Comments inserted.
On May 29, 2008, at 8:55 AM, David Webb wrote:
Darwin, I think your answer lies in the unique qualities and general
low numbers of the soaring communities.
The standard TX for many soaring enthusiasts is the Sanwa /
Airtronics Stylus and many are waiting for a 2.4 GHZ module due out
before next season. The JR and Futaba systems offer most of the
Stylus functionality and in some cases a few features I would like
to see on a stylus but many pilots are loath to give up their Stylus
yet.
The Stylus is still an excellent transmitter but is no longer made. To
me the ultimate system for any discipline of RC is the Futaba 14MZ. It
has far more capability than the Stylus and will drive the other
brands of receivers, negative or positive shift and is very easy to
program. Yeah it is expensive but you only need to buy once and fly
everything you own. There is no comparison. It is capable of both 72,
(all synthesized) and 2.4 with the FASST module.
People don't want to poke holes in their nose cone or fuse to allow
the two whiskers to exit. 2.4 friendly noses are becomeing main
stream and this may also push adoption up.
Never seen this be an issue with anyone. The Futaba antennas can be
exited with a 1/32" hole for each. No extra antenna modules etc.... No
big obtrusive holes
The FUD (fear uncertainty and doubt) factor is still high. I just
attended an f3J contest and someone on my flight line had to get a
backup model because thier primary failed to bind up. Many see 2.4
technology as still teething and would like to see it get to a more
critical mass before putting it into something as unforgiving as an
unpowered aircraft. Fail safe in a glider is a crap shoot at best so
trying out a new technology that could leave you free flying is just
plain scary.
The initial intoxication with the 2.4 has died down. I agree that many
have not wrapped their arms around this yet while others have sold all
72 gear. I'm just curious why more aren't using it in competition.
The real pressure to move to 2.4 is to attain a frequency-less
situation that avoids conflicts. Glider pilots are the geeks of the
R/C crowd and at the fields I fly, on a sunny Saturday or Sunday
morning I have a hard time finding another pilot to talk to let
alone conflict with. I have to make a call and organize to get
someone to show up there when I am flying!
The moron factor is definitely reduced with 2.4.
Contest pilots are the ones who are moving fairly fast towards 2.4
which is a very small number of a select small crowd. I will be
there next season myself. My secondary field is very close to a
private power field so the prospect of removing conflicts is my main
advantage.
I think many are overlooking great equipment when it comes to the
Futaba stuff. The 14MZ is the ultimate. Nothing comes close. The new
12 is excellent and the new 10 Channel is a great "do everything"
system that is easy to program with every function we need. I use my
trusty 9C Super for HL and all of my electric stuff and the 14MZ my
competition sailplanes and Giant Scale Aerobatic planes.
The receivers are tiny and fit in all current HL's and there are many
excellent digital and non digital servos available with some new ones
coming out.
I'm a little biased being on Team Futaba. Despite the brand loyalty,
I've looked at all of them and find the Futaba 2.4 receivers the most
practical for the soaring application.
Darwin N. Barrie
Chandler AZ
On Thu, May 29, 2008 at 7:14 AM, Darwin Barrie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I thought 2.4 was all the rage. People abandoning 72 and ham band en
masse to use 2.4 and selling everything off. So, why are we not
seeing it as much in the sailplane world?
At the SW Classic there were not nearly as many as I expected. I did
not get the count but it was far less than we thought we'd get.
Now, I was reviewing the pilot list for the IHLGF and see that there
are only 4 pilots using 2.4, myself included (53 total entries).
I am using the Futaba Fasst System. I have the 9C Super transmitter
with the 2.4 Fasst Module and the 607 Fasst receivers in my Blaster,
Blaster 2 and Vandal. These small receivers fit nicely and the two
whisker antennas are easily exited from the fuselage.
So far they are working great with no range issues. Admittedly, I
have not used the system in a crowded environment, but I have no
doubt it will work fine.
Darwin N. Barrie
Chandler AZ
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