Cockpit SX M-LINK goes F3F

As we roll into 2012, I'm at last migrating my F3F models from 35 MHz to 2.4 GHz. Yep, it's time to recognise that the world is changing, and most other R/C disciplines have already done the switch. And it may seem a little thing, but having a tiny little aerial in place of the enormous 35 MHz fishing rods will make it easier to negotiate the heather, rocks and rabbit holes which always crop up when least expected!

The first to get the M-LINK facelift is my Sting. Out goes the 7 channel Micro IPD receiver, and in its place is a RX-7-DR device. I chose it over the DR 'light' because it has higher sensitivity as well as built in telemetry of  voltage and signal quality. Controlling this little lot is my Multiplex Cockpit SX M-LINK transmitter.

Cockpit SX M-LINK goes F3F'ing

I was careful with range testing as the model has carbon wings. With the model pointing directly at the transmitter, range was well over the recommended minimum of 100 meters. With the model pointing away from the transmitter, however, range dropped to 80 meters due no doubt to the wing. Before the first flight I set the failsafe to deploy 20% spoiler, in order to provide a visual  warning of any range issues.

Well so far I've completed two flying sessions with the M-LINK system installed. Both were completed without a hitch, even with the model flying out well away from the slope. However it wasn't particularly thermic so ultimate range checks will have to wait another day.

A word about the radio... some of you may know that I'm a great fan of the original Cockpit SX. With few changes (apart from the rf link), it's no surprise that the M-LINK version is also a joy to programme and use. The new version also benefits from more model memories (18). Any complaints are pretty minor, the main one being the tendency for the transmitter to tip up when using a neck strap. Balance without the neck strap is fine though, and it remains a splendid radio for discus launch gliders. The other slight niggle is that the glitch logging is a bit rudimentary - you can get a glitch count by counting LED flashes, but it doesn't tell you anything about the time or duration of each event.

M-LINK  receiver now installed in the Sting

Back to the Sting... another test session will be needed in thermic conditions before the M-LINK installation can be considered permanent. At that point I will purchase an M-LINK module for my mc4000 (this being my primary F3F radio).