no range

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peegee

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Hi, A bit of advice please, I'm new to the forum and RC cars in general. I've bought an FG marder which is in a bit of a state, I'm working my way through it and with a new carb I've got the car running fairly well, my problem now is the range of control is very limited, we 're talking 25 ft max then its off! good job there's a fail safe fitted. I'm using hi tec 40mhz radio gear, I 've checked everything is connected securely and the batteries are ok and fully charged, I'm concerned about the receiver antenna length, it has a bare soldered joint in the middle and seems short, 10 inches max. I've read the antenna length is tuned directly to the frequency of the radio gear and as mine as been altered it's more than likely wrong, can you fit a new antenna wire of the correct length to the receiver and could this be my range problem? Thanks, Paul
 
peegee said:
Hi, A bit of advice please, I'm new to the forum and RC cars in general. I've bought an FG marder which is in a bit of a state, I'm working my way through it and with a new carb I've got the car running fairly well, my problem now is the range of control is very limited, we 're talking 25 ft max then its off! good job there's a fail safe fitted. I'm using hi tec 40mhz radio gear, I 've checked everything is connected securely and the batteries are ok and fully charged, I'm concerned about the receiver antenna length, it has a bare soldered joint in the middle and seems short, 10 inches max. I've read the antenna length is tuned directly to the frequency of the radio gear and as mine as been altered it's more than likely wrong, can you fit a new antenna wire of the correct length to the receiver and could this be my range problem? Thanks, Paul
Click to expand...

The length of the receiver antenna wire is critical to the range. Easiest solution will be a new receiver as it def sounds like this has been cut at some point. You may be as well taking this opportunity to buy a 2.4ghz set. There are some decent 1s on the market now for less than £80. The Ansmann W3 wheel set is only approx £56 new and comes recommended on here. I got the Code Core RC stick set for £80 which I would also recommend if you prefer the stick sets.
 
+1 on everyone.
Personally I don't like 'those funny stick things' that Dwarfy does, but many do - I'm a trigger and wheel man.
I use an older-type Spektrum DX3 2.4GHz which you can find 'new, unused' for £80 - Rx / Tx.
Basically, as indicated, there's plenty of choice, it DOES seem like the antenne length has been tampered with, and it's now a perfect opportunity to 'upgrade'.
Don't worry about the 2.4Gig antenna lengths as they're generally a LOT shorter and you can usually fit all within the roll cage, inside the shell, thus the antenna is fully protected.
Al.
 
OK Thanks for your advice boys, I'm gonna borrow a receiver from charlieboy and try that just to make sure we're on the right track with duff radio gear, as long as that cures my problem it's 2.4ghz here we come !! ;)
 
2.4 gig all the way, i had the same problems with my 27mhz set and as you said if not for a failsafe it would get ugly real quick.
 
Don't forget, FAILSAFE and KILL SWITCH are 2 different things.

As stated, most (/ all?) 2.4GHz sets have the failsafe built-in, which permits you to set the brakes should you lose communication with the rig.

Most people go to a REMOTE KILL SWITCH as well, that will cut the engine remotely - don't need to run after it to push the button.

Many use Killer Bee, but if you're an electrician, there are other models on the market.

Al.
 
Hey Ben, Yeh tried the receiver yesterday, big difference straight away, you can drive it now without having your butt cheeks clinched:w00t: and the range is vastly improved. The motor came loose again so I took it out when I got home, what a mess, the guy I bought it from has cobbled the mounts together leading to one of of the lugs breaking off the crankcase, what an arsehole. The motor's at ross mods having a new half case and a check over of the internals. I've stripped the rest of the car and checked everything, it's not bad , need diff bearings, a couple of wheels bearings and front bottom arms, then I know for sure it's all OK, 'till the next off! :rolleyes:
 
glad the receiver sorted the prob, you goin for 2.4gig now then??? just a tip for when you put the motor back in, put some double sided tape on the bottom of the mounts and when you put the screws back in put some super glue on the threads and you wont have it come loose again ;) trust me it works and doesn't cause any probs when you need to remove the lump ;);)
 
if you measure the antenna on the receiver you borrowed you can have a pop at extending your antenna to the same length, should same you some money in the short term whilst you fix them issues with your motor. But i'd recommend what the other guys said, 2.4gig computer radios rule the roost these days.
 
BrawnFG said:
if you measure the antenna on the receiver you borrowed you can have a pop at extending your antenna to the same length, should same you some money in the short term whilst you fix them issues with your motor. But i'd recommend what the other guys said, 2.4gig computer radios rule the roost these days.
Click to expand...

+1 on that brawn mate i've done it b4 on one of my old nitros, measure the wire on my receiver paul and then take the back off yours and solder the new wire in, nice quick repair like brawn said till you get everything else sorted.

if you don't wont to do it mate bring it to my work on thursday and i'll do it for you ;)
 
OK cheers, I've sold some of my bike bits this week to fund the repairs to the car and buy a 2.4ghz radio set. I've got my mounts and bearings, Steve from rossmods foned tonight and the motor will be ready tomorrow, he's a sound guy. I'll get it rebuilt this weekend and then off we go, can't wait:D
 
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