is the 2.6Ghz systems better than the PCM/FM?

Yes and no. We should all be familiar with PCM/FM by now. We know they can get "hit" and we know about the various channels and that "problem".

The 2.6 systems remove the channel "problem" and the possibility of getting "hit". In THEORY this looks like an "Ideal" system. There is a VERY noticeable drawback to this system though - the weather. High humidity or rain WILL interfere with the range on these units and possibly the clarity of the signal. These units operate on the same frequency as a lot of cordless telephones. The high humidity/rain is well documented with the telephones as far as the range and clarity of signal is concerned. Logically, this will carry over to these units also.

There have also been A FEW reports ( show articles in Fly RC and MAN ) of interference/glitching with these systems.

72 mhz and the 2.4 systems each have their good and bad points.

IMHO, I do not feel it is worth the expense to change from a 72 mhz system (receivers for all your planes and re-configuring for the antenna), unless you are flying competively. If you are just starting out, then yes, spend the extra money and get the 2.4 system.

The 72 mhz units are going to be around for quite awhile yet ( Several articles say they will be around for at least 10 years ) AND they are a proven/known system.

dont you mean 2.4 GHz systems, not the 2.6GHz?

Lets drop the rain idea. after the radio companies have replaced their entire line of radio's with 2.4 they will no longer make 72. They will service them for maybe 10yrs. If you are buying a new radio buy the 2.4. Dennis

I agree with Dennis that talking about rain is silly. It's just simply stupid IMO to fly in the rain. I also believe, but nobody knows at this time, that the mfg's will continue to make RX's at least for 72 MHz as many will WANT to continue using their 72 MHz TX's. There will probably reach a point when 72 MHz TX's cease production but I have no idea when. I see no NEED for it.

And as far as humidity goes. I fly 2.4 in all my planes now and if that was any problem here in Ky I would have seen by now. some days you can cut the air with a knife. The small sport flyer may not make the move now, but if you need a new radio move to 2.4 and not loss on re-sale later down the road. Dennis

Haven't experienced it myself, but what I hear about "glitching" from the 2.4 system is supposedly related to current loads on the battery. If your battery is either too small (total mAh) or beginning to drop its voltage because of drain, and the servos are pulling enough current, the Rx will "drop out" due to insufficient voltage available for its electronics to keep a frequency lock, or something along those lines. The recommendation made to me was to have a good safety margin in the size of your batteries, especially if using digital or high torque servos in a plane where you're making large flight control surface excursions. With that in mind, I'm using a 2800 mAh Rx battery.

thanks guys, i was really confused on what kind of system to buy and it really helped me alot. i'm was just starting out with this hobby and i was looking for a good tx and i love the 9caps but there's no 2.6GHz available on this model.

is this a good idea?i know the 9caps is an advance tx, will it be a practical choice?

The 9C is a great transmitter. I've had mine since they came out in spring 2002 and have never regretted the purchase. It is very user freindly and Futaba has a great reputation. There is also a 2.4 GHz module for the 9C if you want to make the move later.

OK, but it's 2.4 GHz, not 2.6 GHz. Futaba should have their 2.4 modules out soon that will fit the 9C. Spektrum and Extreme already have modules that will fit I believe.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXRTU7&P=V unfortunately it will cut you back to 8 channels because that is all they radio will xmit in PPM which the module requires to operate. The other brands of modules will do you no better in the 9C though.

thanks mrlikescheese and bruce, it was the 2.4GHz system.

do the 2.4GHz systems have the same range as the 72MHz?

It's a bit more what they call "line of sight". You need to be able to see the plane. If it gets behind something or even someone it reduces the signal strength somewhat. The higher the frequency the more these factors come into play. Normal standing on the flightline with others should be fine though. They are considered "full range" systems with the exception of units like the DX6 which the mfg rates as a park flyer radio due to low power and single RX.

There is one other downside to 2.4 ghz systems. If you're trying to fly a systems with a data downlink (flight data, video) that use a 2.4 ghz system, there will probably be interference. Luckily, the interference will be on the data downlink, not the controls to the airplane. 2.4 ghz is getting pretty crowded already.

Brad

One must remember that 2.4 GHz isn't a single frequency in our application but rather a band of frequencies much like 72 MHz has MANY channels both for us and other operators. There is actually more room at 2.4 GHz than at 72 MHz but there are indeed a lot of people using the space.

The modules for the 9c are already out. I saw a guy at our field flying an aircraft with one just the other day.

XPS has them. Spektrum will and Futaba will. all are modular based. So you can go back to 72 any time you want too. Right now all systems seem to be B/O'rd. Even with all the talk of not moving many are, and no company can keep up with the demand. I've done it and the peace of mind is worth every dollar.(notice I didn't say penny) Dennis