I'm not asking what I should buy (yet). My older siblings were into this(r/c flight) way before me(~10 years ago). I know we have at least 2 four channel with one being very quality back in the day. I was wondering what has changed in terms of radios. Will these not work with the new equipment today?

I'd imagine that some of the nice features the new radios have today would not be working with older technology. Was there a big change in crystal design so that my old radios won't work?

I'll have make and model numbers this weekend....

Thanks,
-Tim G

What brand and model are these radios?

Crystals determine the frequency base that the transmitter will transmit on. Older transmitters put out a wide band signal while the newer ones have a much tighter narrower band. The idea is that with the narrow band transmission transmitters won't interfere as much with other transmitters that are close to the same channel. Channel 51 and channel 53 for instance should be able to control their respective airplanes with out interferring with one another. Older radios have to have a much wider frequency difference to avoid interfering with the other guy. It is now illegal in Canada to fly an RC airplane with a wide band transmitter. A lot of the older radios used to transmit on the AM band and the newer ones use the FM band. IF you tell us which model and brand you have we may be able to tell you if you have a transmitter worth saving or not. Even if the radio is ok, you may need to change the ends of the servos to match the receivers. The newer servos have more torque and move faster than the older ones while using less battery power.

I totally agree with Fastsky on using older radios that are "wide band". You also need to know that the FCC banned the use of "wide band" radios about 4-5 years ago. Of course they still work, but not the best choice to fly with them. You could interfere with somebody's plane in the air, and most clubs probably won't let you fly with a wide band radio.

Just my 2 pennies worth

I remember when they were introducing the new regulations (wide band vs narrow band), but I quit flying for several years (needed the $$) and didn't follow the outcome. :spinnyeye

My current planes all use my new Hitec equipment, but I can't help wondering if I could LEGALY use my Futaba Attack4 (gold sticker, 4ch AM). If I recall correctly, the "Gold Sticker" was to represent the (then) new narrow band standard. A friend wants to try RC, and I would lend him this radio for his first plane if it's still LEGAL. He lives way out in the country (1/2 mile to nearest neighbor), and has cut a runway behind his house for me to fly from.

I guess my question is this: Can I use this radio without risking my MAAC membership, or setting myself up for some legal problems?

Yes, you can use gold sticker equipment with no problem. Be sure however to check that the receiver is narrow band as well.

I was not flying when all this stuff happened. I think people may have gone gold sticker crazy. I have a 7U TX that has a gold sticker. If you read the FAQ, Futaba sez all FM transmitters were narrow band. I see no reason for the sticker to be there.

Down past the TX stuff is a list of narrow band RX
http://www.futaba-rc.com/faq/service-faq.html#q41

Thanks FlatFour! That means my radio is legal, and was made after the narrow band regulations. It was manufactured on channel 24. I'll share this info with a friend who had (has?) the identical radio - same channel even.

Thanks,