AboutKen Myers Expertise I can answer beginning, advanced and expert questions about electrically
powered R/C model aircraft, and many questions about R/C model aircraft of
all types, except helicopters. I`ve been building, flying and designing R/C
model aircraft for 40 years.
Experience I have been building and flying radio controlled model aircraft since 1960. I'm the president of the Electric Flyers Only, Inc., located in southeasten Michigan. I'm a past president of the National Electric Aircraft Council. I'm vice-president of the Midwest R/C Society. I was president and main founder of the UFO (Union Lake Flying Organization). I've built and flown most types of model aircraft except helicopters.
Expert: Ken Myers Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: Radio Frequency
Question QUESTION: I want switch out a non-proportional transmitter with a proportional one. How do I know what the frequency is of the old transmitter so I can buy the appropriate freq.
It is not labelled what is. Can I buy a tool to measure frequency?
ANSWER: Hi David,
You cannot just switch out the transmitter. You'll need a whole new system including receiver and servos, so knowing the frequency will not really help you. You can find inexpensive and light proportional systems at place like http://www.bphobbies.com
The crystal in the transmitter will give you a clue as the frequency range, but that's all. Just a clue. I would suggest that you search online for your specific system. It should give you the frequency or the frequency range that it is in. Most "toy" R/C equipment is either on 900MHz or 27MHz, but I can't tell you the specific frequency without knowing what it is that you might have.
Sincerely,
Ken
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: What makes a boat, car etc be digital proportional steering and speed.
Is it the ESC in the boat? Is it the Tx? is it the Rx
i.e. if I have a boat that I like but it does not have proportional steering or speed. Do I buy a Tx, RX/ESC and matched servo's inorder to convert it? Recommend a system under $150?
Answer Hi David,
The radio system is what allows for proportional steering. The system includes the transmitter, receiver, servos and a power source for the receiver. The electronic speed control can be thought of as a "special" servo that controls the speed of an electric motor.
You will still need a servo for steering and an ESC for throttle control, but everything you will need to convert your boat should be under the price you stated.
