Multi channels for boats? 3 or more

[sparky2]

OK guys, I did the racing thing years ago, go fast turn left bla, bla, bla. It was a lot of fun, but I want to do large scale now. I'm looking into a 40 pound tug boat to entertain me at the local ponds.

The problem I'm running into is, all the radios that have more than two channels are geared to racing. ( lot's of whistles and bells that I don't need. and only 3 channels) I need more, So how is it done? :confused:

[FrankW]

Use an airplane type radio on the 27 Mhz band... then you can use it for cars and boats (as well as planes). Then you can have from 2 to 10 channels depending on how much you're willing to spend.

-Frank

[StevePond]

Futaba makes a 9CAP 9-channel radio on surface frequencies that should do the trick. They also have a four channel if you don't need up to nine.

http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj89.html

[StevePond]

Here's a pic of the 9 channel

[sparky2]

To change a "air transmitter" to a "surface transmitter". Is it as simple as changing the crystals?
I was told at two different hobby shops that it wont work.

[RickE]

If the TX is 27 or 75, you're okay, but since most aircraft radios are 72 band you can't put 27 or 72 band crystals in it. Go with one of the radios mentioned in earlier posts, plus Ace sells a marine surface system that is multi-channel as well.

RickE

[Menthol]

I have a Futaba 6VH SkySport (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk23.html). I was wondering that after changeing crystals in it can it be user for Nitro boats... and is it any good for it?

Can I also use the reciver that came with it and the servos?

-Menth:confused:

[FrankW]

Here's a question: let's say you're out boating with an air only radio frequency, out where no model airplane could fly within at least a 10 mile radius (airplane transmitters have about a mile range). Would the FCC even care, let alone find out? How could they find out? Someone would have to report you. Who outside of the R/C community even knows enough about R/C transmitters to know that you aren't in the right frequency band? I don't mean to instill chaos, mob rule, or a flame war... just a few logic questions.

-Frank

[StevePond]

Originally posted by Menthol
I have a Futaba 6VH SkySport (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk23.html). I was wondering that after changeing crystals in it can it be user for Nitro boats... and is it any good for it?

Can I also use the reciver that came with it and the servos?

-Menth:confused:

The 6VH and similar radios do not have an interchangeable module, which means you cannot change bands on that radio. You can change crystals, which changes the channel within the band, but the frequency band is fixed. I guess that's part of what you pay for in the more expensive radios. You not only get more channels and buttons, you have more flexibility with respect to applications. You can change it back and forth from air to surface frequencies as often as you wish when you have a radio with a separate frequency module.



Originally posted by FrankW
Here's a question: let's say you're out boating with an air only radio frequency, out where no model airplane could fly within at least a 10 mile radius (airplane transmitters have about a mile range). Would the FCC even care, let alone find out? How could they find out? Someone would have to report you. Who outside of the R/C community even knows enough about R/C transmitters to know that you aren't in the right frequency band? I don't mean to instill chaos, mob rule, or a flame war... just a few logic questions.

-Frank

If it were impossible for a plane to be flying in the area, it certainly couldn't have an effect on any planes. Would the FCC care? Yes. Because it's in their book that certain frequencies are for operating certain devices and only those devices. They don't look at or concern themselves with the pragmatic aspects of what you're doing, they only care if you're operating within the established guidelines. How would they find out? They probably wouldn't. It's like parking in the handicap space when you know there's no handicapped people around, and no cop to give you a ticket. Is it still against the law to park there without a permit? I guess the answer would vary from person to person depending on their ethics. I personally can't recommend doing it, but to each his own.

[Menthol]

I guess I have to sell it then....

Thank you for a clear answer.

-Menth

[sparky2]

This is what I found on the Futaba home page. :

I am looking for a 6+ channel computer radio on a ground frequency for use with my boat, car, or other ground only vehicle. What is available to me?
Great news...the 9C radio is now available on 75MHz!

Alternately, we offer a flat rate service to change certain 72MHz air radios to ground to provide you, the modeler, more flexibility for your ground vehicle.

For a flat fee of plus $7.99 shipping:

Complete computer radio systems: $35*
Complete non-computer radio systems: $25*
Computer transmitter or module only: $20
Non-computer transmitter only: $15
7-9 Receiver only: $20*
2-6 Channel receiver only: $15
*NOTE: If your receiver is an R127DF or an R138DP the cost to convert to 75MHz is the figure shown above PLUS $44.95 to cover the cost of parts changes required in these receivers to make it function on the other band. For example, a 6X radio system sent for conversion would be $35 plus $44.95, or $79.95, to convert to ground. A R138DP alone would cost $64.95. For these 2 receivers, it is likely more logical and cost effective to purchase a new receiver on the proper band and sell the receiver you have or use it for a different purpose.

Please be sure to follow our service center instructions when sending your radio for service. Please note if you are purchasing a brand new radio, your dealer can special order this change to be done in advance prior to shipment to you.

Please also note that 50MHz, commonly known as "HAM BAND" or "6 meters" is legal for both air and ground use. If you have a HAM users license you can safely and legally utilize 50MHz frequency radios for both aircraft and ground models without requiring any changes. MOST 72/75 MHZ equipment can be converted to 50MHz and vice versa, but not all. Please email for specifics on converting your exact equipment.

[ayk_driver]

how close r u to an r/c plane field??? shhhhhhhh so nt tell n e one but in r clube most of us use aircraft frequencies cause thats what ppl originally had..........

[Grant Tokumi]

Hey Steve,

You happen to know if the left stick in that 9 channel Futaba is spring centered in the up/down direction? I think that radio looks like a good deal. It came out soon after I purchased my radio :(

I purchased a 6 channel Futaba 6XAPS for $259.99 at Towers and $40 for the conversion from 72 to 75 mhz. Good radio. PCM, failsafe, channel mixing, etc.

Tower Hobbies Item #s:
Futaba 6XAPS R138DP 4 S3004 - Item# FUTK3239
Freq. Air/Sur. charge - Item# TOWZ6250