FMA Direct: Flight Systems 5

Model Airplane News, Nov 2003

The folks at FMA Direct are well known for being on the cutting edge of radio technology. Their Co-Pilot infrared-sensing autopilot revolutionized the way newcomers to the hobby learned to fly because it smoothed out an aircraft's flight and all but eliminated the chance of its crashing. Now FMA has added to its breakthrough line with a 5channel receiver-the Flight Systems 5 (FS5). When used with the Co-Pilot, this 0.4ounce receiver will put your model In a programmed holding pattern or a slow descent if it loses the signal or detects interference-and you don't need a computer radio to program it! The FS5 also has a "frequency-clear" feature that allows you to check your frequency before you turn on your transmitter. Its digital-signal recognition exploits the unique signature of PPM, so you can use it with PPM and standard FM transmitters with either positive or negative shift. The FS5 comes with new PC viewer software that you can use to check and record airborne telemetry, battery voltage, interference and more. The FS5 receiver, Co-Pilot and software together cost $179.95; if you already have the Co-Pilot, buy the $119.95 package.

FMA Direct (800) 343-2934; fmadirect.com.