Confused about 2.4 Ghz Modulation and compatibility

[Granpappy]

Hi Folks,

Having just returned to RC flying again, all my models still have 35 MHz receivers. I went out and bought a new 2.4 ghz radio which is S-FHSS (whatever that is) which luckily came with a compatible receiver that went in to a new 500 Heli. My next purchase was another receiver so at least I would have two models on 2.4 Ghz. Unfortunately due to my ignorance I bought a FASST receiver which wont talk to my Tx so I've chucked it in the naughty cupboard.

I was thinking of buying a little mcp Blade 130X but noticed that it's modulated for DSM and DSMX (whatever they are). I'm guessing this wont work with my T8J Tx which I'm now starting to view with suspicion.

Is there a list somewhere of all the different 2.4 Ghz modulation types and what they will and wont work with?

Cheers.

[Grumpy]

As a rule you have to use the same brand of transmitter and receiver. Futaba for some ridiculous and inexplicable reason made it even more complicated by having two different protocols available at the same time which weren't compatible with each other (as you found to your cost!).

Blade helis are made by Horizon Hobby so you have to use Horizon brand radio gear, i.e. Spektrum DSMX. There are some transmitters that will take plug-in modules that allow them to work with different protocols. There are also a few cheaper radios that are made to be compatible with Spektrum, e.g. Hobbyking 'Orange' transmitters and receivers.

[Granpappy]

So DSMX wont talk to FHSS or S-FHSS? I've noticed that there is T-FHSS aswell. What does that talk to? In the old days I used to trundle down to Galaxy Models in Ipswich and Gary would set me up with what I needed. The shops closed now with nothing else local so I have to rely on mail order for what I need. How times have changed.

[Mike656]

The T8J uses Futaba's FHSS or S-FHSS system, so you need a compatible receiver. Basically you get the R2006GS as a six channel full range air reciever, or the R2008SB as the eight channel full range receiver. The SB uses sbus, so a single cable out of the receiver. Other Futaba systems are FASST and FASSTest. Don't think your tx is compatible with the T-FHSS system either.
Horizon Hobby / Spectrum use DSMX, or DSM2 on older stuff. I use an old Spectrum DX7 tx for my smaller HH models, Futaba for the larger models.

[Grumpy]

Correct, DSMX is a Spektrum protocol so will only work with a matching Spektrum product (or one of the 'Spektrum compatible' off-brand sets). Remember the basic golden rule is that the Rx and Tx have to be the same brand.

Like I said Futaba make it harder by having incompatible protocols giving users of cheaper Futaba sets no upgrade route (great business model Futaba!). I think they have realised the error of their ways and I believe the latest high end Futaba sets do support all Futaba protocols, but don't quote me on that because i don't use Futaba 2.4GHz gear.

[coolice]

Hi Folks,

Having just returned to RC flying again, all my models still have 35 MHz receivers. I went out and bought a new 2.4 ghz radio which is S-FHSS (whatever that is) which luckily came with a compatible receiver that went in to a new 500 Heli. My next purchase was another receiver so at least I would have two models on 2.4 Ghz. Unfortunately due to my ignorance I bought a FASST receiver which wont talk to my Tx so I've chucked it in the naughty cupboard.

I was thinking of buying a little mcp Blade 130X but noticed that it's modulated for DSM and DSMX (whatever they are). I'm guessing this wont work with my T8J Tx which I'm now starting to view with suspicion.

Is there a list somewhere of all the different 2.4 Ghz modulation types and what they will and wont work with?

Cheers.

Hey Buddy.

Firstly welcome back :-)

What transmitter did you buy? It's sounds like a Futaba set but I've not seen the actual model/make mentioned. If it is a Futaba, you can buy a plug in module that allows the Tx to then transmit on DSM2/DSMX for use with the Blade and other DSM models. Basically you plug it into the trainer port of the Tx, this turns the Tx on like you were using a sim and then the module transmits in DSM2/DSMX.
.

[Granpappy]

Hi. Thanks. It's a Futaba T8J. I got that particular model because it was the only one in stock online that was Mode 1 and had more channels than my old 7C. (I'm one of those peculiar fella's that fly cack-handed)

[Grumpy]

FWIW modern Tx's are usually very easy to swap modes, often you don't even need to remove the back of the case. You usually just access a couple of screws that engage/disengage the centering spring and ratchet/friction. The channel assignment is done through the software.

[coolice]

Hi. Thanks. It's a Futaba T8J. I got that particular model because it was the only one in stock online that was Mode 1 and had more channels than my old 7C. (I'm one of those peculiar fella's that fly cack-handed)

You're probably the only one to fly cack-handed lol
Actually there is a guy in the MK club that's also doing it wrong, with the sticks the wrong way around
.

[Granpappy]

Cheers. That's good to know.

[tomatwalden]

You're probably the only one to fly cack-handed lol
Actually there is a guy in the MK club that's also doing it wrong, with the sticks the wrong way around
.

There is of course, a certain Frenchman who flies with the wrong transmitter too ... I've heard he's quite good though despite the handicap ...

[Granpappy]

Reminds me of my early days whilst trying to hover. Mode 1 rules....yeah.

[Grumpy]

There is of course, a certain Frenchman who flies with the wrong transmitter too ... I've heard he's quite good though despite the handicap ...

Needs to work on his landing though, i'm sure the skids are meant to be down and the blades up.... Other than that, not bad

[SGD]

You're probably the only one to fly cack-handed lol
Actually there is a guy in the MK club that's also doing it wrong, with the sticks the wrong way around
.

There are still a few of us die hard Mode 1ers around that like to do things the hard way!