Futaba 10C

by Ben
(Thailand)

Exactly how far can the Futaba 10C
reach?

I just want to know how far a typically or any "good" proportional radio system, such as Futaba, can transmit.

How far can they go in flying operational length. I'm not looking for an answer like "that they can fly as far as you can see". Please give me just roughly the distance they are capable of transmitting safely. Distance such such as 500 meters, 1000 meters, etc.

Anyone who is an expert in radio frequencies please help me determine how far the Futaba 10C can transmit safely.

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Futaba 10C

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Futaba 10C distance? Let's consider all the variables.....
by: Hickoryhead

I don't have a Futaba 10C, but I too looked into this question some time ago, I saw one responder has said 1500 meters. This answer you seek is a two sided coin with positives on one side and negatives on the other.

In other words, there are things you can do to help your radio transmitter and receiver work at their best. There are also things to avoid. I have seen planes plow into ground or fly away with a full tank of gas because the link between the transmitter and receiver diminished or was blocked.

I suggest you go to Futaba's official website and on right hand side in red is the F.A.Q. You can choose your current radio set, Futaba 10C and read up to date information about it.

Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind as to give your radio set the best performance.

How strong are your batteries max voltage and capacity? What is the frequency of your transmitter? Is it PCM512 - PCM1024 -AM - FM (72MHz-75MHz) or 2.4MHz?

Check your antenna wire, coolness, and weather. Are your crystals matched and tuned properly?

All these variables are discussed in F.A.Q. But make sure your batteries are the max. voltage and mAh. Make sure your battery pack doesn't have any bad cells.

I use NiMh batteries with my transmitter.
So cycling down & charging up with trickle protection is very important. And please DON'T OVERCHARGE BATTERIES!

Do you know your frequency?. Mine is FM 72.590 which is narrow band. Futaba say's it is more prone to frequency problems and issues than newer 2.4mhz FAAST systems.

Futaba say's keep your antenna as straight as possible and as accessible to trans. and NEVER bundle it or cut to shorten it.

Keeping your rx and batteries in plane protected by foam is good, but to much foam can insulate heat in and affect their working ability.

Weather usually does not effect it but obviously stay out of incoming storms. Finally Futaba F.A.Q. mentions about if your set up has matched freq.

I mention this as my old FM radio I bought new in 1990 is FM 72.590mhz but the original receiver had to be replaced. It was legal but it became more vaunerable to other freq. blocking my trans. from getting through so I had to get a new NARROW band rec.

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cont'd
by: Hickoryhead

Now for the other side of the coin. Try to minimize the engine vibration as the vibration can it's self create a frequency and interfere with your receiver getting clear reception from trans.

Other frequency issues to consider are how close is your flying site to truckers & freeways and highways, cell towers, ham radio towers, other RC planes flying near by and real planes & helicopters.

Even though these things are on different bands you need to be mindful as some may "bleed over" your transmission. If you look at F.A.Q. you can find your Futaba 10C and at what the strength is in its broadcasting. You'll be surprised that it's strength of power is pretty small. That's part of the reason you don't need an FCC license to use RC airplane transmitters. So try to stay clear of said items as they have a license to broadcast with powerful transmitters that can definitely block your plane's reception of your transmitter.

So you see, the distance your Futaba 10C transmit can safely transmit can be affected by so many variables that can hinder it's ability.

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