2.4ghz Radio vs 72Mhz

Whats the difference between a 2.4ghz radio and 72mhz radio? I noticed the antennas are different.

Why do all the new radios have the shorter black antennas? Is one type of radio better than another? I am fairly new to flying RC airplanes and am hoping someone can someone please explain all of this stuff to me in a way that makes sense to a novice.

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2.4ghz Radio vs 72Mhz

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72 Mhz..
by: terrance

Hi there...

The main difference is with a 2.4Ghz radio, you will almost NEVER get any interference with another user.

However, if you are using 72Mhz transmitter and another person with their own 72Mhz transmitter on the same channel (same crystal) as much as turns on his transmitter you are sure to have interference that will most likely cause a crash.

The 2.4Ghz radio band is a wide bandwidth range and a frequencies that are assigned for the Tx RX communication.

The latest advancement is that most decent brands even do frequency switching/parallel frequency communication to ensure you NEVER have interference.

A radio engineer told me once I have more chance of getting hit by lightning on a clear day than getting interference on a 2.4Ghz radio.

You can get convertors to convert 72Mhz to 2.4ghz radios, but they are not as good as making the full move.

Many folks, my dad included, is hesitant to make the move since they have already invested in good 72Mhz systems. I completely understand that changing the Tx and the Rx on about 10 planes is going to cost a fortune for many.

My dad's argument is that so many people have made the switch to 2.4Ghz radios that the the 72Mhz band is very seldom used. In any case, it's a risk.

This is omething you need to decide on. If you are new to the hobby, since you ask this question i assume you are new. Forgive me if I am wrong.
But if you are new it is definitely best to get on the 2.4Ghz radio band wagon!

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Take a look at these pages also
by: Matt

Good answer Terrance,

There two pages will also help clear things up for you.

RC Airplane Radio Systems

Spread Spectrum Radios for RC Airplanes

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