Hitec 6 channel 72mhz, too much interference

Lynxmotion Electronics & Software
1

I purchased one of the rover AWD with R/C controller kits a few weeks ago, and am designing a wireless camera interface to use with rover.

Overall Rover seems to work pretty good, but I think the R/C controller is lacking a bit. For one thing, I’ve noticed that Rover’s servos (the Hitec 422) tend to jiggle around, and sometimes I loose control of rover as well.

I think maybe a better R/C controller may be in order. Anyone else have ideas or thoughts? Anyone else upgrade their rover r/c tx/rx controller with satisfying results?

2

BulldogPI,

Are you sure you have a 72MHz R/C unit? The 72MHz R/C units are for model aircraft while the 75HMz R/C units are for ground vehicles like rovers. If you really have a 72MHz R/C unit it is possible that you are getting interference from model aircraft transmitters operating on your same frequency.

Just a thought.

Regards,
TCIII

3

Nah he’s got a Laser 6 which is 75mhz. Try putting the antenna at full vertical height on the receiver AND transmitter and see if the performance improves. For example, you can’t have the receivers antenna rolled up and laying inside the chassis.

4

What is a good range for a Laser 6?

What’s a good receiving antenna?

Alan KM6VV

5

It’s a standard aircraft radio tuned to 75mhz. I’m guessing 100 yards, but have never tested it. The best receiving antenna is the one attached to the receiver from the factory. It’s pretty long, like 18" or so.

6

  1. My mistake, yes it’s a 75mhz not 72 mhz xmitter

  2. Played with it some more today. I’m going to need something better and less prone to interference. Also having a problem with the wheels loosening up off the hubs. The retaining threaded screw doesnt seem to hold tight enough.

Anyone have suggestions?

7

But is it aircraft? I got the impression that the Laser 6 was for ground control.

What’s the difference? I can see that one might want to keep them separate, or does it go deeper that that?

Alan KM6VV

8

If you’re referring to the set screw, then it’s easy, just use an “L” hex tool with the short end in the set screw. Tighten it down tightly. If you use a screw driver style hex tool you may not be able to achieve enough torque to tighten it enough. Don’t be afraid to put some muscle behind it.

9

Several things cause jittery radio control.

  1. LOW receiver battery voltage (always use fresh fully charged batteries)
  2. Heavy loads applied to receiver battery. Use a separate battery to power heavy loads like servo motors or other motors. In all robots it’s usually the best idea to keep the logic power supply separate from the motor power supply. Voltage surges (brownouts) do weird things to logic and radio controls.
  3. incorrect antenna length. Your radio sends out a signal designed for a 1/4 wave antenna. That’s about 36-39 inches. That’s a real long antenna! Solution Buy a Deans Antenna make sure you mount it away from motors and metal that will block the signal . robotcombat.com/products/0-RVO1010.html
  4. Motor interference If you are using permanent magnet DC motors you need to put capacitors on their power leads. You need 3 .01 uf (at least 200V) ceramic capacitors to do the job correctly. pololu.com/docs/0J15/9
  5. Make sure you pull the transmitter antenna out fully and that the transmitter battery is full charged.
    6.Enviromental factors things like Cars, metal buildings, brick walls, bodies of water and even humidity can effect radio range