no more Sombra Labs Receivers

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

You are a VERY smart man, Tim!

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Correction: None of the currently manufactured on 2.4 GHZ can be converted to 75 Mhz. Only radios currently on 72 Mhz or other low frequency (27 Mhz, 50 Mhz, 40 Mhz) can be converted to 75 Mhz. The Futaba radios that have frequency modules can all be changed out to 75 Mhz, but the modules themselves cannot be modified. They must be exchanged for 75 Mhz modules. This is on the top shelf and very expensive 7-10 channel radios.

[JWLaRue]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Okay...that's the answer I was expecting based on past experience....

-Jeff

[JWLaRue]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Anyone interested in trading Multiplex Rf daughter cards for Sombra receivers?

-Jeff

[KevinMC]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Likewise, I was also very surprised at the initial statement that current generation (2.4GHz) radios could be converted over to 75MHz, but I wasn't going to argue.

Don't be too put off by the idea of having to buy a "top shelf" 72MHz radio to have it converted to 75MHz. Because these radios were very expensive they tend to be well cared for, but now frequently sell for pennies on the dollar. The 9ZAP was Futaba's flagship for many years and used to retail for more than $2000 but can now be found regularly for as little as $200 second hand. You'll be hard pressed to find a more flexible radio than the ZAP, although it may take a while to get your head around the programming philosophy.

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Kevin,

The only 2.4 Ghz radios that can be converted are the older style that ha ve the synth module. I don't believe those are made any longer, so you are correct.

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Sam,

Kevin is 100% correct on the top shelf 'used' Futaba radios. I just picked up a brand new in box Futaba 9CAP PCM on 72 Mhz for $185.00! I will send it off to Radio South to convert over to 75Mhz for $50. There are quite a few of these radios on ebay, new and like new, for $250 or less!

Matt

[sam reichart]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

I'll start watching eBay. Anything specific about that particular model that you picked up that one would need to be aware of?

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Sam,

I had one of these radios a few years ago and it was probably the nicest radio I have ever had. It is VERY easy to program, has a failsafe available for every channel. It is, also, a very easy radio to convert over to 75 Mhz. Kevin and Jeff like the Futaba 9ZAP, which is an excellent radio with more programming capability than the radio I purchased. They are readily available.

I have only seen one for sale, and it was the transmitter only. It seems as if the ZAP is a radio that does not come up for sale often, but it was a $2,000 radio when it was new!



Matt

[bigdave]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Matt.
If you can find a Hitec Spectra module on 75 you can just swap it out with the 72 plug in module in your radio.
But they have been discontinued and hard to find.
This will give you a synth radio.
DonO did this in his 9cap and 9 zap.
I have one in my Multiplex Profi too.
As does Jeff. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

http://hitecrcd.com/products/surface-ra ... le/product

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Dave,

Found one on ebay and just bought it!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300946250800?ss ... 1439.l2649

Thanks, BD!!!

Matt

[JWLaRue]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

....now we just need to have you get a Multiplex radio, then you'll be all set.

You won't find a radio that is more flexible and easier to program.

-Jeff

[JWLaRue]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Kevin and Jeff like the Futaba 9ZAP, which is an excellent radio with more programming capability than the radio I purchased.

Which Jeff? (It's not me!)

-just curious,

Jeff

[thor]

Re: no more Sombra Labs Receivers

Sorry, Jeff! I was meaning Multiplex with you. Forgot to get that in there....long day...