Receiver Question
 

I am interested in adding dual aileron servos and flaps to my Nexstar. I know I need a 6 channel RX because I currently only have the Futaba AFS 4 channel PAR-2S RX. A friend told me to make sure the RX I get is dual conversion but couldn't explain what dual conversion was and why I needed it. I was looking at the R156F receiver but it's not dual conversion. What is dual conversion and why do I need that? Also, could someone just recommend a receiver for the job? Could I go with Hitec, Tower Hobbies brand or should I stick with Futaba?

RE: Receiver Question
 

I have Futaba, Hitec, and Tower receivers. All work well. The Futabas are the R127DF (no longer made, replaced by an 8 channel receiver). The Hitecs are the Electron 6, nice and small. The Towers are their 7 channel System 3000 ones that are supposed to be a Futaba R127DF with different stickers. At $39.99 with crystal, it's a great value, but I see few channels available. They have a new one that's got 8 channels and only costs $46.99 with crystal.

In simple terms, cause I'm a simple guy :D, dual conversion receivers filter the signal twice. This helps remove interference and should provide better results than a single conversion receiver.

Edit: you didn't mention what you're running for a transmitter...

RE: Receiver Question
 

Hey YellowHawk, I can't remember what TX you have either so let us know again.

If you just need a RX, Futaba's new R168DF is available
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLSX4&P=SM at a reasonable price and is NOT hi/lo band sensitive either. Your AFS RX is a dual conversion unit so you can use the crystal from it in your new dual conversion RX. A new RX won't help if the TX can't handle the functions.

A dual conversion RX uses 2 IM (intermediate) mixing stages in processing the recieved signal. This reduces the noise levels and usually improves reliable range. This is the preferred RX for regular planes. Single conversion is used more on park fliers and the like.

If you find a need to buy a new TX also, consider one of the new 2.4 systems. You can get the Futaba TX & RX for @$200 after discount that are available w/o servos. The DX7 will be @$350 because I don't think it comes w/o servos. DX6 is short range only.

RE: Receiver Question
 

My TX is a Futaba T8UAFS with a TP-FSM synthesizer module.

RE: Receiver Question
 

Also...while on this subject...I have only four channels on my a/c right now of course being elevator, ailerons, rudder and throttle. I have the 8UAFS 8 channel computer radio...is there any mixing I could or should program in with only the four channels? I suppose I could do some mixing for better turn coordination couldn't I? I don't know how to do all of these mixing functions or even if I should on my trainer.

RE: Receiver Question
 

If you don't already have it you can find the manual in this list and download/print it.
http://www.futaba-rc.com/manuals/index.html
I remember discussing that transmitter with you now, very good one even if not one of the MOST modern. It will serve you well.

As for mixes on on a 4 ch RX, not really. Some may say to mix a little rudder to your ailerons but I'd rather you do that manually.

You can do dual aileron servos but that doesn't take mixing or another channel, just a Y-cable.

RE: Receiver Question
 

Okay...what's the advantage to having dual aileron servos? From what I understand, you can go with an extra channel and have flaperons? I would like to have flaps to slow down the landing speed some. Or I could just cut the ailerons and go with dual aileron servos and flaps. Decisions, decisions.

RE: Receiver Question
 

Bruce, I got the manual with the TX and I downloaded a copy also. I have read through it and I realize that it's a lot more TX than I really need right now. I'm sure it will come in handy later though. I have yet another question...would there be any real advatage in going with a PCM RX? I don't see where it's that much better but I don't want to buy a new RX only to later realize that I should have purchased something better. Also, although I just have a trainer right now, in the near future I would like to upgrade to a better aircraft and I'll just transfer all of my electronics over so I want to get accessories that I can use when I upgrade.

RE: Receiver Question
 

The Futaba RX I recommended above is Futaba's latest 8 ch FM RX and would be a good match for your radio. There are also aftermarket units available too. As for PCM, there is a slight advantage to them. They are slightly more resistant to interference and can be set up with fail safe settings if you desire. There are arguments on both sides of that issue. The best in favor, IMO, is that if it goes into failsafe it can be set to idle the engine and avoid a flyaway of the plane. PCM RX's also cost more and can ONLY be bought from the TX manufacturer.

BTW - if you are interested, and I hate to harp on the subject, but Futaba will be delivering a 2.4 module system for your radio this summer. Just FYI.

RE: Receiver Question
 

I'll be looking for that module. Thanks.