Simulator Use

[Gavin Livsey]

Hi Folks,

 

Just read in this months Mag that using your 35 Meg radio with the aerial down damages it.

 

Most of my flying is still on 35 and I use the same Tx for my sim. Should this be a problem?

 

What do you think?

[Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator]

I must be honest I wasn't aware of the problem. I don't know for certain, but I think in most sims the Tx is in "slave" mode - like when actually buddying - in which case its not transmitting. As I say I'm not certain about that but I think it is so - maybe someone more knowledgable can confirm?

 

For most users the biggest problem in lots of sim use is the buddy lead socket - which can work loose from repeated use in some trannies. THis can result in broken connections - and even effect the main board.

 

If your bothered why not go on ebay a buy a cheap second hand 35M Tx - you can get them at really low prices at the moment. And a spare might not go amiss anyway! 

 

BEB

Edited By Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator on 21/11/2010 19:56:55

[Gavin Livsey]

BEB,

 

Thanks. I have tried using an old Skysport 4 Tx, but it just doesn't feel the same as my regular trannie.

 

I think you are right about the Tx going in to slave mode when connected. It makes sense I suppose. I am aware of the problems with the buddy lead socket. I tend to leave the trannie connected to my PC unless I'm actually out flying (which this year seems to be once every other week).

 

Gavin

[Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator]

HI Gavin,

 

I've thought about this some more - I use an old Skysport 6 on my sim and it hasn't even got a crystal in it! So that one ceratinly isn't transmitting!

 

BEB

[Tony Smith 7]

Same here, I understood that the loopback pins on the trainer cable (Hitec Optic) switch off the RF.    Easy enough to test, I'll just see whether it controls a receiver when hooked up to the simulator.

[Gavin Livsey]

Guys,

 

Have just been playing with my simulator. Brought a model in to the room, switched it on and hey presto everything waggles when I move the appropriate stick.

 

So, Tx IS transmitting when connected to the sim.

 

Therefore, back to my original question. Is this going to damage my tx?

[flytilbroke]

It could do, remove the Xtal, wrap the lead around the TX handle, which decreases risk of possible socket damage. Take care at any stage of removing/reconnecting lead and Xtal.

 

Best alternative has already been mentioned, aquire another TX. Battery not required, at least in some sets.

[Chris Bott - Moderator]

Gavin what make is the Tx? if it's JR or Spektrum then leave the Tx switched off, when you plug in the trainer lead - that will bring on the Tx in buddy mode (i.e. not transmitting).

 

If it's a Futaba, is there a crystal to remove? This will stop it transmitting, eliminate any possible damage to the RF transistors and will also make the battery last much longer. Just don't forget the crystal when you go flying.

[Gavin Livsey]

Chris, thanks

 

It's Futaba.I'll try it later without the Crystal.