Reef Racer 2 Tx

[no stick]

I just got a Reef Racer 2 without the Tx. Have any of you tried another 27MHz FM Tx to run the reef racer? What have you had success with?

Tks,

Ed

[Michael Heer]

On my Reef racer 2 the color orange is on channel 6 in the 27 MHz band. Each color is on a different channel. What color is your Reef racer 2?

[CG Bob]

Aquacraft uses a radio made by Futaba in their models; so a Futaba, Tower Hobbies, Hitec, or other negative shift radio transmitter will work with the Reef Racer.

[no stick]

On my Reef racer 2 the color orange is on channel 6 in the 27 MHz band. Each color is on a different channel. What color is your Reef racer 2?

My color is purple 27MHz A5 27.195MHz. I have a Hitec Optic 6 with Futaba RF module FP-TJ-FM 27MHz. I installed the correct crystal in the module and I can't get it to operate the Reef Racer 2. I even ordered a new Reef Racer Rx/ESC A5 combo and it doesn't work either.

Any help is appreciated.

Ed

[Michael Heer]

Sorry Ed, nothing is coming to mind right now. Mike

[toesup]

27 MHz Frequency Band

Number Frequency(MHz) Flag Color
1 26.995 Brown
2 27.045 Red
3 27.095 Orange
4 27.145 Yellow
5 27.195 Green
6 27.255 Blue

Your Transmitter and receiver crystals should have the same number on them, the one in the Transmitter should have 'Tx' on it... the one in the receiver should have 'Rx' on it...

[CG Bob]

It appears you have one of several possible problems.

1. The Optic 6 can shift from PPM (standard FM) to PCM; make sure it is set for PPM.

2. If the Optic 6 was originaly purchased on a different frequency band, 72 or 75 MHz, it won't work on 27 MHz. The radio will need to be sent back to the factory service center for retuning in the new band.

3. Hitec Optic 6 and Futaba frequency module; while they do work together, the best combo is a Hitec module in a Hitec radio. Technicaly it's against the FCC regs to use the Futaba module in the Hitec radio.

4. Your not supposed to change the crystals in the modules, again it's against the FCC regs. From Tower Hobbies site: The receiver crystal is FUTL51** (27MHz) and FUTL52** (75MHz)
There is no cover for the crystal. Use a piece of tape if needed
**IT is against FCC regulation to change crystals in this module
to change channels. To change your Tx channel, purchase a module
on the proper channel or send this module to the service
center to retune.

5. Double check the receiver crystal to be sure it's an FM crystal.

[no stick]

SHHHH CG Bob, don't tell anybody. Yeah I know all that but 27MHz, come on. :p If Futaba was serious about not changing the channel they wouldn't sell Tx crystals. Hitec does not sell Tx crystals and you have to send the Tx back to them to "tune" to the new frequescy. :rolleyes: I have the Optic 6 with Spectra module for 72MHz. I installed the Futabe 27MHz FM module and it works great. I think I know the problem. The Tower "notes from our tech department" shows the "Radio: 2-channel FM pistol grip...". I actually think the radio is AM and that is the reason it wont work. I have quite a few FM 27MHz Tx.

Any opinions?

Tks,

Ed

[CG Bob]

Check the rx crystal to make sure it REALY is a FM crystal. I have two Aquacraft boats, and both came with AM radios in 75 MHz.

If Futaba was serious about not changing the channel they wouldn't sell Tx crystals. Blame it on the cops not being around. The FCC is too busy chasing after CBS for wardrobe malfunctions, Howard Stern, and now Don Imus to worry about us little boys with our toys.