Polk's Hobby Tracker II Radio

In testing the Hitec Spectra module in my Futaba 9C, I did not note any more power consumption than when used in my Hitec Eclipse. However, you are correct in that the Spectra module is a power hog. I use a

While the Spectra module works well as a replacement for the FP-TP-FM module in most Futaba transmitters (except for some 8Us), it is not (and cannot be) FCC certificated. Silly FCC rules prohibit the use of another manufacturer's modules in a transmitter.

The AMA Technical Dirctor, Steve Kaluf, has taken the position that such use in in violation of AMA rules because of the lack of FCC approval. Great Planes (the US distributer of Futaba) also takes that position. However, they only seem to take that position when it suits them. They do sell a Novak synthesized module for the Futaba 3PK. I guess that FCC rules aren't all that important to them. Just $$$$.

Jim - AMA 501383

Downeym,

Very doubtful.......

--

Jim L.

Hi,

The 9C is NOT shift selectable. But you can make it shift selectable yourself, check here :

Are you familiar with the cost of unobtainium?

Very interesting - the webpage gives instructions for how to install the kit in a 9C alright. But, nowhere does it say where the kit may be obtained. More information would be appreciated.

Jim - AMA 501383

Olivier tx2tx wrote:

Boy this thread has wandered far afield. I have and use 2 Futaba 8U's. I have used the Spectra module for 3 years. I HAVE HAD ZERO PROBLEMS! The radios are power hogs. Both the standard and Spectra modules consume the same amount of power... and while the consumption is high (which is why I use a 1400mah pack) as best I can tell neither is better or worse than the other. I also installed a shift converter with the switch in the battery compartment. It works just fine and I can use ALL of my receivers. Zero problems.

One man's radios... one mans experience. Your mileage may vary!

Art

Like I said, SOME 8Us have problems with the Spectra. This has been discussed in detail (including a fix for the problem). So, if you are planning to use one in an 8U, be cautious. I'm not going to post the details here again since use is illegal anyway. If you need the details just do a Google (Dejanews) search.

Jim - AMA 501383

Artster wrote:

| Very interesting - the webpage gives instructions for how to install | the kit in a 9C alright. But, nowhere does it say where the kit may | be obtained. More information would be appreciated.

If you poke around on his site, you'll find this page --

I am no longer selling the shift inverters but the instruction are still online here

You could make a PCB from the picture given, or it's simple enough that you could probably make it without a PCB at all. The parts are pretty basic -- you could probably find them at Radio Shack.

Not for somebody who can't solder, but it looks simple enough if you have some skill ...

| > The 9C is NOT shift selectable. But you can make it shift selectable | > yourself, check here : | >

There is a limit to how much time I'm willing to spend on a project like this one. I'm afraid that making my own circuit boards isn't in the scope of what I'm prepared to do. Thanks anyway. I'll just keep using only negative shift receivers.

Jim - AMA 501383