New Frequency (40mhz) Vs Old Frequency (27mhz)

[Malakite]

All of my R/C gear is 27Mhz which I know is the old frequency. I have lots of spare crystals etc (all 6 bands) so thats what I have always used for all of my R/C cars. I know nowadays people tend to buy the 40Mhz radio gear. Is there a lot of difference? If I change frequencies, would I require a whole new set of radio gear and receivers etc? If so it would work out far too costly in my opinion therefore I think I would be better off just sticking to the old school frequencies!

[Jonny Retro]

40mhz really isn't new at all - I have a Wild Willy 2 that I bought in 2002 that has a Futaba 40mhz set, I doubt very much if it was "new" then.

I don't think there's much of a reason to swap from 27mhz to 40mhz - other than less people use it than 27mhz (in the UK at least) so there's less chance of a frequency clash at a bash.

2.4ghz though - that's a different can of worms - much less glitchy & much less prone to interference than 27 or 40mhz, no long transmitter ariel for the kids to bend or snap off, very short reciever aeriel that can be hidden under the bodywork...

That's not enough to make me swap out every 27mhz reciever I have though - but when I need a new radio set in future I'll be buying a 2.4ghz set

[Origineelreclamebord]

40mhz really isn't new at all - I have a Wild Willy 2 that I bought in 2002 that has a Futaba 40mhz set, I doubt very much if it was "new" then.

I don't think there's much of a reason to swap from 27mhz to 40mhz - other than less people use it than 27mhz (in the UK at least) so there's less chance of a frequency clash at a bash.

2.4ghz though - that's a different can of worms - much less glitchy & much less prone to interference than 27 or 40mhz, no long transmitter ariel for the kids to bend or snap off, very short reciever aeriel that can be hidden under the bodywork...

That's not enough to make me swap out every 27mhz reciever I have though - but when I need a new radio set in future I'll be buying a 2.4ghz set

I've somehow had a lot of problems with my 27 and 40Mhz radio gear. I did find out there is a tower a few kilometres from my home which could be a radio tower, but I'm not entirely sure.

Anyway, with the 2.4Ghz system I now use I never had a single glitch - it works perfect! I think the 40Mhz might be more used here in the Netherlands than 27Mhz. And even in the numbers if 27Mhz is more used, it's mostly on the cheapest of cheap toy cars which do not carry their signals for more than 20 yards Most people who have an RC car here with switcheable electronics use 40Mhz, and for airplanes 35Mhz was also pretty common at a local RC flight club from what I remember.

[casethejoint]

Is there a lot of difference?

No. A slightly shorter antenna is about all.

Back in the 1980's 40mhz was a little less prone to interference due to the more widespread use of CB radio (on 27mhz) than there is today (especially the cheaper CB radios which used to blead into other reserved bands).

2.4ghz though - that's a different can of worms

It's fully digital, which is why it's better. It's not the radio frequency that makes the difference - it's the full-on error correction/suppression of unwanted "commands".

[Mad Zero]

Both 27mHz and 40mHz are considered old hat now matey due to the overwhelming benefits offered by the 2.4gHz DSM system.

However, in a back garden or casual bashing scenerio where everyone involved can comunicate their frequency usage and the odd glitch here and there doesn't matter, the 27mHz and 40mHz systems score hands-down on price, availability and the fact that if you drop it in a puddle you can just laugh!

[qatmix]

Both 27mHz and 40mHz are considered old hat now matey due to the overwhelming benefits offered by the 2.4gHz DSM system.

However, in a back garden or casual bashing scenerio where everyone involved can comunicate their frequency usage and the odd glitch here and there doesn't matter, the 27mHz and 40mHz systems score hands-down on price, availability and the fact that if you drop it in a puddle you can just laugh!

The only thing with most 2.4 systems now is that there isn't an infinite amount of binding frequencies. Also the response doesnt seem to be quite as good if you are at a large race meeting. Recently at a large meeting (over 100 racers) many fitted their 40mhz modules back due to binding issues and lag.

[Mad Zero]

The only thing with most 2.4 systems now is that there isn't an infinite amount of binding frequencies. Also the response doesnt seem to be quite as good if you are at a large race meeting. Recently at a large meeting (over 100 racers) many fitted their 40mhz modules back due to binding issues and lag.

Yeah but on the plus side the display lights up really cool

[Malakite]

Brilliant thanks for the overwhelming response and help as always guys! SO how much are these new systems then, and am I right in thinking as per the old school 27 and 40Mhz, its a case of a receiver and a controller? Do you need new servos for the system also in which case??

Finally, can you just upgrade crystals to 40Mhz if you wanted to from a 27Mhz, or do you need a new transmitter and receiver?

[Mad Zero]

Best I can find on eBay is a Spektrum DX3.0 for £50 and receivers for around £20 but you could buy used - I sold an earlier Spektrum set for £65 not so long back.

You need transmitter (controller) and receiver only - servos and ESC's are all compatable ...well nearly, LRP speedos don't like Spektrum receivers but most other makes are ok!

Can't just upgrade the 27mHz to 40mHz by swapping crystals the 27mHz is AM and the 40mHz is FM, sorry!

Oh one more thing you can by 40mHz FM radios which will take a Spektrum module.... but it costs.

[Malakite]

Great thanks for the advice and knowledge!

[DCLXVI]

You could look for a used Hitec Agressor CRX 40 MHz, it can use Futaba-compatible TX modules, 27 MHz and 2,4 GHz (~40-50 USD from HK, additional recivers are 20)...

[Brooklyn Nights]

I'd like to get a 2.4ghz set myself but cant find a 2 channel set thats the stick type and not a trigger/wheel type which I just cant stand! lol

I'd defo be using it now if I could find one but I've had no problems at all with my 27mhz sets and I've used them since my very first car way back in the 80's! (Ok it was a Lunchbox and technically a van! )

Cheers

Rich