AM vs. FM

[RC_THRASHER]

I'm a beginner in the rc hobby and would like to know the differences between AM and FM I'd save ALOT of money if I bought a AM, but I don't know if it'd be worth it.

Thanx http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/confused.gif

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RC_THRASHER

[JP]

Beginner? Get an AM radio. When you get really serious and really good, you might want to go FM. It doesn't glitch as much if at all. But it is more expensive and more complicated.

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You must always push the limits. Because if you never fail, you will never succeed.

[RC_THRASHER]

Thanx 4 the advice JP

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RC_THRASHER

[Pops Racer]

For racing, FM, plain and simple. I started with a JR Python and had all sorts of glich probs until I invested in a HiTec 3D FM. You can even get a basic FM radio from JR, Futaba, or HiTec.

[dockman]

Pops its funny that you say that. Ive used AM radios for yrs (Mag Jrs then Hitec Lynx) and never had a problem with glitching except for outdoor racing with no impound area. In fact the people with the FM radios were always complaining about glitches. At least that was the excuse for poor driving. If everything is right on the car and your Tx batts are good there should be no problem with an AM radio.

[StephenB]

I've had the same experience as Dockman...I've raced AM 27Mhz for nearly 10 years w/out a glitch (unless another person was on the channel, which will glitch ANY radio). Personally, I finally bought an M8 to use in all of my cars/trucks to I wouldn't have to switch or have 8 different radios. As far as I'm concerned, the M8 offers me the luxury of switching btw models & offering many more high-end adjustments.

[R_C_MAN]

I have the Traxxas Top Qualifier radio which is AM and it doesnt glitch unless the batts are very low. I would get a AM if I were starting out.

[RC_THRASHER]

Thanx R_C_MAN http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

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[Pops Racer]

Okay, maybe I didn't specify where fm is typically better than am. Apart from being on someone else's freq, I found racing near a major highway or in a metro area caused problems with my Python. Maybe it might have been just my radio, not my driving.

[T-MAXX]

On my Hpi RS4MT i have the lynx fm good radio.

[RC_THRASHER]

Thanx 4 helping me out so much guys!!! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

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[RC_THRASHER]

Are the JR's any good?

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[dockman]

Pops your right. Some places just have things that cause interference. Ive found that they affect an AM or FM. It really depends on what is causing the problem. I fly gliders standing 40ft from a highway using an AM radio with no problems. We are talking between 500 to 1000ft, 300yrds down field. Then again Ive seen cars that glitched within 50ft on a track. It really depends on the set up and possible glich causing problems in the area.

[tony b]

a bassic fm radio is only gonna cost you about 10-20 bucks more than a top-o-the-line am... go for the FM

[RC_THRASHER]

thanx 4 the advice

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[dockman]

Hitec Lynx(not the sport, You need dual rate on steering) is about $50. If you really want FM then the LynxFM is about $90.

[Pops Racer]

FYI: The Xtreme R/C Sept issue has an article about "budget" FM radios from Hitec, Airtronics, Futaba, and KO Propo.

[RC_THRASHER]

thanx pops!!

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RC_THRASHER

[biker_boy69_86]

i also have a traxxas tq in my rustler. and the oly glitching ive had was just yesterday when my batts were dying. and this is the first time that ive had glitching, and that ive had to replace my batts in teh 2 years ive had it!!!

i am going to buy a lynx fm for my rustker though, because i am going to put my tq in my olldd futaba fx10 buggy.