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All of the products reviewed here have been bought with my own money and nobody pays me for the time I spend writing these articles.
If you find any of this stuff useful and/or would like to see RCModelReviews continue to publish material like this then please consider making a small donation towards the operation of the site.
My Credentials
So who's doing this reviewing then?
Well I've been building and flying or driving radio controlled models for over 40 years and during that time I like to think I've built up a reasonable amount of knowledge.
I'm also a qualified electronics engineer who has worked in radio frequency, analog, digital systems and software for more than three decades. In fact I designed and built my first RC set back in 1969.
For the past nine years I've also been involved in the design and manufacture of some rather sophisticated engine technology and UAV flight control systems.
So, chances are I've been there, done that and have a huge pile of tee shirts to prove it.
Right now I'm heavily into 3D flying and enjoy all aspects of the RC hobby. I may be old but I don't feel it.
In the Pipeline
Here's just a little bit of what's to come on this site...
RC explained: Demystifying terms such as PCM, PPM dual conversion, single conversion, full-range etc., this feature will explain it all.
Cheap Chinese Engines: Just how good are those cheap Chinese glow and gas engines that sell for half the price of their "brand-name" equivalent? I put several to the test.
Build your own radio gear?: Back in the old days, building your own RC gear was not uncommon and now the arrival of 2.4GHz has made it practical again.
Review: WFly 2.4GHz DSSS
ANOTHER QUALITY OFFERING FROM CHINA
Yet another 2.4GHz module-based spread spectrum out of China. It has its strengths and weaknesses. To find out what those are, read the full review
The "Experts" at Flying Giants
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MY ARTICLE
As I no longer frequent any of the "popular" commercially driven online discussion websites, I've replied to points raised on the Flying Giant's website in my blog.
Review Video: Spektrum/JR DSM2
HOW DOES IT STACK UP THESE DAYS?
I put the Spektrum/JR DSM2 system through its paces and demonstrate how its two-channel operation provides a good measure of protection against interference on part of the band.
Except in the case documented in the following article of course.
JR/Spectrum's DSM2 not always so good
AN OCCASIONAL WEAKNESS UNCOVERED
I've been testing a range of 2.4GHz radio systems and was about to upload the review of the JR/Spektrum DSM2 system when a couple of last-minute checks revealed something surprising.
Read this article to find out why it is that on rare occasions, your expensive DSM2 system, with all its satellites and "mature" technology is sometimes just as vulnerable to interference and lockouts as a cheap Chinese system from FlySky.
Join the discussions
USE GOOGLE GROUPS TO DISCUSS REVIEWS
Until I get some forums set up here, I've set up an RCModelReviews discussion group over at Google Groups.
If you already have a Google ID then you'll be able to leap right in, otherwise the sign-up process is pretty painless.
The Shootout Begins!
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
The great 2.4GHz module/receiver shootout will proceed as follows...
I'll publish a review of each system individually and then sum it all up by doing a comparison between each system in a number of areas, such as price, range, robustness, reliablity, range, interference rejection, etc.
So, to get the ball rolling, here's the first review...
Review: FrSky 2.4GHz module/receiver
GOOD, IN FACT, DAMNED GOOD
I'm starting the shootout reviews with one of the better systems I tested. It's the FrSky (Formerly FriSky) system which boasts full-time frequency hopping, failsafe, range-check facility, failsafe and a few other very nice features.
Read the review.And watch the videos:
Free Stuff For You!
GET FREE STUFF FROM RCMODELREVIEWS>COM
Over the past few months I've received a number of products for review from manufacturers and distributors. I don't need all this stuff so I'm going to give it away to RCModelReviews.com readers.
Watch the video below to find out more...
So subscribe to RCModelReviews YouTube channel and be in to win the cool stuff that I get sent for review.
By giving this stuff away to YOU, I'm making sure that readers know that the reviews I publish are not swayed by the arrival of "free stuff" from manufacturers and distributors.
COMING: The Great 2.4GHz Module/Receiver Shootout
THE REAL, UNBIASED FACTS AND FIGURES
Which is the best 2.4GHz module/receiver combo on the market today?
Right now, the final polish is being put on the most comprehensive review and comparison of modules and receivers ever published on the internet.
RCModelReviews puts a selection of affordable 2.4GHz options through a barrage of tests and offers you the information you need to make an informed choice.
Bookmark RCModelReviews.com now and return to find out what's hot and what's not about many of the systems you can now buy.
COMING REVIEW: WFly 2.4GHz module & receivers
3 TIMES THE PRICE... 3 TIMES THE PERFORMANCE?
We've seen that the Chinese can make some very cheap RC gear but unfortunately, the quality is often not up to scratch and there are often bugs involved.
WFly is now promoting its 2.4GHz module and receivers for its own transmitters as well as Futaba and Hitec radios. At nearly three times the price of Corona and Assan, is WFly really worth the extra money?
Right now I'm testing a WFly module and receivers to find out whether they can score the elusive 5 star rating.
REVIEW: Assan 2.4GHz DSSS module and receivers
GOOD BUT STILL NOT PERFECTION
Before I got my hands on one, I fully expected the Assan 2.4GHz system to become "the best" I'd tested. Unfortunately I was disappointed by a few aspects of the system -- but it's still right up there.
REVIEW: Corona 2.4GHz DSSS module and receivers
AT LAST CORONA GET IT RIGHT
To be honest, the Corona FHSS 2.4GHz system I looked at recently was
awful. Jerky servo response, not very resilient to interference and
a few other problems left me wondering if Corona would ever get it right.
Well now I've taken a look at their DSSS offering and I can't believe the difference. This is a good product and could (with the addition of failsafe) be almost perfect.
REVIEW: The WiSpy 2.4i Spectrum Analyzer for 2.4GHz
KEEP AN EYE ON THE BAND
Have you ever wondered what your transmitter signal looks like or how much noise there is on the 2.4GHz band where you fly?
MetaGeek claim that the WiSpy 2.4i low-cost USB-based spectrum analyzer can tell you for under $100.
But what's the truth? Toy or invaluable tool?
Keep Spreading the word about RCModelReviews
TELL YOUR FRIENDS
Since I started this site less than a year ago, the traffic to it has grown almost exponentially, as have the number of emails from people offering thanks and suggestions.
This is great, I very much appreciate all feedback and thank those who have taken the time to email me. I especially thank those who have been kind enough to contribute to the operation of the site by way of a donation, no matter how small.
I do have a favor to ask... please tell your friends and fellow model-fliers about this website and link to it from your club newsletter or, if it's appropriate to do so, when posting to the many online forums where RC models are discussed (no spamming though). The more people that visit RCModelReviews regularly, the more chance I'll have to review products, write DIY articles and come up with other articles of interest.
NEWS: The Sorry State of Sino-2.4GHz Distribution
CHINESE DROP THE BALL AGAIN
Why do the Chinese make it so damned hard to buy their product?
Is it something to do with the caliber of the dealers they select perhaps?
NEWS: Turnigy 9X pulled from shelves, YET AGAIN
GETTING BEYOND A JOKE
It seems that HobbyCity/King has once again pulled stocks of the Turnigy 9X transmitter from its virtual shelves and isn't saying why.
Although purchasers of the newer versions have reported that some bugs were fixed after the last "disappearance" of the product, others have reported issues with bad soldering and other poor quality control problems in the new batch.
As I said in my review of the iMax9X, these (FlySky) radios really ought to be purchased from a dealer that does pre-sales testing/inspection and can deliver proper support in the event of problems.
Although some companies such as Corona are finally listening to criticism and reacting in a positive way, FlySky appear to have their heads firmly stuck in the sand and refuse to implement satisfactory quality control checks before products leave the factory.
It's hard to buy with confidence when a product keeps being withdrawn from sale due to issues like this. HC/HK ought to at least front up and explain why they've pulled this product yet again or they risk losing the confidence of the market.
REVIEW: FlyDream FHSS 2.4GHz module & receiver
ANOTHER CONTENDER FOR THE 2.4GHZ CROWN
I've just finished reviewing the FlyDream FHSS 2.4GHz module/receiver combo that is available for JR and Futaba compatible radios.
Latest news from the 2.4GHz RC market
KEEP UP WITH NEW PRODUCTS AND ISSUES
More new "made in China" 2.4GHz radio products hit the shelves and HobbyCity start shipping their rebranded FlySky transmitter modules.
COMING DIY: The cheapest 2.4GHz upgrade yet?
A 2.4GHZ MODULE & RECEIVER COMBO FOR UNDER $30?
Now that HobbyCity are selling the FlySky 2.4GHz transmitter modules under their own house-brand HobbyKing, we may have the lowest-priced 2.4GHz solution so far for those who want to upgrade their old FM/PCM systems.
But a word of warning: DO NOT PUT AN UNMODIFIED THE FLYSKY MODULE IN A JR TRANSMITTER!. If you do, it's almost certain that you will damage your JR radio. Although they look like JR modules, these are specifically designed for the FlySky 9X radios only.
Although HobbyCity list these modules as JR type, they are not 100% JR compatible and may fry your valuable JR9303, JR9X, JR9XII, JR8300-series or similar radios.
However, RCModelReviews is working on another DIY hack that will allow the $14 FlySky 2.4GHz transmitter module and low-cost receivers to be used with a geniune JR radio. Stay tuned!
DIY: The $8 Lithium Transmitter Battery Project
A DIY PROJECT FOR THE FLYSKY 9X
Here's the DIY project that everyone's been waiting for...
Don't waste money (and power) on a 3S lipo for your 9X transmitter and don't put up with the frustration of NiMH batteries that go flat when you're not using them.
This DIY feature shows you where to buy the batteries and how to install them in your transmitter.
There's no safer, smarter, cheaper way to get a brilliant battery for your FlySky 9X radio!
EXCLUSIVE: Turnigy/Corona FHSS Fail
SALES HALTED
My goal with this website has always been to provide consumers with no-holds-barred objective reviews of RC products. My efforts in this regard has resulted in Corona and Hobby City pulling the flawed Turning/Corona 2.4GHz FHSS system from their shelves and suspending all future sales.
Find out what my testing uncovered.
Coming Soon: 9X Module Shootout
WHICH MODULE/RECEVER FOR THE TURNIGY 9X?
Which 2.4GHz module and receiver should you opt for if you're a Turnigy 9X owner? RCModelReviews checks out the two leading contenders: the original FlySky product or the rebranded Corona system.
There's not a lot of difference in price but the FlySky module is backwards compatible with the HK 6-channel receivers and so far has fewer critics than does the Corona FHSS system that Hobby King have attached their Turnigy brand to.
Find out how these two options stack up soon when they're both put to the test in an exclusive RCModelReviews shootout.
How do RC servos work?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Here's some useful information that will show you what's inside your servos and how they work. Digital or standard? Metal or nylon gears? Cored or coreless? Here's were you'll find out what servo is best for your models.
Why you won't see me at RC Universe
WHEN SUSPENSION IS AN ENDORSEMENT
Regular RCU users who know me as XJet will find my account is now suspended.
It seems that the moderators there don't like people mentioning or linking to RCModelReviews (many references already deleted) and they don't like it when someone says anything bad (regardless of how true the criticism might be) about products from major vendors with big advertising budgets.
They also prefer all their reviews to be absolutely "positive", perhaps a reward for those expensive banner ads for the very same products that appear on their pages.
And that's kind of why I started this site in the first place, isn't it?
So, if you want the real facts about products then just come here.
And, pretty soon you'll find that you can also discuss those products right here without fear of moderators deleting your posts because they're a criticism and without being banned for your honesty.
Review: HobbyKing's $30 2.4GHz Radio
HOBBY KING 2.4, BARGAIN OR LEMON?
How can the Chinese make a 2.4GHz radio set and retail it for under $30?
Right now I'm testing the HK 2.4GHz radio system to see if it's worth buying. Early signs are good and if it lives up to its promise, systems like this could spell the end to old faithfuls like the Futaba SkySport 4.
One thing I've already discovered is that the receiver for this radio will bind with the iMax 9X.
Read the full review here.
Consumer Alert: Vigor VS2 servos
IF YOU HAVE THESE SERVOS YOU MUST READ THIS!
The Vigor VS2 servo offers exceptional value to those on a budget but during RCModelReviews testing a nasty design fault was discovered.
2.4GHZ Teething Troubles Bite Many Users
CAN ANYONE MAKE A 2.4GHZ SYSTEM THAT WORKS PROPERLY?
It's now been well over a year since the first 2.4GHz RC systems began appearing on the market and now they're rapidly overtaking our older FM and PCM systems.
However, like all new technology, the spread spectrum systems have not been without their fair share of problems.
Check on the current state of affairs - compare the problems that manufacturers have encountered and how they've fixed them up (or in some cases have just ignored them).
At Last, a use for those TowerPro MG995 servos
MAKE YOUR OWN DIGITAL SERVO
Do you have some of those absolutely awful TowerPro MG995 servos laying around? Do you want to put them to good use?
Well here's a DIY project that will show you how to transplant the heart of the MG995 into almost any other standard-sized servo with remarkable results.
The MG995 digital servo amp isn't too bad and it can really pep-up an otherwise pretty ordinary standard servo. What's more, the resulting digital servo will have cost you less than almost any other digital servo on the market today.
Are nitro supplies drying up?
THE LOOMING NITRO FUEL CRISIS
Check out the latest news on rumors that a world nitromethane shortage may push the price of model fuel through the roof or even make some hi-nitro blends unobtainable.
Want to build your own 2.4GHz RC system?
AN RCMODELREVIEWS.COM DIY PROJECT
Have you ever wanted to build your own radio control system for model aircraft, boats or cars?
Well RCModelReviews.com is planning a project that you might be very interested in. Here's a chance to learn more about how modern RC systems work while enjoying the satisfaction of using equipment you built yourself.
Welcome
WHAT'S THIS SITE ALL ABOUT?
Welcome to RCModelReviews, a site that I hope will bring a breath of
fresh air to the whole subject of finding what's good and what's
not so good in the radio controlled model marketplace.
Of course there are plenty of magazines and other websites that review the latest and greatest products on the market but you may have already noticed that they seldom have a bad thing to say. Just why is that?
One of the problems is that these other review sources often rely on advertisers to pay the bills and more often than not, those who are given "free stuff" to play with find it very hard to voice their real criticisms, out of some sense of gratefullness or obligation.
Well that's not the way it works here.
On review pages, Google chooses the ads and places them, I exercise no control over who advertises here and so am under no pressure to say nice things about any product or supplier because I don't know who'll be appearing in a related ad-spot.
What's more, virtually all of the stuff I test has been bought and paid for with my own hard-earned cash and if it's not, I'll declare that fact in the review.
I call a spade a spade and am beholding to nobody. If something's good then I'll say so but if it sucks, I'll say that too.
And now for some news and reviews...
How it works: The Good Oil
MODEL GLOW/NITRO ENGINE OILS EXPLAINED
The oil you (or your fuel maker) uses is critical to the long-life and performance of your engines. But do you know the difference between castor and synthetic? And which is best for your engine?
This feature will tell you all you ever wanted to know about model engine oils and a lot more. If you don't know your PAG from your ester then you really need to read this.
Special Offer: 2.4GHz Spectrum Analyzer
THE NEXT BATCH OF THESE DEVICES IS COMING SOON
I've already made one batch of these spectrum analyzers which are specifically designed for use by RC model fliers and now I'm preparing to make more. This is done pretty much on a cost-recovery basis so the pricing is dependent on how many people are interested.
If you're worried about how much 2.4GHz interference there is at your field or if you want to find out why you're getting unexplained lockouts/crashes on 2.4GHz then this device can be invaluable.
Review: The $80 Radar Speed Gun
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK ON MODELS?
Model fliers can often be heard arguing over just how fast their planes are but unless you've got some way of accurately reading the spead, it's probably just vague guess-work.
But now there are cheap radar guns coming on the market, can these be put to use checking the speeds of regular model airplanes?
Over what range will they work? Are they accurate? Are they worth the money?. Read the review and find out.
Review: iMax 9X 2.4GHz RC system
CAN A CHEAP CHINESE 2.4GHZ RADIO REALLY WORK?
Big-name 2.4GHz radios can cost a fortune so how does this upstart out of China compare to systems costing two or three times as much?
An exclusive "world-first" review of the iMax 9X 2.4GHz radio.
Battery Indicators
REVIEW: CHEAP INSURANCE OR FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY?
They're cheap, they're pretty and they are supposed to make it easy
to see when your batteries are getting low. But do they really work
as well as claimed?
Or can they lul you into a false sense of security by saying your battery is still good when it's almost exhausted?
I put the Hextronic battery indicator to the test.
If you found this information useful then please consider making a small donation towards the operation of this website.
Fresh Articles:
How to get a product reviewed here
4 Mar 2010
Since this has become a very frequently asked question, I've posted this
simple guide to getting your product, or a product you're thinking of
buying reviewed here at RCModelReviews
The Blog
Updated: 1 Mar 2010
Here's a blog that will keep you informed just what's going on behind
the scenes at RC Model Reviews and also tells you a little more about
myself.
How servos work
Useful information on what's inside your servos and how they work.
The Good Oil
Important facts you should know about the oils that are used in our model engine fuels.
Heads-Up: 2.4GHz RC systems tested
How well do five different 2.4GHz systems stack up when hit by interference? The answers are here, with more to come.
Review: Bushnell's $80 Speed Gun
Yes it does work on model airplanes but there are some limitations involved with this bargain-basement radar speed gun.
Review: TowerPro MG995 servo
These are possibly the world's worst servos, find out exactly why you should avoid these boat-anchors at any cost.
Review: SK90
It's cheap but can it really stack up against other glow engines in the .90 market? Find out in this review.
Review: iMax 9X 2.4GHz radio
How does this cheap 9-channel 2.4GHz radio system perform when compared to big-name systems that can cost two or three times as much? Have the Chinese finally developed a real contender with the iMax 9X?
2.4GHz Explained
Does all this 2.4GHz stuff have your head spinning?
I've done my best to demystify the whole subject so if you feel like a bit of learning, this is the stuff for you!
Fix That Engine!
How can you tell when your engine needs new bearings? Who has the best prices and service on replacements? Just how do you change them? Get all that information and watch a great video tutorial anyone can follow.
Chinese Servos - How do they stack up?
The Chinese are now churning out a huge number of very reasonably priced no-name servos. But are they any good?
Baffled by batteries?
Nicad, NiMH, Li-Ion, LiPoly, LiFePO4, A123... the range of different
battery types has never been greater. So how do they differ and
what type should you be using?
Possibly useful: