The basic 1020 transmitter is a programmable four channel PPM transmitter with the following features.

This has a number of upgrade options, including:

These can be ordered ready fitted to the TX, being installed at the factory, or added later (this should be an easy job for any reasonably competent modeller, the holes having to be opened up in the case and the leads attaching to contacts with push on sockets).

I ordered my 1020 with a pair of slides, to be used for Radio Needle Valve (RNV) adjustment, and a three position switch, to be used for radio adjustable trim tabs for "Multi racing".

The TX uses a 7.2 volt nicad pack, I have changed the 600 mah pack with a 2000 mah pack meaning I can easily get a full days racing from a single nicad pack.

Look and Feel

The transmitter is higher and wider but a little thinner than the other TXs I have used. I have fairly large hands and find this the most comfortable set I have held. It is a pale grey colour that shows any dirt oil etc, this does encourage me to keep it free of oil though.

The transmitter is very well balanced, being wider than most sets and having a very large aerial, mounted at an angle to the TX making it most comfortable to hold the TX in a horizontal position. The TX is very comfortable when held horizontally with all the controls falling comfortably to hand.

The sticks are supplied with 3 interchangeable ends, short medium and long, each adjustable in length by 1 cm. The shorter sticks are  ideal for those, like me, that like to have their thumbs on the end of the sticks and have a non slip profile in the end. The longer two sets of sticks are for those who like to grip the stick between the finger and forefinger.

The slides are fitted towards the middle of the TX. I fumbled at first when trying to find these for on the water adjustment to the RNV, however I soon got used to this and find them first time now. Having servo reverse on this channel means that regardless of the servo installation on my models moving the slides forward always leans out the needle, this was not the case with my other sets.

Programming

There is a simple LCD display, normally showing battery status and the selected memory. This is also used for programming, showing which function (memory, servo, X mix, Y mix and Dual Rate) is to be programmed and using simple icons to show the sub item (which end point, centre adjust etc.). The TX is fitted with four buttons marked +, -, E, R that are used for programming. These are fitted towards the bottom of the TX centred left to right. I was a little concerned that these buttons may be pressed inadvertently but this has not been the case.

The programming of the 1020 is fairly straight forward when following the instructions, its a little more awkward at the lakeside in bad weather but I seem to have managed OK so far (selecting memories, servo reverse, centre and end point adjustment).

Receivers

I am using "Pico 4" mini 4 channel PPM/FM receivers, on my 21 and 45 hydros, these are small and weigh in at only 12 g (less than 1/2 an ounce).  They are designed for indoor use with a suggested maximum range of 300m so need using with care. They are fitted with 5 connectors, a Y adapter being needed to use all 5 channels as the fifth channel shares its connectors with the nicad. The connections are compatible with standard Futaba or Hitec connectors, only one of them is polarised so care has to be taken when plugging in servos and in particular the nicad. I have had no problems with range and have been very pleased with these receivers.

For my 90 hydro and multi boats I have brought a couple of Micro 7 receivers. These a larger and heavier than the "Pico 4"  and use Multiplex's own connectors, servo leads can be purchased to allow none multiplex servos to be used. I've not had a chance to test these yet 

Conclusions

I am very pleased with the Multiplex gear and have replaced or am replacing all my other gear.

Email Brian