Derek Rawlinson

I have noticed for some time that the classified ads section contains ads that are months old.  Don't you think it would be a good idea if they automatically deleted after a set time like the BMFA website?

Check out this link :  http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5538 it gives some info on futaba 2.4 GHz modules with Optic 6, but I think the module is an Assan module

Hi Chris, I know what you mean, the Optic 6 is a far better tx with more functions that the Futaba 6EX, which after all is the basic Futaba tx.  Whereas the Optic 6 is nearly the "top of the line" in Hitec systems.  I should think that a Futaba module would work in an optic 6.   From what I gathered in my research, the Futaba and Hitec systems are very similar techically.   I have never tried it though. 

Hi Everyone,  I flight tested my Optic 6 with its Spektrum DX7 module and my plane flew very well. The mod obviously works fine.

Hi Myron,  You can buy the modules in the UK!   Most on-line shops sell them. I purchased mine from here:http://robotbirds.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=85_122_197

Further to my last post above.   These modules cost in the region of £150 and some might say you would be better off buying the DX6i which is cheaper or the DX7 which is about £100 more, but if you are happy with your own TX and wish to continue using it, they are the best bet. Of course Futaba now make modules for their own gear and they probably also work with Hite. There is another company which make XPS modules for all transmitters (as long as they have a module already).   There is lots of info on the US forums about this but many people report problems with it.

Hi Myron, The 2.4 modules were produced by Spektrum just for that reason.  Many people wish to stick with their own transmitters and as far as I am concerned the Optic 6 is one of the best around especially when you consider how much it costs. I did a lot of research on the web on various forums in the USA and a lot of people their are upset by the fact that Hitec have not yet produced a 2.4 GHZ  system (although they are working on it). Specktrum make 2.4 modules to fit Futaba transmitters and JR but no mention of Hitec.   In my researches I discovered that Hitec equipment is almost identical, technicaly to Futaba and Mike Mayberry who is the HitecRCD rep in the USA said that it was an oversight on Specktrums part. For the modules to fit, you must of course have a tx with a module!!  The spektrum module replaces your own. Anyway, the module you require is the SPMMS FUT7 DSM8. This is the module for the futaba systemy you get the module, an 2.4 aerial, and the AR7000 receiver that comes with the DX7 specktrum system. You remove your Optic 6 module and replace it with the Spektrum one then remove the Optic 6 aerial and replace it with the Spektrum aerial.  You can then bind your AR7000 receiver to the module. I have tested mine and given it a range check and everything works.   I have not flight tested it yet though. Everything you need to know is at: www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Products/airModuleSystems.aspx Also, check out : www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7266310/tm.htm Hope this helps

Ha Ha Thanks Timbo

Hi Again, My last post does't seem to have provoked much interest so I'll answer it myself. I have purchased a Spectrum module for futaba Transmitters ref number SPMMSFUT7 DSM8. I have fitted it to my Hitec Optic 6 transmitter and it works!!!

Hi Bruce, Yes, I do realise that.  When you buy a Spectrum TX module for a Futaba TX you get a spectrum receiver to go with it.    

Hi everyone, I was reading a forum on an american web site that the futaba 2.4 ghz modules produced by Spectrum are also compatible with the Hitech Optic 6 transmitters.   Has anyone any experience of this? Apparently, according to a guy on the web site this had been confirmed by Spectrum and their adverts for Futaba modules omitted to mention the Hitech tx by mistake.  I have a Futaba Faast system and a Hitec Optic 6.   The optic 6 tx is a far better transmitter with more functions and would like to use this on 2.4 GHZ if possible. Derek

Hi Fred, Great pictures.   Have you flown your second pawnee yet???? Any CG Problems? Derek

Good for you Fred.   I hope you have more luck this time.   Mine is nearly ready to fly.I did notice though that it needed a lot of weight in the nose to get the CG right and thats even witha heavy 4000 Ma battery! Derek

BRC Hobbies have all the bits to build A123 packs. Derek

Hi Fred, Thanks for the tip.   I will check it carefully.  Sorry yours had problems though. Derek

Hi I have just finished building the Eflite piper pawnee.   Like fred I had the problem of having to make more spacers before the prop shaft would protrude throught the cowling. I have't flown it yet.   Still busy flying my Eflite piper cub.   The eflite kits are excellent value for money.  My cub flies like a dream. Derek 

Hi Garry, Thanks for the welcome.   Yes, I can remember the days before proportional radio when it was all single channel stuff.   Then in came reed sets.   I had a Remcon 12.  Control surfaces were either at neautral, fully operated or somewhere in between depending on how fast you could move the channel switches on or off!! Derek

Thanks for the welcome David and Timbo.   I will check those links out. As you say, things do change very quickly.

Hi Shaun, Thanks for the welcome and the email.   I have been looking at your gallery.   It is quite impressive! I also see that you live in Shropshire.   I was stationed at RAF Cosford for about 3 years and later as a  civilian instructor for 12 years.   Once again, thanks for the welcome. Derek

Hello everyone,  I have just joined the forum. I have been model building and flying for many years.  (I am 72 years old) In the past, I built models mainly from plans and kits.  I have spent most of my life in the RAF so I have travelled around quite a bit and there have been periods when I could'nt do any modelling at all. I am now living in a small one bedroomed flat so my modelling activily has now been limited to buying ARTF models.   I used to look down on them because I liked building more than flying.   However, I now think ARTF models have done a lot to get more people into our hobby.   Also the current crop of models are excellently produced.  I think I am an excellent builder haveing had a wealth of experience of all types of models but I don't consider myself an excellent flyer, just intermediate.   I am currently a member of the Blackmore Vale Model flying club in Dorset.  Well thats all for now, I don't want to bore you too much.