[NSRCA-discussion] Made the swtich to 2.4G SS

[Bob Kane]

At the NATS this year I decided it was time to make the move to 2.4G SS. Upon my return I ordered the new Airtronics SD-10G. My original plan was to use it in my as yet to be assembled Integral, but I bought an additional 7 channel receiver to convert my Temptation. I was flying the Temptation with a Stylus TX, and it was equipped with Airtronics servos with old-style connectors.  I ordered some JR plug ends from Servos and Stuff, and replaced the Airtronics end with the JR plugs.  You can remove the internal pins by gently pressing the small metal locking tab and removing the pin, then push it in the new connector, careful to put the +, -, and signal wires in the correct orientation. The whole operation took about an hour to change the six ends, install the new receiver , and orient the antenna wires per the intructions. I configured the servo travel, dual rates, and expo to the same values as my Stylus as a starting point.  I had to mechanicaly
 re-center the elevator, it had a visible amount of "down" with the new radio set at 0 center.  Although the Stylus showed the elevator was centered, there was some signiciant down trim on that surface.  It probably was that way from the begining, I had copied another plane as the starting point way back when and did not realize the down trim was there.

I did a range check using the SD-10G's low power mode, then was ready for the moment of truth. The plane required the slightest elevator trim to fly level.  I had the initial rates set a little too aggresive for me, so I did some more tuning and now it "feels" just like it did with the Stylus.

Those of you contemplating the switch should look at the new SD-10G, probably the best value radio out there right now. A ton of programming features and enough 3 position switches to keep anybody happy. I really like the throttle cut momentary button.   There new style Airtronics "Z" connectors are compatable with JR and Hitec (not sure about Futaba).

 Bob Kane
getterflash at yahoo.com