2.4 Ghz What I am affaid of!

[brn2fly]

I am afraid of this new frequency becoming saturated. There has been a lot of talk about 2.4 over the past year or so. I know Futaba developed their 2.4 Ghz technology over 10 years ago and Spektrum has been around for a while in R/C cars (not sure how long). Cordless phones are starting to 5.8 Ghz but I don't know what else is on 2.4. I have two 14 channel receivers and a module for my radio on order with my LHS. I am just looking for information before I put up a 42% plane with the 2.4 stuff in her. My question is: Is there any regulations governing the use of this frequency band like the FCC does with 72 mhz?

[XJet]

There are some rules and regs but basically 2.4GHz is a "free for all" band.

Most manufacturers of consumer electronics and RC gear will play by those rules and produce systems that "play nicely" with others -- but there will always be a certain amount of gear that breaks the rules.

A good example of this "badly behaved" stuff are the hi-powered video senders that can be had from various sources. These transmitters simply send out a signal (of sometimes quite high strength) without any attempt to see of anyone or anything else is already using those frequencies.

A good 2.4GHz radio system will work around such interference sources, and indeed it is their ability to cope with this kind of interference that will ultimately determine the good from the bad in the RC game.

The amount of spectrum available for use on 2.4GHz is much greater than we have on 72MHz so there is plenty of room for more RC systems than you can shake a stick at to operate simultaneously and without problems.

Because 2.4GHz is very much "line of sight" you will also find that distance is a great barrier to interference from some sources of interference.

2.4Ghz seems to be the way the RC marketplace is headed but I suspect this is as much because manufacturers see it as a great way to get extra money out of people as much as because it's technically superior.

The market is still very young however, and providing your existing RC gear is working just fine, there's no real need to rush out and buy 2.4GHz just because everyone else is. Remember that the more who switch to 2.4GHz, the less congestion there'll be on 72.

You can hedge your bets by going the 2.4GHz way by using a new transmitter module, but you will miss out on some of the benefits that 2.4 can potentially provide -- such as higher frame-rates and reduced latency.

[brn2fly]

	Quote: Originally Posted by XJet
	You can hedge your bets by going the 2.4GHz way by using a new transmitter module, but you will miss out on some of the benefits that 2.4 can potentially provide -- such as higher frame-rates and reduced latency.

XJet I have a 12ZAP and the way the module works I will gain the higher frame rates and reduced latency (this only works with the 12ZAP and the 14MZ) all the rest of the Futaba radios that have modules will miss out on some of the benefits that 2.4 can potentially provide. I have about 15 of the 149DP PCM receivers and plane on using them for a while. I just wanted to try the 2.4 stuff. Thanks for the reply.

[pitviper51]

this is valueable info for me seeing i will be ordering a dx7 inthe next few days,, it seems the pros out wieght the cons,, but will see.. id hate to make a bad move when i now 72mzh still works fine.. but ill likly be maken the move to 2.4 aswell
mike

[SmoothFlying]

If it aint broke dont fix it. Yall keep on getting the 2.4 stuff. My 72mhz will be like spectrum in a couple of years. I cant wait.

[Hammbone]

I have no reason to switch to 2.4 Ghz. My JR PCM tx and rx's have worked flawlessly for more than 15 years.
I have at least a couple of reasons not to switch to 2.4 Ghz:

1. It is much more "line of sight" than 72Mhz is. This is why you must use multiple rx's with 2.4Ghz. The new AR 9100 Spektrum rx system comes with 3 rx's and gives you the option of using 4 rx's. Why do you think this is? I really can't believe all the people that have jumped onto the 2.4 Ghz wagon. It's ability to receive the signal is not as good as the 72 Mhz systems that we already have.

2. It's much more intolerant of metal and carbon fiber. We are using more and more carbon fiber on airplanes these days. 2.4 Ghz does not work well with carbon fiber or metal, and there is a good chance the signal will be blocked.

3. The 2.4 Ghz rx's will just shut off and reboot if the voltage drops too low. Lots of guys have lost airplanes this year due to this.

4. I've heard of several rx binding problems with the 2.4 Ghz stuff. Rx's won't bind or lose their bind.

This does not sound like a better system than what we currently have to me. I like new technology when I see an improvement. I just don't see this as an improvement.

I do like the fact that less people will be flying on 72 Mhz now though.

Jim

[rede2fly]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Hammbone
	I have no reason to switch to 2.4 Ghz. My JR PCM tx and rx's have worked flawlessly for more than 15 years. I have at least a couple of reasons not to switch to 2.4 Ghz: 1. It is much more "line of sight" than 72Mhz is. This is why you must use multiple rx's with 2.4Ghz. The new AR 9100 Spektrum rx system comes with 3 rx's and gives you the option of using 4 rx's. Why do you think this is? I really can't believe all the people that have jumped onto the 2.4 Ghz wagon. It's ability to receive the signal is not as good as the 72 Mhz systems that we already have. 2. It's much more intolerant of metal and carbon fiber. We are using more and more carbon fiber on airplanes these days. 2.4 Ghz does not work well with carbon fiber or metal, and there is a good chance the signal will be blocked. 3. The 2.4 Ghz rx's will just shut off and reboot if the voltage drops too low. Lots of guys have lost airplanes this year due to this. 4. I've heard of several rx binding problems with the 2.4 Ghz stuff. Rx's won't bind or lose their bind. This does not sound like a better system than what we currently have to me. I like new technology when I see an improvement. I just don't see this as an improvement. I do like the fact that less people will be flying on 72 Mhz now though. Jim

10-4 ill stay with my 72 mhz. while for what ever reasons the 2.4 stuff gets worked out. i cant be the test guy. some of you can afford to be this test bed of flyers but i cant afford to. my pockets arent deep.

[pitviper51]

here i am again with the radio issue,, i am upgrading systems with the xmas cash, and my plan was to go the dx7 route,, but my gut tells me to stick with the trusted 72 futaba 9cap... this sucks! :7aa:

mike

[jaguar bone]

	Quote: Originally Posted by TeamFlatout
	If it aint broke dont fix it. Yall keep on getting the 2.4 stuff. My 72mhz will be like spectrum in a couple of years. I cant wait.

I respectfully disagree that 72mhz will ever return the safety benefit equal to Spectrums' . If the opinion / perception of allowing someone the ability to just simply turn on w/o the frequency pin and shoot down your $3000 plane -is the better gamble, well -- There it is. Best of luck to you. IMO 72mhz has always been BROKE -in that respect.

I recall a Jet flying out-of-control into the roof of the high dollar condo units near the polo field during a Top Gun event - long time ago. Jet was incredibility valuable - and so was the AMA insurance. Believed to be a passive frequency control issue.

	Quote:
	I have no reason to switch to 2.4 Ghz. My JR PCM tx and rx's have worked flawlessly for more than 15 years.

Which also means your flying site(s) is pretty darn good at frequency control compliance and visits by those who can be distracted are rarely are on your channel when you are there. We believe there have been truckers who have caused crashes at our field while on 72 Mhz. - when Yoder & Frey (Big equipment auction house dealers) have held their yearly auction adjacent to our field.

	Quote:
	1. It is much more "line of sight" than 72Mhz is. This is why you must use multiple rx's with 2.4Ghz. The new AR 9100 Spektrum rx system comes with 3 rx's and gives you the option of using 4 rx's. Why do you think this is? I really can't believe all the people that have jumped onto the 2.4 Ghz wagon. It's ability to receive the signal is not as good as the 72 Mhz systems that we already have

**
Spectrum employs the use of two receivers to cover two of the three axis of reception. North-South, East-West, and up -down. Three would be better but not required - so for the anal-AR 9100 Spektrum rx system covers em all.
Right- 72Mhz. is soooo good, you must isolate all metal to metal and ignition noise, ect. from your receiver because the radio noise created can interfere to the point of digging a hole! Is that really that better?

	Quote:
	2. It's much more intolerant of metal and carbon fiber. We are using more and more carbon fiber on airplanes these days. 2.4 Ghz does not work well with carbon fiber or metal, and there is a good chance the signal will be blocked.

Is there a link to this information/study stating this as an issue? Not challenging you but want to read up on it too. Till then -IMO- wives tale, Urban Legend, ect. Let's not forget too there is a satalite receiver - hopefully far and removed from the vicinity of the main receiver or potential source of a problem.

	Quote:
	I do like the fact that less people will be flying on 72 Mhz now though.

I changed to 2.4 because anyone - flying or not - could shoot ya down. All they had to do is pull up to the field with their radio on in the back seat in the aluminum case- or idiotically turn on. OOps!
Too easy to be terminal for me. - so IMHO "less on 72Mhz" is not relative Gee, It only takes ONE distracted buddy on the same frequency as YOU to bag your goose. With 2.4 GHz, you all but CAN'T shoot me down -even if you tried. ( never say never) I like that security. Pess anyone off at the field- you might still get your car key-ed, but you will be loading a complete airplane. (no that is not a personal concern or a history antidote - just the ultimate test of wills proven to be frustrated)

For giggles I laid my cell phone on my idling gasser and had a buddy call me. Vibrate and ring tones up to the v. message box.- nary a glitch. Not an all inclusive test by any standard - but I am pretty confident I can approach the pilot box with my cell in my pocket - if I choose.
Urban Legend relativity disproved (mostly) to me.

[starzak]

" My 72mhz will be like spectrum in a couple of years. I cant wait.
__________________
Chris "

Sorry Chris, but you've got some homework to do.

> Jim

[Kevin B]

And once again here is Hambone to tell us how bad our purchases are. Kind of like all the guys that told Columbus that the earth was flat and he would fall off if he approached the edges. All the demons and dragons out at the edge just waiting to torture us, eat us and kill us. Tell us Hambone, Have you actually used any of the Spektrum equipment? If so, do you have definitive proof that the spektrum equipment has led to the destruction of any of your equipment?

I do fly Spektrum, and to this day, I have not had one issue with a "hit" or any problem at all that I can think of. No problems with carbon getting in the way, no problems with line of sight issues. In my feeble way of thinking, if I can't see my plane, car, or boat, how the hell am I going to control it to begin with?

Instead of coming to any thread with a person ready to try to expand his horizons (pardon the pun) please refrain from bashing the product. Your view has been expressed on almost every thread about 2.4 that I have read. I do appreciate that you have an opinion and that you are free to speak your opinion. But, please, speak form your own personal experience, not from what you have "heard" (item #4, your post).

For anyone that cares, I fly the Spektrum DX7 and I love it. Not once have I had a problem with it. It has behaved perfectly in every respect that I can think of. I have not lost an aircraft to the use of the system. If I had a 40% or larger airplane, I would not hesitate to use it. That is from my personal experience.

Merry Christmas everyone, fly what you got, and enjoy the hell out of it!

[mflander]

The planes you were flying 15 years ago also worked well.. why buy new ones?
The servo's also worked well...
And the list could go.

And most of the crashes you "hear" about with 2.4 and the receiver rebooting is the fault of the pilots themselves. Take qq's crash for example, twas a failed regulator, nothing with the 2.4 system failed. That will teach him to run 9 servo's, 7 of them 8711's on a 7.5 amp reg in 90+ degree weather.

My X9303 is on its way, and when it arrives it will be installed in my 33% extra, because it is the best system available, hands down. (And yes, I have real world experience with both systems in my own personal planes, do you?)

[Dan_nO]

Mike, remember our visit......nothing to be afraid of buddy !

[Stu_D]

Well I will tell you a little story that happen about an hour ago .

Its a public holiday in Australia today and the weather is just about as good as it could be . No wind , blue skys and just perfect for flying . After doing all of my family duties for christmas I was off to have a fly .

While a group of us were having a discussion on this very topic I spotted a white flash in the sky about 1Km off in the distance . I pointed it out to the other guys and sure enough it was an RC plane being flown in the next vally .

The few remaining guys who were still in doubt about 2.4 soon changed there tune . BTW I was doing some trimming on my brand new 3.0 comp arf Yak and there was never any doubt that I MAY be shot down by another ferq . The other low meg users pack up there gear and left the field .

I trusted my last plane with spektrum (2.6 Yak) and I continue to use it in my 3.0 Yak . NO system is 100% but we do forget that almost all crashes are due to mistakes made prior to flight . For me 2.4 is about taking care of other peoples mistakes and the rest is up to me .

Stu

[pushtolimits]

2.4 is awsome! 1year 12 planes ZERO problems.From foam to 37% gas,glow,electric flying three times to four times a week. All I ever do with the 2.4 is make sure everything is fully charged. Of course all of my gear is capable of handeling the proper amount of volts and current. Come to think of it I have not lost a plane since I switched to 2.4....Now I'm going to go knock on wood.