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I currently have 5 radio sets, a Futaba SkySports 4, a Sanwa Vanguard 6, a couple of
Hitec Ranger 2s and a most recently a Multiplex 1020.
While I am happy with all these radios I would recommend either the Hitec Ranger 2, for
its low price or the Multiplex for its higher quality and versatility..
Here's a few thoughts about each of the radios. BTW for non UK based readers 40 MHz is
for ground use exclusively here.
| Multiplex 1020 |
The transmitter is very well balanced, being wider than most
sets and having a very large arial mounted at an angle to the TX. The TX is very
comfortable when held horizontally with all the controls falling comfortably to hand. My
set has a total of 7 channels, these are two on each stick, two fully proportional slider
controls and a three position switch.
The transmitter is programmable having 3 model memories, there is servo reverse and
centre and endpoint adjustment on all channels. There are two programmable mixers, X
mixing (which mixes two inputs to two outputs) and Y (mixing which mixes two inputs to one
output).
This gives me a very flexible system, for circuit racing I use throttle on the left
stick, rudder on the right stick and radio needle valve on one of the sliders. For multi
racing I can also have radio adjustable trim tabs on the three position switch.
I am using a "Pico 4" mini 4 channel PPM/FM receiver this is small and
weighs in at only 12 g (less than 1/2 an ounce). I will be getting another Pico 4 for my
Hawk 45 and a couple of Micro 7 receivers for my other boats.
I am so impressed with the Multiplex that I am beginning to phase out my use of the
other radio gear, at some time in the future I would hope to get one of the more advanced
TXs with more model memories and even greater flexibility in terms of programming etc.
Once I have the extra receivers I will upload a more thorough review. |
| Futaba SkySport 4 |
This is a basic 2 stick 4 channel 40 MHz radio. This was my
first set, brought because Futaba was a name synonymous with quality when it comes to
radio gear. I was looking for a 4 channel set for rudder, throttle and needle valve. |
| Sanwa Vanguard 6 |
A six channel set, mine has 4 channels on two sticks plus one
two position switch and a fully independent proportional control (a small lever on the
right-hand side). Although the price of the Vanguard is reasonable, replacement parts and
accessories seem very expensive. I find that used as a 3 channel set it makes an excellent
set for circuit race use. The Vanguard now comes with 4 proportional channels on the
two sticks and two switches, one a two position and the other a three position. This makes
the newer models much less useful than the earlier ones. |
| Hitec Ranger 2 |
This set has two sticks and a rotary control for the third
channel on the top left corner. I find the set a little light and cramped, I have large
hands, but am getting more and more used to it. Servo reverse is available on both sticks. I
liked my first set so I brought a second a month or so later. A complete set (transmitter,
receiver,two servos, battery box and switch harness) costs little more than a replacement
receiver for my Sanwa set. |
With all these sets I am either using 5 cell (6 volt) nicad packs for the
receivers as this will give more torque and faster response from the servos.
Servos
All my radios came with fairly cheap standard servos, as finances allow these are being
replaced. The standard servos are OK for needle valves, rudders and throttle on sports
boats but are not really appropriate for rudders on race boats.
Some Servo Specifications
Hitec
| Servo |
Description |
Torque* |
Speed for 60 degree travel* |
Dimensions Inches |
| HS 80** |
Sub Micro |
36.4 oz/in |
0.12 sec |
1.1 x 0.5 x 1.1 |
| HS 225 BB |
Mini |
65.8 oz/in |
0.11 sec |
1.3 x 0.6 x 1.3 |
| HS 525 |
High Speed |
54.6 oz/in |
0.12 sec |
1.4 x 0.8 x 1.5 |
| HS 700 |
1/4 Scale |
161 oz/in |
0.19 sec |
2.0 x 1.1 x 2.3 |
* Figures are at 6 Volts.
** I now prefer JP SuperTec NARO HP servos to the HS 80.
JP SuperTec 4.8 V
| Servo |
Description |
Torque |
Speed for 60 degree travel |
Dimensions mm |
| NARO HP |
Micro |
1.4 Kg/cm |
0.11 sec |
21.8 x 11.0 x 19.5 |
Futaba
| Servo |
Description |
Torque |
Speed for 60 degree travel |
Dimensions mm |
| 9303 |
Standard size high torque |
7.2 Kg/cm |
0.19 sec |
40.5 x 20 x 39.5 |
After six to seven months of use I would offer the following observations on the above
servos.
| Servo |
Observations |
| NARO HP |
I've been impressed with this servo, its very light and has given good
throttle and needle control on my Eagle 21. I will be using them on my Hawk 45. |
| HS 80 |
This servo seemed to be working very well for throttle control, on a 67,
giving fast response. However the servo proved not to be strong enough and stripped a
gear. I will be using micro servos only on 21s and 45s from now |
| HS 225 |
I'm using this servo for rudder on my Eagle 21. With a 6 volt nicad pack
it gives excellent steering response on this little hydro. The gear set can be replaced
with a metal gear set for a 205 mg to give a tougher servo. |
| HS 525 |
I've been very impressed with this servo, nice fast response and has stood
up well for throttle control on my 90 and geared 45. |
| HS 615MG |
Initially I was very impressed with these servos, offering high torque at
a fair price, enough so to use them in three of my boats. I have found though that they
are very susceptible to water damage even from a tiny amount of water. All three of my
615's have stopped working, none of the other servos that shared radio boxes with them
have suffered any damage despite in some cases being subjected to more water then the 615.
|
| Futaba 9303 |
This servo is faster and has similar torque to the HS 615MG, although it
costs nearly twice the price of the 615 I have found it gives much better steering
response and copes with occasional leaks much better. This will be my standard rudder
servo from now on. |
| HS 700 |
I have had no problems with this servo at all, if your application can
cope with the size and extra weight of this servo then it's an excellent budget choice. I
run this on both my Hawk 45 (though I plan to change to a lighter 9303) and Roadrunner 90
hydros without problems. |
This page was last updated on 07 Jan 1999
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