RC Flying Today: New RCD All-Channel Transmitter RF Module
This is written in advance of production, but the item should be available by the time this column is published. an FM transmitter module for the Hitec Master and Challenger 720 series of transmitters (which, as everyone knows, are plug-compatible with the Futaba G-series transmitters) which selects all 80 frequencies in the 72 and 75 MHz bands. It will be narrow band and FCC Type Accepted. The module will allow you to switch-select all 72 MHz plus all 75 MHz channels. You do it by using two 0-9 switches on the inside surface of the module to designate the channel number desired (11-60 and 61-90). The characteristics of the channels are stored in the unit's memory, so the memory automatically instructs the transmitter to generate the selected frequency. Yes, you must remove the module to choose a channel.
AMA/SEFLI "Unofficial" Electric Nats
BACKGROUND: No Special Interest Group representative was present to speak for electric-powered aviation when the AMA Nationals Committee met to set up the 1992 schedule. The AMA supports an FAI team in world competitions; therefore only F3E and F3E (seven cell) were put on the Nationals schedule. And these were on a time-, space-, and frequency-available basis. When the official Nationals schedule was published, this decision caused an outcry from the Electric community.
Now you're Talking
I'VE BEEN ASKED several times why the message "Thanks, Bob" appears at the head of the fifty 72 MHz RC channels listed on our Membership Renewal Form. Well, you do realize that 50 exclusive, separated, license-free RC channels were not conferred on you by the FCC because you have a pretty face. It took hard work by AMA member volunteers, over a period of 10 years, to get them. This included face-to-face meetings with the FCC Commissioners in their own offices in Washington (at a time when AMA had Washington offices, too). It has taken another 15 years-long effort, by more AMA people (volunteers and employees), to keep those channels.
'93 WRAM Show
WHAT'S NEW? The WRAM show was held this year on February 27-28 at the Westchester County Center, in White Plains, New York. When writing a show report, I try to find a significant trend or theme to talk about. This year, the obvious candidate is the FCC's omnibus docket 92-235, which seeks to put 400 channels in the 72-73 MHz band (plus additional channels elsewhere). I found three manufacturers/vendors offering RC systems that have the potential to meet or exceed the FCC's proposed new specifications. The key words are "phase-locked loop" (PLL). When PLL generators are used in the transmitter and receiver, 2.5 kHz bandwidth is possible.
RC Flying Today: Enter This Contest: When and where was the first model airplane contest?
HERE are the two contest questions: 1. When, where, and by whom was the first gasoline-engined 1/4-scale model airplane flown? 2. When, where, and by whom was the first organized model airplane contest held? In order that the winner may have the award for Christmas, the competition ends December 1, 1992. The decision of the judges is final, and you must answer both questions correctly to win. "Leonardo da Vinci" would not be a winning answer without some documentation, such as a Xerox copy of a page out of a book that supports your answer.
