Hi I am looking for one of those radios that can ajust to any channel (eg. 8 air planes 8 different channels but one controler). I have seen some radios that say "6 model memory" what does this mean? Is it like the one i'm thinking about?

Thanks, Dave Trimmer

"model memory" simply means that you can store the data for that many aircraft in the radio, thereby allowing you to control 6 or 8 aircraft with that one radio. When you change airplanes, you just change the memory number in the radio, and all your setups change to that plane. I think what you are refering to is a radio that uses the synthesized module. JR and Futaba both have it, I believe. It allows you to select which frequency you want to use, instead of being locked into one particular channel. Comes in really handy if you fly at a field with lots of other people.

Polks actually offers the best value in this space. They have 6 and 8 channel radios that offer fully synthesized transmitters and receivers (meaning they can use any channel), 100 model memory, a frequency scanner in the transmitter that confirms the channel is not in use and does not send out any signal if it is, and a bunch of other features. All this, and more, and they are in the $200 range. For more information, go to: http://www.polkshobby.com

Edit: no, I don't work at Polks and I have no financial ties to them.

Let's not confuse channel and frequency. An 8 channel radio controls 8 different functions on a single aircraft. ie: elevator,rudder, throttle,ailerons,flaps,gear,and a couple lest over for things like brakes and bomb drops. A radio with a 6 model memory flies six seperate aircraft on the same frequency. You don't need to adjust between frequency with this setup since you can only fly one aircraft at a time.
Adjustably frequency radios come into play when you are at a busy field with a need to fly. Contest, racing, and the such.
They have their place but really not needed by the average pilot. At least until they become the norm.

Kwigen is correct, an 8 channel radio does NOT transmit on 8 different frequencies. Each "channel" is actually a "function" such as throttle, aileron ,elevator, rudder and up to 4 additional "functions" in an 8 channel system and all channel information is transmitted simultaneously. You can get an 8 channel system capable of transmitting on more than 1 frequency but at present this is not the "normal" thing. It is becoming more normal however.

You can buy transmitters capable of multiple "model memories". This means that you can set a set of conditions (mixes and servo reverses and throw travel limits) for each of several different planes. It used to be that you would need a separate transmitter for each plane.
That said, unless your transmitter is capable of changing frequencies all of your airplane receivers will need to be on the same frequency.

And that's what's cool about the Polks systems, push a button attached to the receiver and it'll automatically adjust itself to a different frequency. I went a year and a half perfectly happy on Channel 58. Then along comes a new member (but long time flier). He also has 58 and it seems he's always at the field when I am. Not a big deal, he's a great guy, but it does introduce a conflict. I've encountered the same problem at the 1/2A fly ins that I attend, someone else on 58. Sure would be nice to be able to change channels (frequency) with a simple push of a couple buttons.

Dave:
It is model memory your looking for.

Dave,

Did you get your question answered?

The word channel is used to mean two different things

Channels = how many functions can you control
Channel = what frequency you are using to fly.

Model memories = how many different planes you can set-up and have the radio remember the settings. Radios come in all kinds of combinations of these features.


A hitec Flash 5SX has 5 model memories, 5 channels and flies on only one frequecy/channel

A hitec Optic 6 has 6 control channels, can remember 8 planes ( 8 model memories ) and flies on one frequency/channel normally. However you can buy an optional device for it called a spectra frequency synthesizer module. You pop this out, set the dials and it will change the frequency/channel you are using to talk to the plane. The receiver in the plane has to be able to listen to that channel in order for it to receive the signal.

A Futaba 7C has 7 control channels, 10 model memories but can only fly on one fixed frequency/channel.

A Futaba 9C has 9 control channels, unlimited model memories based on removeable memory sticks, and can be single channel or can have a channel synthesizer so you can set the transmission frequency/channel.

Polk Tracker III has 8 control channels, 99 model memories and can synthesize any of the 50 72 mhz frequency/channels that you can be used to fly RC airplanes in North America.

So, as you see, you can have many different combinations of features.

Many parkflyers only need 3 channels to fly - R/E/T or A/E/T.

Most glow planes and many electrics use 4 channels - A/E/T/R

Some add more for more advanced features like retractable landing gear, flaps. If it is a computer radio, then it can mix the control of the surfaces to create new features. I recommend computer radios.

Typically a 5 - 7 channel computer radio ( model memories and mixes) will serve the need of most sport electric/glow/gas flyes

If you want to get into sailplanes, which can be more complex, then 6 or more would be the minimum I would recommend. I have a 9 channel radio for my sailplanes.

Lots of choices. Lots of toys to buy! So little time and money!!!!

Hi I thank all of you for your input but like to say thaks to aeajr for making a clear, organized post to untangle the large knot in my head[&:].

Thanks, Dave Trimmer

Hey Dave, us guys from NY is here to help you! You gota question, fogedaboutit, I got da answer! You goid it?