Conference vmszoo::rc

    Chris,
    	I would recommend that you do not purchase an old design FM
    set.  Many people are having problems with interference with single
    conversion FM systems when used near AM sets.  Unless you buy a
    new dual conversion FM set, you would be better off buying an AM
    set.  (You will save a few bucks also) Most of the manufacturers
    have not yet come out with 1991 Dual Conversion FM sets that have
    met the test of time.  The Conquest AM sets seem to be reliable.
    
    
    Good Luck
    

    Thanks for the reply, I'll check to see if the one I have in layaway
    is double conversion.  I had elected for the FM set because I believed
    it to be more resisent to interference.  Is the range on an FM set
    any lesser or greater than AM?

        Re:< Note 241.2 by MDVAX1::SPOHR >

        
                We just  had  this  discussion.    If  you  want  maximum
        protection from interference  buy  a  PCM radio.  If you can live
        with 5 channels buy the Conquest PCM from Fuataba.  It can be had
        for $220 and up.
        
        Anker

    Anker,
    
    Thanks for the reply,  I have not read all of the topics.  I scanned
    thru the DIR and missed what you are refering to.  I am new not
    only to RC Aircraft but, also notes as well.  Thanks again to everyone
    for putting up with us rank amateurs.
    
    Chris

    Al Casey  (RC-AV8R)
    PNO::CASEYA
    Phoenix, AZ 551-5572
    
    Chris,
    
    	I agree wholeheartedly with Anker and LEDS::WATT.  If you can't
    afford to go PCM, definitely go AM!
    
    I have a 6-ch Futaba "J" series AM which has yet to miss a signal/
    glitch in over 6-years of active use.  Except for routine battery
    replacement, this rig hasn't cost me a red dime!  (Knock-on-wood)
    Heck, I flew this set in the '85 Masters where several interference
    related crashes occurred (even to the PCM's) without a hint of a
    problem.
    
    I also regularly fly a FP-7FGK/FM and, while I have had NO problems
    in 3+ years of heavy use, I have witnessed cases where the FM set
    was, indeed, shot down by AM sets on the older frequencies.  Ooops!
    I lied....I did have one incident where an AM set on ch-38 caused
    me a little (non-fatal) excitement on FM ch-44.
    
    The message nowadays, however is clear:  PCM's are NOT invulnerable
    but they're FAR better than anything else currently available. 
    
    Al

    
    I have found that aileron/rudder coupling is real handy for
    beginners AND non-beginners.  I don't think the Conquest has it,
    and would therefore recommend you spend a few more bucks and
    get the FGK series.  Especially if you don't plan on buying
    another set until the 1991 rules come into effect.
    
    Bill
    

    If your interested in something reasonable then check out a JR Apollo
    series radio. This radio used the same flighth pack as their "Century
    VII" radio but a different transmitter. They are about 200.00. One
    good thing about the receiver is it's duel conversion narrow band.
    
    The only other good thing is that all JR components and
    interchangeable.Where as Futaba's aren't. Any JR servo,battery,RF
    module,cable,switch etc. can be used with any JR radio.  I'm Biased.
    
    It's my understanding that ALL radios in service and for sale will
    be obselete in 1991 if left in their present configuration. Is this 
    correct?  What I mean is that no only does the rx need to be narrow
    band but also the TX in 1991. 
    
    							Tom

    A word about the Conquest PCM.  It will not be good for 1991!  If
    you want the best reliability, PCM is it, but it will not be legal
    for 1991.  That goes for the 8 channel Futaba as far as I can see.
    Neither is rated as a narrow band receiver meeting all of the 1991
    specs.  I would go with an AM unit and expect to replace it when
    all of the big manufacturers get their act together and get a good
    1991 system out.  I would expect that many of the new systems will
    be PCM and that they will be a good buy.  Unfortunately, it seems
    that it will be a year or so before this sorts out.
    

    re: .8
    Get a ham license, and you don't have to worry about all this
    1991 garbage. The existing 53 MHz channels will still be good,
    with 100 kHz spacing. The new 50MHz channels have wide spacing
    too.
    
    Sorry, but I couldn't resist. I started getting caught up in this
    1991 panic, but then realized that I'm on 6 meters so who cares!
    I guess in a couple years I'll be getting bargain prices on all
    your new radios, which I can convert to 6 meters and use
    until they wear out - then go to the next one...
    
    Dave

    I HAVE A FUTABA FP4NL CONQUEST TRANSMITTER. IT IS AM AND VERY RELIABLE.
    AS A BEGINNER YOU DON'T NEED EXTRA CHANNELS AND MIXING. DUAL RATES
    A MAYBE BUT NOT NECESSARY. ITS A GOOD BUY FOR ABOUT $110.
    
    BOB G.

    Tough to beat the World Engines Expert 7 CH FM at $164.95. (Was
    $149.95, but just went up.)

    tell me more about the world engines 7 channel.
    
    Chris

>    tell me more about the world engines 7 channel.
>    
>    Chris

According to my source world engines look bad on the spectrum analyzer.
So it is not hard to beat the price.

re .something

Mixing of aileron and rudder is helpful for beginners tho perhaps a bad
crutch.  But that crutch has caused me to land a few times without damage
where left to my own I would have probably tip stalled.

JR and Airtronics are advertising that they meet 1991 standards.
Futaba gold 7 ch radios go for $200 with mix and dual rates.  Am
is slightly less.  A good buy.

I just got a JR FM single stick cause it was the cheapest single stick
that my sources claims was clean on the spectrum analyzer.

P.S.  PCMs have some interesting failure modes that have nothing to 
      do with the modulation scheme.  The JR will go into a special
      failsafe mode if the receiver battery is low.  All servos work
      except the throttle only goes to 1/2 throw max - giving you
      a chance to land.  Cute huh.

Summary

For my two cents worth - when in doubt stick with Futaba.
If you more daring stick with those that either meet 1991 or at least
are clean on the spectrum analyzer - see previous notes on that subject.
So if you buy a century or world engines please let me get my plane down
before you fire it up.  A good rule of thumb is to always watch the planes
in the sky as you turn on your radio.  Experts do that with some very expensive
radios.  After all a perfectly good transmitter could down a plane with 
a poorly tuned receiver.

              _!_      
Bye        ----O----   
Kay R. Fisher / \     

================================================================================

    
    I should say a bit more about why I recommend the aileron/rudder
    coupling.  I prefer to instruct a beginner with rudder on the right
    thumb, because the rudder is usually much more effective at low
    speeds (like take-offs and landings).  The coupling gives you the
    most flexibility because you can start with a trainer that has
    ailerons, crank up the coupling and crank down the aileron throw
    and you have a three-channel set-up.  Then when you're ready for
    ailerons you reduce the coupling and crank in aileron with simple
    twists of pots.
    	You can be training the left thumb at your leisure  with the
    comfort of knowing that you can get out of trouble with the right
    thumb, because the coupling is additive.
    	Anyhow, all of these features are conveniences and not required
    for learning how to fly.  I learned on a 2-channel styrofoam trainer
    setup where dead-stick was a way of life, and I think that kind
    of training has it's advantages too.  For the relatively small
    difference in money though, I can't see getting a system without
    coupling.  Not to be used as a crutch but a convenience of course.
    
    Bill

    re: WE Expert 7 chan. I have one... I think its great.. Had no one
    complain about its "dirtiness". Has dual rates & mixing on 1&4 &
    2&6.... One guy in this office thought is was so good, he bought
    2..
    
    md

    I have the WE Expert as well, but due to a critical lack of time
    (Read: 4 week old daughter), I have not been in the air since I
    got it.
    
    So, I'll wait to BLAST -.14 'till after I've not shot anyone down;
    then look out!  (Read with a smile, please!)

    I echo Bill's endorsement of using coupling to learn. Of course,
    I'm biased, being one of Bill's students. 
    
    Coupling is extremely useful for the transition from 3 channel
    to 4 channel flying. I learned on a 3 channel plane with 
    rudder on the right stick. When graduating to 4 channels,
    it was extremely simple because I can mix rudder and aileron on
    the right stick so it works very much like the 3 channel plane.
    A 4 channel plane uses ailerons to bank in the air, and rudder
    to "steer" on the ground as well as takeoffs and landings. I turn
    the coupling on for takeoffs and landings, and off for flying.
    Now that I can fly the 4 channel plane pretty well, I'm starting
    to teach myself how to steer on the ground with my left thumb.
    
    Yes, it's a crutch, and it will be a while before I "wean" myself
    from it, but meanwhile I'm flying a 4 channel plane and haven't
    smashed it due to re-learning how to use both thumbs together.

    Dave