Model airplane news: Guide to micro R/C receivers

Model Airplane News, Nov 1999 by Aberle, Bob

JR R600M Ultra Micro Receiver

At press time, we learned of this new entry into the world of micro R/C. According to JR, its new FM micro receiver weighs 0.46 ounce (13g) with its case and 0.39 ounce (11 g) without a case. Dimensions with case are 1 1/2x13/16x5/8 inch and dimensions are 1 3/8x3/4x1/2 inch without case. It will have 6-channel functions and be available on all 72MHz RfC frequencies. The single-conversion circuit is claimed to have out-of-sight radio range and excellent selectivity. This receiver has a new companion microservo: the JR-241 (available now). The receiver will be available in production quantities by the end of 1999.

Sky Hooks & Rigging's SHR-RX72-F

This receiver is similar electronically to the SHR-RX72, except that it has conventional servo-connector pins along one end of the receiver. The weight is the same; still an incredible 0.07 ounce (2g), although the size is slightly different at 1 1/8/x9/16x3/8 inch. This model receiver has 5-channel control capability. The connector polarity is not marked on the receiver, but the instructions are quite clear. The center pin is the more common battery

positive.

Cannon

Ultra Micro Receiver

Over the years, Bill Cannon has been one of the pioneers of micro-size R/C systems. To aid indoor and parking-lot fliers, he continues to reduce the size of his equipment. Bill's Ultra Micro receiver (the only we are aware of that is made exclusively here, in the USA) weighs just 0.57 ounce (1 6g) and is enclosed in a plastic case measuring 1 1/4x1 1/16x9/16 inch. If you remove the case, the weight drops to 0.42 ounce (12g), and the dimensions are further reduced to 1 1/16sx15/16x7/16 inch. The receiver is a full-performance type with excellent selectivity and range. It operates on AM and can be made available on all 27, 72 and 50Mhz R/C channels. You can order the unit with from two to five channel functions, and you may choose between Cannon proprietary micro connectors or the more conventional Deans connectors. Again, heed the caution about checking servo connector polarity before plugging in that microservo the first time. Be advised that since this is an AM receiver, your choices for a transmitter are somewhat limited to a Cannon, Hitec, or possibly an older Ace Micropro-8000 with an AM RF board.

Hitec RCD Prism-7 Transmitter with Spectra Synthesized RF Module

The Hitec Spectra module allowed us to easily operate all of the FM micro R/C receivers that were provided to the magazine for this survey. It didn't matter which receiver channel was used because we only had to "tune" the transmitter to it.

The Spectra module is an interesting accessory that's designed specifically for use with the Hitec Prism transmitter. It replaces the more common, single-channel RF module with a multi-channel module. In the past, it was necessary to buy an individual-and expensive-module for each frequency you wish to operate on. With the Spectra module, you need only plug it in and dial any one of the 50 aircraft R/C channels. To preclude accidentally changing channels, the dials have been thoughtfully placed on the inside of the module. In other words, you must physically remove the module to access the two channel-changing dials.