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i have been asked to put a review of the Spektrum radio on RC heliaddict so here it is, sorry if there is one already
At the 3D masters this weekend I sat in on the Spektrum seminar and I took some notes which I will share with you all.
Basically the 2.4GHz radio system means that the old 35Mhz radio systems is now dead.
I’ll start by saying that you can compare 35MHz as being like dial up Internet connection or narrow band and 2.4GHz is like high speed broad band Internet.
The beauty of the spectrum system means you do not have to change your current TX as they make module that you can simply plug into the back of your own TX.
The 35MHz band happens to be slap bang in the middle of the range of Radio frequency (RF) noise or interference, which can cause glitching; this can spread all the way up to 400MHz. However, the 2.4GHz system is well out side this RF range so will not suffer glitching problems.
The wave length is only 12cm and therefore there is no need to fit long aerials, the Spektrum RX’s use 35mm aerials, making the model look nicer.
Each Spektrum radio transmitter (TX) generates its own unique identifier code (up to 4,000,00. different codes), which has to be bound to the receiver (RX) therefore there, is no need for separate channels numbers.
When you turn on your RX it listens for this code, but the TX also generates two more signals, the combination of codes means that you can have 3440 TX’s operating within a 2 miles radius.
The Spektrum system also only sends out its signals for only 8% of the time so therefore the chances of two RX’s operating with the same two signals at the same time are also very much reduced, adding to the security of the system and as a consequence it is also has the advantage of power saving.
The Spektrum sends out the signal 8 times faster than the 35MHz frame rate, however the RX listens to two input signals before doing anything. Overall, the response time is still almost instantaneous, freaking awesome I say! I fitted my Spektrum to my align t-Rex set up and its just lightening fast now.
Another advantage is that all servos signals are sent at almost the same time unlike the old 35MHz which sends the signal for servo 1, then servo 2, then servo 3 and so on. Therefore, if you have a 3 servo swash plate you will find the swash plate does not travel correctly but the new Spektrum means that
all three servos operate at the same time, gone is the wobbly swash plate travel. This what they call servo matching.
The 6/7 and 9 channel RX’s have two separate receivers built-in, placed 2 inches apart, to ensure perfect reception all the time. In addition, because the RX’s are built on a small circuit board, able to withstand very high G loads, you do not have to use masses of foam to protect the RX.
The DX7 TX offers model matching, the RX is bound to a particular model memory, so if you forget to select the right model and switch on, nothing will happen. You have to have the correct model selected. This feature isn’t present on the modules however.
Another safety feature of the RX is If you switch on the model first, the RX will not send a signal to the throttle channel (very important for electric models) its a bit like pulling the servo plug from the RX and the other servos go to the fail-safe position.
The cost of the DX7 transmitter is about £240 and addition 7 channel receivers are about £60. which is in line with standard 7 channel radios.
I spoke to the guys from Spektrum and they will be bringing out the JR 9XII version only with some switches rearranged.
for those of you who have experienced the glitching problems at our site on hayling island this systems offers peace of mind, for those of you who are worried about the plank fliers who have started flying near our site The spectrum system will stop them bring down our models.
if you haven't guessed yet i am totally impressed so far with my Spektrum system. I'll be seeing you glitchy flyer's down the field this weekend.
At the 3D masters this weekend I sat in on the Spektrum seminar and I took some notes which I will share with you all.
Basically the 2.4GHz radio system means that the old 35Mhz radio systems is now dead.
I’ll start by saying that you can compare 35MHz as being like dial up Internet connection or narrow band and 2.4GHz is like high speed broad band Internet.
The beauty of the spectrum system means you do not have to change your current TX as they make module that you can simply plug into the back of your own TX.
The 35MHz band happens to be slap bang in the middle of the range of Radio frequency (RF) noise or interference, which can cause glitching; this can spread all the way up to 400MHz. However, the 2.4GHz system is well out side this RF range so will not suffer glitching problems.
The wave length is only 12cm and therefore there is no need to fit long aerials, the Spektrum RX’s use 35mm aerials, making the model look nicer.
Each Spektrum radio transmitter (TX) generates its own unique identifier code (up to 4,000,00. different codes), which has to be bound to the receiver (RX) therefore there, is no need for separate channels numbers.
When you turn on your RX it listens for this code, but the TX also generates two more signals, the combination of codes means that you can have 3440 TX’s operating within a 2 miles radius.
The Spektrum system also only sends out its signals for only 8% of the time so therefore the chances of two RX’s operating with the same two signals at the same time are also very much reduced, adding to the security of the system and as a consequence it is also has the advantage of power saving.
The Spektrum sends out the signal 8 times faster than the 35MHz frame rate, however the RX listens to two input signals before doing anything. Overall, the response time is still almost instantaneous, freaking awesome I say! I fitted my Spektrum to my align t-Rex set up and its just lightening fast now.
Another advantage is that all servos signals are sent at almost the same time unlike the old 35MHz which sends the signal for servo 1, then servo 2, then servo 3 and so on. Therefore, if you have a 3 servo swash plate you will find the swash plate does not travel correctly but the new Spektrum means that
all three servos operate at the same time, gone is the wobbly swash plate travel. This what they call servo matching.
The 6/7 and 9 channel RX’s have two separate receivers built-in, placed 2 inches apart, to ensure perfect reception all the time. In addition, because the RX’s are built on a small circuit board, able to withstand very high G loads, you do not have to use masses of foam to protect the RX.
The DX7 TX offers model matching, the RX is bound to a particular model memory, so if you forget to select the right model and switch on, nothing will happen. You have to have the correct model selected. This feature isn’t present on the modules however.
Another safety feature of the RX is If you switch on the model first, the RX will not send a signal to the throttle channel (very important for electric models) its a bit like pulling the servo plug from the RX and the other servos go to the fail-safe position.
The cost of the DX7 transmitter is about £240 and addition 7 channel receivers are about £60. which is in line with standard 7 channel radios.
I spoke to the guys from Spektrum and they will be bringing out the JR 9XII version only with some switches rearranged.
for those of you who have experienced the glitching problems at our site on hayling island this systems offers peace of mind, for those of you who are worried about the plank fliers who have started flying near our site The spectrum system will stop them bring down our models.
if you haven't guessed yet i am totally impressed so far with my Spektrum system. I'll be seeing you glitchy flyer's down the field this weekend.
(being a radio amateur has its benefits). I can't see different build standards for different countries - it'll probably be just output stage adjustment. I believe the euro imposed limit was 100mW? Beyond that I think it's in the region of RF safety distances and all that malarky.
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