I would like to figue out what are the best radio options.

I have LOTS of radio gear for air,and some for land.

1. Does any one use wheel pistol grip type of tx? i have a new JR XS3 fm with 30 chan snth.

2. can you convert an air tx to ground? like 6 chan fut. or jr8103 pcm,jr 6 ch.

3. what would be the best radio, to encompass all sailboats. ( if there is one)

I fly everthing from 12 oz. foamies to 40% 3d planes so I have a lot of stuff I would like to try
to work into sailing if a all possible. some of What doesn't work will probably be sold to fund my rc sailing hobby.

Thanks, Chas

Chas,
The type of radio you want to choose has a lot to do with the type of boat you will be sailing. Most AMYA racing classes (with the exception of some of the larger boats) employ only 2 channels, one for rudder and one for sail trim (main and jib trim together). For this purpose, any 2-channel radio is not only appropriate but inexpensive as well.

I do not know if an airplane radio system can be 'converted' but I doubt it (and forgive me if you already know this...) but make sure that no matter what radio system you use, it's on the 75mhz band, which is designated by the FCC for surface use. This can be 75mhz AM (which most people use) or FM. There are a few that use PCM radios, but they are rare since simpler systems work pretty well. Dual conversion FM radios (again, 75mhz) are good if you want to eliminate most of the interference problems if you're sailing in with a group of people (though others will still be effected by you if there's interference.

In my estimation, the bottom line is, first decide what class of boat you will be sailing, then how much you plan to sail and/or if you are going to be racing, THEN pick an appropriate radio system. My own particular opinion is, get the most economical radio you can get as long as it's a name brand, it should be fine. Sailing is very different than plane flying--not much need for expensive high-end or complicated radios. To me that takes away from the relaxation or when I'm racing it would give me too many things to think about (I've never flown airplanes though!).

I hope that helps.
Andy

does anyone use a pistol grip?

Chas

Chas, the pistol grip radios are really NOT the thing for sailing because of the trigger control. In sailing, the idea is to move the controls as little as possible and as seldom as possible. This is almost impossible to do with the trigger control. Your finger can't very well move it with great precision and then HOLD it exactly there. I'm not saying a guy can't sail a boat with one.......but it would sure be my last choice.

Futaba makes a 2 channel radio under $100 WITH a sail servo included. Only thing is be sure to order the little ratchet and screw that goes with it. Costs an extra couple of bucks. But for under 100 you get a radio AND S3801 servo.

thanks Pecos, That's what I thought. As you know I'm new to this,but what I need to tell you is I'm a hopeless tweeker, I need to improve everything all the time. And I can't find a radio with what I want, and the car people have it.

A three chan.l,dual conversion,fm,full comp.,rechargable, synth. to ALL 30 freq. radio.

Hay Chasot;
I built a 60" sail boat with 9' mast. I use a pistol type radio. I opened the radio and took out the spring that holds the trigger in the 75% position. The sails are controlled by this and it works well.
Almost any radio can be changed to surface. The only exception is the radios that have auto tune. (They have all air channels and tune to any channel not in use). But not anyone can change the channel in your 6 channel Futaba. You must have the radio re-tuned to the new channel to retain your range.

How would I go about changing a JR 6552 to 75 mhz?

also is it legal to compete with a 6 ch. radio if you are just using two servos on two channels?


Thanks, chas

Chas, it doesn't matter how many channels your radio has, so long as you are only utilizing the legal limit for the boat in question.

To have your Futaba change from air to ground follow this link.

http://www.futaba-rc.com/faq/faq-6xsuper-q54.html

Chas ,
#1. Probably more than you'd think use a 'pistol' type radio system. Can be awkward, but certainly possible. If you're comfortable using one, then why not?
#2. The quick and dirty answer is, No. It takes more than just swapping a crystal, and is usually cost prohibitive. (Don't bother) It depends on the particular radio too.
#3. Sort of like asking what's the 'best' car to drive, and if you're a Chevy or Ford 'nut'. Probably the best bet is to select a fairly common 'name brand' available to you locally. Get what ever brand you like.
Wanna try different things in sailing? Have at it! Just use some common sense when you try them. Some things (just like in flying) will work, sort of, and some things probably won't. Getting a little experience first (just like in flying) cuts down on the 'goofs', sort of. If it sounds like fun... give it a try.
- 'Doc

I wouldn't use the car pistol grip radio on a boat. I don't think you will be happy.

I have been a fan of the Futaba Attack SR radio for my boats. Taking the spring out of the left control makes it handy for setting the sail without pressure on your thumb.

Rick,
That's quite a collection of Tx's you have there! I am considering an upgrade for my SW and CR this winter to dual conversion FM. What is your 'take' on the Hitec Ranger III (I see it in the picture--it's the one I'm considering the most)?

Thanks.

Andy

Rick,
I thought I had to many radios!!

Hi Andy,

My name is Rick and I need a 12 step program.

I like the Hitec Ranger III radio for a transmitter. I own two of them right now with a couple of different receivers.

Apparently the receiver is what makes the radio single or dual conversion. It appears that you can use the same Ranger III for both single or dual. For dual conversion the crystals must be matched for that purpose and the receiver has to be dual conversion.

I have a Hitec HFS-03mm 3 channel receiver http://www.servocity.com/html/3-ch_hfs-03mm_fm_rx.html for my Soling 50, and recently put it in another 1 meter and bought a Hitec DCX for a replacement. The DCX is dual conversion, while the HFS is not.

The HFS003 gives me 3 channels and a range of 3,500 feet,
The DCX also gives me 3 channels but has a range of 6,000+ feet and is dual conversion.
At $56 for a receive you need to think twice if it is something you !QUOT!need!QUOT!. The single conversion 3 channel is $33.

The Ranger III is not as light or comfortable as the old Futaba Attack SR for goofing around. But for racing or big lake sailing I wanted dual conversion.

I have some multi channel 50mhz ham radios but I haven't made good use of them yet. Most of my boats are just the 2 channel sails and rudder setup.

I attached a picture of some of my boats I have added 5 more sailboats this year, including another 1 meter, a IOM and an ODOM.

What a great hobby this is!!!

Rick

Thanks for the info on the Ranger III. I was hoping to opt for it and the DCX Rx, which some friends recommended. Basically I'm trying to cut down on random glitching, and I hear dual conversion is the best way to go.

Thanks for sharing the pics of your fleet! I thought my 'little' fleet of 2 Seawinds, a CR-914, a Sea Dolphin (under construction) and an Atlantic Harbor Tugboat was a lot! Well, if I had more $$$ it'd be bigger I'm sure!

Andy
SeaWind #25, #28
CR-914 #1186
Sea Dolphin #7

Andy,
Don't put too much 'faith' in this, I've only heard about them. Having said that, have you seen the 'Spekktrum' spread spectrum radios on 2.4 Ghz? No idea about range but they should definitely 'cure' any glitching. They have some features I think would be just great, no channel worries, dual receivers, and no idea what else. There are two versions, 3 and 6 channels. Not advertised for all types of R/C, and other draw backs. Caught a glimps of one lately, just the advertisements which I tend to take with a grain of salt, and don't know anyone who has one. So, take that for what it's worth...
- 'Doc

I have not heard of that type of radio, but it sounds interesting, and probably expensive?

I've heard that dual conversion helps a lot towards getting rid of the glitching--at least the random stuff. We'll see if it works!

Andy

Andy,
No, not dual conversion receivers. But dual receivers, a 'two-in-one' kinda thing. Has to do with the polarity of received signals and how the strength of them varies and no missed signals. (UHF signal polarity can make for lots of variations in signal strength and missed signals, short ranges, etc.) One of the hobby sites has the 6 channel going for $200/ea, but for 'park flyers'. Didn't check the price on the 3 channel one. I've heard of someone on these forums getting one and plan to let him 'beta' test the system - LOL. If it works okay for him, I'm gonna change my Christmas 'wish list' !
- 'Doc

Hi Guys,

The spektrum dx6 looks interesting. I have been thinking about adding it to my after christmas list. Many of the features are just what we would want. The one that is of particular interest is the bind feature that allows us to not worry about which channel conflicts.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/...ID=1535&Page=2


read the FAQ on this page too.

Rick