Distance Factor

[StephenT]

Please help a newbee. What determines the distance that an RC boat will travel? Is it just the radio transmitter? Meaning the better the transmitter the longer the distance? Are transmitters interchangeable? Thanks. Steve

[Doc]

Stephen,
There are two things that determine the distance a model will travel, the range of the radio system and the size of the battery/fuel tank. Most radio systems are comparable, usually have close to the same range. And when you get down to it, the biggest limiting factor is how far you can see well enough to be able to accurately control the thing, right? So, the size of the 'fuel tank'/battery will usually tell you the run time, and the distance, sort of. Lots of, "Yeah, but!"s in that, but generally true.
- 'Doc

[StephenT]

Thanks Doc. Appreciate the help.

[CG Bob]

Most of the better radio systems (Airtronics, Futaba, Hitec, JR, KO Propo, Spektrum) have a range of 300-500 meters or 330 - 550 yards for surface models like boats & cars. The cheap $30 - $80 toy boats at the discount stores typically have radio ranges of 100 to 300 feet. The transmitters and receivers are not always interchangable between radio brands. The radios use either positive or negative shift systems to encode the signal. Positive shift systems include Futaba (27Mhz and 75Mhz), Hitech, and Tower Hobbies. Negative shift radios are Futaba (50Mhz - Amatuer Radio license needed) and Airtronics. You can't use a Futaba transmitter with an Airtronics receiver; basically the systems speak different languages.

[Ron Olson]

with most of the good systems, you'll lose sight of it before you lose radio contact. My theory is, I don't take my boats out any further than I want to row to retrieve them.
The transmitters wattage output is what determines the distance just like a radio station. How many watts a transmitter puts out is regulated by the FCC.

[StephenT]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your help on this.