[ul][*] The ad doesn't indicate what frequency range it's in (72 Mhz, 75 Mhz, or 27 Mhz). 72 Mhz is for aircraft use, 75 Mhz is for ground use, and 27 Mhz is for both. If you get a radio that is in the 75 range you could end up getting shot down by somebody using a car in the area.[*] The ad states "Rechargeable battery and charger Combo only $ 25". This indicates to me that the radio runs on AA alkaline batteries. If this is true it can be dangerous for use in an aircraft. This because the spring loaded battery clips that are used can actually lose contact with the batteries due to the vibration of the engine causing the plane to fly out of control. Also, using alkaline batteries can get expensive very quickly. [*] Lack of bubby box facilities. It doesn't look like it has any way to connect a buddy box to this radio, which can make training to fly with this radio difficult.[*] The ad states "2 Micro servos 8 g light and small 4+6 Micro receiver". This indicates that it's intended for a park flyer setup. I don't know what your intended use is for this radio, but you plan to use it for a nitro powered plane you will at least have to replace the servos as the "micro" servos included with the radio won't be big enough to fly this with. In addition, the "micro" receiver may not have the range needed to fly a nitro powered plane and may need replaced as well.[*] Lack of support. Since it's not a "name brand" that most people use (i.e. Futaba, Hitec, Airtronics, or JR) you may find your options for repair are limited. It looks like it may be one of the new "China" brands that are showing up on the market.
[/ul]

As most have said above (and yourself included) I'd be a bit weary of this deal. Since you didn't indicate your intended use it makes it a bit more difficult to make a judgement, but if you plan on a park flyer this radio might be a "maybe". But if you are planning on flying glow powered aircraft I would stay away from it. If you look at Tower Hobbies you can get the bare bones Tower Hobbies brand radios for a pretty good price. While they say Tower Hobbies on them they are made by Futaba so you are getting a name brand radio.

Hope this helps

Ken