Radio Controlled Models
Share RCScrapyard on Facebook
RCScrapyard Radio Controlled Models
Flags
RCScrapyard.net contains Google AdSense Ads and Amazon Affiliate links, from which we may earn commission. See our Disclosure page for more information.
bar

RC Radio

Radio Frequencies and Crystal Sets (Tx/Rx)
For RC Scale Model Radio Systems

RC Radio Receiver
Introduction

    The following article was written primarily for those moving into Model Car club racing, but is a useful insight into all forms of RC, detailing all you need to know about Radio Frequencies.

    Each form of RC - Cars, Airplanes, Helicopters, Drones, Boats and Ships - use different frequencies in different countries. You should therefore check the local RC Frequency regulations before buying any radio equipment.

    Please read this article carefully and follow the advice given. It is based on my own extensive experience in top level radio controlled motor sport and will hopefully help you avoid the mistakes made my many first time racers. Good luck, and Good racing.











2.4 Ghz Modules Radio Crystals Extension Leads Radio Receivers Transmitter Batteries Receiver Batteries Transmitter Antennas Transmitter Neck Straps Transmitter Cases
Servo Testers Servo Savers Servo Connectors High Speed Servos High Torque Servos Metal Gear Servos Slim Wing Servos Servo Horns Servo Tape






Flags

Radio Frequencies - be Careful be Safe

   After buying your first car, it won't be long before you need more than simply bashing around the back yard, or out on the street. So you will be looking around to find a club that is not too far away where you can do some serious racing.

Three Sets of Crystals


   Before you can start racing, you will need at least three different sets of crystal frequencies. The race organisers will note down all your available frequencies when you register at the track and allocate one of those frequencies to you for your heat. To avoid change over problems from one heat to the next, they generally try to give you a frequency that no one in the heat before or after is using, but always check to make sure before you put your car down on the track and switch on.

   There is nothing more annoying than to be in the middle of your best qualifying race and some idiot switching on their transmitter in the pits, on your frequency. Not only could it spoil your race, but it could cost you a lot of money if at the time you are travelling at top speed along the straight, loose control and crash head on into the wall. Just imagine how you would feel.

Follow the Protocol


   Now, imagine this scenario. You are at your RC meeting and you need to run your car to check out some changes you have made, either after a crash repair, to adjust the steering servo, or just fine tune your car before the next race. What do you do?

   Before you switch on anything, the first thing to do is check with race control, to make sure that none of the racers presently on the track or in the next heat are on the same frequency you want to use. The people in charge are always willing to help in these situations and if none of your three available frequencies are safe for you to use, they will often lend you some crystals, sometimes for a small fee.

Top Level Meeting Protocol


   Some of the bigger meetings use a board displaying all the possible frequencies, indicating which of those frequencies are in use at that time and which are available for others to use. To claim a particular frequency you simply take a peg or marker off the board so that others wanting to check their car out can not use the same frequency as you. Before the next heat, this board is updated and any missing pegs must be accounted for. So obviously the best time to claim your frequency, is at the start of a heat and you must return it before the start of the next heat.

   So, be cautious, use the protocols at your track as they should be used and you won't make any enemies - you know it makes sense.

^ TOP ^






^ TOP ^






Gas/Nitro Engines Body Shells Radio Transmitters etc Tires Wheels/Rims Electronic Speed Controllers Battery Packs / Chargers Electric Motors







RC Models:
Radio
& Motors:
Other
Accessories: