RC aeroplane advice please.

[ex_matelot]

I have been given a "JHR Seabird" rc aeroplane. I have built the bugger but found that the controller does not work. It's a 2 channel 49.860MHZ. I phoned the local modellingshop and they told me that freq is illegal in UK.

Can I get the frequency required changed or can I get a radio transmitter that will work?

[green granite]

49 Mhz band is not illegal for radio control providing the power does not exceed 10mw, and is between 49.82 to 49.98Mhz.

If it came as a complete kit then everything should match so check you're not doing something silly having a duff battery etc.

[ex_matelot]

Have checked all batteries etc. It just does not power on.
Hoe simple would it be to simply change frequency requirement?

[Milo Minderbinder]

why don't you just take it back to the shop and tell them it doesn't work and get a replacement?
you've got something new. It doesn't work. Sale of goods act applies.

[ex_matelot]

It was a gift from mother in law. Has been in loft for ten years.

[Milo Minderbinder]

then buy another and don't tell her
I just googled the model and you can pick them up online for less than £10

but more seriously......do you really expect a piece of cheap electronics to work after being stored in the damp of a loft for ten years?

[Ancient Observer]

Milo,
a new mother in law might only cost £10, but you forgot to include the maintenance charges.

[mike-wsm]

Looks similar to the twins that Maplins used to do. I suspect most if not all the control is by collective and differential throttle, which would make retrofitting a modern spec radio more complicated.

I'd suggest looking for your local model aircraft club, they'll be at the park on a Sat or Sun afternoon. The problem is probably a corroded connector somewhere, just needs a clean-up.

[HuntandFish]

Find your local club wgho should be willing to teach you to fly and advise on what model to buy .
Get something for which spares are available .

[Milo Minderbinder]

just looked at the online pricing of this model again
you can get it from RC Planes, Radio Control Planes, Remote Control Planes - JHR Sea Bird
at £9.96
they have replacement batteries for it at £9.99........

[MJC2]

No longer available for £9.99 ???

Unfortunately Milo's link does not appear to work any longer.

Look at bit in red at end of this extract from their "Contact Us" page.

Rats - they had some excellent offers!

"IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Please note that we will stop selling products from this site as of July 2nd 2012 at 14:00. You will still be able to return items after this date but it will not be possible any longer to purchase new items

Due to these changes we are unable to offer our usual standard of service. Please note that emails can take up to five working days to be responded to currently.

Contact us via email:N
During this period we are using one email address. Please email to:
[e-mail]"

[Milo Minderbinder]

damn
I didn't read that bit......there goes the son's birthday present...

[ex_matelot]

Cheers anyway fellas, the bugger is in the garage now with all my other "projects" that went to rat!!!!.

Think I'll join a club though, as suggested. I've googled my local one and the thing that struck me was the advice: "Pleae don't turn up with your brand new Spitfire..."

Based on that alone I'd say they sound pretty sensible and could help me ease my way into a hobby that has potential to destroy hours of work (and pay) in 3 seconds.

Cheers