|
Spektrum DSM Radio
system Part 1.
How does absolutely no frequency clashes and no glitches or interference
sound? No peg boards or frequency lists. No limit on entries because of
channels available etc. With the new Spektrum DSM system this is all a
matter of fact now, not just a wish list.
Don’t confuse the Spektrum DSM system with others such as the Spectra
frequency synthesizer module. Spectra still requires channels to be
selected manually. The Spektrum DSM system is fully automatic.
For a more detailed description of how the system works, visit
www.spektrumrc.com But the basics are that the system operates on the
2.4 GHz band and there are 79 channels available. The rx is bound to a
tx so that the rx will only ever take commands from that tx. Each time
the system is turned on, the tx has a listen for any transmissions on
the first channel. If it’s free, the tx then locks on to that channel
and starts to transmit. If not free then the tx will look at the next
and so on. Mean time when the rx is turned on it’s listening to the
entire band of all channels and when it finds a signal from the tx it’s
bound to, it will then lock onto that channel. From the users point of
view, there is nothing to do but turn on. No need to wonder if someone
else is operating similar equipment. It’s fully automatic. Once you’ve
turned on and are operating your DSM system, no other DSM tx will
attempt to transmit on your channel.
For around a year or so, rc car racers in the USA have been trialing
Spektrum DSM. It’s now available in Australia and is approved for
surface use only. I’ve been using the system for a few months. I was
given a set by the manufacturer to sort out a compatibility problem with
the SmartWinch. That’s been resolved and there is some blurb on that
issue on my web site www.rmgsw.com
The system comprises a tx module and rx. The DSM tx module replaces the
standard transmitter rf module. So it will only work with transmitters
with removable rf modules. It is only 3 channel and most of the
compatible tx’s are wheel radios. However there are 3 stick radios that
it can be used with. They are the Airtronics (Sanwa) Super EXZES, Hitec
Eclipse Pro Car and the Futaba 3VCS. These are all computer radios
designed for car use. I have the Sanwa and Hitec transmitters. These are
both around $350 per set and the Futaba is around $500. On top of these
prices the Spektrum DSM tx module and rx must be purchased. These are
available in Australia for around $250 a set. Tx modules and the rx can
be purchased separately.
Next issue I’ll go a bit further into using the these car radios for
yachts and setting up the system with a SmartWinch.
Rob Guyatt
|