2.4Ghz AM Radio

[RPC1]

I took my Futaba 2PL AM radio and put an Assan 2.4Ghz Hack Module in it. Could not have been simpler to do. Solder three wires, drill a hole for the LED, screw antenna on, done in 10 min. This has worked great in the Whip 20, no glitching, solid performer IMO.

[Brushless55]

Wht did that cost ya?

[RPC1]

Tx-$59.99
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8354&Product_Name=X8D_2.4GHz_trainer_port_X8-hack_module_(PPM_Only)

Rx-$24.50
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8688&Product_Name=X8R3_3Ch_2.4GHz_Receiver_(Long_Antenn a)

That is the great thing, the Rx is only $25. So I can have all my toys going for just $100. They do have plug in modules that are "plug and play" for JR, Futaba, and Hitec.
http://www.assan.cn/

[theShark]

nice, have you tried it in a cf hull?

[M.M.]

Will this work with FM, for example an airtronics cx2p?

And what does it mean by PPM?

[RPC1]

nice, have you tried it in a cf hull?

No I have not. Just for clarification, it is not a diversity receiver. One antenna is a ground plane, the other is the actual antenna. It is not frequency hopping also. But it is a standard digital 2 way link(the Tx and Rx talk to each other). The fail safe works great. It sets all channels to their neutral setting from when the Tx was turned on. The only problem I have see is when the voltage gets too low(below 3 volts), which should never happen anyway.

[RPC1]

Will this work with FM, for example an airtronics cx2p?

And what does it mean by PPM?

PPM= Pulse-position modulation, that's all I know. Most all Transmitters are PPM. Yes it will work with AM, FM, and replace 2.4Ghz system modules. What you are doing is removing the old transmitter module(AM/FM) and replacing it with this 2.4Ghz module.

Yes it will work with the Airtronics CX2P. Where the crystal goes in the Tx is where the FM module is located. Pull it out and there will be three wires coming from the board(+pos/-neg/signal). This is where the new module will get soldered in. Once you see it, it is quite simple.

[M.M.]

Ok, but on the cx2p it has the FM module that clips in there. So do i take the mdoule out, or but the 2.4 inside of the FM module.

[egneg]

Ok, but on the cx2p it has the FM module that clips in there. So do i take the mdoule out, or but the 2.4 inside of the FM module.


The ad says any non-module based PPM radio.

[M.M.]

Well that sux:crying:

Oh well, i want a spectrum anyways. :doh:

[SweetAccord]

I took my Futaba 2PL AM radio and put an Assan 2.4Ghz Hack Module in it. Could not have been simpler to do. Solder three wires, drill a hole for the LED, screw antenna on, done in 10 min. This has worked great in the Whip 20, no glitching, solid performer IMO.

I plan to copy your layout on my FM Futaba 3PM. I like how you did the Assan LED on the back of your Futaba, as it seems the best layout on that radio. I just got the Assan also after seeing it perform flawlessly many time and have read only positive reviews. The receiver is so small and thin. I see the one you got but they have an even smaller one X8R4H if maybe you have not seen those. They are hard to get.

I'm wondering how did you find/determine the PPM signal line on your Futaba? Was it marked PPM? I have these pins on my Futaba;

HRS/PPM
CE
CK
Data
RF SW

______________

VDD
SIG
G

I know the G=ground, the VDD is the VDC of 10.5 V off the battery pack simple enough. I'm trying to figure out if the PPM is truly the correct line to tap or is it the SIG line (the VDD SIG and G are grouped together by the way). The true way is to use an oscilloscope but I don't have one. My PPM is a white wire and so is the SIG line. Did you find voltage on the PPM line of something of 1~2.5V?

Thank you in advance.

[RPC1]

I don't remember. But the three wires were attached to the AM module. If they are grouped together then yes SIG is the PPM line. So you know, the receivers are not water proof. I epoxied the board applied a heat gun to let it thin out, and it still works great.

[SweetAccord]

I don't remember. But the three wires were attached to the AM module. If they are grouped together then yes SIG is the PPM line. So you know, the receivers are not water proof. I epoxied the board applied a heat gun to let it thin out, and it still works great.

Thank you ever so much for that info!!! I owe you one.

[SweetAccord]

I converted all my FM to the Assan's. They work great, no range or glitch issues and the receivers are smaller than anything on the market hands down! The one posted by Doggett and RPC1 (above) are small, but there is a smaller one that I use. The 4 channel X8 R4 Size: 36 X 14 X 3mm (1.97 X 1.02 X 0.39 inch) Weight: 3.2g.

The X8D works great on pistol type radios. On a Futaba 3PM 75MHz radio the X8D fits as if was made for it. No modification to the antenna mount was needed. All you need is to find a spot where you want to install the X8D as there is plenty of room in the Futaba's radios.

Radio install of X8D: There are 3 lines grouped together on the break out board that you need to look for:

VDD (Futaba) = Power goes to Assan +
SIG (Futaba) = Signal line to Assan (PPM)
G (Futaba) = Ground to Assan

All the other lines which are HRS/PPM, CR, Data, RF-SW and Ant are to be unsoldered; place a long piece of shrink tubing over them and pack away as they are not used. The board is also removed as it's held by 3 screws.

Pics:

http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0849.JPG (http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/RC%20Groups/IMG%7C_0849.JPG)
http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0850.JPG (http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/RC%20Groups/IMG%7C_0850.JPG)
http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0851.JPG (http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/RC%20Groups/IMG%7C_0851.JPG)
http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0852.JPG (http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/RC%20Groups/IMG%7C_0852.JPG)

Also it was confirmed by Futaba that the 3PM 9.6v system WILL operate up to 12v and if a 11.1v lipo is used it will not void the warranty and will operate properly even to 12.1 volts. I also learned today that the X8D will work fine with the 11.1v lipo battery.

Hope that helps.

[BILL OXIDEAN]

Will this work with FM, for example an airtronics cx2p?

And what does it mean by PPM?

Now that's an oldie but GOODIE!!

[SweetAccord]

Ok, but on the cx2p it has the FM module that clips in there. So do i take the mdoule out, or but the 2.4 inside of the FM module.


It will work on any FM radio as PPM is just another way to describe FM. Weather you have a break out board or not, you should be able to do this from what I've been reading that others are doing. Some don't have a break out board so they solder it to the main board and remove the crystal from the radio so it's not broadcasting on both frequencies. Some are trick, they put a toggle switch and use both on the same radio.

You can see all this where I've been following the thread:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=723343

Hope that helps.

[6S HYDRO]

Where do you get the modules

[SweetAccord]

Where do you get the modules

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8354&Product_Name=X8D_2.4GHz_trainer_port_X8-hack_module_(PPM_Only)


http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8389&Product_Name=X8_R4_4Ch_2.4GHz_Receiver_

[G Doggett]

Where do you get the modules

HobbyKing.com

They have Pay Pal and their service is almost as good as OSE.

Graham.:rockon2:

[6S HYDRO]

Is this the same thing as the tactic. Look at the similarities

[6S HYDRO]

Oh believe me i know hobbycity, im a platinum member

[G Doggett]

Is this the same thing as the tactic. Look at the similarities

The Tactic is a complete radio system, Assan just do conversion kits for your existing radio.

Graham.:rockon2:

[Bill-SOCAL]

And just by the by, whether it works or not it is absolutely illegal in the US to do the conversion. Now honestly nobody will likely ever say anything, but it is prohibited to make changes to a FCC certified transmitter, and especially to mess with the RF deck.

Now plugging in modules is allowed. But internally modifying the transmitter to change the transmission mode is not.

[G Doggett]

And just by the by, whether it works or not it is absolutely illegal in the US to do the conversion. Now honestly nobody will likely ever say anything, but it is prohibited to make changes to a FCC certified transmitter, and especially to mess with the RF deck.

Now plugging in modules is allowed. But internally modifying the transmitter to change the transmission mode is not.

Oh dear, well bad luck for you guys in the US.:ThumbsDown01:
These hack modules appear to be selling like hot cakes in the rest of the world.
Graham.:rockon2:

[Bill-SOCAL]

I am not even sure they can be sold in the US. I posted in both the threads here just to make sure that any US readers understood the FCC regulations here.

In fact, in the US it is not legal to even change the crystal in a non-module based radio transmitter. You can change crystals in receivers to your heart's content, but you cannot touch the RF section of a transmitter.

[SweetAccord]

ASSAN CONVERSION KIT COMES WITH A FCC, CE & RoHS APPROVED 2.4GHz TX MODULE.

ASSAN X8 2.4Ghz System is designed to operate in compliance with the RF exposure guidelines set by national authorities. FCC ID: VJ9XRF01

So basically the part that is illegal when you are using a module that integrates into the radio system, as in the flow passes through the non compliant module and then out the antennae provided with the system. The the 2.4s get around this because they do not use the on board antennae, but rather their own. So the module never really integrates with the system, just adds on to the end of the process.

What is ILLEGAL is that a company knowingly selling a non compliant FCC product.

Also the AMA insurance:

Using a module other than one manufactured by the transmitter’s manufacturer would not void your AMA insurance coverage. However, we would like to caution that this more than likely would void your manufacturer’s warranty and could potentially create frequency interference problems.


Best regards,
Ilona Maine
Programs Department
Phone (765) 287-1256
Fax (765) 289-4248
www.modelaircraft.org (http://www.modelaircraft.org)

So in the end using the ASSAN only voids your actual radio warranty.

[Bill-SOCAL]

Lots of cross posts. Module based systems are fine. Non-module changes where you have to open the TX, solder wires, etc. are NOT fine. Ilona clearly is referring to module based systems like the 9303, etc.

[SweetAccord]

Lots of cross posts. Module based systems are fine. Non-module changes where you have to open the TX, solder wires, etc. are NOT fine. Ilona clearly is referring to module based systems like the 9303, etc.


I'm not racing, so as long as it's FCC, CE & RoHS APPROVED that is all that matters to me.

[SweetAccord]

I am not even sure they can be sold in the US. I posted in both the threads here just to make sure that any US readers understood the FCC regulations here.

In fact, in the US it is not legal to even change the crystal in a non-module based radio transmitter. You can change crystals in receivers to your heart's content, but you cannot touch the RF section of a transmitter.

If they are not legal to sell in the US then they can't ship to the US. Assan would be taking a HUGE risk of penalties and law suits if this was the case. Also There is no local state, county or city law that governs a device is "illegal" if it's FCC, CE, and ROHS approved. FCC is the KEY WORD here.

FCC: "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions."

These guidelines are strict and when a device is submitted for FCC ID the unit must be described where and how it will be utilized. So as far as we are concerned the Assan is not "illegal" by any general public usage.

What is being referred to as "illegal" is in racing and or private clubs which have their own rules and regulations, but the point is that for general public usage, these rules do not apply to the Assan hence all this "illegal" statements are NULL and VOID.

So if you are so sure they are "illegal" please call the FCC for us all and report this company, as none of us want to break any laws, keep us posted to what you find.

Thank you.

[Bill-SOCAL]

OK, then you need to contact Hobby Lobby who just got fined by the FCC for selling an unapproved product that operates on the 2.4 band. It had an FCC label on it. A counterfeit one. They still got fined.

And again, I am NOT talking about the module based systems. I am talking about the ones that require you to open and physically modify the transmitter. I'll try to dig up the FCC code just to make you happy. Give me some time.

[Bill-SOCAL]

Just a quick cross post. Here is a post I made in another similar thread

http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showpost.php?p=115572&postcount=25

[SweetAccord]

You just walked yourself into a corner:

Lets summarize: FCC governs here not AMA anyways.

As for the FCC: As already stated; The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.

Also a device can't be FCC approved and sold to the US if it has not been FCC approved. By the way, Assans FCC License is: FCC ID: VJ9XRF01 Have you validated that it's not valid or counterfeit before making such a claim and ties it to Hobby Lobby's FCC counterfeiting?

Research before you make such a claim please: FCC official NO COUNTERFEIT ASSAN FCC ID:

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearchResult.cfm?RequestTimeout=500

GRANT OF EQUIPMENT
AUTHORIZATION Certification Issued Under the Authority of the Federal Communications Commission By:

Timco Engineering, Inc.
849 NW State Road 45
P.O. Box 370,
Newberry, FL 32669

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/oetcf/tcb/reports/Tcb731GrantForm.cfm?mode=COPY&RequestTimeout=500&tcb_code=&application_id=975867&fcc_id=VJ9XRF01

If the AMA does not like something the FCC is doing they can duke it out.

Checkmate and nuff said, Im done.

[SweetAccord]

Like I said Checkmate again! I'm finalizing my point with facts here. I spoke to the FCC today. So this is from them first hand! Jim Szelliga at 301 362-3000.

Q. Is there any law that states the following with the FCC Jim? "FCC laws very clearly state that within the United States that you cannot open up a transmitter and make any modifications, period."
A. No.
So not true! There is no such law.

Q. Is there anything illegal with how the ASSAN is being used installed of transmiting Jim?
A. "No, the Assan device fall under the 15C rules part.

Q. So what does that mean Jim?
A. There is no such law that states you can't open an already FCC approved radio and disable it and use the radio as host which is what the ASSAN is designed for as it's own stand alone transmitter. What is not FCC approved and illegal is to take an existing FCC radio and modify the EXISTING signal 75Mhz for example, or power output or the way it's broadcasting on that already FCC approved frequesncy which is 75Mhz."

So summary, there is no Law that says you can't open a FCC radio and disable it and use the rest of the radio as a host or shell and use the ASSAN has been and is FCC approved as it's own stand alone transmitting device.
The ONLY issue is; the device is inside the radio and the rules say a device must show what the device is broadcasting at. So Assan just needs a sticker or something that shows the radio is operating as 2.4Ghz as a plug in module does. Jim stated this is a minor issue and breaks no laws and that is the only real issue.

I'm done. I hope all the people that are using the ASSAN are clear now that it's officially stated by the FCC you are not breaking any laws!

Enjoy!

[SweetAccord]

Follow this here:

http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showthread.php?t=9689&highlight=assan