Just wanted to share a website a friend sent me to.

http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/xtremelink.php

they are waiting for approval to produce 2.4 dsm modules and recievers for all the major radio brands. Only drawback is the modules are for the higher end computer radios with intercahngeable RF modules.

They also will not have all of the features of the Spektrum or even dual RX operation. About all you get is a new frequency range. The Spektrum is still out in front. Their biggest limitation, for now, is the number of channels available (7).

Bruce, just a question, did you mean that it won't have all the radio features that spektrum has. or is there also a difference in the modulation?

Definitely won't have some of the features (patented) and MAY have a different modulation scheme too. Mfg's may wish to purchase rights to the features assuming Spectrum is willing to let them.

That may be a bit hard to do Bruce. That actual Spread Spectrum technology that this is based on is a industry standard. Computer Wi-fi equipment has been using it for years now. JR may find it hard to try and patent that because it's not a new technology. It's just a new application of an existing technology.

Ken

Specktrum claims that some of their feeatures are already patented or patent pending. No they probably can't patent modulation types but they can processing techniques/results such as their "model match".

Actually, that dual-headed receiver is a liability for the Spektrum. They couldn't get it to work with just one, where as Xtremelink apparently has. The problem with being first to market is that you often have to make technology compromises, while the other guys have time to take what you do to the next level. There are large threads about this subject over in the Radio forum. There's an Xtremelink thread and a Nomadio thread to go along with the various Spektrum threads.

In any case, it's difficult to say that any one company is going to walk away with the SS market. Spektrum got there first, Xtremelink is trying to make older radios competitive, and Nomadio might just be the next big thing--and none of that mentions JR and Futaba, who aren't likely to be sitting still, either. There are going to be all sorts of new problems. I don't want to get locked into one brand of receivers, particularly as there isn't a great deal of variety on the market right now. There doesn't seem to be any push amongst the manufacturers to create one single standard. I don't particularly like the diversity antenna idea from Spektrum and I don't necessarily want to get locked into a small company like Xtremelink.

If a person has a compelling reason to go SS now, then they should. For most of us, however, there's no immediate need to get away from 72mhz. I'm going to see how the dust settles over the next couple of years before I make any choices.

Totally agreed here. While I think that it's a neat idea, I have no reason whatsoever to buy one anytime in the future. I only share one channel with somebody else right now, and he only comes out once a month or so. Buy the time I'm ready to buy one of these radios they should have most of the "new equipment" glitches worked out.

Ken

2.4 SS has 80 channels not 7,,and there alleady testing a SS Module in a JR 10X radio,,,the patent Xtr,is talking about i belive is there antenna system,,there useing a radial type antenna where the others are useing dual,,,,and the frist company to come out with a good RF link in SS is going to make a bundle,,all the guys i know flying $3500.00 and up planes allways face the fear of being shot down by some dummy turning on his radio and the 2.4 SS will do away with that all together,,with cheaper planes i wouldnt need one either but when your flying $3500.. youd like to feel a little safer,,

NdFrSpeed

He meant 7 channels in reference to the number of control channels you have over your plane (ie, rudder, aileron, throttle, gear, elevator, stuff like that.)

Spektrum DX7 has 7 channels and uses 80 frequencies.

Have money, will spend on spectrum technology!![sm=greedy.gif]

Raf

Here is a link to a huge thread on the extreme link.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_47...tm.htm#4714231
A lot of it is people bashing the guy but there might be some good info too. I hope multiple companies do get into the spread spectrum market but if it's all proprietary (like PCM), it will hinder the spread of the technology. I will stick with 72 mhz as long as I can. Where I fly there are only a few frequency conflicts and everyone is very good about sharing those channels.

Would you more experienced guys spend the money on the Spectrum if you were starting out in the hobby at this time? Most RTF's have analog radios and the ones with a digital still are lower end types. I would think the module would be nice transition accessory instead of buying the Spectrum while waiting for more options in newer versions of the technology for guys that have high end radios at this time. It seems to me that the Spectrum is a decent price for what you get. Other 7 channel setups are only a 100 bucks or so less.

I HATE spending money, then learning I should of read a bit more on the subject and asked another question or 2

Dave

To be honest it's kind of a toss up. If they just had about another year on the Specktrum to debug it I would jump at it without hesitation as a "First radio" assuming I was sure this was going to be "my hobby". I'm right on the edge of getting one now but waiting just a little bit. Maybe v2.0 or see what Futaba/JR come up with. Not going to go with the "module system" as I like the Spectrum features more, but that is my preference.

If I were just starting out, I would contact my local club before making any decisions. They'll know if there have been problems with 72mhz at their flying site. If I were told that there had been plenty of people "getting hit," I'd seriously consider buying SS gear. If not, I'd ask what channel they would recommend (most clubs keep a list of how many people use what channel) and what sort of buddy boxes they had available.