Receiver
A radio receiver is an electronic device that receives radio waves and converts the information carried by them to a usable form. It is used with an antenna. The antenna intercepts radio waves (electromagnetic waves) and converts them to tiny alternating currents which are applied to the receiver, and the receiver extracts the desired information. The receiver uses electronic filters to separate the wanted radio frequency signal from all other signals, an electronic amplifier to increase the power of the signal for further processing, and finally recovers the desired information through demodulation.
In Radio Controlled planes, the receiver is the part within the airplane, that receives input from the Transmitter, to allow the operator to control the plane.
Tips for FASST Receiver use
Every R/C pilot learns by experience what methods work well for installing and maintaining radio equipment. At the same time, we also want our aircraft to have the advantage of up-to-the-minute technology...which means that every now and then, we must master some new techniques.
Spread spectrum radio technology offers the perfect example. When Futaba® introduced 2.4GHz FASST radio equipment, R/C hobbyists quickly jumped to the front of electronic technology's cutting edge. Not surprisingly, those new, state-of-the-art 2.4GHz receivers have significant differences compared to old 72MHz units. So it's time to change a few old habits.
Below are some recommendations for updating the way you install and maintain radio gear. Make them a part of your routine, and you'll enjoy the best performance from your 2.4GHz FASST radio gear.
1. Don't wrap your FASST receiver in foam. - Protecting your receiver from vibration by wrapping it in foam used to be a "must". Not so with 2.4GHz FASST receivers. Unlike 72MHz equipment, they're not as vulnerable to vibration. Using less foam lets them operate cooler - which is a plus for all electronics.
- Tip: To keep the receiver cooler use small foam blocks (like standoffs) so that there is an air channel around the receiver.
2. Shade your model from sunlight when not flying. - Clear canopies expose the radio compartment to direct sunlight which results in additional heat in the model interior. This causes no problems during flight, but makes shading your model on the ground very important. Cover the canopy with a white towel; or better yet, park your airplanes in the shade. This will help keep the electronic components cool.
- Tip: It is important to note that lighter covering colors will absorb less heat whereas darker colors will absorb more heat.
3. Mount your FASST receiver away from heat sources. - We had to avoid mounting 72MHz receivers near anything that might produce RF noise. That's not as much of a concern with 2.4GHz FASST receivers - you should instead make sure that you're mounting the unit in the coolest part of the radio compartment.
Stay away from the muffler exhaust, battery packs, regulators or any other heat source. We also recommend that you use the receiver's long, narrow side as its base (rather than mounting it with the bottom flat against the radio compartment floor). Secure the receiver using a Velcro® strap or gel tape.