Questions about radio problems..

[Woober Goober]

I have a couple questions/problems I could use some input and opinion on. First one: Im having terrible interference problems with my radio set up. I have a nice, older Futaba AM that I am using, and the car keeps stuttering and losing signal real bad. I am wondering if it has to do with the fact that I am using rechargeable batteries, and they are only putting out 1.2 volts each, as opposed to the store bought, non-rechargeables, that put out 1.5 each. I know I can just check this myself by putting in the 1.5's, but if it does not make a difference, then I would rather not. I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with the motor, as I have all the proper capacitors, and I am using the same transmitter and reciever crystal on a couple different cars. I remember reading in a magazine once, about how to rig up a couple extra rechargeables, strapped to the outside of the transmitter, to make up for the lost voltage. I have not done that yet, but am seriously considering it. The second thing I am pondering is whether or not to use an actual battery pack to power the radio gear onboard the car. I have not really heard anything definitive about this issue, so am not sure whether to mess with one or not. I was thinking that this may remedy the glitching problem as well. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Scott

[jozza]

If the transmitter is an older model, then it's probable that it won't be happy running on the lower voltage from the nicd/nimh cells in it. Most newer sets will run from the 9.6v output by rechargeable cells, but many older handsets require around 11v to work happily.

You could strap a couple of extra cells onto the transmitter to push the voltage up, or use dry cells. However, with the extra price of dry cells, it wouldn't take long before you've spent the money for a replacement handset. I recently bought a new Futaba 40AM handset, just the basic model, but it cost £12 brand new. So unless you really really like the old handset, I would say buy a new one which will run happily on the rechargeable batteries, as it's a much tidier solution than strapping extra cells to the transmitter.

[Twmaster]

Scott,

Do you have another receiver and TX to cross test each with? It could be either the receiver or TX becomming goofy. I doubt it is a power issue as we ran nicad packs in our transmitters/receivers 25 years ago with not a problem.

[GPZ1000RX]

I've got three 25 year old Futaba Medallion sets and they are all fine with eight nicads in them.

[DJTheo]

Same here, interference has always other reasons, check some older topics about it, RCs usually work even with half empty batteries.

Cheers