Radio Control

Controlling a model by radio control became popular in the 1970's and since then the technology has improved greatly in reliability and become inexpensive.

Most older radio sets use either 27Mhz or 40Mhz and require a matching crystal in both the radio and receiver. These sets work well and remain appropriate in model boats but its important to ensure that no one else in the area is using the same colour or number of crystal as this will confuse the signal to your model and you run the risk of loosing it. 

Most modellers now use the more up to date 2.4HGz radios and receivers which when bound together cannot be interfered with by other radio users. These radios are reliable and cheap and a single transmitter can be programmed to operate up to ten models

The less expensive transmitters are not full range which can be a problem for aircraft but not so for most model boats. A good quality, full range and programmable transmitter will be in the region of £100 to £120 and a worthwhile investment. The prices are falling all the time and less expensive but nevertheless perfectly good radio systems are available.

2.4 GHz receivers can sometimes experience problems where the signal has to travel underwater so its a good idea to mount the receiver high in the model and submarines will always use the older 27 and 40 MHz technology as the radio signal is not affected by water.

Models made using carbon fibre can also present problems for radio signals as the carbon weave can act as a Faraday Cage and block radio signals. This can be overcome by mounting the antenna outside the boat.

Most transmitters used on model boats are designed for aircraft so will have 6 channels however most model boats will use only two.

The transmitters can be bought in two formats, Mode 1 and Mode 2. Mode 1 has the throttle on the right and Mode 2 on the left. I prefer Model 2 as the throttle is used for sail control with the right hand stick used for the rudder which I find more intuitive but its more to do with what you are used to.

Some speed boats will use a pistol grip transmitter with the trigger operating the throttle and the wheel on the side operating the rudder.