SPEKTRUM 2.4GHz AIR MODULE

PRODUCTREVIEW
BY JOHN REID PHOTOS BY PETE HALL
SPEKTRUM
2.4GHz
AIR MODULE
Upgrade your favorite transmitter to 2.4GHz
FLYING WITH 2.4GHZ has some big
F
advantages over flying with 72MHz, such
as a solid radio link from the transmitter to
plane and never having to wait for an open
frequency in order to fly. But I didn’t want
to give up my trusty transmitter and buy a
new system! Now, Spektrum has released
its new line of Air Modules that can be used
with almost any Futaba or JR radio that’s
equipped with a 72MHz module. This is a
great boon to pilots like me who spend so
much time and effort programming our
transmitters with just the right setups for
all of our planes. I’ve also become very
comfortable with my transmitter and I
instinctively know where all the toggles
and switches are. Now I can keep my old
friend and still enter the 2.4GHz age.
EASY AS PIE
Converting my JR 10X radio only took
about 10 minutes and it was simple. First, I
had to replace my 72MHz module in the
back of the transmitter with the new Spektrum
Air Module. Then I removed the old
transmitter’s antenna by unscrewing it and
setting the transmitter programming to
PPM modulation mode. I installed the plastic
Spektrum antenna adapter in place, and
then I snapped on the Spektrum antenna
to the adapter and connected the
antenna’s fitting onto the module by
screwing it securely in place.
The next step was to bind the included
96 MODELAIRPLANENEWS.COM
AR9000 receiver to the transmitter. This
programs the receiver to only recognize
that particular module, ignoring signals
from all other sources. Each Air Module system
comes with a 7-channel AR7000 or a
9-channel AR9000 receiver, and the Air
Modules will also work with any other
The Spektrum 2.46GHz Air
Module snaps right into
place in the back of the
transmitter.
DSM2 receivers, including the new AR6100
for park flyers. The setup for using the binding
plug is outlined in the manual, but as
soon as you insert the plug, the LEDs on
both receivers will start to flash. Move the
sticks to their fail-safe position, press the
bind button on the back of the module and

SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT Air Modules
MANUFACTURER Spektrum
DISTRIBUTOR Horizon Hobby
AVAILABLE FOR module-based JR and
Futaba transmitters
FEATURES compatible with all DSM2
Spektrum receivers
PRICE $240 (w/AR7000 receiver); $300
(w/ AR9000 receiver)
then turn on the power switch. After a few
seconds, the LEDs on the receiver will be
solid, indicating that the system has connected.
My 2.4GHz conversion is now
complete and the receiver is ready to be
installed in the plane of my choice.
AIR TIME
At the field, I found the Spektrum Air Module
system to work flawlessly. During every
flight I felt in complete control and I could
not feel any loss of connection with the
plane. I completed a range check at an even
greater distance than recommended and
there weren’t any glitches. Although it is
not very scientific, I can say that after many
flights with two different planes and setups,
I never felt anything close to a glitch while
flying. The system always seemed solid
even at a very crowded field where other
pilots on 72MHz were complaining about
getting hit. The nice thing is that I never
had to wait for my frequency to be clear to
SPEKTRUM 2.4GHz AIR MODULE
I’VE ALSO BECOME VERY
COMFORTABLE WITH MY
TRANSMITTER, AND I
INSTINCTIVELY KNOW
EXACTLY WHERE ALL THE
TOGGLES AND SWITCHES
ARE. NOW I CAN KEEP MY
OLD FRIEND AND STILL
ENTER THE 2.4GHZ AGE
The complete
module package.
fly. The Spektrum Air Module is a great way
to enter the 2.4GHz realm without having
to buy a completely new system. I can keep
a transmitter I know well and can program
in a matter of minutes while still having the
security of 2.4GHz. This is a win-win situation
anyway you look at it!
See the Source Guide for manufacturers’ contact information.
NOVEMBER 2007 97