New Comers

New Comers

Bob Underwood

As we drop into a new year, the winter months and the long line of swap-shop events, it seems prudent to pass along some thoughts regarding radio systems. Perhaps a little history will help the discussion.

Frequency history

In 1982, the present set of 72 MHz frequencies were assigned for model airplane use. A similar set of 75 MHz frequencies were placed in service for surface use. The seven frequencies formerly used by modelers were shared with commercial users. These were grandfathered for five years and were formally phased out as of March 1987. Those frequencies were 72.080, 72.160, 72.240, 72.320, 72.400, 72.960 and 75.640 MHz. Not only is the use of those frequencies illegal for models at this time, it should be understood that they are assigned to commercial users for such activities as high-powered pagers. Furthermore, the use of those frequencies by AMA members is a violation of the Academy's Safety Code.

By 1991, all of the present 72 MHz model frequencies were phased into service. Additionally, the Academy, working in conjunction with the FCC and the Radio Control Manufacturers Association (RCMA), promulgated guidelines that created so-called "narrowband" transmitters and receivers. A program to "narrowband" older equipment was put in place, along with an identification program for transmitters which were manufactured to, or were modified to, narrowband specifications. Those were identified by a gold sticker. When the narrowband specifications became a requirement for the manufacturers, the gold sticker program was gradually phased out. Any transmitter purchased since March 1, 1993, is required by law to be narrowband.

Note that receivers have not been mentioned relative to the FCC regulations, phase-in, stickers, or what-have-you. In a simplistic form, the FCC is concerned about what goes into the air — not what is taken out. They control RF (Radio Frequency) emissions in an attempt to make the system work. If the receiver you use has poor selectivity and causes problems in operating your model properly, that's your operational problem. Granted, that poor receiver can create a safety issue. To that end, when the Academy promulgated the equipment guidelines, it included receivers. Again, industry voluntarily followed those guidelines. The system works.

A little more than a year from now (March 1, 1998) older "wideband" transmitters will no longer be legal by FCC regulation. The Academy will work at helping modelers to comply with that regulation. While no like regulation exists for receivers, it should be understood that continuing to operate older wideband receivers creates considerable risk of interference and resulting crashes.

There is one receiver regulation that will occur in 1999. That deals with receiver emissions and basically affects the equipment manufacturer. All receivers manufactured until the 1999 date are legal and are grandfathered forever.

For newcomers

As a newcomer, how does all this affect you? If you are purchasing new radio equipment, it doesn't. What is being sold now (and has been sold for the past several years) meets all the FCC regulations and should cause you no problem. However, if you elect to purchase used equipment, the factors discussed need to be considered. A snap decision at a swap shop may result in a problem. Some guidelines may help:

1. Is the brand offered still being sold or serviced? By whom?
2. If manufactured before 1993, does the transmitter have a gold RCMA/AMA sticker?
3. If #2 is yes, ask whether it was narrowband at manufacture or was updated at a later time.
4. Is the receiver narrowband? Many older updated systems will utilize a newer aftermarket receiver. Check to see if the receiver states that it is narrowband, but be aware that some very early ones were marginal.
5. Ask whether the system is AM, FM, PCM, or PPM. If AM, check to see if the receiver is dual conversion (offers better interference rejection). If so, fine. If not, proceed with caution — especially if the receiver doesn't say it is narrowband. If it's FM, PCM, or PPM, you should not have a problem with it being a narrowband system. Note: One manufacturer uses the term "ABC&W." This denotes a system that fully meets the guidelines, but may not technically be said to be dual conversion.
6. Ask whether the system has been used regularly or the batteries charged regularly.
7. Systems on 27 MHz are legal to operate for airplanes or surface use. They are not recommended for airplanes because of the potential for interference from CB operations. They are not subject to the narrowband requirement.
8. Do not purchase or operate a unit on the amateur band ("Ham" — 50 or 53 MHz) unless you possess a valid Amateur license. If you are a Ham, check to see if the club you are joining has a properly licensed individual who can instruct. Operation of equipment on 50 or 53 MHz by an unlicensed individual is not legal. A 1980 ruling by the FCC stated that while a non-licensed individual may operate two-way communication equipment with the immediate supervision of a licensed individual, the same condition does not exist for radio control operation.
9. Read the radio section in your "Members' Manual." It explains many of these complicated issues.

Choosing equipment

In an earlier column, I mused about the type of equipment to buy — two-stick, single-stick, Mode I, Mode II, number of channels, AM, FM, PCM, PPM, and so on. Rather than repeat all that here, let's pass along some general thoughts to guide your thinking:

1. Make certain that the mode you are considering is something the club instructors fly. Mode II is by far the most typical. Single-stick equipment is not found in most entry-level gear. If you are very left-handed you may find Mode I more comfortable. Check out the differences.
2. Remember that the radio is an investment that can save you years. The cost difference between a basic four-channel radio with four servos and an upgraded six-channel system with four servos is slight. Consider the future; you can always buy extra servos later when you want more functions for your model.
3. Check your area to determine if there are any specific frequencies that seem to be in heavy use. Some areas have many models. However, some communities and flying sites — especially those in large metropolitan areas — may have an interference problem because of the proximity of a high-powered pager. Ask around.
4. Beware the "expert" who states, "The number of channels is the most important thing," or insists, "The only way to go is..." or "The only brand to buy is..." Often such a person suffers from "I" trouble and can't see your forest for his trees. The best system is the one that works for you and your club.

Museum and education activities

Change of pace: On September 24 we did the second live satellite "electronic field trip" from the Museum in Muncie. What a blast it was! This one discussed the four basic elements of flight (lift, thrust, drag, gravity) and the control forces (elevator, aileron, rudder, thrust). The questions from the students in the studio as well as those who called in were great.

One of the elements that made it fun was the presence of Orville Wright, a.k.a. Charlie Bauer, District VI Vice President, complete with bike, bowler and long coat. Working with Christi Meredith from the Academy, we had a freewheeling trio that made the 50 minutes fly by (pun intended). Copies of the tape should be available by the time you read this; call for details.

As I write this, I am packing my bag for a second trip to Muncie to present a program from the lab school, working with 5th–7th-grade kids on a project, "Aviation Feats and Records." This will be done via split screen. The kids have been working on presentations and answering questions about three important aviation events: 1927 — Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight; 1947 — the X-1 (broke the sound barrier); 1986 — the Voyager (around-the-world flight). I will moderate the discussion and will discover whether they found information that answers some very interesting questions posed concerning those flights, as well as points to ponder about records and aviation in general. More later.

News of change

"AMA West," as my wife and I are wont to call our office at home, has moved to a reduced schedule. At least, that's the basic plan. We will still be preparing this column and other activities for Model Aviation; will still be part of the Education Committee and several others; will still represent AMA at many trade shows — still being available as a resource if needed. The biggest difference will come regarding manning the information phone from 8 to 5. This isn't to suggest we won't be available, but it may be a "get back to you" situation.

Actually, I had planned to just retire, but was encouraged to continue some activity on a part-time basis. It's flattering to feel needed and Rae and I are pleased that we can ease the personnel burden on regular Headquarters staff by attending shows, etc. On the other hand, I have looked at some models I just have to build, and at age 65, I'd better get on with them. So, when you see us at the shows, check my fingernails for the "paint of the month" and let me bore you with details of how the new one is going.

The full-time ride since 1985 has been a real blast!

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.