Topic: New Spektrum Module for Multiplex 3030 / 4000

Hi,
I believe that this info was posted just prior to the site crashing.....
If anybody has this could they re post it along with the links to further info please.

Cheers,

Shaun

I may have just partially answered my own question...I've just had this sent to me....

http://www.der-schweighofer.at/artikel/78359/hf_modul_spektrum_multiplex_evo_7_9_12_mc_3030___mit_ar12000_empfaenger?l=en

Hi,
I believe that this info was posted just prior to the site crashing.....
If anybody has this could they re post it along with the links to further info please.

Cheers,

Shaun

Hi Shaun,
Go to http://www.mpx.speedkom.net/cms/vorschau/upload/d_katalog/M-LINK_PROFI_Nachruest_D.pdf this has the information the bonus is it ships in Europe in July. It will expand the current channel output by 4 channels.  it's called m-link and follows the same frequency hopping a Futaba does with no satellite receivers (Yeah) there are 7, 9, 12, 16 channel receivers with Telemetry sensors as optional. I have my 220Euro ready for the purchase already
regards
Sean

Hi Sean,

thanks for the info, but I wont be buying the Multiplex 2.4g offering.....that ship has sailed.
I already now own 16 Spektrum Rx's, and have been  using the gear for 2 years now from micro indoor 3D models up to 1/3rd scale WW1 models without a single problem....I'm afraid Multiplex messed around too long , spouted too much verbal Carp and lost one previously dedicated MPX user of over 20 years.

I am waiting for the Spektrum module for my 3030 Tx, so I can retain the great programming ability of my Tx  and couple it with a company that understands the current market needs and has many thousands of working problem-free units in the field. Plus a range of Rx's that are second to none.

The fact it doesn't have satellite receivers is also a big negative, reducing its safety. The satellites increase the ability of the the model to still receive a viable signal in any attitude This has been well documented as one downside of the 2.4g signal  due to its directional nature.

But don't let me put you off...competition is good for the market  place , with the consumers nearly always winning.

Cheers,

Shaun

Shaun
Where can you get Spekky module for MPX3030? Like you I really do not want to give up the programming features of my MPX Tx's and am undecided whether to go for the MPX 2.4 stuff, but if the Spekky unit is sensible then that may just be the ticket.

Gordon

Is the spektrum module type approved to work in the UK in a MPX Tx?

Hi, I've just spoken to Horizon UK.....It really exists...part number SPMMS 3132 and should  be shipping in May...( I flippantly ask the year and was told 2009 ) so I've  pre ordered one from Inwood Models....Can't wait to get it as no way would I spend £1900.00 on the JR 12 channel Tx that has less memories and less flexible programming.
Such a pity Multiplex messed  around and Bull Shi**ed for so long...one long time ( over 20 years) customer gone for good.....

Better get the 3030 sent off for a service and re set to factory default....Now, I do have a number of as new IPD Rx's and other MPX ones for sale....Anybody in the UK ( or 35mHz using countries) interested ? PM me for details.....

I beg to differ Shaun.  Messing around/bullshi**ing = careful development. Multiplex have to develop and build radios to the German FTZ standard, they have no option! Spektrum etc have not had to do this. And you won't have gone for good either, you'll be using your 3030 for many years to come hopefully.

I'm in agreement re: the JR 12ch set though. Poor value for money for what it offers (no telemetry for a start). The 16ch EvoPro looks to be far stronger value at less than half the price. And for those who love technical blurb, the EvoPro runs at almost double the others 2048 step system resolution.

And for those who love technical blurb, the EvoPro runs at almost double the others 2048 step system resolution.

A bit of hyperbole really. Whatever the Pros analogue to digital converter theoretical (and unusable) resolution, it uses 1us timing resolution internally or 1 in 1000. More than good enough in practice and almost certainly indistinguishable from 2048 or 4096 resolution systems while flying.

Steve

Hi Brian,
Unlike other certain contributors on this forum, I fully respect your right to have an opinion different from mine.....but how come ACT also a German company  had a  2.4g solution  for sale over a year before MPX , who also have to work to the same standards.  Spektrum, JR and Futaba also have to meet these legal requirements  for Germany , they would not have been allowed to sell their radios and modules if it didn't.
I don't want to open the my radio is better than your radio debate again and it's good that people have brand loyalty, but a  Multiplex employee stated to me  at Nurenberg in April last year that the Spektrum system would be banned as it didn't meet the emerging standards, that they were watching the market to see what would be the best solution, they were unsure if the 2.4g technology would take off or be a fad etc, etc.
The bottom line is they missed the boat by a country mile and they are now many tens of thousands of sets in the field, behind Spektrum & Futaba who are light years ahead in delivering reliable product with a superb range of RX's..... They have totally misread what the market wanted and needed.
You only have to look at the number of 3030 and 4000 sets that have appeared for sale on the various auction sites and forums. and the rapidly reducing values of the sets..... At one time you would take them to the grave with you. Loyal users are ditching them in droves

Saying that, Spektrum also missed a massive trick by not understanding how many MPX sets were out there and available and ripe for converting

My personal view ( and of many others who have emailed or PM'd me ) is that one of the best modelling companies in the world has now become a toy manufacturer selling foam planes.

You only need to dig out a MPX catalogue from the 90's to see what a stunning range of quality products they sold....now its coloured packing foam shaped like planes.

This last years sales of 35mHz radio sets for them. I guess could nearly be counted on one hand. :( :( :(

I believe I'm getting the optimum solution for my cash by buying the module, but it's important to remember that the memory chips, displays, processors and, I also now believe cases for the 3030 and 4000 TX's are no longer avalable as spares, so I could end up with an expensive paper weight .

Whatever anybody thinks about Spektrum, the fact is, it is the market leader with many,many  more sets sold than any other manufacturer to date, has the largest range of Rx's and superb back up and support ( well I can only speak for the UK) and if Ali of Als hobbies is happy using it in his multi thousand pounds worth of jets in front of hundreds of people.....thats more than good enough for me.

Drifted off my topic a bit but the Multiplex of today is nothing like the company it used to be.

I just hope they haven't left it too little too late and if any Multiplex employees are reading this, start selling proper models again like you used to...In case you haven't noticed there is a resurgance in modellers wanting to stick bits of wood together to build planes, to get the satisfaction  of creating something ...don't miss this one......

I need to start a thread for the "bring back the Contest Line Kits again" ....."Wood is Good "

Absolutely nothing wrong with having a different opinion Shaun, it's what democracy is built on. I've no doubt the ACT system is superb in its own right, but do remember ACT only produced the modules and haven't developed a radio set or a software program. Multiplex had developed, and were selling UHF equipment in mainland Europe even before the Reftec and Cotswold Controls sets appeared on the UK market in 1977-ish. I have no idea why Multiplex waited as long as they did. Perhaps they felt they needed to develop their offering further than the competition? Maybe it was the upcoming EU regs concerning 2.4ghz for model use? Who knows.

I'm not partcularly concerned about spares availability for my 4000 either. I owned/used a 3030 for 10 years, and didn't require one single spare part, such was the bomb proof build quality. I did have to replace the battery after a few years though. Yes Shaun, you could end up with an expensive paperweight, but I can't see it myself. Even the 2010 and 2020 sets I bought from W.J. Owens in 1991 are still functioning perfectly, and there certainly won't be any parts available for those. Am I concerned? Nope.

JR and Futaba cannot sell their "Jap" spec sets in Germany. Both companies have equipment built to German FTZ specs to be sold in Germany. JR= Graupner, Futaba = Robbe.

And one final question Shaun. If loyal users are ditching 3030's and 4000's in droves, then what are they buying to replace a set with such powerful programming and flexibility? Because from what I can see, there doesn't appear to be one.

I’m suffering terrible confusion!  I feel I ought to change to 2.4ghz for increased safety of my jets, yet that last time I crashed due to interference was in 1980.  My jets on PPM (IPD) have been rock solid for years, except for some problems with my F-104 which are due to aerial installation problems which can affect 2.4ghz as well.  With so many people changing to 2.4ghz the risk of a shoot down by another modeller becomes much less so now I am not sure why I want to change at all!  Why leave a system that has worked so well for me?

I can’t make up my mind which system to go for.  I keep thinking I will go for M-link, and then changing my mind again.  I believe that the era of the tx with rf modules is over, all new designs in future will have a 2.4ghz board deep inside, so after-market modules can not be fitted.  That kills Weatronic, ACT, Spektrum modules in non-Spektrum/JR sets, etc.  I don’t want to fit one of those to my Profi 4000 and spend lots on rx, then at some point in the future when my 4000 has to be replaced let’s say with the mythical 5000 which I do believe will happen but has no module slot so all my expense on other brand rx has to be borne all over again changing to M-link rx.  But M-link just doesn’t do what I need.  I have a Weatronic 35mhz rx in my F-100 running 14 servos and doing some complex sequencing (and my Lightning will have the same needs), M-link with the +4 channels can’t replace it because the F-100/Lightning could only use one of the +4 channels as they can’t mix, slow, sequence etc.  So now the Weatronic or ACT programmable rx look the best solution but both suffer the same problem as M-link – lack of widely distributed satellite rx.  Many of my jets are clad in real metal, the external 35Mhz whip is a god-send, and I frankly don’t have any faith at the moment that the two aerials of M-link, Wea or ACT are enough.  Because of that, the well proven, lower priced and vast choice of Spektrum rx with satellite rx all over the model and now with Powerbox integration, seems very attractive.  But the fitting, with the plug and wire sticking out of the back of the tx looks like a breakage waiting to happen.  And anyway, nothing lasts forever so it comes back to what do I do when my 4000 dies, gets dropped etc and has to be replaced, if I decide to get the Profi 5000 my belief is it will not have a module slot.  It will be costly to replace those rx.  If only M-link had proper satellite rx then I would find a way around the F-100’s and Lightning’s servo and programming needs.

Aargh!  I don’t know what to do!  Stick with 35mhz maybe!

I PMd Gordon Upton with a suggestion for Multiplex – that the 16 channel M-link rx be made programmable.  That way it could be used with up to 16 servos without the need to transmit 16 channels, e.g. transmit one aileron channel and program the rx to map it to two outputs each of which is independently programmable, just like Weatronic do.  This would greatly improve its usefulness because the 3030 and 4000 could make use of all their programmable channels to do the complex jobs like sequencing as it would release several channels, eg 6 channels for ail, flap and elevator would only need 3 channels.  Now that, and proper satellite rx allowed with long connecting leads, would make it a killer system.

Harry

Well Harry, if I were you I'd simply stick with what's worked perfectly for you. As you've mentioned, the only minus point 35mhz has is the possibility of shootdowns, but even this ought not to be an issue on a pegboard-run club field. I do feel much the same way despite my recently ordering an M-Link module + receiver. I do have my reasons for doing so though, some of which I wouldn't be prepared to go into on here.

I am actually looking at purcasing 1 or 2 of the new M-PCM receivers too, as it is claimed they offer even more security over IPD. Unfortunately Harry, you'll not be able to use these with your 4000 as they need the EvoPro's version 2 software I believe?

Hi Brian

And one final question Shaun. If loyal users are ditching 3030's and 4000's in droves, then what are they buying to replace a set with such powerful programming and flexibility? Because from what I can see, there doesn't appear to be one.

Last month without looking hard there were 2 or 3 sets for sale in the RCM&E a number on eBay, 2 or 3 on BMFA.....remember it's relative.....the UK userbase of 3030 / 4000 is miniscule compared with the brand leaders . this many sets a month appearing for sale is a lot when 1 set over 6 months was the norm.

Like you , I used to buy lots from Willy Owens, in fact the first of my 3030's was the second one he ever sold , which probably made it the 2nd set in the UK as at the time no UK model shop was selling kit.
The comment re paperweights is a fact of life for all electronic equipment... You may have heard of the term MTBF....mean time between failure.... I have spoken to the UK service agent for multiplex and he has seen CPU, display problems ( remember the LCD displays used in the 3030 do not have anything like the life expectancy of current generation product..you only have to compare this with early mobile phones and the common display failures).

Also whether or not the JR/Graupner , Futaba / Robbe kit is built in Germany, it was in the market place, selling & building a  customer base well before Multiplex, more significantly , taking Multiplex loyal customers. As I said before, they have got it badly wrong....I'm not making the facts up. Everybody was selling 2.4g kit before them.

The problem with forums and discussions like this is that they don't represent the true picture.
Only the very passionate and dedicated will contribute. 

Like MPX says, I too was wanting the mythical 5000 to appear, under the current economic climate and the serious damage that has been done to Multiplexes user base, I hope the company survives. Put it this way, if I had shares in the company, I would be trading them out .

Hi MPX

Because of that, the well proven, lower priced and vast choice of Spektrum rx with satellite rx all over the model and now with Powerbox integration, seems very attractive.  But the fitting, with the plug and wire sticking out of the back of the tx looks like a breakage waiting to happen.

Is this the case with the Spectrum module for the 3030 / 4000, I was led to believe that the solution is all internal with the module as the CE police with cast us down to hell if we drill a hole in the plastic casing of our sets.
I'm with you on the rear aerial fitment. I never understood why they didn't simply fit the aerial directly onto the module....It must be a technical reason to ensure maximum radiated signal from the Tx.

I too like the look of the powerbox solution and after having 2 Spektrum glitch free, problem free years of flying all types of model, ( petrol, glow, high power electric and twin edf)  at club level and shows,have 101% faith in the system

Shaun, I haven't seen a photo of the 4000/Spektrum so can't be ceertain, just going by photos of other tx with spekky module in the back and what looks like a brass right angle fitting sticking way out of the back.  I guarantee that will get broken on day 1!!

Hi MPX,
I have studied the picture of the new module and according to the description, it comes complete with and aerial and mount. It would seem that the existing aerial is simply replaced by the new 2.4g one. Similar in approach to the ACT and Jeti 3030 solution.
If this is the case brilliant.

HF MODUL SPEKTRUM MULTIPLEX EVO 7,9,12 MC 3030 / MIT AR12000 EMPFÄNGER / Spektrum / Radio HF-Module / RC-Accessories / Radio Controller and Accessories / Model Sport Schweighofer

Also have you seen the new Spektrum Rx's with extended screened aerials and remotes for carbon and metal clad fuselages. They allow you to simply have the receiving part of the antenna outside the fus....

Like other contributors have said , they have flown IPD's for years with no glitches, so have I but they don't qualify if this was at club level with a few fliers, or with a £5,000.00 jet at Cosford in front of hundreds of people and dealers ( who would fairly certainly likely remove crystals from sets or table top sales by modellers, who mostly wouldn't). I can never remember getting shot down at a club meet...I have once been shot down and had numerous unexplained glitches at shows with my 35mHz gear I have attended over the last 20 years .
 Also it is a fact that as more and more modellers use 2.4g , they will quickly forget about frequency control and peg board practice.....Shoot downs will become more prevalent, it is inevitable.

If the module is everything I expect I will certainly buy another 3030 / 4000 as a spare because I will have  all the familiarity of programming my Tx in my sleep with all the inherent security advantages of 2.4g...

Hmm, it is very very tempting, and I already use a Spektrum on an almost daily basis, going out to fly a leccy foamy at lunchtimes.  But if i go down that route and my 4000 dies and can't be replaced I am rather tied in to getting a JR 9 or 12 tx with their shocking prices, and Ali slates the 12's software so I know I would hate it after more than a decade of Multiplex's wonderful software.  otoh if I get M-link and the same happens but the mythical 5000 doesn't appear, I am stuffed again.

It all seems like good reasons for staying with 35Mhz but one of the airfields I have to fly at or give up my heaviest fastest jets has site issues that I am unhappy about and that 2.4ghz might make me feel better.  Also I must admit I would love to be rid of the whip aerials on my lovely scale models.

When is this Multiplex spektrum module supposed to be available?

Inerestingly Shaun Mr. Owens actually offered to sell me a 3030 in the early 90's, at the time I was buying a heap of stuff from him. Perhaps this is the one you got? I was just moving from the old (gold metal facia) Commander series set, so I wasn't sure if a 3030 would be a wise move. In the end I opted for the basic (but still computerised) 2010 and 2020. My 3030 came later, in about 95 or 96. I've had a 4000 for almost a couple of years now, but I am finding I'm using my Evo much more these days, particularly since the upgrade to EvoPro spec.

Hi Brian,

1989 I believe, was when I got my first 3030..it only had 15 memories as I recall, had gold text on it and I really pushed the boat out..I also bought 2 x PCM-DS 10 Rx's at the same time.
It was upgraded to the 99 memory master edition as soon as it became  available  and had english text in..whoopee.....I struggled in the early days with my school boy german translation of the menu's.
I still have the German Instructions it came with as no english manual was available at the time and I've also found the Multiplex 89/90 Multiplex Catalogue with Willies stamp in....He's no longer trading, I went to Dublin a couple of years ago and another model shop told me he had retired...Shame, I used to love finding excuses to visit our Dublin branch  so I could visit him....he was a helpfull bloke...Actually it was a camera shop that had modelling goods as well.


MPX

re availability of the module, Horizon UK told me it would be May ( this year) and comes with either a 9 or 12 channel Rx...didn't ask if it was the 9000 or 9001 or if the 12 channel was a bigger version of the 9000 or of the 9001 with the powerbox type power distribution and soft switch though.

Whatever happens, I'll let you know, I have pre ordered one of the 12's from Dave at Inwoods.. so I'll do a bit of a review , post some pics etc.

Shaun, have you any experience of using spektrum inside metallised fuselages?  the c/f rx look a good thing but at the moment they are not as well featured as the powersafe 9 and 12 and there isn't a s c/f 12 rx yet.

Why order from Inwood, their website has a JR/Spektrum section that has never had a single Spektrum item in it!  Does Inwood not sell Spektrum?

I can't match an 19 year old Mpx cat Shaun but I do have an info leaflet for 1992, which I brought back from Bray in late 91. I had no idea I still had it!

I didn't think the 3030 pre-dated the 90's?

And here's Multiplex's first UHF set from 1978 Shaun........

Hi MPX,
I have had no experience of Spektrum inside metallised fuselages. I may be wrong but I can see no technical reason why you can't just use the c/f remotes in the 9100 Rx....A quick call to horizon uk tech support would clear it up.
I have had an Rx positioned virtually on top of 2 esc's in a twin edf as a  ground test and also on top of a spark engine, ( I hasten to add I didn't fly this config), but it didn't skip a beat ,no matter how we oriented the Tx to the aircraft.

Brian,

Yes, exactly my point about how great they were....they were also the first with PCM and digital programmable servos,software drag switches on the Tx, High performance whip aerials..the list of innovations goes on and on.

I can also remember  in pre 1990 instruction manuals that they would include warnings about the importance of aerial positioning when using fus's containing carbon fibre, years prior to all the other main stream vendors

Absolutely Shaun

On top of all that, they were also the first (in 1965) with a fully proportional radio, the Multiplex 101.....

That one looks easy to mod for 2.4g , loads of space to velcro the module on 

Yes Shaun, I think it might slot in nicely right next to the methylated spirit burner......

case design hasn't changed much.

They got it right from the start   

I have no idea why Multiplex waited as long as they did. Perhaps they felt they needed to develop their offering further than the competition? Maybe it was the upcoming EU regs concerning 2.4ghz for model use? Who knows.

Perhaps they listened to the people who said that 2.4GHz was just a fad which would pass and that they wouldn't buy into the technology due to the faultless record of their 35MHz equipment?

Seems whoever said that might have misled them!

Misled or not peevie, the fact is UHF died a death fairly quickly the first time round! Lack of development leading to reliability issues appeared to be the main problem. Perhaps Multiplex didn't want to fall into that trap? After all, their reputation has been built almost entirely on reliability and the security of the RF link their equipment provides.

I think the problem with UHF radio was indeed the very small market place it targeted and as Brian's stated, the consequence of that was not enough development due to poor market penetration , ( sales). Poor sales , no return in investment, no ability to reduce the cost and sell more...you get the picture.

The situation with 2.4g is very different.....

The Tx can basically be split into 2 parts...The encoder ( sticks, switches ) and the RF section.

Accepting that the encoder bit is more than sorted, the only area of concern would be the RF.

Now, 2.4g systems are far from new as many modellers think....10 years ago you could purchase wireless data routers that used 2.4g RF link, Blue Tooth, Wireless Video cameras etc etc..It has had monumental development, due to the millions of devices sold. hence the reason you can buy toys using 2.4g Tx's for buttons. Tx suppliers only had to basically integrate their encoder section with existing, well developed and proven 2.4g technology
(yes I know in reality it's  more complex than this ). They are not re inventing the wheel, which the UHF manufacturers essentially were.

I know I have said this before and these forums do not represent a balanced view due to only the passionate and fanatical usually posting, but Multiplex have committed business suicide.

The modelling market is a finite size, people don't have infinite funds.....Existing modellers ( and more prevalent to this discussion many Multiplex users) wanted to get on the 2.4g bandwagon. They have bought  and  invested into other manufacturers , and like Elvis, have now left the building.

Even if a few return, humans are like elephants and have long memories especially when they are pis*ed off with some one / thing / entity..   Sadly and unlike that classic Gloria Gaynor song, I doubt if they will survive :(

I would like to resurrect this thread for a while.

Sean,

Did you get a module? and if you did, have you used it and whats your feelings on it.

I'm probably gonna get something thrown at me now, however, I have a very good reason for asking.

Honest 

Charlie C

I beg to differ Shaun.  Messing around/bullshi**ing = careful development. Multiplex have to develop and build radios to the German FTZ standard, they have no option! Spektrum etc have not had to do this. And you won't have gone for good either, you'll be using your 3030 for many years to come hopefully.

I'm in agreement re: the JR 12ch set though. Poor value for money for what it offers (no telemetry for a start). The 16ch EvoPro looks to be far stronger value at less than half the price. And for those who love technical blurb, the EvoPro runs at almost double the others 2048 step system resolution.

Brian,

Sure MPX have to satisfy FTZ specs but so do others selling into that market therefore Spektrum, Futaba as well as Graupner & Robbe have managed it. There is no doubt that MPX have been slow off the mark, possibly their kit will be better for that and won't have issues similar to Futaba and Spektrum.

But, we have many Spektrum and JR 2.4 sets in our club and they work well, ditto Futaba, I eagerly await the full range of offerings from MPX and will then decide if that's the way to go.

The main stumbling block will be the price of receivers.

Hi Brian

Ok, I admit the price may be a stumbling block for some, but I'd personally put forward the argument you'd be getting a product of better quality. Others apart from myself have commented in the past on the tangibly better range and interference rejection qualities of Mpx receivers. Even at £30 or £40 more than the opposition I still feel they're worth it though. What price your model?

It is now fairly obvious Multiplex waited until the new EU regs were clarified before committing, and perhaps time will tell if that was a shrewd move. Sure, there are many other 2.4ghz sets already in use Brian, but again time will tell if they turn out to be reliable in the long term. Many have said Multiplex have missed the boat, but Multiplex might argue this isn't the case. Mpx have never sung from anyone else's songsheet or catered for the masses, but have always had a very loyal following.

Ok, I accept that MPX were probably waiting to see the updated EU regs before committing, that is a different argument, (probably a 1/2 hour one but could possibly stretch to an hour. )

I know MPX make good kit, I have sung their praises in the past but, my own requirements aside, if an average joe sees sets in use successfully week after week (Spekkis have been around for a couple of years now!) what are they going to go for when they decide to move to 2.4G.

Receiver pricing / What price your model? well if its an average club model I would baulk at c£100 for a rx. I fly a Black Horse OS 120 Surpass powered  Ultimate using a Hitec 8 ch PPM rx - its getting on for three years old, cost £25 from Inwoods and has had a couple of hundred flights without problem.

OTOH I have just put a 9 Ch IPD Rx in my YS 140 powered Yak but have been getting glitches  , this is on a rx which is not supposed to be able to glitch (It was fine on the 7ch IPD but I needed that for a smaller model)

Far from being the leader that they have been in the past MPX have let others steal a march regarding 2.4 Gig but as I said earlier I'll bide my time to see what the final offerings will be.

Steal a march Brian?  I'm not so sure. All those who chose to buy Spektrum/Fut equipment wouldn't have bought Multiplex equipment anyway, and I think Mpx know this. They're aware they have a loyal following, and are probably happy to let things pan out.

I think they're equally happy also knowing lots of folk would like their gear too. I read somewhere BMW use a similar strategy in their marketing. The upshot being if you price something just out of reach, then some potential buyers will want it all the more.

Steady on guys. You both have valid points.

Here's my reason for bringing this one to the fore.

I "understand" that there are a fair few 3030/4000's out there with Spektrum modules in. Now pricing to one side this really appeals to me at the moment.

I have not had any real problems with 35 meg   (Oh god, that's bu**ered it) and I was happy to wait for MPX gear to arrive.
However, its not very flexible is it 

With 35 Meg, any old receiver can and will work ok, PCM excepting of course, but, if I get the MPX 2.4 stuff, that's it, I'm stuck with it for ever.

Where as if, and its only an if, I stuck a Spektrum module in my 3030, I have the flexibility of Spek/JR receivers which are/will be a lot cheaper that MPX receivers and I still retain the brilliant flexibility of my 3030.

Before I commit to such a venture though, I just want to know if anyone else has already gone this route, hence the question.

EU regs and CE marking stuff doesn't really bother me to much. (I do all that garbage for a living and know where to find anything out or the right person to ask)

Right then chaps, opinions please.

Charlie C

I would like to resurrect this thread for a while.

Sean,

Did you get a module? and if you did, have you used it and whats your feelings on it.

Hi Charlie

I'm still waiting for the module. It was expected May / julyish..so I'll just be patient , it will be worth the wait. I will post my findings asap but I don't expect them to be anything but favourable.

Been a very early adopter of Spektrum, and flown it in all types of a/c  from edf to petrol and helis, I can only say in terms of price functionality, reliability, tech  support and service ( when I needed a few early rx's updating to newer software levels) it has exceeded all expectations by about 1000%.

I was one of Multiplex's  devout customers but I have to disagree that many of the now Spektrum / Futaba users wouldn't have bought MPX as raised by a contributor.

Like me, they bought 2.4 for all its  inherent advantages. MPX couldn't supply that technology and the fact is, 35mHz as a system is going the way of the Dodo..... Why would anybody want a less secure radio link when you can buy a virtually bullit proof system.

They're aware they have a loyal following, and are probably happy to let things pan out.

.....this is financial suicide in todays economic climate, nobody can afford to turn away business, especially when you cant sell aftermarket products, as was the case for 35mHz rx's

Like FlyBrian said all the other manufacturers managed to meet German specs , in some cases over 2 years before MPX did.

In my case respect ( of which I had about 25 years) for them as a company was lost 2 or 3 years ago at the Dortmund show when MPX staff  there were telling people that 2.4 wouldn't take off, it would be banned and it offered no real advantages.

That sounded very much like a company that got caught out...but this old chestnut doesn't want resurrecting again.

The point is they have finally established themselves as a minor, expensive player in the field.
Time will tell how the loyal base responds. Time will tell how reliable the kit is...even MPX are not immune from  serious product issues... but that doesn't seemingly appear on the radar. When Spektrum and Futaba did, WW3 erupted

There is room for all the players though, competition breeds innovation.

Regarding better quality / reliability...there are now many, many thousands of Spektrum / Futaba users in the marketplace not crashing because of radio failure. If the quality was a problem , this would not be the case. The main causes of problems in the early days were down to not reading the manual and applying 35mHz thinking and practice to a very different system.

"The point is they have finally established themselves as a minor, expensive player in the field.
Time will tell how the loyal base responds. Time will tell how reliable the kit is...even MPX are not immune from  serious product issues... but that doesn't seemingly appear on the radar. When Spektrum and Futaba did, WW3 erupted God Give me Strength"

To be fair when MPX had an issue with mobile phones affecting tx memories they made the world aware, notices in magazines and on the BMFA web site.

No production system is 100% perfect as it is designed and operated by humans, I do believe MPX produce class kit however to compare it to BMW Brian is unfair to MPX. I have owned two BMWs and they both had their share of problems.