Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / May 2008

Hi

I have been an RC modeller since the 1960s (strewth, as long ago as
that!!!) but we moved house in 2000 and, after the inevitable
redecorating, I never seemed to get back into RC flying again, apart
from occasionally dabbling in RC flight sims on my computer, so am
currently a few years out of touch.

However, I have recently started looking nostalgically at my old
models, and - when the wife isn't watching - sneakily looking at the
RC model mags in my local newsagents (unfortunately these are just
under the porn mags so people are starting to talk).

I have two old trannies - a JR-X347 and a JR-X388S; however, the 347
back-up battery (plus the main battery) is flat and I suspect, given
the age of it, the 388 will not be far behind.  

I also have an assortment of JR receivers and servos, some late
1990s/early 2000, some never even used.  I have checked my Rx nicads
on a cycler and they seem fine - and I have been charging these every
few months.

Given the age of my RC gear, at the very least I really need to buy a
new Tx - and probably at least one new Rx battery pack to be on the
safe side - before risking a model (the RXs and servos, being hardly
used, should be fine).  However, RC gear has moved on since 1999 and I
find myself baffled by the new technology - no trim levers and, even
worse, new-fangled synthesised systems with no crystals.

Can anybody recommend a half-decent modern JR trannie that will still
work with my old Rxs??  Would a synthesised Tx work with an old Rx or
are they simply non-compatible?

The logical (and safest) way of course, is to scrap the lot and start
from scratch but it would cost too much to do in one fell swoop.

Regards

KGB