Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / April 2004

Not to put too fine a point on it, but the synthesized 9Z does not use
an 'accessory pack' to synthesize all 50 channels.  The synth R/F
module replaces the fixed frequency R/F module.

Go a step farther and get an R309DPS synthesized receiver, and never
again have to wait for the frequency pin to be available.

The 'accessory pack' is called a CamPac, and it provides additional
memory; you don't have to get a CamPac but it sure is nice being able
to store a couple _hundred_ models in memory.

You can get the Futaba 64k CamPac, or you can get a 'clone-pac' from
http://www.model-gadgets.com

or their U.S. distributor at
http://home.flash.net/~dynamic3/

The Model Gadgets clone-pacs have up to 512k storage, which in the 9Z
means up to >192< models in memory depending on the level of
programming for each model.

The higher end clone-pacs also have a 'service enabler' function which
allows the user to do calibration of basic 9Z functions (you can
_really_ shoot yourself in the foot if you're clueless  . . . ).
Cheers,
Fred McClellan
The House Of Balsa Dust
http://home.mindspring.com/~the-plumber

This is the route I would go also.  Find a frequency at your field that is
not heavily populated then get a computer Tx that can store several models.
Get a new receiver on that frequency for each  plane.  Even with a Tx that
can transmit on any frequency, you would still need to have all of that
planes settings stored in the radio.  The only advantage I can see would be
switching to another frequency if someone else is using yours.  How often
does that happen.  That is never a problem at our field.  In three years, I
have never had to wait because someone was using my frequency.

John VB

If price IS a problem, the Hitec Eclipse 7 w/ a Spectra module fits
the bill at $219 --
http://h1069375.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=HRC171724 .

Which is a good deal cheaper than the Evo 9 at $417.  (But even so,
$417 isn't too bad.  The Multiplex stuff that I've seen is sweeeet,
but I've never had one myself.)

For synthesized receivers, these --

  http://polkshobby.site.yahoo.net/seekerii.html

look pretty good, though I've no personal experience with them.

Must be nice.  You'll go far in this hobby if that continues :)

... from Futaba, for 72 mhz.  You forgot those parts.  Other
manufacturers certainly do sell `fully synthesized systems', and
Futaba does offer synthesized stuff (receivers, and modules that work
the non 9Z but still moduled radios) on 75 mhz

(Of course, I don't see a single button where you can buy a
synthesized 75 mhz radio, module and synthesized receiver all at once
(so maybe you don't cosider it a `system') but Futaba does sell all
three if you're ready to mix and match a little.  And of course, it's
75 mhz, not for planes, so maybe it doesn't really count in this
group.)

But Polk Hobbies certainly does sell such a `system', and while I'm
not sure if the other manufacturers do or don't sell a full `system',
you can certainly mix and match and get a fully synthesized
transmitter and receiver.

(Why Futaba does for 75 mhz and not 72 mhz escapes me.  Liability
concerns?  I really wish they'd get off their butt and sell the 72 mhz
sythesized module we've heard rumors of for years.)

Neither is terribly difficult to find nowadays.

Certainly true.

... which is why we don't all have one :)

Of course in the benighted state of Europe, we just buy a couple of
cheap transmitters and gaily change the crystals in them and use the
right one for the model.

Two handed twin plane combat  anyone? Or is that too much 'playing with
yourself'? :-)

You can pick up four or five transmitters for the price of one
synthesied transmitter on Ebay...