I picked up a H9 P-51 II to refresh my flying after 20+ years and also to teach my daughter how to fly. I decided not to update my old Futaba 7FG because I want to get back to pattern and will use a new JR 9303. I have put 7 AR500 Rec. in various gliders, old Sig Kadet, Sig Kavalier and a Kyosho Sensation. The Mustang came with a AR6200 rec with remote antenna. My question is will the AR500 be ok for my old pattern planes (80's) and newer 2M 4 stroke planes. I actually plan on using a AR6200 in my 2M but should this be one of the multi (3+) antenna rec. Spectrum web site dosen't say what the limitations of the A500, AR6200 rec's are or at least tell you if you fly pattern don't use the smaller units. They call the 500 a sport rec but at what point would this not serve my needs other than the extra cahnnels. I will have the 9 Ch JR later this summer but do I need to spend the $ on the 9200 Rec with mult antenna for my newer pattern planes or can I use the $ for other projects. I currently have no need for a 9 channel rec.

Another question. The Mustang's rec is carefully mounted in foam just like the the old crystal rec's I used to use. The Spectrum manual says you can mount the rec on the fues side or bulkhead with servo tape. Are the new crystal free rec not subject to vibration damage. With the short (1") small ant. I dont know if it would work covered in foam.

All the ones I've seen were mounted as the instructions say and they worked well

As far as I know the AR500 is listed as full range. It has the one long antena on it that I suppose helps with positioning and signal loss prevention.

I presently own a DX7 Jr Spektrum and 10 Rx's. I have not had a single glitch in 2 years of use. I use either the AR7000 or AR6200 rx's. Prefer to have the 2 rx's since that provides total directional reception,I believe. I mount them only with double sided tape. Since that tape has a thin foam layer it supplies some vibration insulation. I have not had any trouble. I fly electrics and glow. Main rx flat and satalite vertical at 90 degrees to main and antennas 90 degrees to each other. They can be had for several different prices depending on supplier. I use Todd's Hobbies. I'm sure you will be pleased with them if you decide on them.

Agreed TedMo........
I also have multiple Spektrum Rx's and only use the servo tape with a velcro strap over the Rx to help keep it in place. I also will only buy my RX's from Todds Models because he has the best price for RX's....bar none! [link=http://www.toddsmodels.com/Spektrum_Receivers_s/85.htm]Rx page with my prices[/link] which required I sign up online for his members club which is free and I have not found anyone elses prices even close. It also does not hurt that I live about 25 miles from his store. My next Rx purchase will be made online and I will then go pick them up on the way home from the jobsite.


__________________________________________________ ___________________________________


Of all the things I ever lost....................................... I miss my mind the most!

I also fly using both the spectrum DX7 as well as the JR X9303. Both are excellent transmitters and they both can use the Spectrum line of receivers. I personally have 2 Jr 9 channel, 4 AR700's, 3 AR 6200's and 5 of the newer (and cheaper if you only need 5 or less channels) AR500's. The 500's ARE a full range receiver even though they only have the single module with one short antennae and one long antennae. The long one is a coaxial antennae that basically serves as the other (second) receiver. It must be extended and the last couple of inches placed 90 degrees to the short one. I have been using this receiver since it came out and have had absolutely no problems with it. I am known to fly a long ways away and it behaves just like its multi-receiver brothers. It does have 2 aileron channels for easy hookup and looks like it might be a 6 channel but it isn't. All receivers are shock sensitive and should be treated as such. As far as I know, the only thing that stops or blocks the 2.4's signal is metal objects (engines, ect) and that is one of the reasons for the satelite receiver with these 2 brands. The beauty of these short antennaes is that you don't see it. The foam covering will not interfere with its signal catching ability. Enjoy

Thanks for the respnse All, I'm used to the old stuff and the size alone he rec. causes concern. I'm sure modern tech is better, but I just want the extra input. I have put 5 AR500's in semi trainers and gliders, AR6200 that came in my P-51 PTS and have decided to give the AR7000 a shot in my new (to me) Ricochet 2m plane with YS140S. I just wondered why the need for the rec. that took the additional remote ant. Is this overkill or justifiable for an all out competitive pattern plane.

The reason for the second satelite receiver or second antennae is that the spectrum and JR 2.4's find, lock in, and transmit on 2 separate frequencies. Some of the other brands use a rolling type of transmission and only use any given frequency for basically milliseconds at a time. And yes, new technology not only means smaller but usually packed with more features also.

lectrictech, in a couple of your posts, you've referred to the AR7000 as a receiver with a remote antenna. Actually, the remote is a second complete receiver. When I first got into this hobby, (not all that long ago... ) I thought the same thing.

Your right! I saw the small grouping of electronics in the remote but for some reason it never occured to me that it was actually a receiver. All the years I spent flying, building and learning seems to have no real place today. Well I guess the flying is still similar except the computer radios. I remember when I got my Futaba 7FG to replace the Airtronics and Kraft radios I had, I thought I was cutting edge with all the fancy switches and special adj. in the back panel. Mabe with my new radios I can program out some of my old bad habits. I hope to be able to hit some pattern contests this summer.