Radio Compatability
 

I need to know exactly which brands of receivers are compatable with JR. I know Futaba & JR don't mix, but HiTech & Airtronics will work with both, is that correct? Or is it just certain ones from those two brands that will work with JR? I have just placed an add in the marketplace to either sell or trade a couple of my futaba receivers and I need to know what will work for sure with my new JR in case I end up getting a trade offer. Thanks in advance.


Mark

RE: Radio Compatability
 

I'm not exactly sure Mark, but I think Airtronics = yes, Hitec = No

RE: Radio Compatability
 

Current Airtronics are completely compatable with JR.

The 7 channel Hitec receiver is switch selectable to be negative or positive shift. It will work with JR, Airtronics, Futaba, and Hitec.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXN524&P=7

Hitec also sells most of their receivers in a positive shift version that is compatible with Airtronics and JR.

All the servos are compatible anyway except the wide blade Futaba's. People just cut the blade off the Futaba's if they need to use one in the other kind of female socket.

There is a old style Airtronics from several years ago that the plugs are wired differently. They are not compatable with any other brand unless they are re-wired.

Enjoy,

Jim

RE: Radio Compatability
 

The old Airtronics Rx requires a swap of red and black on anything newer that is plugged into the Rx. You will also need to swap the servos plugged channels 1 & 3 has they differ between JR & Airtronics. Hitec also sells all of their receivers in either Positive Shift ( for Airtronics & JR) or Negative Shift (for Hitec & Futaba) Another consideration (recommendation) is to check the Polk Seeker series. They are completely synthesized and will automatically detect and operate with any 72MHz FM transmitter, regardless of frequency or shift. They work great, don't require a Xtal purchase, and cost about the same as a comparable Hitec.

RE: Radio Compatability
 

That's the stuff I needed to know. Thanks guys, all of you!


Mark

RE: Radio Compatability
 

I have a old Airtronics servo here. I was going to re-wire it. but there is a red and two black wires. One black wire (center) has two red stripes and the other (outer) black wire just has one red stripe.

Enjoy,

Jim

RE: Radio Compatability
 

If you are POSITIVE it is an old Airtronics servo, you swap pin positinos of the outer red wire with the center black wire. You can easily do this by lifting the locking tab on the plug with ah X-acto knife and pulling the pin out of the shell. Then just plug them back with the red in the center. This will make it pin-compatible with the new universal "Z" plugs used in the later receivers.

RE: Radio Compatability
 

I have about 8 of those old Airtronics servos....been using em as paperweights and page-holders whilst ARF building. The re-wire is simple, but I am yes....that lazy. (Was Airtronics trying to corner the market at some point?....Reminds me of SONY Beta-max).

I have the hitec shift-selectable rx's and I will never buy anything else for FM. I am currently locked into the JR/Airtronics side of the whole radio dichotomy, (unless I want to replace 6 of my rx's at like 70$ a pop).

I like Airtronics and JR, but I want to be able to choose any TX, and although the Polk Tracker III is about the best value on the TX market these days, I can't get over the um...attractiveness factor. That is one ugly radio....call me shallow.

I say get whatever TX you like and buy only the shift select rx's, aside from the one which will likely come with your TX.

If someone comes out with a reliable synth TX, (Like Polk's), that looks and acts like a modern 10 ch FM radio, they can pretty much name their price.

Soapbox is now vacant.....NEXT!!

RE: Radio Compatability
 

Thanks for the order of rewiring the old Airtronics. Now that I remember from 5 or 6 years ago, that was the problem, you had to put the power in the center so you wouldn't burn out your radio.

Enjoy,

Jim

RE: Radio Compatability
 

I was given some older servos. When I tried them, they work but they are so slow compared to the new ones that I won't use them in my planes. [8D]

RE: Radio Compatability
 

What about PCM 512 receivers? Does anyone still make them?

RE: Radio Compatability
 

I'm sure the originator of the question already knows this response but it has been entered here for those that do not know what is being talked about.

Not as many people use the PCM mode as people who use the cheaper FM system.

The PCM 512's were discontinued by Futaba in 1994.

The PCM 512 receivers are not compatable with the newer 1024 types.

Enjoy,

Jim

RE: Radio Compatability
 

agexpert, I'm glad it's not just me, lol I too thought the polk tracker sounded like a great deal, I just couldn't bring myself to be seen at the field holding such an UGLY radio! :D


Mark

RE: Radio Compatability
 

Ahhh,but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me all the features of the Polk Tracker make it a very beautiful radio indeed!!!!!!!! :D

Ken

RE: Radio Compatability
 

LOL It is loaded with features for an excellent price, I'll give ya that one.:)


Mark

RE: Radio Compatability
 

hello everyone i need help to buy my new aerobatic airplane and what radio control any ideas thanks

RE: Radio Compatability
 

You need to give us a few hints about your experience, what size, any planes in mind, etc.

Are you interested in Sport, Pattern, or 3D?

Enjoy,
Jim