New radio or older Futaba PCM

[Joseph]

Hello guys question I am building a new model I bought from Aloft. I am from the old days of soaring and getting back into the hobby. So will my older Futaba PCM radio work fine or should I get a new 2.4 box? And if so any suggestion on one that Aloft sells. I really can only afford something in the $200 range to start. All help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Konrad]

New radio 2.4 gHz. But with so few using 72 mHz your old Futaba should do fine, until you figure out were you want to go with this hobby. This is assuming your flying field allows the use of 72 mHz.

 

[HENNY]

Hi Joseph

Analog 72meg is a very old format, maybe not worth taking the risk?

The QX7S would be a good all round radio.

FrSky Taranis Q X7S ACCESS

The X7S ACCESS features 24 channels with a faster baud rate and lower latency thanks to its high-speed module digital interface. As with the rest of the ACCESS transmitters, it provides a secure and reliable link, along with wireless firmware updating making it fully compatible with our newest...

alofthobbies.com

a good full range 6 channel receiver is.

FrSky Archer Plus R6 - 6 Channel

The new 6 channel ACCESS receiver from FrSky. Perfect for all sizes of models requiring six channels or more, the R6 is a multi-function receiver. Utilizing the SBUS port, this receiver can be used as a redundant receiver with another SBUS capable FrSky receiver. ACCESS also allows over-the-air...

alofthobbies.com

And is around $190.

 

[Wayne]

I used to have one of those Futaba PCM radios. They were pretty great back in their day, and honestly, if you don't need anything fancy they should still do the trick. Just get new battery packs and do some range testing to make sure they are still working well. I'd bet they are. Futaba was making really good gear back then.

Fly on that for a while and get yourself back into the air. While flying, maybe ask your flying buddies some questions about what they are flying, and learn a bit more about the current stuff on the market.

Also, keep a close eye out for anyone else pulling out the big silver antenna, they will not be used to checking for other people on their channel. The bests thing about 2.4 radios of today is you no longer need to worry about anyone turning on and shooting down your plane. That is a huge improvement on its own, but the other big changes are all of the programming we can do with a modern radio, especially with the FrSky radios, pretty much anything you can think of you can do with a FrSky radio. And the telemetry will be new to you also, no more wondering how much battery is left in your glider, you will always know, and your transmitter can even speak to you and let you know when that battery is getting low. I think you will find many great features that really make the hobby safer and more affordable as you will not be loosing planes as often.

 

[Joseph]

Hi Joseph

Analog 72meg is a very old format, maybe not worth taking the risk?

The QX7S would be a good all round radio.

FrSky Taranis Q X7S ACCESS

The X7S ACCESS features 24 channels with a faster baud rate and lower latency thanks to its high-speed module digital interface. As with the rest of the ACCESS transmitters, it provides a secure and reliable link, along with wireless firmware updating making it fully compatible with our newest...

alofthobbies.com

a good full range 6 channel receiver is.

FrSky Archer Plus R6 - 6 Channel

The new 6 channel ACCESS receiver from FrSky. Perfect for all sizes of models requiring six channels or more, the R6 is a multi-function receiver. Utilizing the SBUS port, this receiver can be used as a redundant receiver with another SBUS capable FrSky receiver. ACCESS also allows over-the-air...

alofthobbies.com

And is around $190.

Thanks for the info. I went ahead and ordered a

FrSky Taranis ACCESS (2019) system.​

 

[Joseph]

Need more help on wing servo leads. I am building a 102" sailplane and need to use wing servos and the leads that come on the Blue Bird BMS-115HV servo will not reach the receiver. The tube that is installed in the build up wing (Not foam) is not large enough to route a lead with a standard plugs much less with Standard Servo Extensions. So I know I will need to solder long lead wires to make this work so does it matter what gauge of the wire should be 22AWG or 26AWG? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Konrad]

Are you aware that it is rather easy to de-pin the connector. Also the JR male (plastic)connector will fit the Futaba female (plastic) receptical connector. The JR connector is smaller as it doesn't have that awful polarity flag. (The polarity feature on the JR connector are the beveled corners. With the connector housing removed it should be easy to run the lead down that tube. I like to use the largest wire I can. This is to minimize voltage drop and noise on the lead. So go with 22AWG.

P.S.
I like to keep the servo to extension connector in the area of the servo pocket. This makes it easier to replace the servo when they become stripped. I choose an extension lead long enough to reach the wing connector block or the receiver. I rarely if ever do I solder my servo leads and extensions. Aloft sell a set of loose pin plastic housings and crimping tool to make your own custom length extension leads. FYI: If you do solder your extension leads try to stager the splices to minimize the bulge.

 

[Joseph]

Are you aware that it is rather easy to de-pin the connector. Also the JR male (plastic)connector will fit the Futaba female (plastic) receptical connector. The JR connector is smaller as it doesn't have that awful polarity flag. (The polarity feature on the JR connector are the beveled corners. With the connector housing removed it should be easy to run the lead down that tube. I like to use the largest wire I can. This is to minimize voltage drop and noise on the lead. So go with 22AWG.

P.S.
I like to keep the servo to extension connector in the area of the servo pocket. This makes it easier to replace the servo when they become stripped. I choose an extension lead long enough to reach the wing connector block or the receiver. I rarely if ever do I solder my servo leads and extensions. Aloft sell a set of loose pin plastic housings and crimping tool to make your own custom length extension leads. FYI: If you do solder your extension leads try to stager the splices to minimize the bulge.
View attachment 5661

Dam I never thought about that thanks so much. I will go with making customs, Need to order some more stuff now lol. Once again thanks bunches.