Another crash!  This time with an IC model. Indications just the same as for the ANT 20. Intermittent transmitter fault? Both crashes could be explained by a brief (2 or 3 second) loss of Tx signal.

   Examination of the transmitter revealed one anomaly. Flexing of the in-line battery connector (my mod) produced a flicker on the Tx screen. Cured by replacing the connector. Has this solved the problem? Time will tell.

   Five days of range testing revealed no other faults. Tests involved six electric and two IC models, seven receivers, two transmitters, and five battery packs.

   A puzzling and unsatisfactory feature of the tests was the variability of the ranges obtained. I would carry the Tx to 30m away from the model with no hint of a glitch. Then walking back to the model it would glitch at 17m and then resume solid control at 15m.This occurred often, but not every time. This occurred at three test locations. A single test could give a false result, so every test was repeated several times.

   Factors A & B did affect the range.

  A      My Tx is a Futaba FF7; the antenna contracts to about 6" length. When contracted, it can be either stowed inside the case or exposed outside the case. All the tests were performed with the antenna exposed. With the antenna stowed the range was only two or three metres.

  B      For the IC models, also the electric models with an un-armed motor, the range was always in excess of 30m. For electric models with an armed motor, range was always about 15m.

  Factors C to K did not affect the range.

  C      Orientation of Tx antenna and model's antenna did not affect the range. This observation does not apply to normal operation with extended Tx antenna.

  D      Proximity of the model to an aluminium garage door (2m) had no effect.

  E      Model on ground or 1m above ground....no effect.

  F      On the Lohner there are eight steel wires to the tail unit for controls and rigging. It made no difference whether the Rx antenna was well away from them or in amongst them.

  G     On the Lohner, the aileron servo lead is clipped to the motor leads for 4". Relocating it well away made no difference.

  H    Aluminium foil-wrap of the Rx made no difference.

  J    Some tested models have an internal Rx antenna. Changing to an external antenna had no effect. These models do not have metallic paint or metallic film covering.

  K    Internal Rx antennas connect to Rx's with a high-quality connector. Using a soldered joint instead of a connector made no difference.

    Change of subject. July was wet and windy; used my time to design a new scale model--a 1930's airliner. All the functional elements are copied from Rob Wardale's Multiplex Cargo--which uses the geared-motor option and 10 cells. The high power available makes for confident flying--it can haul itself out of any tight spot. No motors burned-out yet. Says Rob " I never use full power for more than three seconds".

   August--scorching--much too hot. Some people are never satisfied.