I see that the new crystal-less transmitter is on the market or at least another one.no more crystals

There have been a few different synthesized frequency type transmtters... They don't catch on for "the most implausable" reason... they cost a little more.

When you compare the extra cost of the synthesized frequency transmitter to the cost of buying 2 extra frequency modules for a TX with that capability... you come out ahead with the synthesizer. (and its a heck of a lot quicker than sending in the TX to have it tuned to a new frequency if you want to be legal about changing crystals...)

Fortunately the technology fr the synthesized frequency system is getting cheaper... so we may soon see some 4 ch radios that have the capability.

But that creates another problem... You have to remember which frequency you "tuned into" on the synthesizer... so you can use the correct frequency pin.

The cost of a crystal oscillator circuit vs a tuned non-crystal oscillator with a PLL circuit for stability is minimal. The markup on that stuff is crazy.

I have three thoughts on the synthesized channel transmitters, spurred by mention of remembering what channel you dialed in.

The Polk version announces the channel, on the front panel. The HiTec does not, you have to remember, or pull the module and look at the numbers.

I have both. I started using the HiTec Spectra for instruction, since with my HT cord I can use the student's HT or Futaba transmitter as the student box. The student gets to use his own transmitter, and I can set the plane up with my box quickly. I wish the Polk unit had a training output jack.

Now, again about remembering the channel... one day a very experienced member came to the field with a plane I'd never seen before. He had an ancient Conquest transmitter, and tagged his antenna with #15 pin from the frequency board. I looked at his transmitter and saw a 5 tag and a 1 tag both hanging from his antenna, under the frequency pin. Something just didn't seem right. I pulled out my Polk transmitter, put it on scan, and sure enough! Channel 51 was in use, not channel 15! I pointed that out to the member and he was plenty surprised. Anyway, it's not only with synthesized transmitters that you have to pay attention to the channel of your transmitter.

Incidentally, the Polk unit scans your selected channel before you turn on, and if the channel is in use it beeps, announces the channel is in use, and does not turn on the module.

Just rambling.
Dave Olson

I really like some of the features on the Polk transmitters. If they had a better eye for aesthetics I'd have one.

The reason I don't have a transmitter with a synthesizer has nothing to do with the minimal cost difference, it's because every plane I own is equipped with receivers on the same frequency.

I would never bother sending in a transmitter to have the crystal changed, I just wouldn't buy one on a different frequency.

One caveat. I DO own one plane and transmitter on a second frequency, but only because they were given to me.
Dennis-

I've been using a Polk TrackerII for about a year now, and I really like it. The scanner thing went a long way to calming down the reactionary members in my club who remember the old Kraft "dial a crash" system. (Many many years ago, Kraft had a radio that was synthesized. You could even change the channel while it was on (the TX, not the RX). So, you could turn one of these on, then turn the dial though all the channels, and clear the air in a hurry, not good)

I fly a lot of competitions, so it's handy to be able to change frequencies. I have a pile of crystals, mostly on my two main channels, but I also have a few on other channels that I could use in a pinch if needed.

It's also important to remmber with a synthesized system, that you still need to get the frequency pin (some guys seem to think it makes the pin system obsolete). There's nothing to prevent someone from turning on while you are flying and shooting you down.

Dennis, you didn't buy a polk because of the way it looks? How much time do you spend looking at your transmitter when your flying anyway? (I will admit that the Polk is a BIG transmitter, noticeably wider in the hands than most. I use a neckstrap, so the extra width is a bonus for me, but other guys don't like it's feel when holding it)

Btw, the really cool thing from Polk really is the Seeker receiver. It's a lot more innovative than the transmitter is. It works with any FM transmitter, synthesized or not, any shift any frequency (in a specific band), no dials or crystals or anything to change.