MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Any RC Plane builders in here?

> > I looked at Futaba's site yesterday and got confused as hell. Tower Hobbies has a
> > bunch of Futaba radios. I think I originally bought a four channel AM radio. But
> > there is so many different kinds. What's the FM 4channel $150 radio of choice?
>
> Here in Australia I always bought my stuff from this site,
> http://www.amainhobbies.com/index.php/cPath/61_433/n/Radios-Accessories-Aircraft-Transmitters
> . Unfortunately it appears that almost every radio now uses the 2.4Ghz speactrum
> setup. You might have to try eBay or something similar.

I haven't bought anything new in a while, so Gauntlets suggestion would probably be worth checking out if it's the new hotness.

If you are buying 72Mhz FM off ebay, go for PCM if possible. PCM will help prevent signal interference from other radios on close frequencies. If you are going 2.4Ghz, ensure you get a dual antenna. Other than that, here are a few pro's and cons...

72Mhz FM

pros:
- Cheaper
- Will travel through blocked terrain better than a 2.4Ghz
- Not prone to disruption by cell phones / towers / wifi.

cons:
- Uses more power
- Prone to interference with electric motors
- Might have to wait for a frequency flag at a busy park.

2.4Ghz Spread Spectrum

pros:
- Low Power
- Near zero chance of frequency crossover from other controllers
- Not prone to disruption from electric motors
- Quick/responsive feel

cons:
- Might be prone to cellphone / tower / wifi disruptions.
- Will not travel through obstructions well. Second antenna a must.