What is the satellite?

[Yakfishingfool]

I see mentioned with the spektrum receivers? It looks as if it is in line with the receiver. Is it a must? is it a signal boost? Scott

[rcers]

No it is in fact a fully functional second receiver. It is used for signal diversity and redundancy to avoid shadowing.

It really helps to keep at least one of the receivers with a direct line to the transmitter. Since 2.4GHz has the short antenna's you can imagine that a big engine or battery or muffler MIGHT have the ability to block the signal. So this was a way around that.


Many don't use this due to the cost and have since done receivers with whiskers that allow the same. Futaba is a good example of that.

Signal boost - can only be done at the Transmitter - the receiver only gets the signal. It can't do anything to boost the power of the signal.

ML

[Beemerider]

The way I understand it is the "satellite rx" is a 2nd rx that is looking for the same signal from your tx. Redundancy would be a good term here. Positioning the satellite rx away from and perpendicular to the the main rx (particularly the antenna). I use this type of rx in my sailplane. I use the other small rx's in parkflyer craft.

[Yakfishingfool]

thanks guys, makes perfect sense. I am retro'ing a Gentle Lady to electric and may do this as there is room to do it in the Fuse.

[rcers]

Yak - do you use the authentic Spektrum or Orange receivers?

By the way - Spektrum too uses both single and double receiver options. For the Gentle lady the AR400 would be plenty.

Mike

[Wildflyer]

Some receivers with a satellite port can be used without a satellite, and some can not.

I have used my Orange 6 ch rx's without and never had a problem, but they are in parkflyers, They have 1 satellite port.

I have a Orange 9 ch in a large trainer, I have 2 satellites plugged into it, when I do a ground range check, I have about 3 times normal range check (with the range check button pushed in). 1 ant. at leading edge, 1 at trailing edge, 1 at hinge line of elevator.

The AR7000 receiver must be used with a satellite RX, mine would sometimes work in my hobby room without one and sometimes not, so I sent it in to HH.
They told me that it must be used with a satellite, that is why one came with it, same for AR9000. On Spektrums, if it comes with a satellite port, use it.

I tested a Spektrum AR7000 rx with a Orange satellite rx, it didn't work. I had heard they would but it did not work for me,

[Yakfishingfool]

I have a couple of oranges was going to use for park flyers but for the GL was going to go full spek/ Guess I should go with the satellite...although only going three channel.

[rcers]

The AR400 is plenty for the GL...

[Beemerider]

AR400 specs:







Full-range DSMX receiver

• Antenna is amplified for greater signal clarity
• Small, remote receiver attached to antenna provides signal path diversity
• 4-Channel – throttle, elevator, aileron and rudder channels for park flyers, trainers and most sport planes
• Flight log and telemetry compatible
• 2048 resolution

The full-range Spektrum AR400 is easily one of the best receiver values in RC. Giving pilots the speed and precision of the genuine DSMX control plus the signal security of an active amplified antenna. This antenna features a small, integrated remote receiver that enables the AR400 to “see around” reflective materials on a model and avoid antenna polarization blind spots. It allows the AR400 to pick out its transmitter’s signal with remarkable clarity in the noisiest 2.4GHz environments.

• Type: Full Range DSMX Aircraft Receiver
• # of Channels: 4
• Modulation: DSM2/DSMX
• Band: 2.4GHz
• Length: 1.2 in (31mm)
• Width: 0.7 in (17mm)
• Height: 0.4 in (11mm)
• Weight: 0.2 oz (5.6 g)
• Voltage Range: 3.5 - 9.6V
• Antenna Length: 190mm

[Yakfishingfool]

A follow up satellite question...does the orientation of the satellite have to be 90 degree's to the main receiver? Thanks again guys. Scott

[Wildflyer]

Yes, most of us try to get the antennas pointing in different directions.

An antenna pointing straight at the transmitter does not receive a full signal, having them pointing in different ways, means you should have a good signal on 1 of them.

On a glider, I usually have my ant on the bottom of the fuse, since that is what I am looking at.

Any full range RX should work fine, AR400, AR500 etc. Gliders can get way out there.

[rcers]

Originally Posted by Yakfishingfool

A follow up satellite question...does the orientation of the satellite have to be 90 degree's to the main receiver? Thanks again guys. Scott

No but they should be about 90 degrees to each other.

Mike

[Beemerider]

The portion of any wire antenna that is the least receptive to a signal is off the ends of the antenna. The area that is most receptive is broadside or perpendicular to the antenna.

Most pilots take advantage of the hinge built into their tx antenna and bend it over 90 degrees so as to maximize the signal radiated to their plane in the air.