prob. w/ radio reception (JR/Futaba)

[mongoose1983]

Okay, yesterday I took my 1984 Grasshopper out for its test-run. I loved it. Anyway, I was using a JR python radio matching a vintage 1982 Futaba receiver (with Acoms servos). The car would not keep in total control after 30 meters or so, which compared with my other RC cars is very very little. I have been wondering why, and if it has anything to do with the receiver or maybe it was the radio? I am using a six inches Tamiya clear pipe because I don't like the cars running with long antennas, they don't look good if they're too long. Anyway, the Futaba receiver has a rather long cable, and I so I rolled it near the base and kept a small portion of it inside the tube receiving the signal (please see pictures). I wonder if that had anything to do with the short distance the car would run?

Any info would be appreciated.

You all have a good week!

EB

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[digitrc]

Bundled antenna + short pipe = bad idea. How does your kitchen radio sound when the antenna is collapsed and folded away?

[mongoose1983]

Bundled antenna + short pipe = bad idea. How does your kitchen radio sound when the antenna is collapsed and folded away?

I was thinking the same thing but the original instructions for the 1984 FROG buggy recommend to make a bundle and connect the tip of the antenna with the metal post for reception. Now that got me into the doubt.

[stu22]

Since it's something easy to undo, why don't you un-bundle the antenna and put a longer antenna tube on the thing, and see what happens?

[mongoose1983]

Since it's something easy to undo, why don't you un-bundle the antenna and put a longer antenna tube on the thing, and see what happens?

You're right. I'll try that, but it will have to wait a bit because unfortunately, last Saturday both front spindles fell off because the grubscrews that keep them in place were not correctly attached, and I don't have an hex key anymore. Will have to wait about two months to get one from the States because our d*mn hobby story doesn't have any available.

[taliesin]

Do you have a metal twist-tie wrapping the antenna bundle? That could cause the interference right there!

[mongoose1983]

Do you have a metal twist-tie wrapping the antenna bundle? That could cause the interference right there!

Yes, I do. Thanks for pointing that out, taliesin! It will take me some time to try how it works without it, but I will sure get that metal twist-tie thing off right away!

[stu22]

You're right. I'll try that, but it will have to wait a bit because unfortunately, last Saturday both front spindles fell off because the grubscrews that keep them in place were not correctly attached, and I don't have an hex key anymore. Will have to wait about two months to get one from the States because our d*mn hobby story doesn't have any available.

Don't know about Chile, but in the states almost every hardware or auto parts store will have sets of hex wrenches. Whether your going to order or look locally don't forget to pick up some blue thread lock (don't use the high temp red stuff, it's a royal PITA go get undone when you break something else and have to take it off.)

[mongoose1983]

Don't know about Chile, but in the states almost every hardware or auto parts store will have sets of hex wrenches. Whether your going to order or look locally don't forget to pick up some blue thread lock (don't use the high temp red stuff, it's a royal PITA go get undone when you break something else and have to take it off.)

I will use the Tamiya blue thread lock. Anyway, I just ordered a couple of tool sets from abroad. For the cost of the train to go downtown where they sell the auto parts, I could cover both, the hex keys and the shipping costs (we've been a socialist country for the last 20 years and so we have to pay special prices on everything to help the people who doesn't want to work).

[taliesin]

we've been a socialist country for the last 20 years and so we have to pay special prices on everything to help the people who doesn't want to work

I thought that was just for us living in capitalist democracies.

Good to know it's the same story no matter where you live.