Transmitters avalible for submarines

[wayne frey]

So, in an ever changing world, and the masses going to 2.4 transmitters in droves, which does not work for RC submarines, what are our options nowdays?
It now happens I will be needing 2 eight channel transmitters eventually. But one for a while.
What are my choices? Some 72 mhz can be converted. But boy the list is getting shorter!
I go to the Hooby Lobby site and it is mostly 2.4 transmitters!
I would like to see a discussion. Good radios, junk radios,etc.

[Guest]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

My big three companies for sub sets with 8-channels or more-

Futaba F-series
Multiplex Royal Evo
Graupner/JR MC19 or MC22

I think you are a little more limited in choice in the States compared to here in the UK, as you use a different frequency band to most of the rest of the world (which tend to use 40mhz for ground).

A lot of people off-loading their old lower frequency kit as they switch over to 2.4ghz, so quite a few secondhand bargains kicking about.

[bigdave]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Radio choices still has not changed any Wayne.
The choices still suck!
But let me rephrase that. Suck in number, not in radio quality.
You pretty much have the,
Polks tracker 3
Futaba 9CAP
Multiplex EVO 9 or 12
I may be missing one but these are the main 3.
All good units.
Polks is set for 75MHZ as is the CAP9.
The Multiplex will need conversion to 75.
Check ebay and ask around the sub community.
BTW
Just my 2 cents!
Anyone serious about model boating and model submarines in particular buy the best computer radio on 75 MHZ you can get.
And if you see a second one, buy it too.
BD.

[KevinMC]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Hi Wayne,

Another option in this category of radios is the WFLY WFT-08. Like the 9C it's highly programmable and module based so if you can get hold of a Hitec Spectra 75 you can pop it in and dial up what ever channel you want. (Or leave it eternally set to Channel 63 for BD. )

If you're open to the second hand market yet another option still is to troll the RC airplane/heli sites for an old Futaba 9Z - these were considered Futaba's flagship radio for many years and are absolutely the creme of the creme IMO, but not the easiest to get the hang of programming due to their age cannot be had new. (Although if you're lucky you might score one that's in "good as new" condition.)

[bigdave]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

I have two backup CH now for when the Buttertart gang shows up!
But I am not telling! BD.

[wayne frey]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

The Multiplex is a thing of beauty. But scarce!!
Kevin, I did not know about the Hytec Spectra 75 module. Is it a drop in replacement for some transmitters? That in itself is interesting! Sould I get two right now? Wold it work on a Multiplex, or what all transmitters would it work with?

And the WF8 transmitter. I did see that out there. Who actually makes those?
I had a multiplex. Should not have sold it. I need the 8 channels, but many can get along with 4. Does that increase the options?
There should be more discussion here.

[KevinMC]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

@Wayne-
The Spectra was designed for various Hitec systems but will also fit in Futaba systems that take the "medium" sized module (like the 9C, 9Z, 8U, etc...) and the WFT-08. I don't think it will fit in the Multiplex line, but I've never actually looked. If you can snag one it's worth thinking about, but it may only be useful to you if you end up buying the right kind radio. (I have two myself, one in the 9ZAP I drive my OSCAR from, and one in the WFT-08 I drive my KILO from.)

W-FLY is the manufacturer of the WFT-08, and I've been using it for two or three seasons now. It's a solid radio.

@BD-
I really need to flip out the Rx in my OSCAR so I'm nolonger "crystal bound" on that monster. My KILO's been synthesized on both ends since day one and it's been a real blessing.

[bigdave]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

It will not work with Multiplex.

[greg w]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

GWS also has a 6 channel radio at http://www.robotmarketplace.com/product ... GWT6A.html I don't know if it is any good . futaba still has a 4 channel fm listed at Tower hobbies but those aren't computer radios. . I picked up a polks tracker and like it alot so far. It has alot of functionality but I don't know how to use it all yet.Polks lists the 75 mhz as out of stock but when I called they only needed a week to get one retuned for me.Greg

[bigdave]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Thanks Greg.
That is good to know Polks can retune the radios if they don't show them as in stock. BD.

[giovanni]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Hello,
I have a Graupner MC-19 40MHZ radio that I would love to change to a HiTec Spectra transmitter module. I have a Sombra Labs 8 receiver , as well. I have 2 of the transmitter modules that I could unpack-age from the case and install inside the radio if I had a wiring schematic drawing of the conversion method. I would also like to add a HiTec Aurora 2.4 GHz transmitter to the radio. Have that, too. I have a HiTec Optima 7 receiver, too. I have a Jeti 3-Way switch for the dual conversion of the transmitters.
Can anyone help me?
Thank you,
Giovanni

[Guest]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Most people using these sets are going to be based in Europe, and as this set is already synthesized, it's unlikely they're going to be tinkering with inside, so I think you're going to be out on your own with this. I also think it's wise to point out that AFAIK it's illegal to modify a set like that in the U.S. Rules are a little less strict in some other countries.

Generally you need three feeds for a separate tuner, a positive power feed, usually from the main battery, the PPM pulse and ground. You can generally find all three on a trainer/buddy-box socket that most radios have. You can confirm the PPM pulse if you have access to a basic oscilloscope.

[giovanni]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Thanks, Subculture.Brilliant!
A trainer radio cable will be great!
Here is a forum chat on the Graupner MC-19 conversion.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=844768

[Guest]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

Well looks like you have most of the information you require in that thread.

I successfuly converted my Robbe/Futaba FC16 to dual 40mhz/2.4ghz with a Corona DIY kit. I used a simple toggle switch to slot the feed to either the 40mhz board or 2.4ghz board, depending on what model I'm operating.

The Corona 2.4GHZ equipment works very well, and the receivers are inexpensive.

[giovanni]

Re: Transmitters avalible for submarines

I have changed my plan to use both transmitters.
I am planning to use the 75MHz HiTec Spectra transmitter, only.
It has a higher voltage rating and does not need a voltage regulator.
I have recently purchased a HiTec Aurora for my surface models.