BuschBarber

My Feedback: (2)

Regarding Crimped vs Soldered, I think you will find that there are many who feel that Crimped is better.

Regarding the radio, there are a number of Brand Names offering 2.4 products. JR/Spektrum and Futaba probably have the largest market share in the US, but there more new names every day. As the number of competitive products hitting the market increases, down go the prices.

I have flown 72Mhz for 31 years and to me. 2.4 is the way to go, for now. I am sure that in the not to distant future, even newer technologies will replace 2.4. I feel that 72Mhz is increasingly risky due to the increasing lack of concern over Frequency Control and the number of older 72Mhz systems being sold for cheap. For some, it may be a short term way to afford outfitting their fleet with inexpensive higher end Tx's and Rx's, but it is not the long term way to go.

I am still Half 72Mhz and Half 2.4Ghz because of cost, but I will not spend another dollar on 72Mhz.

I love going to my flying field and being able to turn on my Tx whenever I need to, without fear of shooting someone else down or them shooting me down. Is there a chance I might suffer from some kind of Interference? Yes!! But after years of battling with RF noise and waiting for the pin, it is well worth the risk.

Ham bands are no safer than 72Mhz, so that is not a long term option either.

Since there are no 3rd party Rx offerings on 2.4, once you choose the Tx you like, you have to use the same brand Rx's, unless you use a 3rd party Module in your Tx, which would still require you to use the 3rd parties Rx.

Pick the brand you like with the features that suit your needs and the After the Sale Warranty and Service that you can trust.

mikesmith

My Feedback: (139)

I use both 72 and 2.4, I can't see why one can't change slowly over.

pilotpete2

You mean I'm not alone
Thanks,
Pete

Defiantly flying with my antenna at 90dg across the back of the Tx, both with a FASST module and a Spektrum DM8 with 2.2dbi on the back of the module

JoeAirPort

My Feedback: (41)

I love going to field and just flying, not waiting for open frequencies. I also like not worrying about losing a $2000+ aircraft to shoot downs. Mine was a no-brainer. Spectrum sold me a Futaba 9C 2.4G module and 7 channel reciever for $110. I liked it so much I bought another for my other large gas plane. Not a single problem with either one. But then again I know how to select the proper batteries for my planes. Some people don't and blame 2.4G. If I ever want to use my 72Mhz tx module I just pull out the 2.4G and snap in the 72Mhz. Both modules' antenna's are quick connect.

This year was 2.4G. Next year will be A123. This hobby just keeps getting better technology. Why not use it? I can't think of a reason other than money. But the money is less when you consider the risk of losing a large gas air plane to some bozo turning on his transmitter while you are flying (and I could have been that bozo to another guy.....not any more). Also the 2.4G is more noise immune. I just waited until the bugs were out. It's a no brainer today.

polishedbrother

Onewasp. Great way to Defend 2.4!

outdoorhunting

Same thing here LollyPopper. There are 6 guys that fly pretty regular at our field. Everybody but 2 of us went to 2.4s. I'm just fine with my "antique radio" I try to kept 6 or 7 planes ready to fly ( I don't get bored that way). I can't see putting a 100 extra bucks each in them for the RXs. That'll buy another kit !!!!

Cobra1

My Feedback: (42)

I am "testing" 2.4 on my foamy right now but have it in installed in a 50cc gasser that i have ground test only so far. As with other people, I have 6 72MHz rcvrs and they all work. As long as they are legal and work well, I will continue to use them. I too believe 2.4g is the wave of the future, but there is no reason for me to do a wholesale change over. If I was starting today, 2.4g and giant scale gassers all the way!!!

rager24

My Feedback: (9)

I went to 2.4 over a year ago with my 12z
I have never had anything not work
And yes you have have the cost of the new rx's but I did it one at a time, witch makes not feel so bad
A123 packs are the way to go, they charge fast put out a high voltage that stays steady, and you don't need a reg
I'm using a fma cellpro to charge them just plug it in and in 10 to 15 mins all charged and ready to go.

Gringo Flyer

My Feedback: (18)

I don't upgrade because I've never had any problems with my current setup.

Also, you can get 72 rxs super cheap now from people who are upgrading. I have bought several like new rxs for $15 or less.

HavinFun

My Feedback: (4)

I just picked up the Spektrum module & rx for $110.00 that I'll put in one of my radios. I'll use the other radio on 72 MHZ to fly my current planes but any new planes I get will be on Spektrum. Can't afford to convert them all at once.

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

Did you know you can get a 27mhz AM set for practically nothing? In fact I have a TX I will sell for $5. I used it for many years and never had a failure. You will have the pin all to yourself.
I don't have any receivers though. I sold them all when I went to 72mhz.

Don Lowe

Hi, I simply must respond to the discussion because I have been very involved in 2.4 testing of about everything out there except Airtronics(would love to test it). AMAs efforts in securingmodel freqs has been marvelous. Our exclusive 72x meg freqs has worked very well. The intro of 2.4 is awesome. We don't even have to worry about casual flyers flying on the street corner and this new revolution bodes well for our hobby. I have tested all Spektrum. Jr and some Futaba with excellent results. They offer a new freedom from shootdowns, ease of operations, tighter control loops and elimination of EMF as a problem. flying is simple just turn on and fly if the sky isn't too crowded. Range is excellent and reliability of eqpmt excellent. We don't even have to worry about the casual flyers flying on the street corners. To be successful 2.4 eqpmt should have multiple antennas placed in different positions to assure a good rf connect in all flight attitudes. I have flown equipment in over a dozen models of all types withexcellent results. If you are contemplating buying new eqpmt buy 2.4. There is no panic to move from 72 since that eqpmt still works well in this environment. I have flown r/c since the 50's and am extremely gratified to see the hobby mature and the technology reach new heights. What can I sayI love this hobby and now its even better technically and its vitally feeding the onrush of UAV's for untold utility

DadsToysBG

My Feedback: (35)

Why should we care what reasons anyone has for upgrading or not. These type of threads to me are a waist of time. They almost appear to be for the sole reason to start a argument.We make our own decisions about what we do for our own reasons. The new systems are on the market. More are being sold then the older 72. Why else would the used market for 72 be so cheap. I do know one thing for sure. If you like to fly at events you will upgrade. There are very few 72 showing up and the impounding of radios will be a thing of the past. Yes, I know you'll say if I'm the only one there so what. But can you control what is in the air one mile down the road. Don't forget E-Bay. 72 is for planes, but the users don't have to be club members or even AMA to be legal. Dennis

nonstoprc

My Feedback: (90)

One advantage of 2.4 over 72 is that the response time of the control surfaces become much fast (with 2.4). This open the opportunity to improve precision acrobatics skills where a small correction can be made quickly and almost invisible. I do not think one can do the same with the 72 equipment.

So in my opinion, to become a better pilot, upgrade to 2.4 is a good option.

The other reason is that this hobby is so addictive that one has to try the best equipment (such as 2.4) available.

Ken Kehlet

My Feedback: (89)

I guess I'm one of those in-between 72 mHz and 2.4gHz. I have 4 Transmitters and 23 Good Futaba Receivers on 72 mHz that I fly quite often. I also have a 2.4 Specktrum 6 with 2 receivers in Electric airplanes that I built and a 6 channel Futaba Fasst 2.4 with 2 receivers in additional Electric powered models that I built. I load up lots of models and spend the day at our beautiful flying field. [8D] (1.3 miles from my home)

I bought the 2.4 Systems because of the small receivers and stub Antenna on the Transmitter. I didn't need the 2.4 due to interference or any frequency conflict, I haven't had a problem with 72 mHz Futaba Systems for the last 15-20 years. I just wanted the 2.4 because I hadn't bought a new radio for 5-6 years.

I won't be changing over to total 2.4 gHz, I won't live that long, I don't even buy Green Bananas any more.[sm=tired.gif]

Ken AMA 1528

polishedbrother

Don lowe, amen!

Gutaaaooo

I agree that the A123 is the best way to go, but UNREGULATED?
If you go 2sXp, you get 7.2v when the baterry is toped off, agread that some servos are ok with that,
to me that best part of using regulated output voltage is that:
1. I can be sure I'm not stresing my eletronics that much
2. I can use "4.8 only" servos safely(just not on gyro servos, in gyro aplication)
3. The servos speed is constant if it's the first flight of the day, or the last (Not that I would be able to notice the diference )

JoeAirPort

My Feedback: (41)

A123 won't be at 7.2V for more than a few seconds. Just like my NiMh 5-cell packs don't stay at 7V for very long. A123 spends most of its time at 6.6V and doesn't change much from there. So no regulators are needed. I will never use a regulator on any of my planes. Just another current bottle neck and failure point.

BuschBarber

My Feedback: (2)

I like A123 because you can run UnRegulated. An exception is when I use JR791 Retract Servos. They will not work properly above 5v. I confirmed this with Horizon. There are a few other servos that won't work at 6v, but not many.

rmh

I remember when I got my first car with hydraulic brakes
What a difference
I was constantly jacking up the '34 coupe - and tweaking the "drag" on each wheel - even then the darn things were dodgy.
When I switched from 50/72 -radios -to the 2.4 .,the change just as profound .
Control was much more precise and Ihad no more concerns about properly tuned systems or PCM/Z/S PPM etc.,
Night n day improvement.
The part that is a bit amusing to me , is that many see the switch as simply a resolve of the old frequency conflict issue.

PipeMajor

My Feedback: (1)

Only way to properly diagnose what happened is use one of the data loggers. The NEW version of the AR7000 is data log capable. Old ones are not. All the AR9000 receivers can do this.

Additionally, all Spektrum receivers can have the quick connect feature updated via firmware. If you doubt your AR7000 has this, send it in to Horizon. They'll do the update for no charge.

Also, you use the DSM2 module for your 9C TX. Do you orient the TX antenna perpendicular to the aircraft? Means if you hold the TX parallel with the ground (most of us do), then bend the TX antenna so it's pointing straight up, perpendicular to the ground.

F.Imbriaco

My Feedback: (56)

I try not to get too jacked out of shape trying to understand what frequency /band an individual flies on.

What matters to me is the person's field presence. How well does he build or in the case of ARFs , assemble his ships ? Does he struggle to get his engine to run properly?

Once in the air , does he show a skill level that commands respect from his fellow modelers. Many of the most accomplished and precision flyers ( even world level ) are not using 2.4.

Reasons will always vary. It's a personal thing . I own a V-8 car; my neighbor drives a Prius. Big deal.

Let's stop infering that all non-2.4 flyers are knucleheads.

RSEA

I have an RC submarine. 2.4Ghz is UNUSABLE for submarines, as the signal is too high frequency to penetrate water.. Because of this I have no choice other than to use 75Mhz radios for submarine use. The subs won't even work when they are running on the surface.. This is because the VERY SHORT (LENGTH) 2.4Ghz antenna will almost always be beneath the water line, even when the sub is surfaced. This is an example of an RC application that 2.4 is totally unsuitable for and never will be.

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

Are you able to control it with the sub under water? I would not think that would be possible even on 75.

JollyPopper

My Feedback: (6)

All you 2.4 users who are complaining that they can't even "give" their old 72 MHz stuff away, put your radios where your complaints are. I am actively looking for a good 72 MHz Futaba or Hitec computerized system. Onewasp, you said you couldn't even get $10.00 for a good reciever and you were gonna give your stuff to a neighborhood kid. Post your stuff here. If you have something I can use, I will give you a fair price for it.