Product Review:
Spektrum 2.4ghz Modules
Perspective By:
LeadingEdge
Manufacturer Contact:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
Main Phone: (217) 352-1913
Toll-Free: (800) 338-4639
Support Phone: (877) 504-0233
Sales Phone: (800) 338-4639
Manufacturer Website:
http://www.horizonhobby.com
FlyingGiants Ratings:
| Packaging: |  | | Kit Quality: | | | Ease of Build: | | | Huckability: | | | Overall: |  | |
Spread Spectrum Technology is by far the most exciting technological advancement to hit the hobby in years. In 2007, we've seen quantum leaps in the advancement and availability of 2.4 products come available to consumers. So what's all this 2.4 stuff you might ask? It's the newest "killer app" in modeling that promises to all but eliminate our current 72Mhz frequency band through the use of advanced frequency hopping technologies. With 2.4, channel conflicts are mitigated, and modelers can focus less on pin board drama, and more on flying. It's faster than traditional 72mhz systems, less prone to "hits" or traditional engine noise, and in the coming months and years, we'll unbelievable increases resolution and more. One of the most anticipated products of 2007 are drop in modules which can be used to retrofit existing 72mhz systems like the JR 10x, JR 8103, Futaba 14MZ, Futaba 9c, and other similar platforms. Spektrum is the first company on the scene to bring 2.4ghz technology to the masses is, and today we're going to take a look at their module based system, the Spektrum DM9 9 channel aircraft module for JR radio systems, and the AR9000 9 channel receiver. Spektrum has similar modules which are compatible with Futaba systems as well. |
Spektrum modules and receivers for JR and Futaba Transmitters
When using the 10X, the metal stud is used to secure the antenna to the base load of the transmitter. The antenna is secured in with a set screw, and once it's in place, the configuration is very stout. The antenna connects to the back of the module through a 6" cable and screws into place once the antenna is mounted. The only problem, if it is one, that I realized was that the transmitter cannot lay flat without resting on the connector that joins the antenna to the module. On the back of the module, there is a range check / bind button. One more note. Make sure the modulation on your transmitter is set to PPM when using the DM9 or other compatible Spektrum module.     Taking a look at the AR9000 Receiver The AR9000 is an advanced 2.4ghz receiver that is has some very exciting features. The system is specifically built for modeling applications, and one look will tell you it's a serious little unit! It is common knowledge that systems that operate on the 2.4ghz band operate more efficiently and effectively through the use of "diversity" antennas, or antennas which can capture the transmitters signal from multiple paths. This is an important design feature as our models are constantly moving, rotating, flipping, and flopping. With diversity antennas, a more effective link can be established with the transmitter. The AR9000 has it's own set of diversity antennas, and has the capability to add two additional receivers which add to the robustness of the AR9000 system. And significantly decrease the likelihood of signal complications. We installed our test unit into a 42% model airplane which utilizes a total of 14 servos. Before we go into anything else, it's very important to understand the power requirements of a system like this. The AR9000 system contains a microprocessor, and special attention must be made to the way the system is powered. If you're flying any 2.4ghz system in a smaller model including electrics, make sure to use a separate battery, or a good source of power. In the larger stuff, consider upgrading to higher gage wire, deans connectors, and strong regulators and batteries. Don't ever let these things drop below 4 volts, or they will reboot, which isn't good. You have been warned. ;) In our test model, we're making use of a Smart-Fly Power Expander which keeps a constant 5 volts to the receiver, and 6 volts to the servos. Fromeco batteries power the system through the use of 16 gage wire and deans connectors. With this setup, our power requirements are met, and the system will have as much juice as it needs even under the heaviest load. The AR9000 also has another very cool feature – a data port to plug in the optional data logger! The logger will present to you the current system voltage, and displays data link information for the internal and external receivers. I was a little confused about the usage in our test model as I initially had the system installed underneath the canopy, and it is not easily accessed when at the field. With a little ingenuity, the logger can be plugged in from the outside of the model with the use of a modified, or similar. Helicopter guys, no problem. Just Velcro this puppy to the top of the receiver. Setting up the DM9 and AR9000 was a very seamless process. After installing the module and receiver, it was time to bind, or mate the two systems. This is accomplished through inserting a bind plug into the receiver's "batt" port, and turning on the transmitter while holding down the bind button on the module. After a few seconds, all of the lights on the 3 receivers come on, the link is established, and the servos started to hum! Very cool I thought, all of the existing programming from the 10x model seemed to work – it was time to pack 'r up and head to the field! One thing to remember about binding these things. When setting up a new model, always make sure to re-bind once you have completed radio programming and configuration. When you bind any Spektrum system, the receiver remembers the control surface inputs from the initial binding process. Please see the manual for more information.    
Upon arriving to the field with our test model, we put on the wings, performed one final voltage test on the Smart-Fly Power Expander and batteries, checked the voltage on the Flight Log, and sealed the canopy. It was time for a range check. On a side note, this model had been previously tested with the Spektrum DX7. All worked flawlessly of course, and our range check with the DX7 was about 180 feet. Holding the bind/range button on the back of the module (drops the transmitter output RF power for testing), I started walking backward away from the model with the prop and spinner facing me. After about 150 feet, I stopped walking backwards, and started to jog all the time moving the surfaces. Turning around, I saw my spotter giving me the thumbs up, so I kept on jogging. This went on for awhile. I was absolutely surprised to see that I was able to get 450 feet away from the model before experiencing any link complications. I'm sure if we re-orientated the model, facing sideways, the I could have gotten further away. Feeling confidence from the range check, it was time to fire her up, and take yet another maiden voyage on this model. All control surface checks performed as expected. We're ready to go! After firing up the motor, I had the pre-flight jitters, especially with a brand new system – FlyingGiants was among the first to receive 'em. Whatever. It's go time! With the motor running, I punched it! The model lifted off as normal and gained altitude. Most of the trims were still right on the money after a few trim passes. It was time to wring the system out. After performing rolling harriers, torque rolls, and hovering around for awhile, it I felt like nothing had changed from my old 72mhz module. The response of the plane was absolutely.. perfect, and mentally I felt like the response was even better than the 72mhz module setup. However in reality, the response is just about the same. For one reason or another, I thought it would be a good test to fly until I could not see the model any more. I guess I could have done this all day. The model disappeared into the sky and appeared like jet flying at 35 thousand feet. No glitches, lockouts, or drama. The rest of the test flight was entirely uneventful, and that being the case proves, in this reviewer's opinion, the potential and viability of this product, and 2.4 technology.       Upon landing, we plugged the datalogger into the side of the plane's extended data port (we added a charge jack that extended the length of the AR9000's connection). Each time you click the button on the logger, it cycles through different screens. The first 4 screens show signal reception "fades" (not communication dropouts) on the main receiver, and the two sattellite receivers. By interpreting these numbers, users can move the antennas around to increase reception - lower numbers, the better. The logger also shows "holds" which indicate complete system lockouts if any (we had none), and frame drops. For the first time, we can now fine tune our receiver setups to gain optimal reception, and peace of mind. This is a very, very cool feature. After landing our test model, high fives commenced, and we realized that we were the first to publically test this awesome product from Spektrum. The complete DM9 and AR9000 setup was also recently flown in an IMAC competition without any issues. I can honestly say without prejudice that we have a winner here. These module systems are a killer product that the hobby needs. Spektrum modules have been designed and tested by professionals, and again, they have taken 2.4ghz to the next level. After landing our test model, high fives commenced, and everyone at the field was pleased at the performance from this awesome product from Spektrum. These module systems are a killer product that the hobby needs. Spektrum modules have been designed and tested by professionals, and again, they have taken 2.4ghz to the next level. The forthcoming generation of 2.4 native radios promise to bring incredible advancements in speed and resolution as well. Until then, these modules are the perfect upgrade for your current 72mhz systems. Get down to your LHS and pick one up.         | Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
Main Phone: (217) 352-1913
Toll-Free: (800) 338-4639
Support Phone: (877) 504-0233
Sales Phone: (800) 338-4639 http://www.horizonhobby.com | |
05-08-2007, 02:49 PM
Re: REVIEW: Spektrum Conversion Modules for 72Mhz Transmitters 
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