Newbie Spectra question

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macaddicted - 17 Jul 2004 23:48 GMT

A quick, I hope, question. I'm just beginning and I am curious about the
Spectra module from Hitec. I understand that you can set the transmiter
to your choice of frequency, but that you must have a crystal for your
receiver to match that frequency. But is it common, or even legal, for a
flyer to carry more than one crystal and swap frequencies at the field?
And if not, what good is the Spectra module?

Thanks

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macaddicted
Utinam logica falsa tuam philosophiam totam suffodiant!

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jeboba - 17 Jul 2004 23:59 GMT

You may have many receivers with different frequency crystals. You can also
change crystals in receivers. Futaba must stay in the LOW or HIGH band. But
Futaba is the only one that does this. All others can be changed freely. It
IS legal to change receiver frequency. No problem.

> A quick, I hope, question. I'm just beginning and I am curious about the
> Spectra module from Hitec. I understand that you can set the transmiter
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> macaddicted
> Utinam logica falsa tuam philosophiam totam suffodiant!

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Ted Campanelli - 18 Jul 2004 14:06 GMT

On 7/17/2004 6:48 PM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these
great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

A simpler (and CHEAPER) approach may be Polk's Hobby Tracker II. A
fully synthesized transmitter (can use ANY channel) and the Seeker II
receiver. The receiver is also fully synthesized and can be use on ANY
channel with NO CRYSTAL involved. I "think" RC Universe has a review on
this radio.

I have one and like it quite a bit. The only "negatives" I have found
are: The physical size is larger than most transmitters (this is a plus
for me as I have large hands) and SOME of the programming, IMHO, is a
little "clumsy" (not as simplified as Futaba, but definitely more
customizable).

The transmitter, receiver, batteries and one servo is about $275. If
you are going to go with the Tracker, check with the company. They are
supposed to be coming out with a new model that has a "buddy box" port
and trainer switch, the present version doesn't have these features.

> A quick, I hope, question. I'm just beginning and I am curious about the
> Spectra module from Hitec. I understand that you can set the transmiter
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Thanks

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Bill - 19 Jul 2004 19:17 GMT

Just be sure that the Spectra module you are talking about is installed in
the same brand as the transmitter. The HiTech Spectra module will work fine
in a Futaba transmitter but it is not legal to do this in the USA and you
are opening yourself to potent problems if there is an accident.

> A quick, I hope, question. I'm just beginning and I am curious about the
> Spectra module from Hitec. I understand that you can set the transmiter
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Thanks

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James D Jones - 19 Jul 2004 20:47 GMT

Actually, the Spectra module doesn't work all that well in some of
Futaba's transmitters. That is probably the reason why the AMA has
emphasized the FCC regulation which prohibits such use.

I recommend the use of the Hitec Eclipse/ Spectra with Polk's Seeker
or Seeker II receiver. This avoids having to change receiver Xtals
at all. It is legal to change them, however.

Jim - AMA 501383

> Just be sure that the Spectra module you are talking about is
> installed in the same brand as the transmitter. The HiTech Spectra
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>> and swap frequencies at the field? And if not, what good is the
>> Spectra module?

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / July 2004

Newbie Spectra question