Radio Technique
WHAT FOLLOWS is a detailed specification, with a list of assumptions and definitions, for a computer program that you are invited to write for yourself. If you have ever tried to develop a computer program, you already know how helpful a well thought out specification is. Take it any way you want. If enough people work at the problem, we may get a solution. What's the problem? The problem is that we want to fly with as much confidence as possible during the period when people are changing over from wideband to narrow-band equipment.
WRAM Show '89
THE FORECAST on Friday, February 24, was for 10 inches of snow by rush hour. Decision time. Should I go to the WRAM Show or wait out the snowfall? Since the van was equipped for the Alaska trip, I reasoned it should be ready for anything. I went to White Plains. This show was held in the renovated Westchester County Civic Center. The renovators did a fine job. There was more room for the show (150 booths), a nicer theater for the movies and for the District II meeting, and more room for the static displays and for the Swap Shop.
Radio Technique
Equipment manufactured to a Type Acceptance certificate issued to the manufacturer by the FCC can be legally used for RC flying so long as it is on one of the 50 "Aircraft Only" 72 MHz channels or six "all models" 27 MHz channels approved for RC use by the FCC. If you have an Amateur Radio Operator's license, you can fly in the ten 50 MHz or eight 53 MHz channels. That's 74 channels available! You have a right to fly Type Accepted equipment until it either wears out or you dispose of it. So, you can fly what you have in 1991 and beyond.
Radio Technique
FLIGHT PACKS: What are all of the manufacturers up to now? They have their engineers concentrating on top-of-the-line crystal-controlled transmitters (Tx) which feature computer memories that store the settings, servo directions, mixing, throws, etc. for a bunch of airplanes. But: WHAT GOOD ARE THEY, IF YOU CAN'T BUY FLIGHT PACKS FOR THE OTHER PLANES? (Editor's note: A flight pack is the part of your RC system which goes in your plane. RMcM) Many modelers have complained to me about the high cost and general unavailability of flight packs. They say that although you can buy servos, battery packs, and switch harnesses over the counter, it's the receivers (Rx's) which are hard to find. I gave some of my money to the phone companies to learn if that's true.
Now you're Talking
I'VE BEEN ASKED several times why the message "Thanks, Bob" appears at the head of the fifty 72 MHz RC channels listed on our Membership Renewal Form. Well, you do realize that 50 exclusive, separated, license-free RC channels were not conferred on you by the FCC because you have a pretty face. It took hard work by AMA member volunteers, over a period of 10 years, to get them. This included face-to-face meetings with the FCC Commissioners in their own offices in Washington (at a time when AMA had Washington offices, too). It has taken another 15 years-long effort, by more AMA people (volunteers and employees), to keep those channels.
