JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I've been using the search here, and with Google to check into converting my XP8103 with a 2.4 module. I went through over 10 pages of stuff here, but didnt seem to find what I was looking for...

Long story short, I'm new to planes, I bought 3 used planes with extra various parts For $100. I took it all to the local shop where they werent actually very helpful. The did say I could convert to 2.4, but they went on to tell me how converting it wouldnt be as good as a new true 2.4 tx... Is this true for someone in my position? How will my converted radio be outperformed by a factory built 2.4?

New flyer, nothing fancy, dont need the best, but seem to experience alot of radio interference around here. I have a 2.4 spektrum for my Baja 5b that does well...

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I have a 9303 and a 10x converted to 2.4 via modules. I am planning on buying a "native" 2.4 system in the future but some current projects have my budget tied up.

The main difference between a module 2.4 and a "native" 2.4 is the model match. There are other differences but for me that is the most important one. Model match is the ability of a particular receiver to refuse the commands from the radio if the correct model is not selected on the radio.

Like I said, there are a few other differences between the "native" 2.4 and the module 2.4. I can't remember them allr ight now.

Rafael

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

Thanks...the shop basically made it sound like doing the module was a waste, and that it wouldn't be as good as a "native" 2.4. It seems like they may have questioned the range also...

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I too have an XP9303 with the Spektrum 2.4 Module. Besides Model Match, the other significant difference between Native 2.4 and the Module, is Servo Sync.

When you are using programs Like Flapperons, you are mixing two channels so that they both respond to either the Aileron stick or the Flap switch. The Aileron channel is Ch2 and the Flap Channel is Ch6. When you move sticks on the transmitter, the signals go to the receiver and affect each channel in the order from 1-9 in this case. So when you move the Aileron stick, for example, Ch2 gets the signal first and later Ch6. It usually happens in a short period of time, but it is slow enough so that Ch2 moves before Ch6. You may not notice it with Ailerons, but if you had Dual Elevators or Dual Flaps, you would see the first channel move before the next one.

Servo Sync rearranges the order that the channels get signals so that, in this case, if you were using Flapperons, Ch2 would get the signal and then Ch6, before any of the other channels.

I have actually noticed this delay when I set up Dual Elevator Mixing with Ch3 and Ch8. As I was Range Testing, I noticed the Right Elevator move before the Left Elevator when I moved the sticks quickly. It might not be a big deal unless you were doing Precision Flying.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

As simple as I can make it.
Yes your 8103 (which is a great radio) with a 2.4 Ghz conversion module (Spectrum) will fill your needs for now. In a few years you may upgrade to a Dedicated transmitter, and all your Spectrum receivers will work with it. I too fly on module based conversions (J.R. /Spectrum). Up to 30lb 120" Tug, And far out, 147" Gliders. No problems at all.
Hope this helps,
-Snuts-

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

Thanks again guys, I don't see myself ever needing to be as precice as BuschBarber is talking about. If that's one of the only advantages of going to a dedicated 2.4, then I see no need for myself...I got an email from someone that made a good point, it wouldn't be worth $200+ to fly my $100 worth of planes...

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

The other advantage of a Native 2.4 Tx is the Latency factor. As I understand it, Latency is the time it takes for the Signal to get to the Rx from the moment you move the Stick, Switch, or Knob. The Latency is much lower for a Native 2.4 radio. Whether this Latency difference will be noticeable to you depends upon what and how you fly. Heli flyers will probably benefit more from this quicker response than a Sport airplane flyer. At one point in time, the DX7 had much faster response than the 9303.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I saw some discussion about this, but am curious about how big of a delay we're talking about here...For example if my plane is going 60 mph, that's 88 fps. If the delay was a tenth of a second, (it's probably in milliseconds) my plane only covers 8.8 feet...at slower speeds it would be even less distance...

Thoughts?

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I've seen the best, fastest, and latest. Still end up second place to the windsock pole.
Enjoy your summer, hope your three new airplanes turn out to be five by winter.
-Snuts-

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

In answering your question about latency i can tell you from first hand experence that it is very noticabe. I had two different planes, one on 10x 2.4 and the other on futaba fasst. flying both planes on the same day proved to be diifercult at best. the latency between the two radios was very different. With the futaba i over controled it. with the 10x it was like "well when are you going to turn?". there is a big difference. Dennis

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

As far as 2.4 radios go I currently own two JR XP9303. One has a 72Mhz Synthesizer Module and one has a Spektrum 2.4 Module. I think you get a slower response to Stick Movement, with slow servos, than you ever will with higher Latency. I have used these radios with Warbirds, Jets, 50cc Aerobatic planes, and small to mid electrics. I do not see it as a problem that puts my aircraft at risk or makes my flying experience less enjoyable

I have owned many Futaba radios including my first, a 6ch 1978 version, Conquest, T6XA, 7AUPS, 8AUPS, 9CAP, JR XP8103, and XP9303. There was no talk of Latency until the 2.4 radios came out, but I do not think that the term Latency just applies to 2.4 radios.

To me, it is just another parameter that is more important to the Precision or Competition flyer than it is to the rest of us. It is probably more apparent now with better built ARFs, more attention to placement of hardware, better hardware, faster and stronger servos, and more precise radios. I know that the Heli guys need every bit of Precision and Speed that they can get to be able to do some of the tricks their aircraft are capable of.

I have not owned a Native 2.4 Tx so I cannot say that I have experienced the difference first hand, but I have not noticed a problem with my current equipment, either.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

why not geeting the ASSAN RX TX package from hobbyking.com for less than 90$!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i did it for my 9303 and it works great:)

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I'm also thinking of changing my 9303 to the 2.4 ghz and have seen the Assan X8J system. I'm wondering about the process of setting up and what are some of the pros and cons


sbtflyhi

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I looked at that also, for my 8103, but got a little worried that if something went wrong I wouldn't have support, so I went ahead and ordered the Spektrum module from Some Dudes. It's due here next week. When it comes to stuff electrical, I'll pay a bit extra for piece of mind.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I've read through the syncing process and seems like that the monufacture is not real sure of thier own product. the manual talks allot about loosing sync and also the numbers seems a little low to me as they are talking only a about 300 m gauranteed sync

HMMM.

Little worried I must say

But again nationals will not allow any thing from Spectrum / JR for this years event. FAAST Seems to be the system of choice by many.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

Whoa! where did you hear that? Link?

Rafael

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

One of the fellas that I race with. I have not checked it out for my self.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

So what's the price of the Spectrum Conversion. i check on it about a year ago. And it seemd quite pricey. Is it still the same.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

It's right about $110. Includes an AR7000 receiver. I know it's a bit more $, but the joy of scoring a cheap conversion would vanish the second my plane hit the gound.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THAT INFORMATION.

That but of fluff , for lack of a more useful word , is totally false.

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I have flown with a xp9303 and an XPS module and a Spektrum module. 2.4 was great for a sport pilot like myself. My flying felt better compared to 72Mhz. Latency is not important to the average sport pilot. There is no range problem with the JR or XPS module systems.
I now fly a 9C with XPS 2.4 module and a Hitec Aurora 9. I am looking at getting a Spektrum module for the Futaba for my indoor flying.

Futab/Jr/Hitec TX's with these modules were all great. I just finally settled on what I like the best. All three in different circumstances! :)

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

I also read a report where this gentleman( I hope I don't offend him) and some of his friends got together and performed a huge test on the 2.4ghz setup. I will try and locate it and post it here. The results were this. Spectrum was best in range and drops. Futaba next, with the other manufactures later. They used a 40 radio set. The interesting thing was that there were more drops at 20 active radios versus 40. No reason was found. Range was really good... more than a mile...

RE: JR XP8103 2.4 Conversion ???
 

Because they wanted to sell you a new transmitter. I don't ever trust the opinions of "Salesman"