Tx ???
 

looking to buy another Tx off of ebay. I know I should switch to 2.4, but there are some really great deals for FM tx's on Ebay. I need to know what I should look for. I would like to be able to fly all three planes off of one receiver. I meant to ask the instructor at the field on Sunday. I would like to be able to do like he does. He can mate his receiever up to any plane on the field. What kind ot FM receiver do I need to be able to that.

RE: Tx ???
 

I am not aware of any receiver that is as you describe. The only way that I can see doing what you are asking is to remove the receiver from one plane and install it in another. The other option that is possible is to get a transmitter that has model memory built into it. Then you have 3 planes all with a receiver installed and only one transmitter that allows you to change planes. As for the brand, that depends on what you have or are wanting to get. If you have for instance a Futaba transmitter that has 6 model memory, you would need Futaba receivers, up to six if you used all the model memory on the transmitter. Good Luck, Dave

RE: Tx ???
 

You need a transmitter with a module in the back. The module is synthisized and you can change frequences by turning the dial. Something like the Futaba 8U or 9C. That would be similiar to what the instructor has.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHKB1&P=0

Now consider why you want this. A nice computer radio has model memory so that all your settings and trims are saved. You just need to have all your planes on the same channel.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXGAE9**&P=0

Unless you are going to be flying your buddie's planes with your transmitter, do you really need a radio like the instructor? He has it for the ease of use with a buddy box.

As a beginner the last thing you want to do is leave it on a strange channel and accidently shoot someone's plane down when you turn on.

RE: Tx ???
 

Great info, thanks all. At the moment I have three planes, all different cyrstals. 36 (Trainer), 27(Tuncano) and 52 (typhoon), three tx's. I might be able to find a used Tx on ebay for the price two receievers and Cyrstals. One TX is the parkzone that came with the typhoon, the JR for the trainers and all old tower hobbi that came with the Tucano. It would also be easier to have to charge just one tx battery instead of three, well, except for the park zone, it takes straight up double A's batts. I know the hobbico receiver will not work with the JR. Actually I suppose I could just swtich out the receiver in the tuncano to a JR or hitec. Park Zone TX works well. The JR Tx have will allow up to three model storage (if remember oorrectly, don't have the manual in front of me)

RE: Tx ???
 

I know of two transmitters that are "shift selectable" which means they can control JR and Futaba receivers. There are probably moreb ut these are the ones I know.

The Hitec might be easy to find used, not sure about the Polk. At $140, including a synthesized receiver, the Polk is very inexpensive. I know one person who uses a Polk and he is happy with it. I've seen quite a few of the Hitec 7 channel units and everyone seems to like them.

The Polk Tracker III costs $140 new
http://store.polkshobby.com/scripts/...3001&conum=002
Synthesized Transmitter, Synthesized Receiver, one Servo
99 model memory
synthesized for all 72 mhz frequencies
Works with positive shift (JR, Aitrtroics) and negative shift (Futaba, Hitec, Hobbico, Tower) receivers. {Hitec does make positive shift receivers also}
8 channels
various mixes

Hitec Eclipse 7 costs $205 new
http://www3.omnimodels.com/cgi-bin/w...I=HRCJ6015&P=0
Transmitter and Spectra module
7 model memory
Spectra module is synthesized for all 72 mhz frequencies
Works with positive and negative shift receivers
7 channels
various mixes

RE: Tx ???
 

[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZS6&P=7]Here's[/link] what you need. This radio can be programmed to fly both positive and negative shift receivers and is synthesized to fly any channel on 72Mhz. Hitec is also releasing a 2.4 Ghz module late this year, so you can move into 2.4 Ghz and use this radio. I believe you could also use the Spektrum Air Module or the Corona 2.4 Ghz modules as well, so if you want the versitality of 72 Mhz and expansion capabilities, this is the radio for you. I have one and have been quite pleased. The price is great too. ;)

-MA

RE: Tx ???
 

Carrellh and I posted at the same time - the Optic6 in my message above is also "Shift Selectable" and I consider that feature one of it's differentiators over other Synthesized brands. In my opinion all 72Mhz synthesized radios should do this.

Just to offer a different opinion ;) ... my flying buddy had a Polk and it was, in my opinion, junk. He often lets me fly his planes and the feel of the Polk transmitter was horrendous. Everything about it screams "chincy", cheap and low quality. He lost several planes on this radio due to poor electronics. At the end of this radio's life, we had a [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUP2&P=0]frequency checker[/link] at the field when my buddy has his polk out. He'd turn on the Polk and occupy several channels at once. He'd turn off the radio and the checker's lights would go off. We did this for probably an hour trying to prove that the radio wasn't the problem ... in the end he tossed the Polk (didn't want to get it fixed, even for Free!!). He ended up purchasing the Optic6 and loves it. Sure it has less module memory (Polk has 99), but there is no price for peace of mind.

-MA

RE: Tx ???
 

I have a Futaba 9-C and I still have a Spectra from my old Hitec 7 that workes in it. You just flip it upside down and it fits the Futaba. Years ago I used this crystal because I had so many planes on different channels, today I locked into just one so I no longer use the Spectra except for when I am setting up someone elses plane for them when I do there build. I just get there controls all at nutral so I can make up there control rods. Spectra works pretty well but when it was being used a lot we called it Dial A Crash because people forgot to retune them for there other planes and wouldn't figure this out until after take off. It never happened to me but I have seen it happen a couple of times to others. One of those things you just have to be careful about!!!

RE: Tx ???
 

Billd76,

I have an Hitec Optic 6 with the Spectrum module.
This allows me to change frequencies if I need to.
However, in my opinion this unit is NOT designed to be doing it several times a day.
I did that for awhile as one of my planes was on a different frequency. It was a pain in the butt.
I was soon able to get the crystal for that plane and they are now all on one frequency.
It is nice to be able to change if needed - new plane, helping a friend...

I recommend you pick a channel from the ones you have, one that is not used by others at your field.
Then convert your other planes to that channel. The cost is about $10 per plane.
I think you will be happiers and will spend more time flying than fiddling with your xmtr.

Good Luck,
KW_Counter

RE: Tx ???
 

That's pretty much what I ended up doing, it really is a pain in the butt!!

RE: Tx ???
 

My buddy Fred flies with a Polk Hobbies transmitter. He's had spotty success with the Polk receiver he owns, but the transmitter has always been reliable. Indoor and outdoor electric aircraft, glow planes, and even his 1/3 scale Pitts gasser have all flown without trouble on his Polk Tracker TX with a wide variety of receivers.

There are plenty of happy Polk Tracker transmitter owners out there.

RE: Tx ???
 

Good point. He lost several planes on this radio due to poor electronics in his particular Polk radio. Having witnessed this 1st hand I would never trust one of my airplanes to a Polk radio - that's just me. Maybe it was the only one of the bunch that had a problem - could happen to anyone. Like I said above, there is no price for peace of mind, so I'd rather spend a few dollars more and not worry about the quality of the transmitter.

-MA

RE: Tx ???
 

Yeah, but the best Tx I have is a 36, most of the trainers at the field are 36 as well. If I keep the 36 Channel JR TX, I would have to change the Rx and cyrstal in the tuncano (Tower hobbi Rx). Might just do that. about 50.00 to do that or a little more. Would be just as easy though. Once I get to where I can fly all three planes comfortably, then I will spend the bucks to buy a giant scale corsair and swtich over to 2.4!!!:D

RE: Tx ???
 

Giant scale Corsair - now you're talking! A guy in our club flew several missions with Pappy - talk about some great stories.

-MA

RE: Tx ???
 

Yeah, the number on it will definitely be 86!! would love to talk to the guy that flew with him!!

RE: Tx ???
 

Sombra Labs has a 72mhz receiver that that scans and locks to your transmit frequency on start up. It also has dsp that recognizes your transmitter characteristics and rejects other transmitters on the same channel. Amazingly enough, it actually works. Naturally, it isn't cheap.

RE: Tx ???
 

Find out which channel is fairly vacant at your field. Send the TX to Horizon or Radio South to have it changed to the new channel and tuned for peak performance. About $50.

Swap crystals in the JR receiver so it is on the new channel.
Since Parkzone is a Horizon 'house brand' it is possible that it is compatible with your JR transmitter. Call Horizon tech support and ask. If it is, you only have one receiver to buy (for the Tucano)

Hitec has an auto shift 8 channel receiver, available from tower for $39.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKYK3&P=SM
Crystal $7.59
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXN503**&P=M


I almost forgot about this receiver option. It is auto shift. It is tiny but it is a full range receiver that can be used in big models
Castle Creations Berg Microstamp 4L 4Ch Micro Rx FM $29.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLBY8&P=ML
Crystal $6.79
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMAH4**&P=M

The 7 channel version is $51.99 plus 6.79 for the crystal
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXRJM0&P=M