Hi,

I recently purchased a synthesized module (FUTL8910) for a 9CAPS transmitter. Previously, I had left my antenna down and walked out approx. 30 yards but my understanding after reading Futaba's website, is that the transmitter should never be powered on without the antenna extended at any time a synthesized module is installed. If this is true, how can one properly perform a range check with a synthesized module installed?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

You need to extend the lowest (largest diameter) portion of the antenna fully when the transmitter is on. I believe a range check of at least 50 yards with the antenna partially extended would suffice. Of course, you'd want to extend the antenna all the way for any flight.

Do you have a non-synthesized module that matches the frequency of your plane? If so, install it, collapse the antenna and range check it until you DO get a glitch. Then install the synthesized module, partially extend the antenna and perform the range check again, until that setup glitches at the plane. Now you'll have the definitive answer, and you can tell the rest of us. I don't have a non-synthesized module for my 9CAPS, or I'd do it myself. (No, I'm not a Futaba Rep.)

Thanks for the great response Bad Daddy (and great name too). When tested in the above fashion, the synthesized module glitches at approximately 75 yards, and standard modules (tested with the antenna completely collapsed) glitch at approximately 60 yards in a very rural area with a direct line of sight and the plane on the ground at least 10 yards from any source of interference (truck, flightbox, other transmitters, etc.).

Thanks again,
Michael

Well, maybe the Futaba Rep will say different, but that sounds predictably adequate to me.
The only way to test it more thoroughly would be to extend the antenna completely, have your friend watch the plane while you cycle the sticks, and start walking. Maybe you should carry a cell phone so your friend can keep in touch while you hike. If you can still see your plane when they report the first glitch, at least you will know the actual range (at ground level) of your setup. If you can't see the plane, then your radio has better range than your eyes will provide, so you'll never know when the plane crashes anyway.

Here's our FAQ on the subject:

http://www.futaba-rc.com/faq/faq-q331.html