Topic: New Spektrum Module for Multiplex 3030 / 4000

I'm sure BMW do have problems and issues Brian. I'm not at all familiar with the brand though, as I think I'd be too uncomfortable with BMW's image (in my part of the country anyway) to actually drive one.

I go for John Major's classless option instead. A Skoda. Sort of like a Ford, but with better build quality and thicker paint.

Going back to the thread title for a moment though, I wonder just how many 3030/4000 owners will actually go for the Spektrum module option? We'll probably never know, but I'll wager most who change to 2.4ghz will opt for Multiplex's own kit.

Can't the mods arrange a sort of  pole for this topic BrianB ...

It would be interesting to find out.

a) how many mpx users have gone Spektrum / futaba

b) how many  mpx users will upgrade to spektrum or MPX 2.4 g modules

c) have they ditched MPX, i.e lost customer or are they using their existing kit as well as their 2.4g choice?

Shaun

Trouble is Shaun it'll still be ongoing 2 or 3 years from now, so it'll be nigh on impossible to measure or quantify. And no doubt many users will use both 35mhz and 2.4ghz alongside each other. What category would they fit into I wonder?

Cat c)    still using the MPX Tx with a spectrum / ACT /  Jamara etc module in

My original intent was to use all my IPD's for gliders and everything else on Spektrum...trouble is, I would have to mess around changing modules and I am getting more concerned about the increasing lack of Tx frequency control on 35mHz...... People are starting to forget to turn off their sets after flying, forgetting to check before they switch on, because it's not necessary with the secure 2.4g frequency allocation system.

I think I will be selling all my IPD's / synths (except 1 for old times sake) as soon as the Spektrum module comes along.

Have you seen the latest review of the new MPX set in this months RCMW. Even the god of MPX , Mike Shellim is having difficulty justifying / positioning the new 35mHz set in a 2.4g world

I'm sure BMW do have problems and issues Brian. I'm not at all familiar with the brand though, as I think I'd be too uncomfortable with BMW's image (in my part of the country anyway) to actually drive one.

I go for John Major's classless option instead. A Skoda. Sort of like a Ford, but with better build quality and thicker paint.

Going back to the thread title for a moment though, I wonder just how many 3030/4000 owners will actually go for the Spektrum module option? We'll probably never know, but I'll wager most who change to 2.4ghz will opt for Multiplex's own kit.

I have owned a Skoda too and was very happy with it for the three years I had it. It was six years old when I bought it and other than a new thermostat and brake pads it did'nt cost me a penny. I gave it to my niece three years ago and as far as I am aware it is still going. I worked in the Czech republic for a while in the early - mid 90's and some of the Skodas on the road were 20 odd years old there was very little that could not be fixed without special tools and every street seemed to have a shop selling Skoda parts.

As for BMW image I think perhaps you really mean the image of the drivers? 

Er yes Brian, perhaps I do.

Third Skoda for me at the moment Brian. I first saw the light about 10 years ago. Excellent cars, no hassle at all.  


P.S. Shaun, you're referring to the new Multiplex 35mhz "set", when in fact the only difference over the previous Evo is the Tx module/aerial. And this can be changed to 2.4ghz in a matter of minutes at the field. So, I expect Mpx will continue to offer the 35 module and receivers for some time yet, as there are still many modellers out there who's investment in 35mhz gear will dictate they stay with the band for some considerable time. And don't forget, not everyone has problems and issues with frequency clashes on 35mhz. I've never experienced any.

And I still can't work out why you feel 2.4ghz is more secure. The 35mhz band was/is allocated purely for flying models, and has no other users, whereas the 2.4ghz band is an "anything goes" band with many different users. Of course, you can be shot down on 35mhz in the same way someone might pull out in front of you in their car and crash into you, but that's human failure and nothing to do with the technology. Shootdowns don't affect me anyway, as I fly alone most of the time.

And I still can't work out why you feel 2.4ghz is more secure. The 35mhz band was/is allocated purely for flying models, and has no other users, whereas the 2.4ghz band is an "anything goes" band with many different users.

Hi BrianB

It's not a feeling but a fact that 2.4g is more secure. It's inherent  auto frequency allocation and inbuilt software protocols stop channel clashes.  As it is transmitting on 2.4gHz and virtually all model generated interference (spark ignition  / electric motors, metal to metal noise, issues with long leads to name a few) is generated  in the band well under 1 gHz, it 's virtually immune from this very problematic area for 35mHz.
  
It isn't an "anything goes" band  as intimated...far from it.
To comply with stringent, licencing requirements, it is  extremely regulated to stop any frequency clashes,( Interoperability is the term for this style of working).  This is something that 35mHz doesn't  / can't have (other than a pegboard and possibly a scanner) but by  the time you have identified a problem it would be too late if you are flying.

As you've said you fly alone so the only problems you could really experience are model borne interference and external interference on the 35mHz band. You could probably fly successfully on 27mHz in your case.

I'm 100% certain your view would be very different if you flew a shows or on a busy club field

Shows? Busy club fields?  No thanks Shaun.  

The only event I attend which faintly resembles a show is the Scale Weekend at Old Warden. It's become my yearly pilgrimage, and I think I've missed just two of them in 30 years or so. I didn't know about it before that, as I don't buy the mags.

P.S. Inherent auto frequency allocation and inbuilt software protocols eh? Don't need all that thanks, I'll just fly on my Jack, no problem!    Stops channel clashes nae bother.

you can't argue with that logic...

infact, if you fly far enough away from civilisation you may get away with a superregenerative reed set...go on dares you 

Well now you've mentioned it, I may just have one here somewhere......

And as for flying far away from civilisation, have you visited the Lake District Shaun?    What you say does have a ring of truth about it though. Pick the right place and you can happily go all day without seeing another soul.

I've still got an virtually new OS 12 Reed....but it was the posh version...It was superhet....Still works and still has the leather case that protected the Tx.

Peace and quiet has a lot going for it though

Cheers,

Shaun

So has anybody been lucky enough to get their hands on a specky module for the Profi yet?

Like quite a few others I have been experimenting with 2.4GHz.  My approach was to put a specky module in a Graupner MX22, because I was told that the programming is quite flexible.  I subsequently found out that "flexible" is a very subjective term, however the system has performed faultlessly and I am now looking to move on beyond the MX22.

I managed to damage my beloved Profi 4000 last year by driving over it.  I don't particularly like the feel of the MX22 and have also tried the MC24 (more flexible, but a lot more cumbersome).  Finally I was able to acquire a used 4000 and my "feel" returned (I also kept my old 4000 that had a damaged case because it can be used for scavenging parts when needed).

So when am I going to be able to convert my 4000 to 2.4GHz?   Like many others I am beginning to feel a pressing need to convert all my models to 2.4GHz (I have many models - at least which 5 of which are F3X type gliders with lots of carbon).  I too have noticed a break down in channel discipline on FM, even at the slope (especially at the slope?).  I have today ordered a conversion module for my MC24 because I just feel that I can't wait much longer for a unit to fit my 4000 (specky or Multiplex).

Help?  Anyone out there got any news on availability?

Speaking to Horizon rep at the LMA  Cosford show, he said it is still on target for September / October... I'll let you know as soon as mine arrives ...It's been on order with Inwoods for about 5 months now...I wanted to get in early. 
This info ties up with what my contact at Inwood is been told also...so ....I live in hope.

I have to say Ali was offering some good deals recently on DSX9 Tx's ....very tempting but not enough to change my wish to 2.4 my 3030 tx's

Shaun

Thanks Shaun.   Doesn't sound long now then, but let's see.