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Your Reviewer

My Credentials
So who's doing this reviewing then?

Well I've been building and flying or driving radio controlled models for over 40 years and during that time I like to think I've built up a reasonable amount of knowledge.

I'm also a qualified electronics engineer who has worked in radio frequency, analog, digital systems and software for more than three decades. In fact I designed and built my first RC set back in 1969.

For the past nine years I've also been involved in the design and manufacture of some rather sophisticated engine technology and UAV flight control systems.

So, chances are I've been there, done that and have a huge pile of tee shirts to prove it.

Right now I'm heavily into 3D flying and enjoy all aspects of the RC hobby. I may be old but I don't feel it.

In the Pipeline

Here's just a little bit of what's to come on this site...

RC explained: Demystifying terms such as PCM, PPM dual conversion, single conversion, full-range etc., this feature will explain it all.

Cheap Chinese Engines: Just how good are those cheap Chinese glow and gas engines that sell for half the price of their "brand-name" equivalent? I put several to the test.

Build your own radio gear?: Back in the old days, building your own RC gear was not uncommon and now the arrival of 2.4GHz has made it practical again.

 

Heads-up: FrSky GUID caution

IT'S A LONG-SHOT BUT

Dated: 1 Dec 2010

Follow the forum discussion.

At a large fly-in last weekend it was discovered that two FrSky 2.4GHz systems were interfering with each other.

On closer examination, it appeared that both systems had the same GUID which resulted in one flier's transmitter affecting the other flier's receiver.

Fortunately, due to effective failsafe settings, no models were significantly damaged in the clash but it was a scary incident and I have contacted FrSky about the issue.

Until the exact cause and a remedy are established, FrSky users are advised to check that there is no conflict between their own FrSky system and any other FrSky system they may be flying along-side.

It is possible that this is a "one in a very large number" incident as FrSky have advised that their GUID is a 16-bit randomly-assigned number and because of this, there is always a (very small) chance of a clash.

FrSky also advise that the 2-way system (when used with a telemetry-enabled receiver) has no risk of a GUID clash.

I'll keep everyone informed as information comes to hand but this doesn't seem to be a "sky is falling" incident as there have been no other reports of such clashes within the ranks of FrSky users. At our club there are presently half a dozen FrSky users who regularly fly alongside each other without any issues.

RCModelReviews will be following this issue and posting any new advisories or information about this situation.

Based on experience to date I am confident that FrSky will not take long to provide answers and, if necessary, updates to their systems.

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The Blog

Updated: 20 Sep 2012
Here's a blog that will keep you informed just what's going on behind the scenes at RC Model Reviews and also tells you a little more about myself.

How compatible are 2.4GHz RC systems?

23 Mar 2010
How come there's no compatibility between different brands of transmitters and receivers? Why can't you use a cheap Chinese receiver with your Futaba FASST radio?

How to get a product reviewed here

4 Mar 2010
Since this has become a very frequently asked question, I've posted this simple guide to getting your product, or a product you're thinking of buying reviewed here at RCModelReviews

How servos work

Useful information on what's inside your servos and how they work.

The Good Oil

Important facts you should know about the oils that are used in our model engine fuels.

Heads-Up: 2.4GHz RC systems tested

How well do five different 2.4GHz systems stack up when hit by interference? The answers are here, with more to come.

Review: Bushnell's $80 Speed Gun

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Review: TowerPro MG995 servo

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Review: SK90

2.4GHz

It's cheap but can it really stack up against other glow engines in the .90 market? Find out in this review.

Review: iMax 9X 2.4GHz radio

How does this cheap 9-channel 2.4GHz radio system perform when compared to big-name systems that can cost two or three times as much? Have the Chinese finally developed a real contender with the iMax 9X?

2.4GHz Explained

Does all this 2.4GHz stuff have your head spinning? 2.4GHz

I've done my best to demystify the whole subject so if you feel like a bit of learning, this is the stuff for you!

Fix That Engine!

How can you tell when your engine needs new bearings? Who has the best prices and service on replacements? Just how do you change them? Get all that information and watch a great video tutorial anyone can follow.

Chinese Servos - How do they stack up?

Servos

The Chinese are now churning out a huge number of very reasonably priced no-name servos. But are they any good?

Baffled by batteries?

Batteries Nicad, NiMH, Li-Ion, LiPoly, LiFePO4, A123... the range of different battery types has never been greater. So how do they differ and what type should you be using?

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