Hello,
Was thinking about getting a 50mhz TX module for my 8103 over the winter in preperation for next seasons contests, as I'm a Ham radio operator as well.

The big advantage here is the fact that your probably always the only one at a contest with this freq.

Any problems going to this??? (Does it work well and range out ??? No worries about spec-ing out??? And are there dual conversion receivers available
for 50mhz???

Also, any concerns with flying over 72mhz Tx's?

Jeff

SHHHHH!

Stay offfa my Ham band....

-l

Ok, when I finally got fed up with trying to find the hot 72Mhz radio setup that wouldn't glitch me from across a crowded field at the IHLGF, I took the Ham License test and switched to 50 Mhz. Never looked back. I could fly down low over any other transmitters on the field with complete confidence as well as out to spec height. Makes a world of difference when you can concentrate on thermals and conditions and not have to worry about where the other transmitters are.

Receivers are more expensive, and getting harder to find, (especially small ones for HLG sizes) and I expect that to get worse in the near term. The SS systems eliminates most of the advantages you'll get from going to Ham though, so I don't think it would make sense to go to 50mhz today, when you can go to 2.4 instead.

Hi Jeff

I saw you at the Wilson contest. I have been flying Ham bands for 25 plus years. I was only shot down one time on 53.5 mhz. It was a 6 meter repeater in Ohio. I have flown 50 mhz and have never been glitched or shot down. The Ham operators are good guys and stay off that portion of the band.

Castle says they will have a Ham reciever some year. Ive been waiting for 2 so dont expect it anytime soon. Sombra has a Leptron and I just recieved one and will give it a go. Sometimes an older Berg will com up and they are great. I have around 10 of them. JR has the 770 and 700 recievers on 50 mhz but who knows for how much longer. FMA seems they are phasing them out. They do cost a little more but worth the price in my opinion. Im not sure if Air and Futaba still support 50 mhz or not.

2.4 gig is great.......unless you have carbon in the way. Most of my planes have it so Ill sit back and wait until everyone else figures the best methos for using 2.4.

R/C City had some old Bergs on 50 mhz and are very good for DLG.

Jeff AE1O

have been flying 50 for 12 years now with no hits.
8103 and 9303
nitro, electric helos and my DF/2 dlg.
I had to share only once at a helo funfly in vagus,
we shared the clip and never went to inpound all day!

nowadays, I would give 2.4 a good hard look!

I flew on 50 mhz for years, never had any problems. I recently got a spectrum module for 9303 and probably will never look back. The only thing thats bad about it is finding micro receivers on 50 mhz.


Chris

I haven't flown on the 6m band, but I just happened to receive an email from FMA this week regarding a limited time offer of dual conversion RX's. It appears they are offering the M5, Quantum 6, Quantum 8, and Fortress. I have an EVO 9 and don't think I can get a ham module for it.

73's,

Scott, KB0KFX

FMA Direct has recently received a large increase in inquiries about 50/53 Mhz receivers. As some know, we discontinued the line of ham band equipment about six months ago. The demand has been strong enough that FMA is planning to offer several popular receivers tuned on 50 and 53Mhz. This is a one time offer so take advantage while you can still buy quality FMA dual conversion receivers on your favorite ham bands. This special offer will require customers to place pre orders for the receiver(s) of your choice. All orders will be processed and credit cards charged when the orders are accepted. FMA will accept orders for the receivers until November 30, 2007. This special issue product will require FMA technicians to perform conversions on 72Mhz printed circuit boards. The receivers will carry FMA?s normal one year warranty. Please call the FMA sales line at 800-343-2934 to place your orders. You must mention special code SP111607 when placing your order. All special ordered receivers will be shipped within 30 days from date of order.

Scott

Your are correct Multiplex does not offer a 6 meter module. Thats why I stuck with JR when the 8103 came out. I like the programming of the evos but that was my deciding factor. Ill have a look at FMA

Thanks Jeff AE1O

Scott,
Thanks for the FMA news! Looks like I timed this just right.

Looks like there are 9 channels on 50mhz, but apparently channel 2 and 3
are not used??

Was Thinking of going on Channel RC07 , 50.940 MHz

Anyone else on this channel???? Anyone???

Wanted to pick a 'Free' channel that other 'Contest' DLG fliers were not on...

(Since I'm making the investment, thought I'd ask before I bought to avoid 'ANY' potential conflict at a contest..... I plan on hitting most of the major ones next year... yes even Poway).

Also, will my 8103 TX need a new antenna along with the module as the wavelength for 50mhz is obviously diffrent??


Jeff

Jeff,

If you are using the stock whip antenna, you are good to go with just a new module.

The nice base loaded antenna from JR has a sticker on it that says not for use with 50Mhz though....

-l

(KG6SXO - ch 08 and 09)

Jeff

In the contests I use 06 04 and my son is on 02 00

I picked the lower band as my Dad is using 08 when we fly together

Jeff

Iam' on 007,
dont get around much go ahead and get it.
dont use the jr whip on 50,
its a 5/8 tuned antenna,
your range will be about 75'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have used the smilley rubber duck,
never agian.
the bnc conector came off durring a launch!!
caused by the drooping and my "dance".

I made a loaded antenna out of a outer nyrod
and magnet wire about 12" long.
worked great till 1000' then some glitching.
thats with my rx antenna inside the carbon tailboom.

all short antennas will degrade the signal some,
simple answer is you will lose a proportinal amount of range
based on your antenna size,
20" half the range of full size ect.

the jr ant is 5/8 wave instead of 1/4 and will get 2x the rf out,
(thats only 1.5 the distance) minus the shortining 1/2= .75 distance
but it dose this by focusing the rf at 17 degrees above the horizon
(with the ant at 90) and with losses at the "poles"
great if your target is fixed at 17d.
this workes great for my chase truck (me in my hangglider with a 1/4w).
for r/c it works because we have excess rf anyway!

Bad Randy
KD7DYN