Cal Orr .com
("Heathkit" is a registered trade mark of the Heath company in Santa Cruz CA)
Heathkit
Five Channel, Mode 1 or 2 .... $600
You have seen the ads "GO RETRO", well why not own an original "Spam Can"? A Heathkit RC transmitter from the late 1960's.
The Heath company was started in 1912 by Edward Heath as an aircraft company. After World War II, the company got into the electronic business by selling kits - the O1 oscilloscope was their first kit. Over time, Heathkit included household electronics, Ham radio electronics, test equipment, hobby electronics and computers. At the time, someone could save a fair amount of money and have the satisfaction of building it them-self. Heathkit discontinued their line of electronic kits in 1992, but after some restructuring, a website (www.heathkit.com) is available where you can still order some kits.
The Heathkit RC line had some similarity to the Kraft RC line, servos, stick assemblies and in some cases the design. This was in the day when it was difficult and expensive to buy ready to fly RC systems. Many Heathkit RC systems were built, from 3-8 channel, the line was successful.
I have several Heathkit transmitters that I have gone through the electronics, replaced the batteries and converted to 2.4. The transmitter will operate with your JR/Spektrum receivers either DSM2 or DSMX. Keep in mind this is an original Heathkit transmitter and does not have, model memory, servo reversing, dual rates etc. etc.
If you like, you may send me one of your JR/Spektrum receivers and I will test fly your system in one of my airplanes.
A true blast from the past.
If you have a Heathkit radio that needs to be serviced or updated, I can help with that also.
Operation
Do Not:
Do not use the transmitter without its 2.4 antenna.
Do not use Li batteries or batteries that are higher than 11.4 volts for the transmitter or 2.4 module.
Do not rapidly turn the transmitter on/off.
You need to adjust the 2.4 antenna so it does not point at the model when flying.
You may use JR/Spektrum receivers either DSM2 or DSMX.
JR (JR only not Spektrum) now has a new mode, DMSS and your transmitter will not operate these receivers.
Power on - Meter will move to the right, the LED's will flicker then come on solid green. The LED's are seen through the transmitters meter. Once the LED's are solid green, you may turn on your receiver.
The transmitter's 2.4 section has 4 modes of operation as determined by the receiver it is bound too.
DSM2 22ms frame rate.
DSM2 11ms frame rate.
DSMX 22ms frame rate.
DSMX 11ms frame rate.
Note: The 11ms frame rate may make some analog servos jitter, use digital servos with high speed receivers. Also, some ESC's will not operate with high speed receivers.
The bind button has 2 functions; (Red button to the left of the antenna)
#1 - If pushed and held when the transmitter is on, the RF output is significantly reduced. Use this feature as a range test. You need to get 30 paces (90') from your model. When the button is released the RF output is restored.
Note; while the button is held in, the red LED is on
#2 - Used to bind Tx to Rx.
Bind - Tx to Rx
#1 - Plug bind jumper into bind port of Rx.
#2 - Power on Rx, LED(s) in Rx (and satellite receivers) will flash fast.
#3 - Set sticks (and switches) on Tx to desired fail safe. Neutral and LOW Throttle, trims too.
#4 - Push and hold bind button on the transmitter and then turn on Tx.
Note, your Tx should NOT be right on top of the receiver. Move away a few feet.
#5 - In a few seconds the flashing LED in the Rx (and satellite receivers) will be on solid and everything will operate. Release bind button.
#6 - Turn Rx and Tx off.
#7 - Unplug bind plug from Rx.
Note: if you are flying more than one airplane with your transmitter, you may bind all your airplanes (receivers) at one time. This means you will not have to rebind when you fly another airplane - just check servo reversing etc. For this to work, all the receivers must be the same mode - either DSM2 or DSMX, either 11ms or 22ms frame rate.
Turn on Tx first, LED's will flicker then turn solid green.
Turn on Rx, it will link in a few seconds with its LED(s) on solid.
Notes:
*The Rx servo outputs are:
#1, Throttle #2, Aileron #3, Elevator #4, Rudder #5, Aux
* The Rx antennas (or satellite receivers) should be as far apart as possible and on different planes, one vertical and one horizontal.
* JR/Spektrum receivers have a high drop out (brown out) voltage of about 3.2 - 3.3 volts. Several servos can cause voltage dips in the brown out range. You may want to consider 5 cell 6 volt Rx batteries or if you are flying electric use a BEC of 5.5 volts.
Any Questions - Please ask.
Order
Warranty --
If you have any problems with your transmitter or 2.4 conversion, I can help you get it working again. I WANT IT TO WORK FOR YOU!
I can not guarantee that any almost forty year old radio will continue to operate and safely fly a model! Yes I checked out the transmitter but that only means it worked when I checked it out - I might have missed something or there might be a component about to fail.
Send me one of your receivers (DSM2 or DSMX) and I will test fly your system in one of my airplanes.
Check with me before you send me anything..... or your radio could sit out in the snow/rain.
Send me your:
1) JR/Spektrum (DSM2 or DSMX) receiver
2) A check in the amount of $600
3) Signed copy of this order form.
I am ordering from Cal Orr a Heathkit transmitter converted to 2.4
I further understand that there is NO guarantee or warranty of any kind that this system will continue to operate and safely fly a model!
Furthermore, no guarantee or warranty is extended to anyone else who may operate this system. I will be responsible for any or all liability resulting from the use of this system.
Signed _____________________________________________Date _____________________
Signature must match that of the check.
Heathkit 2.4 transmitters
Email: calorrflyrc@hotmail.com