DSM

[Grimracer]

I'll just keep running my 75mhz PCM Futaba's
for as long as they are FCC legal.

Personally, I think they are the finest radios
Futaba ever built. I've run them in everything
from 20 mono's to twin 90 riggers... never had a wild boat from radio failure.. set the fail-safes properly and go race.

Forcing people to go to DSM is going to hurt the boating crowd in the long run....

So........just be clear..... your going to let.. or would rather allow.. the FCC tell you what you can run in your boats, but not the racers, buddies that use them.. . Insert your best Spock face here..."Fascinating "

 

[Rich Jones]

I wouldn’t be for forcing people to buy new radios when what they have works. With that said, I have a Futaba 7PXR and I’m using the 334sbs receivers. I was out of the hobby for 20 years and I thought it best to modernize my radio gear as I was getting back in. I loved the telemetry feature and I wanted as much adjustability as I could possibly have. I had the money so I went ahead and bought it and some receivers. I ran my Backlash all summer last year and the ONLY problem, glitch or whatever turned out to be the switch. The battery shook loose and hit the switch and jarred it enough to turn it off. Fortunately I had the battery fail safe set and the boat slowed down and did circles until it ran out of gas. It was initially set to shut the carb but I had made some Throttle linkage adjustments and that affected my failsafe setting mechanically. So, I bought a waterproof toggle switch from Daniel Place and don’t think I will ever use another switch. He wires them up for your radio system. I think they are 20-25.00. That was it. No other issues running alone or with other boats. I have a carbon fiber lid on my box so I mount my receiver back side up to the lid and run the short antenna wire up and out of the box and into a short antenna tube . I’ve seen others run with the wire in the box with no issues but I guess this is where I’m old school. I want that receiver to have the best possible chance of getting the signal. I run a 6.0 volt LIFE battery and find the performance to be amazing. I have to say I absolutely LOVE this radio. I LOVE not worrying about who is on what channel. I just turn it on, start up the boat and go. I just have the gps sensor so far but found it really useful to see directly how a prop or other change is affecting the boat. It is right on my screen real time. I’m all for running what you are comfortable with, but my experience with this system has been 100% positive. You can spend less and get most of these features with the 4PM as well. I’m sure other systems are good, but for me, I run Futaba, always have. If you want or are in need of a new radio and on the fence because of fear of performance issues, don’t let that stop you from using one of these systems.

 

[Bradley Maglinger]

The only failures I have had on any radio was a bad switch in my Redman sport 20 when it hit the bridge in 2016 and my 1/8 scale Canard at Mendota when the Prather seal failed, and filled up the radiobox full of water.

 

[David Krienke]

I have 12 boats now on the flysky receivers qty 5 for 34.95 using a gt3c radio 51.00 flashed with the modded firmware that gives it tons of features and 100 model memory and haven't had a problem as long as you don't put the transmitter down in the aluminum boat we run out of .So its not expensive to change to 2.4 but These 2.4 ghz definitely need good line of sight to get the best signal. My only problem was the receivers getting wet but now that I conformal coat everything I haven't had one problem. They have great range. I do not miss having to change crystals running so many boats as I do. I say set the failsafes to chop throttle if you lose signal and just have fun and be able to change boats at the push of a button. But I don't agree with not letting people run 75mhz . Its a hobby let them run what they have to keep the hobby alive. Its expensive enough to keep the hobby going as it is.

 

[dr gary turner]

At Huntsville TT guys use dsm all the time and doing SAW the boat is further away then anyone would run normally. And I have not seen a issue.

There are issues with DSM at Huntsville
My twin with 2 battery / switches and 2 receivers went to fail safe twice on the back stretch on the right hand side of the back of the course.

BTW I have LONG ANTENNAS ON THE RECEIVERS

Others have had similar issue especially making long runs for SAW GOING deep to the right.

SO DSM IS NOT COMPLETELY RELIABLE

 

[Tom Foley]

I'm sorry I have so many posts on this topic and hope to not be construed as an old guy complaining just to complain , that is not the case . I feel strongly about good legal equipment being able to be used . The issue I have is that it seems to be an inference of FM equipment is inferior to DSM for what we do . If that is the case , show the proof . Thanks .

 

[Grimracer]

None are prefect doc.. none.. nor id I or anybody else say that so yelling it is not going to get it done.

One places his trust in percentages and testimonials.

WHEN.. (not if) we loose those "channels" then those willing to wait will get the chance to switch over.

Grim

 

[Tom Foley]

I agree to disagree a Futaba 3pv can be had for $149.00 Guys complain about change all the time. Any weekend race guys normally piss away $100 to $200 Ask your self how old is the newest Chrystal radio?

So is it your opinion that this new "EntryLevel " radio is just as good as the top of the line futaba save for bells and whistles ? Same internal circuitry and components ? So go from top of the line 75 Mghz radio to entry level radio just because it is 2.4 ? Who brought up the proposal at NAMBA anyway ?

 

[David Bryant]

Make sure you set the fail-safe on that M-12!!! I upgraded to the M12 and had nothing but problems. All issues seem to occur on the right side of the course. Regardless of the boat and all digital servos. Not 1 M12 but 2 and both do the same thing

interesting, thanks Shannon. I'm curious if you were using an "M12" model? or "M12S" model? or "M12RS" model?

 

[SayMikey]

So is it your opinion that this new "EntryLevel " radio is just as good as the top of the line futaba save for bells and whistles ? Same internal circuitry and components ? So go from top of the line 75 Mghz radio to entry level radio just because it is 2.4 ? Who brought up the proposal at NAMBA anyway ?

I dont know Tom Just got an email as im a dual member. My answer to your question is Yes,advancements in electronics have come a long long way in 10 years

 

[Hydro Junkie]

So is it your opinion that this new "EntryLevel " radio is just as good as the top of the line futaba save for bells and whistles ? Same internal circuitry and components ? So go from top of the line 75 Mghz radio to entry level radio just because it is 2.4 ? Who brought up the proposal at NAMBA anyway ?

It very well could be more or less equal. When I bought my first 4PLS, it was roughly $250 for the radio and receiver. When I bought a second one, it was down to $175. The only thing that had changed was the 7PX wheel radio had come out and it was up around $400 or so. Granted, the 7PX had a few more bells and whistles than the 4PLS, but not enough to make me up grade. Both had telemetry and more features than I would ever need so why up grade? As long as they work, I'm not going to replace them.

 

[Grimracer]

The 3PV is actually more mistake proof with the TX antenna in the best position in the molding.

I have done quite a bit of testing and have had those posted on here in the past. The antenna placement, like Mhz is important. The largest advantage to the form factor of Mhz is the oration of the TX antenna in use. You have no choice.. its sticking in the air. mostly UP!

We also need to do that to get maximum performance from 2.4.. If you have the TX antenna laying on its side.. well.. again.. would you do that with Mghz? Nope.. nobody would.

Grim

 

[Mark Anderson]

Hey Grim remember when the FCC made us switch off 72mhz to 75, or when they outlawed wide band radios? Both forced me to buy new radios! Good thing there was no internet back then for people to forecast the demise of modeling!
The NAMBA board made this decision to move forward before we are mandated to. Heck it has come up as an idea on this forum a few times to make race management easier.
If you love our old transmitter, nothing stopping you from converting it to 2.4

 

[Grimracer]

Mark, Yep.. I was heavily involved in the sales end of the industry at that time.

We all made it past that and technology continues.

Grim

 

[Wasted wages]

So........just be clear..... your going to let.. or would rather allow.. the FCC tell you what you can run in your boats, but not the racers, buddies that use them.. . Insert your best Spock face here..."Fascinating "

Basically, what I'm saying is, If my PCM 1024 radios are still FCC legal, then I will use them.

I may not be able to race with them once the IMBPA goes to DSM, but just play days and testing should be fine at a local pond.
(IE: non sanctioned )

 

[David Krienke]

Basically, what I'm saying is, If my PCM 1024 radios are still FCC legal, then I will use them.

I may not be able to race with them once the IMBPA goes to DSM, but just play days and testing should be fine at a local pond.
(IE: non sanctioned )

Another thing for me having a flying field at the other end of my lake I run at I always was nervous about running until the 2.4 came out. Not just for the interference one 72mhz one 75mhz hopefully wouldn't be a problem 2 miles away but just getting yelled at from someone about it. Now with 2.4. everyone is smooth sailing for all types of vehicles. as a kid we used plane radios in our boats and its all we had. All about getting her done and having a good time.....

 

[Wasted wages]

Makes me wonder how many IMPBA members may just throw in the towel and just go bashing at a local pond....

It's kinda like the cell phone companies do,,
every few years your forced to move to newer technology.... buy new phones, chargers and accessories when the current phones are working just fine. It's happening right now with companies phasing out 3G.... I have a perfectly good Galaxy note 5 that I just love.. but now I'm being forced to upgrade to 5G.
At least the phone company will give me a free phone for the hassle...

Maybe NAMBA and IMPBA should do the same thing,,, give members a free radio for being forced to upgrade.

 

[Daniel's Racing]

Using DSM as broad term for 2.4 ghz but it is not technically what we even use unless you like crashing boats.

DSM, DSM2 and DSMX are all Spectrum garbage.

Futaba Fasst is not DSM. Futaba FHSS is not DSM either. Futaba never made a DSM radio.

Fasst is Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology

FHHS is Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

DSM is the one with all the problems. Fasst does not have the issues of DSM.

JR and Spectrum junk is DSM and worthless as heck on the water. You wanna crash something install a Spectrum DSM radio.

 

[Tom Foley]

I have two of these radios with the PK - FSM2.4 MODULES .Can I use the 603 FF RECEIVERS with them as well ? Also specifies digital only servos . Guidance is appreciated.View attachment 302239

 

[Grimracer]

I have some too Tom.. It has been a number of years but let me get back to you.. (BTY) no need to have to use Digital Servos)

I need to look into those to see if they "Adapt" to say.. a 3PK...

Grim