
Today I did some initial flight testing of the Multiplex Royal Pro 12, equipped with a brand new M-LINK 2.4 GHz module - woo hoo! The photo above shows the transmitter after the conversion (it's the same unit which I reviewed in RCMW a few months back in 35 MHz trim).
M-LINK is the name for Multiplex's new spread spectrum system, and is their answer to Futaba's 'FASST' and Spektrum's 'DSM-2'. Big deal, you say, they are already established on the market, and there are cheap aftermarket systems available as well.
However, M-LINK is the only system to support fully integrated telemetry. Using a telemetry enabled receiver (like the RX-7-DR M-LINK), it's possible to monitor your model's vital functions on the screen of your Royal Pro or Cockpit SX transmitter (obviously they must have M-LINK modules installed). Unlike the Jeti system, no additional boxes are required for data monitoring, the transmitter already has the necessary receiver/firmware.
I got to see a demo of the telemetry system - albeit on a ground based test rig - at the Multiplex Fly-in at Baldock, and it looked pretty cool.

My review of the Royal Pro 12 with the M-LINK conversion will appear in RCMW. Suffice to say that initial flight tests with an Easy Glider went well, and further flight tests are planned. The receiver supplied for review is the RC-7-DR Light receiver, which is not telemetry capable. However I've been promised a telemetry capable rx for a subsequent review. And an M-LINK module for the Profi 3030/4000 is also on its way.
For more details of M-LINK, have a look at the Multiplex web site.




