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Range Testing Your R/C System
Please note that different systems demonstrate different range checks and the same system will range check differently in different
conditions. Also, the receiver antenna's installation affects the range test -- exiting the top of the model is ideal.
This is a brief explanation of range test. For more in-depth specifics on receiver antenna mounting, additional checks if
unsatisfactory range is demonstrated, range checking with gasoline powered engines, etc, please see our F.A.Q. page at
www.futaba-rc.com.
•
Leave the transmitter's antenna retracted and be sure both batteries are fully charged.
•
Position the aircraft away from wires, other transmitters, etc.
Test one - engine/motor off, minimum of 100 ft. range
•
Have a friend view the model but not hold it, engine off. (People conduct signals, too!)
•
Walk away from the model, working all controls constantly. Stop when the servos jitter significantly (a jitter here and
there is normal), control movement stops (PCM), or you lose control altogether.
•
Measure the distance. If greater than 100 feet, great! Proceed to Test 2. Less than 100 feet of range check means you
need more information to determine if your system is safe to fly. Please see our web site or call support for additional
tests to perform before flying your system.
•
Repeat with friend holding the model. Note any differences.
Test two - engine/motor on
•
Repeat the test with the model's engine running and with someone holding the model. If a decrease of more than 10%
is noted, research and resolve the cause of interference prior to flying your model.
What your fully operational system demonstrates is the normal range for your system in those conditions. Before every flying
session, it is critical that you perform a range check. It is also required by the AMA Safety Code. If you notice a significant
decrease in range with fully charged batteries, do not attempt to fly.
The following frequencies and channel numbers may be used for flying aircraft in the United States:
Aircraft (fixed wing and helicopter) Frequencies
72 MHz band
Ch.
MHz
11
72.010
12
72.030
13
72.050
14
72.070
15
72.090
16
72.110
17
72.130
18
72.150
19
72.170
20
72.190
21
72.210
22
72.230
23
72.250
24
72.270
25
72.290
26
72.310
27
72.330
28
72.350
29
72.370
30
72.390
31
72.410
32
72.430
33
72.450
34
72.470
35
72.490
Ch.
MHz
36
72.510
37
72.530
38
72.550
39
72.570
40
72.590
41
72.610
42
72.630
43
72.650
44
72.670
45
72.690
46
72.710
47
72.730
48
72.750
49
72.770
50
72.790
51
72.810
52
72.830
53
72.850
54
72.870
55
72.890
56
72.910
57
72.930
58
72.950
59
72.970
60
72.990
50 MHz Band
(Amateur Radio Operator "HAM" license required)
Ch.
MHz
00
50.800
02
50.840
04
50.880
06
50.920
08
50.960
Installing your frequency number flag:
It is very important that you display your
transmitting channel number at all times. To install your
flag, peel off the channel number's backing sheet, and carefully
stick the numbers to both sides of the number holder. Now you
can snap the number holder onto the lower portion of the
antenna as shown in the figure --- use the clip that fits more
snugly on your antenna. You may wish to cut off the other,
unused clip on the other side of the flag.
17
Ch.
MHz
01
50.820
03
50.860
05
50.900
07
50.940
09
50.980
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