Interchangable frequency crystals
05-16-2008 | 12:01 AM
#5
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RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
Great Planes doesn't sell a radio with their label that I am aware of. Tower does have a radio that is sells with the Tower Trainer RTF (and other Tower brand packages) which is nothing more than a relabeled Futaba 4 channel Sky Sport.
Ken
Ken
05-16-2008 | 12:15 AM
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RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
I wouldn't use them. Unless you are 100% certain that they are compatible I wouldn't use it. Let me put it this way, is losing your airplane worth the $5 you saved?? If you can answer yes to that question then I would say go ahead and use them. If not, then get Futaba crystals.
I know that this may sound harsh, but this is just one of the costs of being in the hobby. It just part of the cost of setting up a radio for your plane.
Ken
I know that this may sound harsh, but this is just one of the costs of being in the hobby. It just part of the cost of setting up a radio for your plane.
Ken
05-16-2008 | 05:35 AM
#8
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RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
If you do decide to use those crystals, please tell the other flyers at your field before you go up. This may give them a chance to run for the hills in the likely case it comes down after receiver failure. After all, you will never know where it will land, and that could be on top of someone or something very expensive.
As Ken suggests, stick with the manufacturer's crystals that belong in the receiver. And NEVER.. EVER swap out transmitter crystals. That is not good for the same reasons as above, AND it is illegal.
CGr.
As Ken suggests, stick with the manufacturer's crystals that belong in the receiver. And NEVER.. EVER swap out transmitter crystals. That is not good for the same reasons as above, AND it is illegal.
CGr.
05-16-2008 | 08:23 AM
#9
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
OK. It was worth asking anyway. I know that some brands of radio gear are just repackaged Futaba; didn't know if anybody knew if this was the same deal, that's all. Will get the Futaba crystals. Hey, that's why I'm in this forum! 
Also I'm taking your advice - setting up my Pulse with its own gear so I can keep my trainer flight worthy, both for me for an easy flight, and to let some other new pilots experience the wonderful flight of the Nexstar.
Thanks guys.
Also I'm taking your advice - setting up my Pulse with its own gear so I can keep my trainer flight worthy, both for me for an easy flight, and to let some other new pilots experience the wonderful flight of the Nexstar.
Thanks guys.
05-16-2008 | 08:42 AM
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From: Garland, TX
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
ORIGINAL: FatOrangeKat
Great planes has crystals for electrifly on Tower's site; they look just like Futaba crystals but are $5 less.
Great planes has crystals for electrifly on Tower's site; they look just like Futaba crystals but are $5 less.
Note the "Requires Futaba Single Conversion Crystal" comment in the description. In your bigger planes I'm almost positive you'll have dual conversion receivers which use a different crystal.
05-16-2008 | 08:48 AM
#11
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RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
Ok, Cat! You got the idea. Believe me, once you get a little time in, perhaps a year or so, you will want to go back to the trainer just to "get back to the basics". We seem to fall back on technology (expo, end points, mixing, and so on) with our computer radios. Often, the RTF's we get are basic systems, with analog trims and controls. Nothing digital.
So, when we move into the digital world, we take full advantage of those perks. And that's what they are there for. But, when we reach the point when we want to teach someone else how to fly, we have to go back to the basics and I can tell you that it isn't all that easy for the first several minutes of flying the basic trainer. You find that you are all over the sky, ending up looking like a rank amateur in front of the person you are trying to impress.. rightfully so!!
And there are times when you just want a slow, leisurly, lazy few flighs on something simple and easy, that will float around and almost fly itself. You won't get that with a high performance 3D or Pattern plane.. or a war bird.. but you will with that trainer you saved just for that opportunity.
Good choice.. good decision!!!
CGr.
So, when we move into the digital world, we take full advantage of those perks. And that's what they are there for. But, when we reach the point when we want to teach someone else how to fly, we have to go back to the basics and I can tell you that it isn't all that easy for the first several minutes of flying the basic trainer. You find that you are all over the sky, ending up looking like a rank amateur in front of the person you are trying to impress.. rightfully so!!
And there are times when you just want a slow, leisurly, lazy few flighs on something simple and easy, that will float around and almost fly itself. You won't get that with a high performance 3D or Pattern plane.. or a war bird.. but you will with that trainer you saved just for that opportunity.
Good choice.. good decision!!!
CGr.
05-16-2008 | 01:41 PM
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OH
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
To elaborate, not only do you have to get the same brand but you also have to make sure it is either single or dual conversion to match your receiver. The crystal has to match your reciever, not your transmitter.
IE... you have a Futaba transmitter which will work superbly with a Hitec Supreme II receiver for example so in this case you will use a Hitec Dual Conversion crystal (even though your radio is Futaba) on the channel your Futaba transmitter is on.
IE... you have a Futaba transmitter which will work superbly with a Hitec Supreme II receiver for example so in this case you will use a Hitec Dual Conversion crystal (even though your radio is Futaba) on the channel your Futaba transmitter is on.
05-16-2008 | 03:55 PM
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From: Poolesville, MD
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
ORIGINAL: CGRetired
As Ken suggests, stick with the manufacturer's crystals that belong in the receiver. And NEVER.. EVER swap out transmitter crystals. That is not good for the same reasons as above, AND it is illegal.
CGr.
As Ken suggests, stick with the manufacturer's crystals that belong in the receiver. And NEVER.. EVER swap out transmitter crystals. That is not good for the same reasons as above, AND it is illegal.
CGr.
These should be fine, as they are made to conform to the specifications of the originals...
However only the "big boys" are targetted so you'll only find second party crystals for Hitec, JR, and Futaba, which will be labeled as such.
05-17-2008 | 01:38 PM
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From: Bradenton, FL
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
OK I bought s Tower Hobbies 6 ch radio. Its on 47. Can I buy crystals for the TX and RX to change to say 42??? With RC cars this was common.
05-17-2008 | 01:48 PM
#17
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RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
No, it's is illegal in the US for the end user to change the crystals in the transmitter. This must be done in a shop that can check and adjust the output of the radio after the new crystal is installed. I understand that car guys do this but it's still illegal to do it. Recently a member here had a radio that he purchased used that the original owner had changed the crystals in without having it checked. After buying it he sent it in for service and the repair shop told him that the transmit power had been cut in half by the crystal swap that was done.
If you are interested in the full text of the regulations concerning this matter they can be found at:
[link=http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/47cfr95_04.html]FCC Title 47, Part 95 - Personal Radio Services[/link]
Copied from Futaba's website
Copied from FCC regulations concerning this issue
If you are interested in the full text of the regulations concerning this matter they can be found at:
[link=http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/47cfr95_04.html]FCC Title 47, Part 95 - Personal Radio Services[/link]
Copied from Futaba's website
How do I change the frequency of my transmitter?
For a unit with crystals: We CANNOT recommend changing crystals to a different frequency. Changing the crystal on your transmitter is illegal unless you have the proper license. The FCC has established guidelines for the modeler's safety and for the safety of spectators. For safety and FCC reasons we must request that both TX and RX be sent to the service center to ensure proper crystal change and retuning to the new frequency. Crystal based radios cannot be converted to another band without parts replacement, and may not be able to be converted at all. Certain radios can be converted, for example, from 72 to 75MHz. Please contact the service center for any other conversions.
The applicable Federal Regulation is as follows:
TITLE 47—TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95—PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES
Subpart E—Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when
manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter
enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency
determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency
determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
For a unit with crystals: We CANNOT recommend changing crystals to a different frequency. Changing the crystal on your transmitter is illegal unless you have the proper license. The FCC has established guidelines for the modeler's safety and for the safety of spectators. For safety and FCC reasons we must request that both TX and RX be sent to the service center to ensure proper crystal change and retuning to the new frequency. Crystal based radios cannot be converted to another band without parts replacement, and may not be able to be converted at all. Certain radios can be converted, for example, from 72 to 75MHz. Please contact the service center for any other conversions.
The applicable Federal Regulation is as follows:
TITLE 47—TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95—PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES
Subpart E—Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when
manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter
enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency
determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency
determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
Copied from FCC regulations concerning this issue
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.221]
[Page 539]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.221 (R/C Rule 21) How do I have my R/C transmitter serviced?
(a) You may adjust an antenna to your R/C transmitter and you may make radio checks. (A radio check means a one-way transmission for a short time in order to test the transmitter.)
(b) You are responsible for the proper operation of the station at all times and are expected to provide for observations, servicing and maintenance as often as may be necessary to ensure proper operation. Each internal repair and each internal adjustment to an FCC certificated R/C transmitter (see R/C Rule 9) must be made in accord with the Technical Regulations (see subpart E). The internal repairs or internal adjustments should be performed by or under the immediate supervision and responsibility of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repair duties in the private land mobile services and fixed services by an organization or committee representative of users in those services.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph
(d) of this section, each internal repair and each internal adjustment of an R/C transmitter in which signals are transmitted must be made using a nonradiating (``dummy'') antenna. (d) Brief test signals (signals not longer than one minute during any five minute period) using a radiating antenna may be transmitted in order to:
(1) Adjust a transmitter to an antenna;
(2) Detect or measure radiation of energy other than the intended signal; or
(3) Tune a receiver to your R/C transmitter.
(Secs. 4(i) and 303(r), Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 303(r), and sec. 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 553) [48 FR 24890, June 3, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 20673, May 16, 1984; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.221]
[Page 539]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.221 (R/C Rule 21) How do I have my R/C transmitter serviced?
(a) You may adjust an antenna to your R/C transmitter and you may make radio checks. (A radio check means a one-way transmission for a short time in order to test the transmitter.)
(b) You are responsible for the proper operation of the station at all times and are expected to provide for observations, servicing and maintenance as often as may be necessary to ensure proper operation. Each internal repair and each internal adjustment to an FCC certificated R/C transmitter (see R/C Rule 9) must be made in accord with the Technical Regulations (see subpart E). The internal repairs or internal adjustments should be performed by or under the immediate supervision and responsibility of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repair duties in the private land mobile services and fixed services by an organization or committee representative of users in those services.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph
(d) of this section, each internal repair and each internal adjustment of an R/C transmitter in which signals are transmitted must be made using a nonradiating (``dummy'') antenna. (d) Brief test signals (signals not longer than one minute during any five minute period) using a radiating antenna may be transmitted in order to:
(1) Adjust a transmitter to an antenna;
(2) Detect or measure radiation of energy other than the intended signal; or
(3) Tune a receiver to your R/C transmitter.
(Secs. 4(i) and 303(r), Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 303(r), and sec. 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 553) [48 FR 24890, June 3, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 20673, May 16, 1984; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.222]
[Page 539-540]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.222 (R/C Rule 22) May I make any changes to my R/C station transmitter?
(a) You must not make or have anyone else make an internal modification to your R/C transmitter.
(b) Internal modification does not include:
(1) Repair or servicing of an R/C station transmitter (see R/C Rule 21, Sec. 95.221); or
(2) Changing plug-in modules which were certificated as part of your R/C transmitter.
(c) You must not operate an R/C transmitter which has been modified by anyone in any way, including modification to operate on unauthorized frequencies or with illegal power. (See R/C Rules 9 and 10, Sec. Sec. 95.209 and 95.210.)
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.222]
[Page 539-540]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.222 (R/C Rule 22) May I make any changes to my R/C station transmitter?
(a) You must not make or have anyone else make an internal modification to your R/C transmitter.
(b) Internal modification does not include:
(1) Repair or servicing of an R/C station transmitter (see R/C Rule 21, Sec. 95.221); or
(2) Changing plug-in modules which were certificated as part of your R/C transmitter.
(c) You must not operate an R/C transmitter which has been modified by anyone in any way, including modification to operate on unauthorized frequencies or with illegal power. (See R/C Rules 9 and 10, Sec. Sec. 95.209 and 95.210.)
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.645]
[Page 561]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart E_Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
[53 FR 36789, Sept. 22, 1988. Redesignated at 61 FR 28769, June 6, 1996, and further redesignated at 61 FR 46567, Sept. 4, 1996; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.645]
[Page 561]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart E_Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
[53 FR 36789, Sept. 22, 1988. Redesignated at 61 FR 28769, June 6, 1996, and further redesignated at 61 FR 46567, Sept. 4, 1996; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
05-17-2008 | 11:07 PM
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From: Poolesville, MD
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
ORIGINAL: traski
OK I bought s Tower Hobbies 6 ch radio. Its on 47. Can I buy crystals for the TX and RX to change to say 42???
OK I bought s Tower Hobbies 6 ch radio. Its on 47. Can I buy crystals for the TX and RX to change to say 42???
Since the transmitter is functioning on it's tuned frequency there are no drawbacks to this... and you can utilize second party RX crystals specifically made for your system too.
08-18-2008 | 08:39 PM
#19
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From: Kalispell, MT
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
I am new at this an just got a PR XP6102 Radio, it has a #34 Crystal (center dot). I also just got a JR R700 Receiver Slim line, with no crystal. Need to know can I only use PR crystals or will other brands work. I know the dots on crystals need to be the same on both.
Is there any other stuff I should be alert for when I'm trying to buy. I know the TX crystal is for radio, and I think RX are for receivers.
Any other info please give it...... Thanks
Is there any other stuff I should be alert for when I'm trying to buy. I know the TX crystal is for radio, and I think RX are for receivers.
Any other info please give it...... Thanks
08-18-2008 | 09:29 PM
#20
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From: Garland, TX
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
You are right that people refer to transmitters as TX and receivers as RX.
You need a JR crystal for your JR receiver. Here is a link
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...rodID=JRPXFR34
You need a JR crystal for your JR receiver. Here is a link
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...rodID=JRPXFR34
08-18-2008 | 11:08 PM
#21
My Feedback: (-1)
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
Then there is always the Hitec Spectra Module so you can dial in any of the 50 channels, Futaba also came out with one too. Before Futaba came out with one people discovered that you could install the HT unit in your Futaba computer radio just by flipping it upside down and it worked quite well on the higher channels. Problem is if you are changing gear from brand to brand it is Illegal. I ordered my first HT radio with one of these and other then one little problem they are great.
The problem is the reason we called them, {{Dial A Crash!!}} Sometimes people tended to forget to put them on the same channel as the next plane they tried to fly, oops!!!
Been there!!
I still have and use one, A HT and used in my Futaba 9-C. Why would I do such A thing???[:-] I use it when I'm setting up A plane for A customer in FM and don't have his TX. Just dazzles them when they pick up there plane and it's all set up and ready to go, if not dead on then very close.
Spectra is still sold, not sure about that Futaba unit?? Never see it advertised.
The problem is the reason we called them, {{Dial A Crash!!}} Sometimes people tended to forget to put them on the same channel as the next plane they tried to fly, oops!!!
Been there!!I still have and use one, A HT and used in my Futaba 9-C. Why would I do such A thing???[:-] I use it when I'm setting up A plane for A customer in FM and don't have his TX. Just dazzles them when they pick up there plane and it's all set up and ready to go, if not dead on then very close.
Spectra is still sold, not sure about that Futaba unit?? Never see it advertised.
08-19-2008 | 06:56 AM
#24
My Feedback: (1)
RE: Interchangable frequency crystals
G'Morning y'sef!! 
We got wind.. some stormy weather in the forecast, and.. the dreaded... work. I gotta be here, else I can't buy a new plane!!!
Had the usual egg-white omlet this morn.. veggies with ham and swiss cheese. Good and healthy!!
I was going to go to the Atlantic City air show but other things are getting in the way.. ha..
Later.
Dick.
We got wind.. some stormy weather in the forecast, and.. the dreaded... work. I gotta be here, else I can't buy a new plane!!!
Had the usual egg-white omlet this morn.. veggies with ham and swiss cheese. Good and healthy!!
I was going to go to the Atlantic City air show but other things are getting in the way.. ha..
Later.
Dick.
