Cheap 6CH FM Radio!

[patmat2350]

VEX Tx and Rx, $30 !
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=JS-6&type=

See posts at bottom- the included Rx is for robotics, won't give you normal Rx outputs. But apparently a Cirrus FM Rx ($20) will accept the included xtal to work just fine.

4ch on joy sticks, 2 switched.

Pat M

http://www.allelectronics.com/images/gold/full/JS-6.jpg

[lgr333]

Hi Pat, great timing with this post. I have been researching and looking for a good deal on a 4 channel or more radio and receiver. I am pretty much a beginner and don’t understand a lot of the terms. Anyway I went to the link and looked at the transmitter and at that price and I am very interested. That is if I can figure out what I need to make the transmitter work for me. Have you bought from this company before? I’m confused on the rcvr, it’s for 72mhz but works with 75mhz? I assume if I purchase the transmitter I will get a crystal for the receiver, which is the crystal I would put into the Cirrus MRX-6?

I hope you have time to help me out here. So I purchase the Vex and MRX-6 and I’ll have a working 6 channel system that I can use in my boat? I couldn’t find a picture of the back of the MRX-6, but I assume there are six slots that my servos and ESCs will pull into?

Thanks for link and hope you have time to clear this up a bit for me.

[toesup]

Try reading up about Vex here...
http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-transmitter-receiver-add-on-kit.shtml
I have one of the transmitters matched to an 8 channel Futaba receiver... :D

[patmat2350]

How's the range Toes? I wonder, as it's likely designed for indoor use.

lgr, I can only pass on what's on the website... the fellow says just swap the crystals in the new Rx, it will work fine for 72 or 75 MHz.

Pat

[Stu :)]

Pity 75Mhz transmitters are illegal down here in Kiwiland, would have ordered one for myself.

And is it me or does it look like it has some degree of 'computer' attached to the bottom? Looks suspiciously like the setup found on a Futaba 6EXA.

Stu :)

[LtDoc]

Just a few things to think about (and ask about) because I have no direct experience with this particular company or radio system.
It sounds as if they are talking about adding a separate transmitter to the system in some way. That's because transmitters designed for one particular band are just not going to work well on an adjacent band unless some serious re-tuning is envolved. Same for receivers, in general, unless they happen to be VERY broadbanded to start with. That 'broadbandedness' tends to reduce the sensitivity and selectivity and so tends to either reduce range or increase the likelihood of interference problems.
Both of those thingys can be 'worked-around', but only at the cost of increasing the circuit design. At the price quoted, I have serious doubts about that 'better' circuit design, you know?
The advertisement can certainly be true in what they are saying. The 'problem' is in what they are -not- saying, sort of.
Since this appears to be a system for robotic control, and since the typical 'robot' tends to be a short range thingy, I'm sort of hesitant to think of it for use with the typical R/C thingys, where range is a bigger consideration. (Which does not say that I wouldn't get one AFTER someone else does the experimenting first! That's called "chicken" by the way.;))
Since I happen to be one of those 'chicken' type people, I'd take all of this post with a large dose of 'Castor Oil' if I were you...
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- 'Doc

[Ghost 2501]

does it come on 40mhz?

[toesup]

How's the range Toes? I wonder, as it's likely designed for indoor use.

I've run a Springer out in to the lake (on a rescue mission ;) ) till i can hardly tell which way it was facing... probably a good 300ft+.. and been able to bring both boats back to shore...

I think its a good.. and cheap 6 channel transmitter, that can be matched up to a 6 - 8 channel receiver without a problem... at least a Futaba receiver :D

[Ghost 2501]

if it'll take Futaba rx, hitec should not be a problem either

[Kmot]

Not meaning to hijack your thread, but wanted to inform people that if you are looking for an inexpensive 2.4Ghz Spektrum radio, you can get a 5-channel for $60!!

The Blade CX2 heli comes with it, and the Tx is available seperately:

http://www.gohobbies.com/itemEFL-H1055.html

[lgr333]

toesup; which futaba receiver did you go with?

thanks

[toesup]

toesup; which futaba receiver did you go with?

Its a Futaba R168DF receiver

[Ghost 2501]

thats like the rtr yacht, buy a toy and get fully proportional radio free!

cant grumble there!!!

[nbrophy]

I've run a Springer out in to the lake (on a rescue mission ;) ) till i can hardly tell which way it was facing... probably a good 300ft+.. and been able to bring both boats back to shore...

I think its a good.. and cheap 6 channel transmitter, that can be matched up to a 6 - 8 channel receiver without a problem... at least a Futaba receiver :D


Is the 8 channel Futaba rx you use with the Vex tx 75mhz or 72mhz?

The Cirrus MRX-6 72mhz rx mentioned in the allelectronics does accept the Vex 75mhz crystal. I have one of these Vex tx and the Cirrus MRX-6 rx. I have tested them and they do work together. I can't vouch for range or extra sensitivity to outside radio interference, because I have not thoroughly tested it.

I ordered from allelectronic and they are reputable. Though you may be able to find the Vex tx on ebay for cheaper.

[toesup]

Is the 8 channel Futaba rx you use with the Vex tx 75mhz or 72mhz?

Its on 75mhz

[CheapSub]

i tested with 3 other 75 mhz transmitter turn on next to it, 2 of the Tx are Polk's Tx set to one channel on top and under.
i walk down the block 300+ft, with the Cirrus Rx it works and
polk's Rx too.
3 to 4 ft boat in the water 300ft away i don't think i could see the boat.
also its a computer radio with maxing, 10 model memorys with many other things you could adjust.

but it does not take stander Tx battery packs, only 8AA or 8 cells racing pack.
AND it didn't come with any info how to program it.

is cheap in price, but batter than any 75 mhz 4 channel Tx., looks batter than the Polk's Tx.

[lgr333]

I took the plunge/gamble last week. For 50 bucks what the heck. With holidays and all I won't receive them until around the 4th. I'll test it out and let you guys know how it goes.

[nbrophy]

AND it didn't come with any info how to program it.




For information on how to program it, I found the following docs at http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-downloads.shtml helpful.

Vex Inventors Guide Reference - Appendix E, Control
Vex Inventors Guide Reference - Appendix F, Transmitter

[Raymc]

Pat, I have one of those radios and it works great! But i hate ed to spend $60 or more(futaba) for an additional rec. What is the web site where i can get that reciever that can use the reciever crystal that came with the radio? $20.00 !!! Sounds good
Ray

[patmat2350]

Good to hear!
The Rx that was mentioned can be had at http://www.hobbypeople.net , search on "cirrus".
There are a few sources for low cost RC stuff on ebay; this one which I've used:
http://stores.ebay.com/Toms-RC-Simulator

Pat

[cyclops2]

BP Hobbies carries a Blue Bird Line of cheap Recievers. Compared to Futaba.

[lgr333]

I received the VEX 6 channel (75mhz) and the Cirrus MRX-6 (72mhz) this week. Here’s my feed back so far and hopefully I can get some help, advice or suggestion. The combination is not plug and play for sure. The first thing I did was hooked up two ESC to channel 1 and 2 and two servos to 3 and 4. Well that was all wrong so I ended up trying just one motor on each channel with a bit better results, however control is very intermittent. I believe my problem is with the receiver so any help would be appreciated. With the motor and ESC hooked to channel one when I turn the radio on the prop spends at will. I can increase/decrease rpm and get reverse, but it’s not like I am really controlling it. With out touching the controls and just moving the radio causes the rpm and or direction to change. In other words the receiver gets different signals just by holding the radio up higher or at a different angle or opening and closing the distance between the receiver and radio. I don’t have much experience with this stuff but it makes me think the MRX doesn’t work that well with a 75mhz crystal in it. Opinions?

One another note I like the radio’s capabilities if I can get it to work. If I can get some help here I may buy a Futaba R168DF receiver that seems to be working for toesup

thanks

[toesup]

I received the VEX 6 channel (75mhz) and the Cirrus MRX-6 (72mhz) this week.

Let me get this right...

You put a 75mhz Xtal in a 72mhz Rx and it actualy works... sort of? :eek:

I suspect that might be the problem. The Cirrus isnt meant for 75mhz Xtals.

[lgr333]

thanks for responding, yeah I put a 75mhz crystal into the 72 mhz Cirrus receiver. One post in this thread and other web searches lead me to believe it would work. I did have my doubts, but for twenty bucks I thought I'd give it a go. I did work but not reliable. I glad to hear you think that's the problem. I am going to go ahead and order the R168df. Surely that will fix my problem.

Thanks

[lgr333]

toesup, did you have to buy the futaba xtal for that receiver (R168DF) to work or does the vex xtal work? I did some more looking around and found something about Dual Conversion crystal which is something I don't understand. If you could advise I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[Kmot]

Hmmm....... $60 bucks for the R168DF and $7.50 for the crystal. Then there was the $30 for the Vex transmitter. That is $107.50 for something that may or may not work and has no warranty or product support. Or

Or, you can get a Hitec Laser 6 channel on 75 Mhz with 2 servos for $135 bucks. Take out the servos at $10 each and you have got the radio system for $115. Take out the included Tx battery and you have the system now for $85. Take out the Rx battery and you have the system for $73. Take out the switch w/charge cord and you have the system for $66 bucks. Take out the charger and you have the system for $53 bucks! Who recommended this thing anyway?? :p

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCJG9**&P=0

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJC15&P=ML

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDEL7&P=ML

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXN738&P=V

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXN731&P=V

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXN748&P=V

[toesup]

Hmmm....... $60 bucks for the R168DF and $7.50 for the crystal. Then there was the $30 for the Vex transmitter. That is $107.50 for something that may or may not work

Yes it does Kmot... ;)

Mustang Sally 'runs' the above setup..

Although, i agree, the Hitec Laser 6 sounds like a good buy :eek:

[steamboatmodel]

Hi Toes,
From looking at the photo on the website, it apears that both main function sticks work left to right? if this is so are they rotatable by 90 degrees?
Regards,
Gerald

[toesup]

From looking at the photo on the website, it apears that both main function sticks work left to right? if this is so are they rotatable by 90 degrees?

Uh?... :confused:

Both sticks are on gimbals...up, down, left and right (2 channels per stick)... and anywhere in between...

[toesup]

toesup, did you have to buy the futaba xtal for that receiver (R168DF) to work or does the vex xtal work? I did some more looking around and found something about Dual Conversion crystal which is something I don't understand. If you could advise I would appreciate it.

When i bought the receiver, i bout the two Futaba 75mhz Xtals at the same time. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXH26075
I thought it would be better to have the matched pair of Xtals rather than rely on the Futaba Xtal for the RX possibly matching the TX Xtal in the Vex transmitter.

[Shaun Hendricks]

I saw this radio setup two 'catalogs' ago (in the latest one too) from allelectronics. On the surface it looked good but I did the Kmot math and realized it wasn't so much of a bargain. I thought it might be a good slave radio system (2nd controller or sub controller) and decided even then, there were better options.

My next radio will be my last. I will pony up the big bucks and get a high channel 2.4ghz system (wonder if they'll ever go 4.8?). I have a nice Air radio, Eclipse 7, and that supposedly can run on surface channels with the right module. I'm not sure, haven't tried. I have a nice 2.5 channel surface radio (XS3). I just don't want to buy any more radios, the last one will need to be like the "One Ring". One radio to rule them all.

Personally, I'd prefer a PCMCIA card for a laptop computer that let me broadcast on any band I felt like, give it an external amp and antenna and I can run whatever from a computer!

[AndyKunz]

I have an Eclipse 7, and it accepts any of the Hitec modules (air Spectra, surface Spectra, air fixed, surface fixed) as well as the Futaba 2.4 FASST module (7 channel version). BTW, the Futaba 7 ch FASST also works in the Hitec Optic 6.

IOW, you ALREADY HAVE the "One Ring" - you just need to get the right RF module for it!

Andy

[lgr333]

I haven't been able to get back here to add a piece of the problem I had with the original set up. Actually I forgot (don't know how), but my set up in the boat was two motors and two esc's and a 6v battery. I must have crossed wires when I hooked up to the battery and actually had a nice fire. The battery wires burn in half. My esc's, motors, wire and the reciever never felt hot so I assumed no damage. However, if the short pulled over current I suppose I could have damaged the receiver.

I have ordered the futaba receiver. Once I get this going I will try another of those 20 dollar recievers. The setup probably works I just flat goofed.

[MUG1982]

Fellas, I have a slight situation...

Last night a friend of mine left me a small rc boat that he bought from another friend for $10...He brought the boat back, popped in some batteries and walla it didn't work!

Now I took it apart to see what I could find...because I am the only friend who plays around with rc boats...and I find the hull looks clean, no evidence there was ever any leaking inside...the leads were all where they should be...the little PCB looked fine too, cept a little white residue on the other side of a few components.

I am thinking it could be salt...or like a calcium buildup of sorts...

By the way, I don't have pix of the boat yet but I found somewhere they still sell them

http://www.toygarden.com/Dickie_Tuner_RC_Boat_5_p/4006333197963.htm

The pod that has the 2 motors is permanently sealed and I think that they may be what the problem is...

Also...I know that 50mHz is allowed, but the radio says 49mHz...it it the frequency?

Please help me...am I on the road to something that cannot be fixed?

Kevin

[green-boat]

Those pods are notorious for letting water in with the motor. They work at first then quit. When they dry out they work again till water gets back in. Eventually they quit all together. Yiu would be better off to relocate the motor inside the hull with a propshaft thru the hull and a real radio.

[MUG1982]

Thanks for enlightening me greenboat.

I think my friend and I have decided on 2 coreless dc motors. We have a very limited space as you can see from the site so we are probably going to go for small...like .25"-.50" diameter. Now the issue I am having is that I can find a lot of places in industry sites and what-not where they show a lot of data sheets for such motors.

I would like a recommendation as to what motors to use. We are going to use the same controller which uses vectored steering (no rudder). It is a small boat but he wants it to be fast. I have no idea as to the range of the radio but I would assume its at least 100'. I guess I need a shaft and stuffing tube kit as well.

[MUG1982]

Also, does anyone know where one curious boat modeller may find jet drives...for small boats... :D

[green-boat]

Also, does anyone know where one curious boat modeller may find jet drives...for small boats... :D
Graupner has the smallest jet drive that I know of. http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jetdrives.htm

[green-boat]

I would like a recommendation as to what motors to use. We are going to use the same controller which uses vectored steering (no rudder). It is a small boat but he wants it to be fast. .
These small boats were not designed to go fast with the stock motors. Upgrading the motors to make it go faster may smoke the stock electronics. Graupner has a whole series of small motors to choose from. https://shop.graupner.de/webuerp/servlet/AA?wgr=821