Probably the most important aspect of Radio Controlled Modeling is the link between the radio and the receiver in the plane. The very first R/C transmitters were available in the late '30s, they utilized vacuum tubes for operation. As the hobby grew, so too did the need for reliable equipment. The ever-advancing technology of the micro chip has continued to produce more and more reliable equipment. The system has always had one major flaw, if another radio on the same frequency is turned on the results are usually disastrous. Finally this is a thing of the past, with the advent of Spread Spectrum Technology available for R/C applications. SST has been a communications technique used by the military since the 40s. Only recently has it been made feasible for R/C use. There are a number of different iterations of the technique but Futaba's FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) system is the pinnacle of the R/C industry. Futaba and Airtronics are the only two manufacturers presently using the FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) System. In this system the transmitter and receiver are linked upon power up and the two of them continue to change frequency literally hundreds of times a second ! Interference is a thing of the past. Many modelers today use computer radios, myself included. It was an investment and I did not want to give it up just to acquire the newest technology. Then Futaba made it easy, they created a new module to replace the existing model memory module which contains the FASST Technology all in one compact unit. Unfortunately the receivers in all planes need to be replaced with SST models but in the end, aren't your planes worth it. I have successfully made the switch to SST and am happy I did. I have some planes that have many hours work in them and I can only trust that to the best link possible.
 8 channel FASST reciever on the left and a standard FMA 8 channel on the right.  The original memory module on the left and the FASST replacment on the right.As a footnote, it has always been said that metal to metal contact, such as a metal clevis on the metal linkage of a carb. can cause radio interference. I have always avoided that, but one of my favorite spots to fly is right next to some railroad tracks, and at times I had noticed a glitch every now and then when there was a train going by. I thought that I would have to find a new place to fly, until I got my FASST system, I haven't seen a glitch since, in over 50 flights.
 My Futaba T8 with the new module installed.
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Today in Aviation History :
July 30, 1935... Lieutenant Frank Akers of the U.S. Navy becomes the first person to make a "blind" landing at sea. His biplane has a hooded cockpit allowing him to see only his controls and instruments. He lands on the USS Langley.
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Free paper planes for the kids
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Aviation Weather Links
www.nws.noaa.gov/
www.noaa.gov/wx.html
http://maps.avnwx.com/
www.usairnet.com/weather/
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