G'day Bruce
I didn't say it effected the plane, only the memory of the computer TX.

I think that all devices that use 2.4 gigahertz are required by law to use collision avoidance technology. What that means is that they do not broadcast a signal until they find a clear channel to broadcast on. These radios do their own frequency control, that should include cell phones and other uses. The recievers only recognize the, oh I guess that "language" would be a good term for it, that its own transmitter uses to modulate the signal. If the reciever hears a signal but it is the wrong "language", it knows that it is not from the correct transmitter. The transmitter scans the radio traffic to find an unused frequency, then it broadcasts on that unused frequncy in a language that only its reciever recognizes. When you turn on your reciever, it scans the radio traffic until it finds a signal that is in a language that it understands and locks into that frequency. The Spectrum DX7 uses a different language for each different model in its memory, that way, if you are on the wrong model, nothing happens.

Exactly how it does it I have no idea. Black magic for all I know. But, so far my DX7 has worked flawlessly.

I still think you are. We have over-reactions in the AMA too. They can usually back them up with something more than a senetnce, though.

WOW, a whole page....

how is a cell phone suppose to cause problems for a computer radio's memory when it hardly causes cancer.

no seriuosly I think we would feel a problem before the transmitter's memory does.

I still find it extremely hard to believe and DO NOT accept it as fact. As an Electrical Engineer myself and someone who has worked with radios of various types for 40+ years, this just doesn't wash. You, your club and your national organization may do as they please. Personally, I don't even own a cell phone as I like to get away from the things when off work. I have yet to find ANYTHING that can't wait until I get home.

Not all devices in the 2.4 gHz range have any sort of clear frequency detection circuitry at all. That is just not true. In fact, probably most don't at all and never will. It is basically an unregulated spectrum for the devices that operate legally in it. I challenge anyone to find any protection of R/C equipment operating in this spectrum. It is a situation where you operate at the risk of other devices in the 2.4 gHz spectrum.

Radio devices aren't governed by law. They are governed by the FCC here in the U.S. The FCC operates under a mandate. Rather, the FCC dropped interference resolution duties about 5 or 6 years ago. They pushed it on to local authorities under protest by the ARRL (the ham radio equivalent of the AMA, but with more teeth and firepower).

The reason I know about this is that my other hobby is radio listening. I'm not a ham, but I've kept up with radio spectrum news for many years. You can learn a lot by visiting the ARRL website at: www.arrl.org. You can search the topics. Looking up what Broadband over Power Line will do is quite scary too. If you read what the AMA has pumped out in articles and official opinions in Model Aviation, you will find some contrasting surprises at the ARRL site!!! There are other good radio related sites with good info too, and some good monthly magazines devoted to the radio hobby.

Geeeeesh

"Spread Spectrum" technology does NOT rely on a "protected" frequency format.
The cell phone debate has gone on for years and is it's viability depends directly on web sites such as this. It does not , did not , will not interfere with R/C operations -P E R I O D !~
To suggest that it is now an "item" in the newly introduced Spread Spectrum operation is merely an extension of rumors that have persisted for years. The new system itself
protects against such interference (if there was any in the first place) by virtue of the operating technique itself.

One more item : for years the hobby fraternity has looked upon ARRL as a "guarantee" of sorts relative to 6 meter operation by LICENSED hams running R/C equipment. The "protection" implied in the statement by BLW -- DOES NOT EXIST . A licensed amateur operator can turn on his transceiver in ANY portion of the 6 meter band and do so legally.
There is NO frequency range specified as being "for R/C use" .

On another thread we have a gentleman insisting that the Spread Spectrum people should be required to use a frequency flag in order to 'inform' their fellow flyers.....! Just ignore that fact that the SS guys will be operating in the "gig" range...as opposed to 72mhz....just ignore the SS principals....just ignore......

comon guys.

Boeing727,

You got some things wrong from what I posted. First, it was B.L.E. that implied protection with his comments on collision avoidance used by devices operating in the 2.4 gHz band. I challenged that assumption, as I'm assuming you are too.

Cordless home phones operating in the 2.4 gHz band could feasibly interfer, as they do with other wireless devices. I didn't mention that per se. However, it would be a real stretch to worry about having your cordless phone out at the flying field. I would like to know how the Spektrum system protects from strong signals nearby on the same frequency? I don't think it does, but I could be wrong. An overpowering signal is just that, and wouldn't a fail safe system be the only recourse?

Yep, I've talked to hams who think they are protected in the 6 meter band. I've talked to others who say it is a mess and not worth fooling with. You are right about the attitude of the ARRL regarding the 6 meter band, and others.

BLW -
the cordless at the field is a stretch - I agree !
As for the "overpowering" signal issue , it is yet another detail.
There is a learning curve here and unfortunately we are currently being swamped by the 'experts' and in the process being somewhat mislead.
You MUST understand (first) the operating principals involved in Spread Spectrum......it you're suggesting a signal that totally saturates the 2.4ghz band....of course, all bets are off and some form of fail-safe would be appropriate. (( Fail-safe : another misnomer ! )).
In 'normal" Spread Spectrum ....don't forget , you are using TWO frequencies concurrently. The potential for having BOTH frequencies hit is rather slim.
And the ARRL thing is yet another home-grown argument. Even 'informed' hams often don't have a clue ! But that's another story.

Bottom line: If anyone out there thinks that these systems are developed exclusive of heavy duty field testing...think again. They've done the frequency saturation material -- the cordless phone...the cell phone (( see previous : " my buddy says ".......ha ! )) multiple flyers standing nearby ......take it to the bank ! Right now there are 13 Spread Spectrum radios in operation at Jets Over Florida....that's an endorsement .....wait until next year !