Is AM 27mhz ok
 

I'm looking to run at a local track this summer with my Revo and my rc 10. Will it be Ok or do I need to go FM?

RE: Is AM 27mhz ok
 

It is "OK", but be prepared to face a couple of problems. 1) First, AM tends to be more glitchy than FM. 2) Second, AM does not work very well inside buildings (indoor tracks) or near power lines. 3) Third, AM has the shortest range (only important if you are running on a huge track). 4) Fourth, you are more likely to have a runaway due to someone turning on their remote without checking the frequency board (most RTR's come with AM radios so people usually using AM are new and they don't know about or forget about checking the frequency board before turning on their radio).

That being said, you can race with AM (that is what everyone used to race with back in the early 90's and it was OK). You probably won't need several sets of crystals like back in the days because most racers run FM or 2.4gHz so frequency conflict should be minimal. Just make sure you have a failsafe on that Revo so you don't have a runaway. When you are ready to move up to FM, you can get them pretty cheap on ebay because most people are getting rid of them to go 2.4gHz. Until then, just go out there and have fun.

RE: Is AM 27mhz ok
 

The Futaba 3PM 2.4g is your best bet if buying new, but if you can't swing $189 right now a great radio that can be found cheap is the Futaba 3PJS. It is a FM radio that can transmit 75mHz FM (or 27mHz but I would avoid 27 mHz FM because receivers are tough to find) or 75 mHz PCM which is much more immune to interference than FM. It's still FM but the signal is digitally encrypted so the receiver will ignore anything other than the TX signal. The 3PJ usually came with a FM receiver and the 3PJS came with the PCM receivers. I handed my 3PJS down to my son and he uses it with the stock PCM receiver, a Hitec FM rec., and a Novak XXtra synthisized receiver with no problems or glitches at all. It was Futaba's top of the line radio before the 3PK and I've seen TX and RX go for as little as $50 on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Futaba-3PJS-Supe...3A1%7C294%3A50

It has more adjustments than most people would need and you can buy new receivers for as little as $35 with crystal. Definately one of the best used radios for low $$$.

RE: Is AM 27mhz ok
 

If ur gonna get into racing I wouldn't stoop for less than a 2.4 radio....granted you may not be serious about it but if your getting into rc as a serious hobby your gonna want a good computer radio with model memory and in my eyes if you buy a lesser radio for say 75 bucks then in a year decide to drop 200 on a 2.4 in the end you paid 275 to get to that step rather than just taking on the upfront cost and knowing you got the technology that is superior and you won't have to buy crystals if u can't get a slot with your current crystals

Also if ur not gonna go 2.4 look into the futaba poster above was stating....if I don't go 2.4 I'm gonna pick up a jr xs3 great 75mhz synthesized for around 100 bucks on ebay with I believe 11 model memory

RE: Is AM 27mhz ok
 

If 2.4G is to pricey, the FM is a good alternate. And more affordable.

RE: Is AM 27mhz ok
 

Hmmm, Good information. I'm thinking of going right to 2.4 as suggested.

What do you guys think of the Spektrums. I have two trucks and this one is looking good with temp monitor and 2 receivers... Or do they have a bad rep.
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/D...ProdID=SPM3130

Update, Ok just looked at the long list of posts on the spektrum.lol:D