Maelectrics Blog

In my continuous challenge to try new conversions for 2.4 GHz systems, my latest is the Weatronic dual freq frequency hopping spread spectrum system. I’ve been aware of Weatronic for a few years and their high end receivers that incorporate such things as voltage regulators, gyros, and GPS. Until recently when they introduced their new line of “micro” receivers it just didn’t seem like it was worth my money to try. I say that not because I’m cheap, but their systems are extremely high end and worthy of such things as $20K jets and other incredibly complicated aircraft. I don’t fly anything of that nature.

The recently introduced their “micro” system and the Weatronic system suddenly became a system that was suitable for “the rest of us”…meaning the normal guy at the local flying field. Prices are comparable to the Spektrum 12 channel conversion for the Royal Evo radio with 12 ch receiver.

The conversion couldn’t be any simpler. The video shows it in real time including my mistake of swamping the signal by having the receiver too close to the transmitter module. This resulted in an error signal from the module, but the significant part is that the signal itself remained reliable enough that had I been flying a plane it would have been fine. The micro SD card in the Tx module records the signal strength during the flight and it showed plenty of reliable channels still remaining to ensure solid control. This system is the most rebust of any system I’ve tested to date.

The GigaControl software really is remarkable in its capabilities. With the 12 ch Evo I’ve been used to assigning a channel and servo to every control surface. That means on my big biplanes I use four channels for the ailerons, two for the elevator and one for the rudder and throttle. That’s 8 channels and easy adjustability. With the Weatronic system and software, the same could be accomplished using a four channel radio talking to the 12 ch receiver…or 8 channel receiver if you wanted to save some money. The software allows you to assign multiple servos to one channel and still be able to trim each one with the software separately.

The binding process is like most spread spectrum radios so there’s nothing odd about that process. The module atop the transmitter might take some getting used to if you’re used to seeing an antenna, but I can assure you within a few minutes, you won’t give it another thought. The module gives real time feedback thru lights and optional speaker if you exceed the set parameters for temp, voltage or signal strength.

I’ve only begun to test the capabilities of this system, but so far I have to say I’m impressed. There will be a more complete write up of the radio  in my Model Aviation Magazine column in the October 2010 issue. There will also be a complete write up of the 12 ch micro receiver in a future issue of Model Airplane News, but I don’t know the issue date yet.