2.4-GHz Controllers Are Taking the RC World by Storm

Time and again, we hear from model airplane enthusiasts that they were told at a “specialty store” that they now have to buy a 35-MHz system because 40 MHz is banned or is no longer being produced. Of course, this is difficult to verify. If this were the case, those responsible would have to be called liars. Officially, we still have four channels available in the 40-MHz band (see box), and since a large portion of RC systems are produced for Japan,

The 40 MHz band will remain in use anyway, thanks to the globalization of the market.

On the manufacturer's side, there are already quite a few promising products currently available in stores or set to hit the market in the coming weeks.

Spectrum, USA—under this name, RC systems for cars and airplanes, as well as modules for JR and Futaba, are being offered. Spectrum RC systems are distributed by Horizon Hobby in Champaign, Illinois, USA. Spectrum has no connection to Futaba Corp.—as was sometimes stated in brochures—other than the fact that Spectrum produces Futaba-compatible RF modules and receivers.

Probably the best-known Spectrum model is the DX7.

In Switzerland, 23 channels are available in the 35,000 MHz to 35,220 MHz band for model aircraft remote controls. However, until December 31, 2007, the new frequency band must be shared with existing users (the military). Therefore, interference-free operation cannot be guaranteed until that date. Starting January 1, 2008, the 35-MHz frequencies will be available exclusively for model aircraft remote controls. To ensure that a safe frequency range remains available, the existing 18 channels in the 40.715 MHz to 40.985 MHz range may continue to be used exclusively until December 31, 2007. To allow for the amortization of equipment, the 40-MHz frequencies may still be used until December 31, 2012, at the latest, with the caveat that interference-free operation cannot be guaranteed. After January 1, 2013, no model aircraft remote controls operating on the 18 channels in the 40.715 MHz–40.985 MHz frequency range may be placed on the market.

The four channels in the 40.665–40.695 MHz range (ISM band) for all types of remote controls are not affected by this regulation and will continue to be available.

FUTABA, Japan – Here you’ll find complete control systems and modules for Futaba. Futaba Corp. is a major international electronics conglomerate headquartered in Oshiba, Japan. Its new products are taking the European market by storm almost every week.

Futaba 7-channel RF module and receiver.

Xtreme Link by Xtreme Power Systems, USA—this company offers only modules and receivers for Multiplex, JR, Futaba, and Airtronics. Xtreme Power Systems is a new division of Spherical Radiation Technology in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA. The company originally specialized in wireless computer networks and data transmission. The Xtreme Power Systems division is barely a year old. *GZ*

Equipment that operates using radio technology (radio transmitters and receivers) must comply with the requirements of the FAV to prevent interference with the frequency spectrum. Telecommunications equipment may only be offered for sale, placed on the market, or used if it meets the following requirements:

• It complies with the Swiss National Frequency Allocation Plan (frequency used, transmission power, and other relevant parameters).
• It must have successfully undergone a conformity assessment (verification of the essential requirements).
• It meets the additional requirements for placing the equipment on the market (notification to OFCOM, declaration of conformity, labeling of the equipment, and user information).

The manufacturer and the distribution chain in Switzerland must ensure that the requirements described above are met. This also applies to private individuals who import telecommunications equipment directly.