Radios 2000
by Don Mock
Just a quick reminder that in 2000 R/CU will open up the new "odd" frequencies for the first time. This pretty much spells the death of the older AM radios on the 75mh band. If you haven't bought a new style radio, now is the time to start checking them out. There are several very good models from all the top manufactures in both wheel and stick versions. FM is the best choice although there are lots of good AM narrow band models. Remember, the new frequencies only effect the 75mh channels, not the 26/27 bands. If you were to use an older wide band 75mh radio, you would be in danger of being interfered with by a neighboring channel, sending your boat into the beach or worse. Because of this danger, it's possible that the contest board will disallow older radios in the interest of safety.
 
A benefit of us all updating our radio systems, is we will see much better reliability with less interference or "hits" during racing. The new radios are simply better. As long as everyone installs the radio gear in their boat properly, we'll have less problems.
 
And on the subject of proper installation, let me throw my two cents in on what I think are some things to do in the radio box. .. Most of the problems I see people have are not receiver, servo or battery failures, but switches, connector plugs and gear that can fly around inside the radio box raising havoc. As far as I'm concerned, make sure all connectors are rubber-banded or taped together. And make sure you have a very good switch. Next, toss out the plastic AA battery holders, that come with many systems, and get a good 4 or 5 cell nicad pac. Be sure to get on a routine to charge and cycle your batteries to keep them in top performance. Next, rethink your antenna and connections. Every year I hear from guys (climbing out of the row boat with their boat in pieces), "My antenna wire broke," or "came unplugged," or "fell off."

I'm also a big believer in wrapping my battery and receiver in thin foam and placing them in plastic bags. This takes care of two things. The foam protects against vibration and makes it easier to pack things tight in the radio box. The plastic bags, obviously protect against leaks in the box. (a quick story; I saw Dave Brandt having some leaking problems in his radio box, so to protect the receiver, he borrowed a condom from a fellow racer. With the receiver sealed inside the "ribbed for her pleasure" he sealed up the box and went racing!)

I know a lot of racers don't go to this extreme to protect their radio gear. Many have very good "dry" radio boxes and carefully pack the battery and receiver so they can't bounce around wildly hanging up servo arms and unplugging connectors.

One final thing. If when working on your radio system and you find yourself saying, "It worked fine last year," or "that's good enough" or "Roger says it's ok," ...CHANGE IT!!

With the new "odd channels" we will now have 36 frequencies to use. Bob Hulliger built our new frequency pins and tree. We should be able to get almost everyone attending a race their own frequency if they want. Racers can still choose to be on the same frequency with a friend or teammate if they want to help each other etc.
 
Below is a list of all the frequencies for the 2000 season. It's always a good idea to pick up a few extra crystal sets on different frequencies in case you have to make a change at a race.
 
R/C Unlimiteds Approved Frequencies
 
75.410 75.430 75.450 75.470 75.490 75.510
75.530 75.550 75.570 75.590 75.610 75.630
75.650 75.670 75.690 75.710 75.730 75.750
75.770 75.790 75.810 75.830 75.850 75.870
75.890 75.910 75.930 75.950 75.970 75.990
26.995 27.045 27.095 27.145 27.195 27.255
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