Crashing a model aeroplane is sometimes due to a few minutes of uncontrolled flight. That’s usually all it takes to crash your expensive model and it can ruin your day! Flying remote control (RC) airplanes is an interesting hobby, but you have to be careful that your RC transmissions always get to the airplane so you are in control. Understanding some of the basic ways that signals can be blocked can keep your RC airplane safe and your hobby enjoyable.
Crossed frequencies - There are several frequencies (like 27 MHz, 49 MHz and 75 MHz) set aside for RC devices. If you are using one of these frequencies and someone nearby is using the same frequency, there will be interference. The RC vehicles can get the wrong signal or even a blending of the signals, and either could destroy your RC plane. The solution is to get a 2.4 GHz controller that uses Digital Spectrum Modulation (DSM). This technology was developed in World War II to control torpedoes, as it is hard to jam DSM transmissions. The frequency has many channels; a transmitter checks to see which channels are open, then locks it in place by establishing a code that becomes part of each transmission. A DSM receiver will only react to a signal that is preceded with the proper code. This system is used by all military transmissions and is the best way to protect your RC airplane.