ground vs air

[bigshafty]

Im looking to buy a 6 ch radio. Love the Spectrum or Fast radios but I see these nice airplane FM radios by Futaba and Hitec for about 125-150 bucks. Is there any restrictions or laws on use of air frequecies? Im a little servo poor on my truck right now and the cash I would save would pay for at least half of a servo .

[Harley]

Originally Posted by bigshafty

Im looking to buy a 6 ch radio. Love the Spectrum or Fast radios but I see these nice airplane FM radios by Futaba and Hitec for about 125-150 bucks. Is there any restrictions or laws on use of air frequecies? Im a little servo poor on my truck right now and the cash I would save would pay for at least half of a servo .

Yes there are regulations and such, you CANNOT USE AN AIR RADIO FOR GROUND USE (of course spektrum and FASST are different).

Don't risk someone elses investment because you want to save some money on yours. Even if you think you will only ever be by yourself.

Stick to the rules and do it the right way.

[dezfan]

Like Harley stated, saving that little bit of money just isn't worth the risk.

W/ all of the benefits of Skektrum, it's worth the little bit of extra expense. For under $200.00 you get a huge list of features and the piece of mind that not only is your rig safe, but you won't be endangering anyone elses at the same time.

DX6i 6-Channel Full Range w/o Servos MD2


Key Features

• Full range 2.4GHz DSM2 6-channel radio
• 10-model memory
• ModelMatch
• ServoSync
• Roller/selector user interface
• Attractive and ergonomic design
• Proven DSM2 technology
• Rudder dual-rate
• Large LCD display
• Integrated timer
• Contrast Adjustment
• Dual-speed trim scroll
• Model name and type
• Throttle cut
• Trainer Mode
• Model Copy
• Travel adjustment
• Sub-trim
• Servo monitor
• Dual rate and exponential
• Compatible with any existing DSM and DSM2 receivers
• Airplane Programming Features: Flaps, P-mixes, Dual aileron, V-tail, Delta, Differential
• Heli Programming Features: Gyro adjust, Graphic throttle curve, Graphic pitch curve, P-mixes, Revo mix, Swash type (Normal, and CCPM 120)
• Adjustable stick length
• Direct trim access display

Overview

The 6-channel DX6i uses the same full-range DSM2™ technology found in the Spektrum DX7 and includes an impressive list of programming features for both airplanes and helicopters that are simple to access and use. It comes with the new AR6200 DSM2 6-channel receiver that is robust enough to use in large models yet compact enough to fit in many parkflyers. The DX6i is also compatible with all existing Spektrum aircraft receivers. Whatever kind of flying you do, the DX6i can be adapted to most any model in your existing collection that requires 6-channels or less.
Specs

• # of Channels:6
• Modulation:2.4GHz
• Programming Features:Helicopter & Airplane
• Model Memory:10
• Transmitter (Tx) Battery Type:AA NiMH 1500mAh batteries (included)
• Charger:4-cell 150mAh wall charger (included)
• Experience Level:Intermediate
• Is Assembly Required:No

IMO, the extra $50.00 is more than worth the investment.

[Flip]

The 72 MHZ band is reserved for aircraft.
The 75 MHZ band is reserved for ground.
The 2.4 GHZ band can be used for both.

Some aircraft radios can be special ordered on a ground frequency. It's usually a few dollars more but when you need it, you need it. I personally bought a used Spektrum DX-6 from an airplane guy who upgraded. The nice thing is that I can use one radio with multiple recievers and each new reciever is only $50.

[mtnhrdgr2]

HI there, I asked this same question about two months ago. Here is the link
Radio: Air to surface conversion

basically, a 2.4ghz DX6 can be used for both.

[bigshafty]

Thanks guys, thats why i love this site. I dont know any plane guys and I have been told many dif. things on this question. Later-till my next stupid question.