How hard is it to have the hitec eclipse 7 or optic 6 frequency changed to 36mhz or 40mhz. Is it possible to buy a radio with one of these frequencies? 72 & 75mhz are illegal here in Australia as I am sure that they are defence channels & I don't want to upset the defence dept.... I am referring to the q-pcm tx s & q-pcm rx s & preferably bought like this from new without having to sell the old tx & rx.

Thanks,
Kevin

The Eclipse uses an RF module that plugs in the back so changing bands from 72 to 36 or 40MHz is as simple as replacing that module with one you purchase locally in Australia.

Note however, that virtually *all* the Eclipse 7 radios sold in the USA will be Mode 2 and changing them is officially a task that requires a return to the service agent. Unlike more modern radios (the Optic 6, Futaba 9C, etc), Hitec doesn't provide any way for you to change the mode yourself.

Thanks for your reply,
Mode 2 eh.... Maybe I will have to change to an optic 6 or another brand.
Anyway, this answers my question & I will try to buy one without the module. The spectre q-pcm is around $175 aud. how much do they charge you in NZ?

kev

Refer to NZ Distributors retail showroom page for Eclipse TX only - (with 40 Mhz module for NZ market) :
http://www.acehobby.co.nz/OSSB2/Root...em.asp?PID=177
and the very popular Australia/NZ 36 mhz Spectra module with so many spots available
http://www.acehobby.co.nz/ossb2/root....asp?PID=54845.
NZ$ prices include 12.5% GST which is deducted from all exports ex NZ.
More detail of radio alterations etc on my webpage under
"Radio Systems, Accessories, Alterations and FAQ"

regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC Web Links
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/

I've got both an E7 and an O6, and if it weren't for the fact that the O6 has been rendered useless by a software bug (never by a version 1.0 of anything) I'd be using it in preference to my E7 all the time.

The Ergonomics (ie: placement of the knobs, etc) on the O6 is vastly superior to the E7.

For instance, if you want to set up proportional flaps with the E7, you'll be forced to take your hand off one of the sticks to turn a knob on the top of the transmitter in order to adjust them. This means that (while you're on approach) you'll have to let go of either the aileron/throttle stick or the elevator/rudder stick. This is silly -- you need both hands on the sticks when you're flying an approach in anything but perfect conditions.

By comparison, the O6 has two little levers that can be moved with your index finger while your thumbs remain on the sticks. This is *much* better and allows you to progressively add flap or air-brake or whatever, without compromising control of your main surfaces.

Unfortunately even the latest O6's (when fitted with a Spectra module) seem to be giving problems -- read the thread on this site for an indication fo the scale of that problem.

Maybe you should just wait until the new Hitec 9-channel comes out and has had time to mature.

That is very interesting info. thanks. I can get a e7 heli ver. with q-pcm tx & q-pcm rx on 36mhz for $292 aud minus servos & rec. battteries. Less then 2 years old & only used by a little old lady on sundays... It is in top nick & still has the protective clear plastic on the lcd etc.. Now you mention that the O6 is better organised. btw can't you get a firmware update for your O6? The other question is, how do you apply a firmware upgrade? Note that I am very computer literate & this is what I have been doing since I stopped flying

kev

Hitec have kindly offered to fix my O6 if I return it all the way to the USA (from where it was purchased) and pay the freight. Unfortunately the cost of freight exceeds the cost of a new transmitter -- so it sits under the bench, a regular warning to avoid version 1.0 of anything :-)

What makes it suck more is that I'm a qualified electronics tech with more than 3 decades of experience in RF and digital systems so if they send me a reflashed main-board I could fix this thing myself and return the old one at a *much* lower price than freighting the whole damned thing back and forth.

xjet,
That sounds like a far less expensive way of getting it fixed. Have you asked hitec this question?
Also, don't the boards on these use eeprom s? If so, why don't you try just getting the eeprom flashed?

kev