72/75 MHZ going out of business? Nah!

[Slats]

Hi Mike,
I am not talking about the Hitec Module, please see Tim's answer - its the WFLY Module in the TX.

the wfly transmitter does not use a simple crystal. it has a module about the same size as the receiver that plugs into the back of it, and that module can be one of many types, from a 2.4ghz module to a 27mhz module, the basic module includes both the crystal and the RF circuit. buy the module that works for your country. the thought here is that you could buy one for every distinct frequency you want to use, and pop in the one you want, if you cross from surface to air frequencies, you don't have to send the radio in to have it re-tuned. If you can find something like the hitec spectra for the distinct frequency band you need, then you will only have to buy one module, and it will synthesize any frequency you want, this allows you to change frequencies by dialiing a knob, and you don't have to buy additional crystals or modules.


Tim

So I am asking here how much is that module separately OR is simply a matter of the module being included with the purchase of the WFLY TX?
The reason being is that this could be therefore one radio for subs and targets - i.e. buy the TX, by a Mhz frequency module for subs, and buy a 2.4GHZ module for targets.
Also I could not find any details of Sombra Labs currently producing 8 channel RXs in 35/36/40/41 Mhz. It says on there website they have a Euro Version of the SL-8 for these frequencies due three years ago (Spring 2008). Do these exist yet?
And most importantly - I note you webpage says 40mhz radios are only available in 6 channels......from discussion on the thread here Mike, I am hoping that the 8 Channel WFLY is indeed avaliable as an 8 ch set.

Finally sorry for all my questions. Just want to really understand whats what.

Thanks

J

[Kazzer]

The Wfly module is included with the radio, but its currently on 75mhz. Can I get them on 40 mhz? I'm not sure.

This really isn't my field John, but as I understand it, simply by swapping out the module, you cure all ills. So, I think I'm safe in saying that the current radios we have (8ch) will accept a 40 mhz etc. module and you are good to go. But lets ask the radio experts.

[Slats]

Ok thanks
J

[tsenecal]

John,

I don't know if Mr. Caswell frowns on posting links to other website stores, but...

I did find that wfly seems to make 40mhz versions of the wfly, this particular website seems to carry them, but is currently out of stock.

transmitter:

http://www.himodel.com/radios/40Mhz_WFT08_8-Channel_PCM_PPM_Radio_System.html

module:

http://www.himodel.com/radios/WFLY_40MHz_RF_MODULE_Type_WFTRF01-FM.html

based on what i see here and on that website, wfly appears to make modules for the WFT08 in 2.4ghz, 75mhz, 72mhz, 40mhz, 36mhz, and 35mhz

Tim

[Slats]

Tim
thanks for that. The issue here is does Sombra Labs has a compatible RX? We know they do for the US freqs. They state on their website a Euro Freq version was to be released in Spring 2008.


J

[Tugrat]

Cheap Radios

whilst this post is about US Frequencies, I have come across a few specials with regard to 36meg

The Hobby Headquarters in Sydney now has a factory outlet (basically they are selling limited items to the public.)

I have misplaced the brochure but they have limited numbers of
36meg 5 or 6 channel sets with servos for around $90. the set is made by futaba but badged as somethig else. From memory the set is on aircraft frequencies but they have crystals for sale between $2- $10 .

They are clearing out all the crystals - basically a business decision.
I have done an audit of all my frequencies and am intending to top up my crystal box

[Kazzer]

Tim
thanks for that. The issue here is does Sombra Labs has a compatible RX? We know they do for the US freqs. They state on their website a Euro Freq version was to be released in Spring 2008.


J

Lets ask the question on the Sombra Labs Technical Support Section

[Mankster]

You could fit a an internal 2.4ghz module to your existing 40mhz radio and switch between the 2 via a switch on the Tx. The big Euro radio manufactures seem to be winding down their multi channel/higer end 40Mhz gear in favour of 2.4Ghz and every now an again there are some stonking deals. They all offer synthesized receivers and transmitters (no need to worry about crystals) on the 40Mhz range and they should work with any PPM FM receiver or Transmitter.
Grupner and mutiplex have 2.4 Ghz upgrade units for their 35/40Mhz gear that allows you to keep the FM frequency and swich to 2.4 at the flick of a switch on the Tx for the best of both worlds.

[Slats]

Lets ask the question on the Sombra Labs Technical Support Section

Will do.
J

[Slats]

whilst this post is about US Frequencies, I have come across a few specials with regard to 36meg

The Hobby Headquarters in Sydney now has a factory outlet (basically they are selling limited items to the public.)

I have misplaced the brochure but they have limited numbers of
36meg 5 or 6 channel sets with servos for around $90. the set is made by futaba but badged as somethig else. From memory the set is on aircraft frequencies but they have crystals for sale between $2- $10 .

They are clearing out all the crystals - basically a business decision.
I have done an audit of all my frequencies and am intending to top up my crystal box

Thanks - I'll check that out.
J

[Slats]

Lets ask the question on the Sombra Labs Technical Support Section

Done now.

J

[Slats]

We use 35mhz here in the UK, not 36mhz, and this is for aircraft only. 40mhz is exclusively for ground use. You can still use 27mhz and 433mhz if you build your own set.

Robbe FC16's and Graupner sets are far from ubiquitous, in fact quite a rare sight. Futaba sets are popular, as are Hitec. The best sets for submarine use IMO are Multiplex- lots of nice features and controls for the submariner built in, like slider pots and configurable mixers. Also they do fully synthesized tuners with their sets- very nice indeed.

Andy - I take it your using Multiplex? If so what model, where from, how much?
Thanks
J

[Subculture]

Nope. Robbe FC16 here, but if I was buying a new set today, it would be Multiplex, no question. The Royal Evo is the daddy, but the cockpit sx set is very nice, with a very comfy ergonomical design. Ramesh has one of these, and dare I say, since he purchased it, I've seen it far more often than his uber Graupner/JR rig.

[Subculture]

Here is a really good site about the Multiplex sets- http://www.rc-soar.com/multiplex/index.htm

[Mankster]

I got the Multiplex Cockpit Sx recently. As Andy says its a very light weight, well built set and the one I use most often on my basic subs. It has a built synthesizer and optional channel checker to show you if the frequency you want is being used already. Its a 7 channel set but I find that only 6 channels are really usable for subs. It is a basic model (flexabilty, cheaper gimbals etc) compared to their high end Royal Pro Tx's. I picked it up when they were EUR 89 from HobbyDirkt (German) and a bunch of receivers which were also reduced.

For larger more more complicated subs like the Typhoon I use my bigger set - Graupner MC-19 which also has a synthesizer. This is a 12channel set with rather more flexibilty than the basic Multiplex with freely asign able channels, and every knob, stick and trim lever can be assigned a channel. All servo throws displayed graphically in real time on the screen at once (nice for proportional piston tanks). It has a built in Software nautic module to allow you to expand 1 channel to 16 switched function and use any switch or trim lever to activated the switched fuction. As well as rather more functions and mixes than I would know what to do with. This is a bigger & heavier set (ships with a 3000mAh SubC battery pack) and really needs to be used with a neck stap or transmitter tray to take the weight off you hands after a while. This I think will be the best Marine/Sub radios ever built in the FM frequencies - all the newer high end models are 2.4Ghz only (Graupner/ Futaba/ Spectrum/ Multiplex/ Jeti all do 2.4Ghz modules specifically for the Mc-19/22 if I ever want to to take to the air with it). With that in mind I started 'protecting' my investment by not using it too much and sticking with the Multiplex for everything other than the more complex subs. However one too many successful Ebay sorties recently means I have have ended up with 3 of the things! 2 Mc-19's and a MC-22s (not shown). Andy, fancy a shiny new in box MC19 to go with those receivers :wink:?