AM is out, FM or 2.4G

[Simon.O.]

Decision time FM or 2.4Ghz

I have read up and down the forum here and elsewhere and have decided that it is time to retire my AM radio from a few of the boats in my fleet due to glitching problems. I nearly lost the rigger twice at the weekend.

I can clearly see that 2.4G is the go but the issue I have is the cost of additional rx units, as I find swapping rx’s in and out of boats just one more job. I already have to swap esc’s and motors so one less component is a plus.

I can get a Acoms, which I understand is an o.k brand FM unit for a nice price and additional or replacement rx units are a good price too.

Most of you know the type of boats I have and know that it is purely sport/fun running.

2.4G is $200 and $100+ for another rx
FM27mHz is $120 and $60+ for another rx

Here is the question.
To replace my AM unit will FM be good enough ??

[ETOWNE]

Buy the 2.4. You'll love it. The extra cost is worth it. Besides who really wants the guy that your racing to be blinded by your antenna and wipe your boat out. Failsafes are a plus too.

[Flying Scotsman]

Simon, I am old school
A good and I mean good FM system is hard to beat. I am also surprised that you were running an AM system. Some members have had issues with antenae and water blackouts with 2.4GHZ

Douggie

[ghostofpf1]

I am using 2.4 Spectra DX3 with good results in my retrieval boat but notice that it's strictly line of sight when it comes to reception through things as dense as tree trunks and pond embankments....

otherwise running well with the antenna sticking straight up out of the hatch.
HTH
Ghost

[Doby]

The Spektrum DX3 comes with 2 receivers, Used mine for 3 years now, no problems and for about 240 bucks,,the price is reasonable. I think Steve sells them here as well.

[Doby]

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...od=dh-SPM20300

Yup he does, and for 225 bucks,,,thats a great price!

[eboat]

My first radio was an AM
I also have the Spektrum DX 3 now and have not looked back
Works good and never have to worry about what frequency everybody else is on

[ReddyWatts]

FM will work fine for sport running.

[ETOWNE]

I'm using the DX3R.

[andym]

I have switched to the Futaba Fast system and can not fault it. Very good and a good price.

[Simon.O.]

Righto. I have settled for the idea of FM for now, it's funny but up until I started researching this subject I never realised how bad AM is. I know that it is glitchy but I just took that in my stride until I nearly lost my rigger, and I mean lost. If it went to the far side of the pond I would have had to take my kayak and go for a real S&R mission to find it.

I am now torn between stick and wheel.
I can get a nice 6ch stick tx+rx inc cx's for $100,
I can get a 2ch wheel tx/rx (no cx) + servos for $135.
So really to get a tx/rx +2 crystals + 2 servos will be about the same price either way
Spare FM rx's are $40 compared to $100 for 2.4 and dont even ask about spectrum ones.

Option 1. Stick and lots of spare channels......hmm could get a plane now
Option 2. Wheel and learn how to drive with one........good learning experience

Oh how I love coin toss decisions.

[dostacos]

well I picked up a 2 channel wheel for $70 off ebay and a Rx for $60 off ebay

you would think that 6 or 7 guys would be able to run at the same time...nope we all seem to have duplicate frequencies

with our tugs and other go slow it is not that big a deal, but watching the BJ 26 glitching and freaking out I for one don't want a big go fast that I don't have reasonable control over {the owner swapped out the stock radio with his 2.4, he also said the boat ran better with the new radio

[rockwerks]

Righto. I have settled for the idea of FM for now, it's funny but up until I started researching this subject I never realised how bad AM is. I know that it is glitchy but I just took that in my stride until I nearly lost my rigger, and I mean lost. If it went to the far side of the pond I would have had to take my kayak and go for a real S&R mission to find it.

I am now torn between stick and wheel.
I can get a nice 6ch stick tx+rx inc cx's for $100,
I can get a 2ch wheel tx/rx (no cx) + servos for $135.
So really to get a tx/rx +2 crystals + 2 servos will be about the same price either way
Spare FM rx's are $40 compared to $100 for 2.4 and dont even ask about spectrum ones.

Option 1. Stick and lots of spare channels......hmm could get a plane now
Option 2. Wheel and learn how to drive with one........good learning experience

Oh how I love coin toss decisions.

I buy new spectrum receivers at under 79.00 new all the time sr3000

and a complete 2 channel spektrum pistol system for 169.00 everywhere on the interweb. no crystals, no hassles Spektrum DX2.0

I think you will be sorry about 1 week after you spend the money.

[Mich. Maniac]

but notice that it's strictly line of sight when it comes to reception through things as dense as tree trunks and pond embankments....


Ghost

Ya think!

I have always used my FM system with no glitching except for when boats upside down. The it really dont matter much. cept the prop is spinning free with no load... this I dont like much.

[Simon.O.]

I have had it with crystal based radios. !!!

I managed to borrow a FM 27mHz set to trail in a couple of my hulls that don't like AM, and guess what I found.
It is about as useful as the 27mHz AM set I have.

I have had a good look round and set my sights on the 2.4G set from Acoms.
This one.

http://www.redrc.net/2008/02/acoms-technisport-24-ghz-radio/

I can get it from a local store for $200 NZ, $ 140 US or 95 Euro.

Smart looking unit with all I need. I like the tiny rx that can fit almost anywhere.
i have read a bit online about it and the "binding' can be handful but if it means that I can run glitch free for over 30m / 100' then that is all good.

Time to bite the bullet and get with the times. 2.4 here I come.