Focus on Competition
Technical Director
Steve Kaluf skaluf@modelaircraft.org
Used Transmitters
Hopefully those of you who had non-narrowband transmitters have heeded the multiple warnings in this column and in the "On the Fly" section of the magazine, and have had your transmitters upgraded. Remember, you are in violation of a Federal Regulation if you operate a transmitter that is on 72 MHz, 75 MHz, or 50 MHz if it is not narrowband.
With the new regulations now in effect, you may see a number of used transmitters being dumped on the market by owners who can no longer use them and do not want to pay to upgrade them to narrowband specifications.
- Some are higher-end transmitters that can be upgraded by the manufacturer for relatively little expense; these may be worth purchasing. Remember, they are illegal to operate until upgraded to narrowband specifications.
- Many older, inexpensive transmitters are probably not cost-effective to upgrade. They may need new batteries and a new narrowband receiver. Adding upgrade costs can make a used package cost more than a new system that includes a transmitter, receiver, and four servos.
- If the seller claims the system is not narrowband, factor that into your decision. If you are unsure or cannot verify details before purchase, you may be better advised to buy a new system.
Identifying Narrowband Systems
Used systems advertised as narrowband require caution.
- If you know the seller, it may be a safe bet.
- Check for an old gold RCMA/AMA sticker on the back; most narrowband older systems should have this. (Remember, the program was discontinued two years ago.)
- Be aware that some stickers have been moved from narrowband transmitters to non-narrowband ones.
- The only sure way to verify narrowband status is to have the transmitter examined on a spectrum analyzer.
There is a higher probability of older FM systems being narrowband than AM. This is not a criticism of AM; AM has simply been around longer, so there are more non-narrowband AM systems than FM.
Receivers and Safety
The receiver is the heart of your system from both the aircraft and safety standpoints. While you must have a narrowband transmitter to meet Federal regulations and to avoid interfering with others on adjacent channels, only a reliable receiver will protect your aircraft from interference. Running a non-narrowband receiver in narrowband conditions is irresponsible and dangerous. Please do not do it.
Indoor Nationals and Category Champion
The Indoor Nationals will be starting soon (May 27). Schedules have been published and entry forms may have been mailed; if you still need an entry form, call AMA headquarters right away.
Competitors are reminded that all entries will be automatically entered in the competition for Category Champion. All entries placing tenth or better in any official event will receive points according to placement. Once all events are completed, the points will be totaled and the Indoor Category Champion will be named. The more events you enter and do well in, the better your chance of becoming Category Champion. Each Category Champion will receive a plaque and cash award. Category Champions will also be named in the outdoor events.
McNeill Cup
Jim McNeill, AMA Vice President for District V, reinstituted the much-coveted McNeill Cup for FAI Free Flight at the Nationals last year. This is given to the high-time winner in F1C.
The winner also receives a hot .15-size engine. Last year Jim also started a new McNeill Cup for the popular FAI F1D category; the winner of this receives a hot .060. The 1997 winner received an MP Jet engine. FAI Free Flight competitors have lots of neat prizes to compete for in 1998. Thanks for your generosity, Jim!
Pylon Racing and Helmets
Pylon racers take heed. A club recently asked for a definition of "on the course" as it applies to the Safety Code and who must wear helmets. After reviewing a course diagram and studying the matter, AMA concluded that there is no way for the pilots and callers (or anyone near them) to get off the course.
The definition of "on the course" is found in section 3.10.1 of the AMA Membership Manual. In short, all pilots and callers must wear helmets when pylon racing.
You may want to consider batting helmets. These have the NOCSAE approval described in the Safety Code. Reportedly they are much more comfortable than other helmets, offer side-of-the-head protection, and provide some sound attenuation.
That is it for this month. Please fly safely. Till next time.
Key Dates
(Events attended by AMA HQ staff and/or officers)
- April 3–5: Toledo Weak Signals Show, Seagate Centre, Toledo, Ohio
- April 19–25: Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In, Lakeland, Florida
- April 22–26: Top Gun, Palm Beach Polo Stadium, West Palm Beach, Florida
- April 27–30: NRHSA Convention, Palace Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
- May 14–17: Joe Nall Fly-In, Hartness Field, Greenville, South Carolina
- May 27–31: Indoor National Aeromodelling Championships, Johnson City, Tennessee
- June 2–4: Texas Airport Operations Conference, Austin, Texas
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
