Military Tech Provides Improved Control For Model Airplanes

Horizon Hobby has unveiled a radio-controlled transmitter that should eliminate channel interference, a major cause of R/C aircraft accidents.

"This will absolutely blow away our industry when this is released," said Horizon Hobby's John Adams. "Five years from now, all manufacturers will be utilizing this technology. This will eliminate current technology."

According to the Champaign (IL) News-Gazette, the new "spread-spectrum" technology was first used by NASA and the military to provide more reliable radio communications, by cutting down on frequency interference and static. Since adapted by the cellphone industry, Horizon began using it radio-controlled cars.

While the system improves control of R/C automobiles, Horizon says the system is best utilized in controlling model aircraft, which have a greater potential for causing damage and injury if the frequency link is interrupted.

By using the new six-channel transmitter system, called a DX6 by the company, the user has "an absolutely bulletproof link" with controlling the vehicle, as the system relies on 4.2 billion different and unique identity codes matching the transmitter with the vehicle.

"In order to have interference, you'd have to have another vehicle that has the same code number," Adams said. "There are only 7 billion people on the planet."

The system, expected to retail for around $200, comes with one receiver. Hobbyists can equip up to 10 different models with receivers, at an additional cost of $60 per receiver -- about the same price as current "narrow-band" receivers.

"If you already have a radio-controlled model or purchase one, you can replace the existing receiver with this receiver... literally in five minutes," said Adams. Horizon has applied for several patents on the technology, he added.

Horizon expects the DX6 to catch on immediately.

"Expectations are quite high. It's probably the most dynamic, impactive product introduced by Horizon or by anyone else in the industry," said Adams.

FMI: www.horizonhobby.com