To Synthesize or not to Synthesize that is the question
 

Hello All,

I'm in the market to purchase a new radio and was looking at the Futaba 9CAPS (I figured I might as well get a radio I can use for everything). I noticed that for about $100 dollars more I can get a synthesized version. What are the real benefits of the synthesized radio? From what I read this allows you to change the channel of the radio. Is this something you can when you down at the field?

RE: To Synthesize or not to Synthesize that is the question
 

Yes, you can change at the field and yes you can change to any aircraft FM (non-ham) freq. Both JR and Futaba, Hitec and others offer synth modules for their mid to high-end TX's.

Another thing you can do is buy a module say on the 35MHZ band and travel to Europe and fly on your own TX...just make sure you only use it in the country it's designed for. These interchangeable modules are great and they are the only LEGAL way to change your TX frequency at the field....unless you are a licensed tech.

RE: To Synthesize or not to Synthesize that is the question
 

Buying a synthesized transmitter won't help much if you don't buy a synthesized receiver, or a selection of receiver crystals. If you always fly at the same field and don't have frequency conflicts, they are of little value. However, if you travel, such as for competition, or have a really busy field, being able to change frequencies could be valuable.

RE: To Synthesize or not to Synthesize that is the question
 

I just bought the non-synthesized version of the 9CAP. You can always upgrade and add the synthesizer to your 9CAP if you see the need for it sometime down the road. Another nice thing, the 9CAP doesn't use traditional crystals in the transmitter. It has a box that unplugs. You can quickly, and legally, change the frequency by switching these modules out.

Here is what I am talking about:
[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXH256**&P=7]Futaba tx module[/link]


Synthesizer sold seperately:

[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHKB1&P=7]Futaba synthesizer[/link]

RE: To Synthesize or not to Synthesize that is the question
 

Thanks All. I fly at a busy field so i'm sure the synthesized radio will be handy. :D

RE: To Synthesize or not to Synthesize that is the question
 

Hi!
Inside the "Box" there is a traditional crystal. Same as with any other radio...

Regards!
Jan K