| Hello Bob,
Escaped earlier this year (March). Discovered NOTES "properly" about a
week ago (where have I been???). Thanks for the info - I remember
getting my first licence age 13 and thinking it would never run
out.
I'm hoping to join RADMAC (Reading & District etc etc) soon. They fly
from a remote-ish site near to my home and I hope they'll let me use
27MHz until I can afford 35.
I've started the Apprentice 60 I bought just after meeting you (luckily
the cardboard hasn't deteriorated with age...). Builds really quickly
and is self jigging - even when you modify it to take ailerons (should
have bought the right kit in the first place!).
I've found the slope soarer in the file and I hope to get in touch
soon. Now I'm thinking a bit harder about the modelling game, I'm
not sure where to start. I think I'll stick with the "tried and
tested" power 'planes first and maybe try gliding etc later.
Yes boats!! I'm quite taken with yatchs but at present I'm not too
keen on racing (there certainly seem to be a LOT of rules); maybe
this will change. I'm trying to take a look at the Oxford club,
but haven't found a contact yet.
Hopefully getting an intro to RADMAC from Brian Warwick (CSS) this
evening (if it doesn't rain).
CU
Keith
P.S. I may be thinking of the wrong place, but don't you need Serpas
and a packed lunch to reach Watership Down??
|
| In May 1987 the 40Mhz Radio Control Band became available in the UK for
surface models. We have had 35Mhz for aircraft for a number of years. Prior
to May '87 27Mhz was all that we surface guys could use. Thanks to fairly
prompt action in the late '60s to outlaw the sale of CB equipment and the
legalisation of FM CB rigs in the early '80s, 27Mhz is generally usable.
During '87 there were few 40Mhz rigs avaialable, the only one that comes to mind
was a Multiplex rig. RC Cars on 40Mhz were rare. During '88 the availability
has improved with JR and others coming to the market. Until now equipment
has been expensive, typically �140 (� = $1.8) for a two channel TX, RX and two
servos. The crystals from different manufacturers have not been interchangable
and so have remained expensive, compared to 27Mhz.
Futaba have just announced a 40Mhz version of the Attack for about �70, compared
with �45 for the 27Mhz version. BTW you can get a 27Mhz pistol grip/ steering
wheel rig for under �30! Crystals for the Futaba are claimed to be plentyful
so 40Mhz looks like taking off.
The details of the 40Mhz license are as follows: 30 channels spaced at 10Khz
from 40.665Mhz to 40.955Mhz inclusive, using FM. So far we havn't seen any
problems with cars on ajacent channels.
For the sake of completeness there has been for a number of years an RC band
in the 400Mhz region, I can't remember exactly where and equipment is very, very
rare. I have heard of RC Yachts on this band.
Ten years ago, when I first got into RC there was a license required which cost
only a few pounds and lasted 5 years. By the time mine came up for remewal it
had been abolished.
Now that 40Mhz is available with 30 channels and we have 12 on 27Mhz I can't
to run a 42 car race! Seriously AMB have the capability to expand their 10
channel counting transponder system to 20 so we may yet see some 'busy' races!
Happy New Year,
Rob bbk Racing
|
| Angus,
quoted from the BMFA ( was SMAE ) Members' Handbook ( without their
permission ) ....
1.2.6 Radio Control Frequencies
With effect from 21 May 1987, Statutory Instrument 776/87 confirmed
the following frequency bands for model control equipment:
1. 29.96 MHz to 27.28 MHz. Effective radiated power 100 mW. General
use.
2. 34.995 MHz to 35.255 MHz. Effective radiated power 100mW. Model
aircraft use only.
3. 40.665 MHz to 40.995 MHz. Effective radiated power 100mW. Surface
vehicles only.
4. 458.5 MHz to 459.5 MHz. Effective radiated power 100mW. General
use and telemtry.
In short - aircraft have their band now ( 35 MHz ) and cars/boats
have their own ( 40 MHz ).
You cannot generally get 458 MHz stuff.
Anyone can use 27 MHz for any model use - cars, boats or planes.
My personal recommendation is don't use 27MHz - it is also used for
pagers, etc. and you are quite likely to get shot-down by these
or neighbourhood kids using 27 MHz on their R/C buggies.
If you fly in the middle of nowhere then you would be OK but my
advice is invest in a new R/C set-up - prices are pretty good these
days - you should be able to get a 4 or 6 channel outfit with nicads
rather than dry battery, chargers, 4 servos, etc for �150 ish (
that's about $250 to $270 for our US colleagues! ) - even at the
cost of R/C gear in the UK I think this cheap protection for your
valuable building time.
Regards and good luck
Brian
|