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Contrary to what many may state, there is no “correct” distance for range testing. Different systems will operate normally at widely-different ranges. In the past, there have been transmitters that were tested with the antenna removed, and anything over 10 feet was to be considered “good”.

First, see if your instruction gives you a range test procedure. Manuals vary. With the transmitter antenna collapsed, one system says the range should be greater than five meters, another says 20-30 paces, and others suggest you range test before use each day, but give you no guidelines. In all cases, follow the guidelines stated, but if the manual doesn’t have a guideline, you’ll have to determine your own.

Here’s how:
For aircraft, the in-air range is the one that’s important, but it’s almost impossible to safely determine. Mount your aircraft 3+ feet above the ground, away from wires, transmission towers, houses, and so on. Have your friend watch the model as you walk away from the airplane with your transmitter in hand, antenna fully extended. Work the controls as you walk away from the model.

With most transmitters, you should get 1,000+ feet. Because the air range is several times the ground range, this will give you good range with the model in the air.

Once you have a ground range that you’re comfortable with, collapse the transmitter antenna and walk it out again. The transmitter will now have a range of anywhere from 15 feet to somewhat over 100 feet. Whatever your tested and fully operational system demonstrates is the normal range for your system.

Now you have a standard you can check against before every flying session as required by the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. If you notice significant changes in range, send it to its service center to be checked out.

If you have a poor range test on a new model with a system that’s never had problems, take a very close look at the installation. Something in the system’s installation could be the source of the problem. Check the receiver antenna routing, the proximity of servo or battery leads to the antenna wire, or the length of the servo leads.

If you’ve recently changed channels in your receiver, then it could be out of tune if it doesn’t get good range. Of course, changing crystals in the transmitter won’t be done because it’s illegal according to FCC regulations.

On some occasions, your R/C system will not get as much range when you go to certain locations as at other locations. This would be the result of local conditions. Your particular channel may be affected, there may be power lines very close, or even microwave or cel phone towers. While the last two should not interfere with R/C use, the very fact that they are powerful radiators of radio energy means that some affects can be detected by R/C receivers.

The notion that every R/C system should get over 100 feet is incorrect. Go with what your manufacturer states in their manual.

I hope you find this information helpful. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at this email address. Please be sure to copy all previous emails into any future questions. You can also reach our product support technical team at 217-398-8970, or via fax at 217-398-7721.

Sincerely,
Krysta
Lead Product Support Technician
Great Planes Model Distributors
[email protected]
Also you may want to check our Website at (http://www.futaba-rc.com)