Changing frequency spectra module

[High speed pass]

Users of the Eclipse 7 with spectra module. How often are you pulling the module and changing the frequency. I am changing mine 6 to 10 times a week. I'm concerned about a failure by changing it so many times. Was it was designed to be changed this often. Does any one have some input on this.

[newracer]

I just got my Eclipse with Spectra so I haven't used it much yet. But I also have a 3D (top end Hitec surface radio) with a Spectra and have been using it for about 2 years now for car racing. I pull it out several times each weekend and have had no problems.

[4hubbards]

Why not just replace the rx crystals so you don't have to change it at all?

[jcstalls]

Greetings,

I do not change my frequency very often at all. I think once last summer. It is nice to have when needed.
I think the failure by changing it so many times would be more in forgetting which is what and when. This would become what some refer to as a "Dial a Crash.'
Even when I have change it, I will ask at least one other, without stating what channel, what channel is it one before replacing and flying. I know, it's kinda redundant, yet it does take less time than repairing/replacing of planes and gear. Especially if it someone else's.
I would not think there is much to worry about the trim pots becoming bad.
Although it would be nice to hear what Hitec has to say.

Jared

[ham2405]

Those are not trim pots that change the frequency on the Spectra. They are micro decade switches. You can feel the slight detent to each number.

David

[dottney]

I change frequencies often. That's the beauty of the Spectra module. I can buy any reciever I find a good deal on. I do make sure that I'm careful removing/replacing the module.
Dave

[BillM]

I became concerned that I might cause a problem by not having the proper frequency dialed in. Forgetting to change the frequency or getting the planes confused or some other idiotic act we humans are sometimes guilty of convinced me to change all my receiver crystals to a single number. Now I feel confident that I will do no harm.

BM

[Smashed_Toad]

Bill now that Hitec owns Multiplex I wonder how long it will be before they put in Channel Check on all there radios. Spectra radios should be first to make sure your not dialing a crash. :>

[XJet]

Don't you guys have frequency pegs or some other form of control at your flying field?

Surely nobody turns on their transmitter unless they've got the peg for the chosen frequency in their hot little hand?

And are the frequencies really so crowded over there that you have to keep changing?

I've got a Spectra module in my E7 and the biggest advantage from my perspective is that I now have the ability to check at the start of a flying day and choose a frequency which is not (or little) used. I can then stick to that frequency until the next time I fly. I can't see that I'll ever need to change channels more than once in a flying session and it only takes a very short time to make sure nobody else is wanting to use the same frequency.

[High speed pass]

My biggest problem is that I am too cheap to buy more crystals that are on the same channel, at $10.00 each that would add up. Until I do, I am stuck changing the spectra module frequency when I change planes. Not having more crystals on the same channel is a result of doing away with my old radios and flying all my planes on the Eclipse. I do worry that I may forget to change the channel on the field frequency board when I change channels on the transmitter.

Is there anyone else out there changing their spectra module frequency very often?

[newracer]

I change mine almost everytime I fly. Two of my planes are on ch20 and one is on ch30. As soon as I buy another it will be on 36, already have the crystal.

[XJet]

I hope we see spread-spectrum technology adopted for RC gear in the not-too distant future.

This would allow you to go flying without having to worry about frequency clashes at all and eliminate the chances of someone accidentally shooting down a fellow flier by accidentally turning on their transmitter when the frequency was in use.