Multiple Boats/ Radios

[lyman135]

How do you guys handle multiple boats and the radios for each. I currently have 3 r/c boats and a car. Each one has its own radio system (remote control and receiver). Everytime I get a new one, it seems like a waste to keep buying a new one, as they spend most of the time just sitting there. Is there a practical way to use the same setup on multiple models, or am I just better off continuing to buy a new setup each time? can you order just a receiver at a specified frequency or channel that will work with a remote that I already have?

[Kmot]

If your radio system has removable crystals, you can key all the Rx's alike to your one favorite Tx.

I currently use computer radios that have model memory so that one Tx has the ability to control 10 models distinctively.

I built up a collection of radios over a few years because of the various RTRs I had purchased. Last year I sold a package deal of 16 complete radio systems Tx and Rx for $90 bucks just to open up some shelf space. :rolleyes:

[Hoghappy]

Might be time for ya to look at a Spektrum or other 2.4ghz radio next time you think about buying one. You can use it for all your boats, cars and planes. You won't need to carry as much stuff to the pond....leaving ya more room for battery packs! ;)

But like Kmot says...when ya buy RTR stuff your still stuck with radios you won't be using....I may need to have sale myself pretty soon! :D

Capt. Crash

[lyman135]

Thanks guys! You mention the spektrum. Are there any others like this that you could recommend? What are these kind of Rx's called if I look someplace like, say Tower Hobbies?

[lyman135]

I found a Futaba 2 channel with 10 memory settings at Tower for $89.99. You can get it alone or with servos. Am I understanding this right, that if I were to purchase one of these, It would work with any receiver? All I would have to do is buy a receiver for each boat? Can you buy just a receiver without a controler (transmitter)? Maybe I'm getting this mixed up. :confused:

[retoabcr]

Do like i do is to use one rx and tx for all 11 rc boats. I cut the rx antenna wire and use spade clips for each antenna and one spade clip for the rx on one channel.

[CG Bob]

Spektrum (http://www.spektrumrc.com/) is one manufacturer of 2.4 GHz radio equipment. Futaba (http://www.futaba-rc.com/) has their own 2.4 GHz system that they call FASST. Futaba and Spektrum use different protocols in their respective systems, so a Futab 24 tx won't work with a Spektrum 2.4 rx. Spektrum also uses different protocols between their 2.4 air systems (DX6, DX7) and their surface systems (DX2, DX3); which means you can't use the DX6 (6 channel) tx with a SR300 (DX3 3 channel) rx.

And if you ever consider building rc subs, 2.4GHz is useless as its signal doesn't penetrate water. For subs, the lower frequency ranges work better.

For the record, Spektrum DOES NOT recommend their 2.4 GHz sets for use in boats. This is from an e-mail I received from Spektrum tech support about a month ago:
As for using Spektrum technology in watercraft, while you may have some success in doing so, we do not recommend it as 2.4GHz does not function well around large bodies of water much like you wireless routers or
cordless phones don't like hot water heaters and fish tanks.


Futaba does recommend its 2.4 GHz FASST system for boat models, and takes great pride in the Futaba team boat drivers: would like to utilize Futaba's FASST system in my boat, are there any known issues when using 2.4GHz? Specifically, I recall reading that there were issues with "reflection" off the waters surface causing interference, is this true?

We are pleased to advise you that we have not come across any issues whatsoever during our extensive testing in the marine application. In fact two of our Team Futaba drivers, Mike Zaboroski and Jerry Dunlap, have recently won the Tunnel Hull National Championships using the Futaba FASST system.

[LtDoc]

Or, one alternative is to make the receiver's removable. Take it out, put it into another boat. Some radio systems have programmable memories for different boats/cars/etc. Or just make the required changes in radio trim controls? It's possible to do the same thing with the servos, motors and batteries. Not exactly very practical, but 'do-able'.
- 'Doc

[dlapalme@cfl.r]

lyman 135, you can use as many receivers on the same frequency as you want. As long as the transmitter is on that same frequency. You can have 20 boats and only one transmitter. Everytime you buy a boat you buy a new receiver on the same freq. Swapping out receivers gets old real fast. A good receiver does'nt cost that much.

[Kmot]

For the record, Spektrum DOES NOT recommend their 2.4 GHz sets for use in boats. This is from an e-mail I received from Spektrum tech support about a month ago:

Quote:
As for using Spektrum technology in watercraft, while you may have some success in doing so, we do not recommend it as 2.4GHz does not function well around large bodies of water much like you wireless routers or
cordless phones don't like hot water heaters and fish tanks.

"may have some success doing so"

Oh, that's a real peach CG Bob! ROFLMAO!! I can't count how many people are using Spektrums around me (including myself) in electric surface boats without a single glitch ever. That tech has it up where the sun don't shine. Just like the official Spektrum forum tech who told me I couldn't plug n' play a new E-Flite antenna into my DX6! :rolleyes:

I think that is a total bogus statement from that "tech"!

Oh, and the laptop my wifes uses in a back bedroom "office" is directly behind the hot water heater in the closet which is directly in line with the router out in the kitchen. :rolleyes:

[Hoghappy]

"may have some success doing so"

Oh, that's a real peach CG Bob! ROFLMAO!! I can't count how many people are using Spektrums around me (including myself) in electric surface boats without a single glitch ever. That tech has it up where the sun don't shine. Just like the official Spektrum forum tech who told me I couldn't plug n' play a new E-Flite antenna into my DX6! :rolleyes:



Same experience here...in fact the Nirvana now comes with the Dx6i as an option by the Steve Lang, Class Secretary and dealer. A lot of the guys in my club use the Spektrum and I personaly have the DX6 in 6 boats and the new DX3R in 2 and have NOT had a single problem. ;)

What's the deal with the E-Flite antenna?

Capt. Crash

[dlapalme@cfl.r]

Thank You! for the feedback on the Spektrum systems. I have a DX7 and I was bummed out thinking I would'nt be able to use it on the water.

[Kmot]

What's the deal with the E-Flite antenna?

Capt. Crash
Long, long story, but I broke my antenna on my DX6 and wanted to buy a replacement. It merely plugs in to the circuit board. I contacted Horizon aka Spektrum and they told me I had to send the radio in for repair, that I could not replace it as a consumer and that no parts were available. I realized that the E-Flite Tx included with some RTR helis was simply a Spektrum radio with a different label and saw that E-Flite sold a replacement antenna which of course looked identical to the DX6 (because it is the same part!). I bought it and plugged it in and challenged the Spektrum "tech" on the forum again and of course never got a reply.

[Ghost 2501]

How do you guys handle multiple boats and the radios for each. I currently have 3 r/c boats and a car. Each one has its own radio system (remote control and receiver). Everytime I get a new one, it seems like a waste to keep buying a new one, as they spend most of the time just sitting there. Is there a practical way to use the same setup on multiple models, or am I just better off continuing to buy a new setup each time? can you order just a receiver at a specified frequency or channel that will work with a remote that I already have?


when I buy a new model, I buy a reciever (4ch min) and x-tal on my tx's frequency. and when the model is built, I set the radio up on a free memory "channel". although I am restricted to, in my case, 40.925mhz for my boats, (40mhz is the LEGAL uk frequency band for surface models), I have with my radio set, the ability to store trims and end points. change model at a show, or at the lakeside, enter the menus, scroll through the menus then select the following model. i can, with also with the radio, I can, as its a 6ch Futaba, sail 2 boats at once

[fgroza]

You could buy a Seeker receiver from Polks. It will program to any channel and radio. They are on sale ,now get this, a complete 8 channel radio for $99 and you can buy as many extra receivers as you want for $40 ea.
The receivers come in 6 or 8 channel configuration.
Frank

[John Pilot]

If I remember this right from my physics class in college: the reason why 2.4 GHz doesn't penetrate the water is the same reason why it should have better range over (on) water than on land: the water reflects the signal and less of it is lost. I remember us doing a physics experiment just to prove this point. I guess Spektrum's tech needs to take a few physics classes... :rolleyes: At least Futuba's got it right. :p