Radio?

[mhisnr]

Hello All;
I just purchased my first static-dive R/C submarine, and I have a question: How do I pick-out a good R/C submarine radio, or what should I look for? If you can also tell me where to buy it as well I’d appreciate it… As always Thanks!
Plebe
MHISNR

[fgroza]

Get a radio on 75mhz

Get a radio on 75mhz for subs as 2.4gh won't work under water. There are several radios still on the market, Airtronics,Futaba, Polks,JR. A 6 channel would cover most subs but a 4 channel will work also. There have been range issues with the Polks Seeker receivers but the transmitter works fine. A Sombra labs SL-8 receiver works with any transmitter and is crystalless- it works on 72mhz and 75mhz. There are rumors that 75mhz radios are going the way of the dinosours in favor of the 2.4 systems. Hope this helps.
Frank

[xxl]

Re: Radio?

Check ebay i would go hitec or servo city has some good deals you dont need sombra labs

[JWLaRue]

Re: Radio?

re: Sombra Labs

Actually, unless you manage to snag one of the Polk Tracker III radios that have both a transmitter and receiver that are synthesized, the Sombra Labs receiver is a great way to have one or more receivers that can be tuned to any frequency...think of it as a way of getting at least part of the benefit of non-crystal-based radios.

On top of that, thee receivers appear to do a better job at signal discrimination and provide better range.

-Jeff

[bigdave]

Re: Radio?

I have had great luck with my Sambra's Jeff.
I can say for a fact that they have worked the best of any R/X I own.
As for radios I would buy the best you can afford. Preferably a computer radio if you can.
You don't need one for sure but it sure does make life a lot easier.
Hitec does make a very nice basic non computer radio.
But like Frank said get your 75 MHZ radios now boys because they will be going the way of the Dodo soon!! BD.

[clive]

Re: Radios

Get a radio on 75mhz for subs as 2.4gh won't work under water. There are several radios still on the market, Airtronics,Futaba, Polks,JR. A 6 channel would cover most subs but a 4 channel will work also. There have been range issues with the Polks Seeker receivers but the transmitter works fine. A Sombra labs SL-8 receiver works with any transmitter and is crystalless- it works on 72mhz and 75mhz. There are rumors that 75mhz radios are going the way of the dinosours in favor of the 2.4 systems. Hope this helps.
Frank

If you happen to live in the United Kingdom 75mhz will not do here it has to be 40 mhz. No doubt it varies from country to country

Clive

[JWLaRue]

Re: Radio?

Clive,

.....true, but his "location" shows that he lives in Colorado.....

-Jeff

[chuck chesney]

Re: Radio?

I have both Futaba and Hitek radios on 75 MHz. Also have several of the superb Sombra rx's. If you are in Colorado, you can get the Futaba and Hitek equipment from Tower Hobbies (on the web). Some folks seem to prefer the Futaba's, but I have found no difference in terms of build quality or performance between them and Hitek, and price is virtually the same with both.
I have both four channel and six channel set-ups, and think that if you can afford a six channel, you will be ready for almost anythng, but if you get a four channel, it will work just fine too.
Jeff LaRue points out a good tip...75MHz seem to be giving way to 2.4 Ghz, which will NOT work under water. Buy an extra reciever or two when you can. For that, look to the Sombra units, or Hiteks or Futaba units on sale. Top quality with the Sombras, and great flexibility in terms of frequency compatability.
You don't have to mortgage the house for a decent radio, you should be able to get what you need for under $150.00.
Check out Tower Hobbies.

[junglelord]

Re: Radio?

I have had great luck with my Sambra's Jeff.
I can say for a fact that they have worked the best of any R/X I own.
As for radios I would buy the best you can afford. Preferably a computer radio if you can.
You don't need one for sure but it sure does make life a lot easier.
Hitec does make a very nice basic non computer radio.
But like Frank said get your 75 MHZ radios now boys because they will be going the way of the Dodo soon!! BD.

What happens to the hobby when they discontinue 75 MHZ?

[raalst]

Re: Radio?

@junglelord : the price will go up, choice will go down
We might have to be even nicer to the HAM's in our midst,
or, lacking social skills like me, becoming a HAM yourself will be necessary.
And no problem. Yet another hobby. Yay !!!

But remember you can still buy tape decks and 45rpm record players these days.
CPM computer games can still be emulated on your current mega-PC.
When I started my working life in 1988, Shell was phasing out it's VMS systems.
They still are, I believe. GE is still offering X25 communications today.
Marklin is bust but the trains are still sold by Conrad.
Lava lamps are still around too.
in short, don't worry too hard. just be prepared to accept "made in china".

Regards,
Ronald

[JWLaRue]

Re: Radio?

Hey....I like VMS. It's a great o/s.

-Jeff

[raalst]

Re: Radio?

I am (was) a fully fledged VMS engineer.
but mounting a disk remained a hassle with all these options written out in full...

[chips]

Re: Radio?

We might have to be even nicer to the HAM's in our midst,
or, lacking social skills like me, becoming a HAM yourself will be necessary.
And no problem. Yet another hobby. Yay !!!

Regards,
Ronald

Not all HAM operators have the training, equipment, or required government certification to repair/retune rc gear. In the USA getting a HAM license requires passing a 35 question exam. In the USA, there are 18 HAM frequencies for rc; the ten on 50 MHz get more use than the eight on 53 MHz (interference problems). HAM rc systems are getting harder to find through the normal commerical retail sources like Tower Hobbies.

Of course, 2.4 GHz for rc models could possibly go away as the "commercial" users (cell phones, ISM users, wi-fi, etc) are petioning the FCC for more bandwidth for their uses. Our model radio systems are required to accept interfernce as we are the secondary users of the frequencies. As commercial users require more bandwidth, there is more chance for interference in our models.

[Guest]

Re: Radio?

What we really want is a sonar converter. Something that communicates with our boats via sound. That way you could use whatever you want for control- even infra red. Plus you could submerge in salty water without needing an aerial poking above the surface.

[raalst]

Re: Radio?

@ Andy,
I'm still brooding on that (albeit on a working sonar first).

some sonar transponders reach frequencies of over 400 Khz,
that should give enough bandwidth to control a few servo's.
but it WILL be quite a feat to pull off because you need to know
a lot and to have some water basin to test in. And of course when
you have a working prototype then making it into a prduct is even more work.

as I said, yet another hobby !

@ Chips,
I know. My father is a HAM. PA0JVA. I grew up between old sets,
acting like the mic still worked. Never took the exam myself though.