TX RX Matching

[OKernel]

Hi everyone, new member here with a modicum of knowledge of old systems consistent with my age, but clueless about new RC.  My first question, be gentle ...

Trying to resurrect my old Super Hornet, I discovered that my Futaba FP-F112JE AM29 transmitter is not working Ch2, and so far I have been unable to fix or replace it.  Is it possible to use a modern transmitter on AM?  Would it be more  economical / better to swap out all to FM and if so, what would be recommended?  I have decided that a restoration is too hard; an ESC has already  been purchased.

[alvinlwh]

49 minutes ago, OKernel said:

Is it possible to use a modern transmitter on AM?

No, the frequencies are different. AM is 27mhz while the modern stuff are 2.4ghz. 

49 minutes ago, OKernel said:

Would it be more  economical / better to swap out all to FM and if so, what would be recommended?

Where in the world are you? In Europe, only the 2.4 stuff are allowed to be sold these days. You can still, of course, buy them second hand but not new from shops. 

The old AM/FM stuff use crystals to have a slight shift in the frequencies to pair up while the new stuff use the same frequency but encoded to pair tx with rx. I dragged out my old stuff out of storage a few months ago, swapped them all to 2.4, and never looked back. 

[OKernel]

@alvinlwh Thanks for that, I was fairly sure that I would need to swap the lot. As you have already done it, any recommendations for kit?  I am in Australia

[WillyChang]

PreOwned Futaba AM stick TXes used to sell for about A$5 in the chuckout bucket @ LHS  plenty around in society if you wanna avoid 2.4. 

[OKernel]

16 minutes ago, WillyChang said:

PreOwned Futaba AM stick TXes used to sell for about A$5 in the chuckout bucket @ LHS  plenty around in society if you wanna avoid 2.4. 

LHS?  Might change my mind if parts are easily obtained.  Still thinking 2.4 at the moment.  ESC on the way, probably then upgrade motor.  My Super Hornet is in good condition and I reckon that a moderation might convince a grandson to get off the iPad  

[WillyChang]

Can’t tell where you’re based atm, so can’t recommend a Local Hobby Store 🥸

Most oz big cities would still have LHS that been in biz for 20-30yrs+ that would usually have pile of old AM TXes down the boneyard out back they’d be happy to donate to worthy cause. 

Otherwise yeah modern 2.4 gear will drop straight in, same old servos etc should work just fine (umm you’ve already checked both servos are working, ya?). Budget brands like Flysky or Absima work well for their price $50-80ish ask; maybe $100ish for GT3B etc. Today Futaba makes great gear still but premium priced. 

SuperHornet is a good runner, the base chassis has been re-released in recent years as Grasshopper II etc so modern spareparts ain’t too hard to buy. All except the SH body & decals though. 

[Juggular]

2.4Ghz like FlySky GT3C is cheap (about $50 USD) and effective entry level radio.  (Don't get GT3B, it requires 8 batteries due to inefficient voltage converter. Go with GT3C, it only uses 4 batteries or a 1cell LiPo.) 

I say entry-level, but it's got trims, servo reverses like all the radios.  Then it made other things standard; like EPA (end-point-adjustment: it can limit the range of the steering servo or throttle). It has Exponential, Dual rates and ABS brake (if you are running a nitro car that actually has a central disc brake).  All the fancy stuff that used to cost like $500 back in the 90s.  

On top of that, you can get another receiver for $9.50. Mount it on a new RC car. *Bind it, now your transmitter controls that car too. Up to 10 cars. You don't need to have one transmitter per car.  (*Binding is like matching crystals -- instead of physical crystals setting the frequency, the computerized radios basically use an authentication key to transmit and receive.) 

 

[OKernel]

@JuggularTop class feedback, very much appreciated. You have convinced me to stop chasing a fix for an antiquated system, and you have recommended a cheap quantum upgrade that will more than meet my needs.  I was never a collector, so restoration was my lowest priority.  However, I am looking forward to getting this classic out on the local footy field for it's first outing in about 20 years!

Very helpful club members, very glad I signed up.  Thanks

[alvinlwh]

On 2/19/2022 at 12:29 AM, OKernel said:

@alvinlwh Thanks for that, I was fairly sure that I would need to swap the lot. As you have already done it, any recommendations for kit?  I am in Australia

As already recommended, the Flysky GT3C has everything you need, or (not sure if you can get it down under) Absima CR3P is exactly the same with a different outer case. Best of all, they both can use the same cheap Flysky receivers that costs about £10. 

[alvinlwh]

@Juggular

While the GT3C/CR3P are the most often recommended beginner set seen here, there are a few who will say they are rubbish and one should spend 10 times more for a top range set. 

[WillyChang]

12 hours ago, alvinlwh said:

one should spend 10 times more for a top range set. 

or buy toprange brandname for same price  checkout the Futaba T2PSK 

[alvinlwh]

9 minutes ago, WillyChang said:

or buy toprange brandname for same price  checkout the Futaba T2PSK 

Had a quick look at the instructions, no EPA, no DR for throttle, no screen, no model memory and no channel 3. Not really equal in functions. 

[WillyChang]

25 minutes ago, alvinlwh said:

Not really equal in functions

‘Cos not - you’re just paying for the brandname 

more like that set probably same price as buying a Futaba RX 

 

tbh... nothing wrong with AM when not racing, if ones got a fleet of AM RXes already I love the oldskool 2PHKA & 2PL. 

[alvinlwh]

19 minutes ago, WillyChang said:

tbh... nothing wrong with AM when not racing, if ones got a fleet of AM RXes already I love the oldskool 2PHKA & 2PL. 

I had old school AM 27 sets as well, but they (and FM sets) are banned for sale (new, shop) in Europe now so only 2.4 are available new. Of course different rules apply at different part of the world. 

[OKernel]

OK, after all the great advice here and online, I decided to go this way, plus new tyres.  Any problems to be seen here? I was wondering whether or not to put in a more powerful motor (?), but I do not intend to race it.  Your advice on this would be appreciated.  

[alvinlwh]

6 hours ago, OKernel said:

wondering whether or not to put in a more powerful motor (?), but I do not intend to race it.

It is a very old and basic chassis, so maybe no more than a Sports Tuned (or GT/UGT if you feel rich). It is tough as well, so it can probably handle the power of a Super Stock, but doubt it will be enjoyable to drive with such an overpowering motor.