AM Radio Systems - How good are they?

[tennesseejim]

I have an inexpensive AM radio system and the range seems to only be a few hundred feet before I start noticing glitches.

Is this typical of AM systems or could it be that it is just an inexpensive system and that is all it is good for?

FYI - This is a 2 channel Kyosha system in a boat, (not sub). I've been trying to determine if something is causing the glitches or if the system only has a max range of a couple hundred feet. My FM systems seems to have a much greater range.

I assume that because FM systems cost more, they will give better range and are less prone to interference.

Your insight is appreciated.

Thanks - Jim

[petn7]

i used to use AM

i used to use AM systems on my planes and cars with absolutely no problem. however, i currently use FM systems. also, i didn't live in the city or next to anything that might cause interference, so that's probably why i had no problem. as for AM systems underwater, i can't comment on that, except say that FM systems works great for subs

[rpm]

AM sucks, plain and simple.

AM sucks, plain and simple. Spend the extra $$ and get FM or better yet PCM, you will love it.

AM is fine {still sucks though} for cheap toys that dont break or get lost when the signal screws up. PCM is the best for subs, but FM works also, all depends on how complex your electrical system is. I run PCM and the signal is rock solid, even in salt water where the sub's antenna is only 1" out of the water. You would be amazed the difference!

Remember that PCM also has it's own failsafe built in that will move servos to pre programmed positions if signal is interrupted. As far as range goes a Good FM or PCM should work up to 1/2 mile. When FM loses it's signal the servos either freeze or jitter, which could be bad depending on your boat.

[rpm]

Oh yeah, This is how

[color=#000000]Oh yeah, This is how I have my boat setup with pcm in case it looses it's signal, it does all this automatically and you can activate it yourself buy turning the transmitter off]

[turbobearcat]

I have to disagree on

I have to disagree on the AM signal being weaker or having the shorter range, my old Bismarck could go as far as 300 feet away without loosing the signal, it's sister ship was a different story after
75 feet. My Musashi is good for 200 feet but I never really pushed it beyond that. My Uboat is FM and I have not been able to test out what works best with it yet, however I repeat this, if your having glitches with your radio, then check your capicators on the motor and your battery level--is it fully charged?

I ran into this 12 years ago with Bismarck.

good luck..


Mark

[ramius-ii]

Hi Guys]http://www.subcommittee.com/forum/icon_smile.gif

Hi Guys]http://www.subcommittee.com/forum/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[petn7]

there are never ending debates

there are never ending debates on deciding if FM or PCM is better. so either way, you've got a good system