What 2.4GHZ Radio Transmitter to go for

If you remove the stick return spring try fitting one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm...mp;hash=item5ae44e6695 I can't find one in the UK at the moment but model shops should stock them. It helps to keep the stick in the position that you left it in and gives it a helpful bit of friction. They 'should' fit the vast majority, if not all, of transmitters on the market. 
Here's a UK one http://www.google.co.uk/u...KGTtF38GjifLtRK-CcZ5-Q

maxi-model


[P.S. I have read on this forum and heard from some R/C fitters that Planet 5 recievers do not like hot places like being near boilers and can cut out during operation.

Not quite right Max - when very hot, WHEN TURNED OFF, they sometimes don't like to re-boot until things have cooled down a bit.  I have had this happen occasionally - if doing several runs, just don't turn it off, they don't use a lot of power.  In all my 7 steam locomotives (and many I have fitted for friends), I have NEVER had a P5  receiver shut down while actually in use.
 
In answer to the query about oil and water - mine are all a minging as were the 27Mhz jobs they mostly replaced, and again have never had a problem.  The covering is plastic, by the way, not card!
 
 

Cheers Max
Before i go ahead and get a 2.4 GHZ i will try the loco again will check the batteries etc before hand.

Richie.  The planet 5 is very good.  I got mine with the receiver for $59.  The receiver is very small.  You can also put rechargable batteries in it and it has jack for a charger plug. 
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/planet_5_radio_2.4ghz_transmitter_1034249_prd1.htm

I've got 2 locos fitted with Planet 2.4Ghz systems and although the transmitter is very good I don't think the receiver is really up to live steam being a very light weight type intended for model aircraft, the type intended for model cars are much better having an impact resistant plastic case.

funandtrains


I've got 2 locos fitted with Planet 2.4Ghz systems and although the transmitter is very good I don't think the receiver is really up to live steam being a very light weight type intended for model aircraft, the type intended for model cars are much better having an impact resistant plastic case.

 
Have you ever actually had a problem with one Steve, or is that just "gut feeling" based on the appearance of the thing? The one in my Caradrig hasn't given it's new owner any problems (or me) and I had no qualms with buying another for my Lawley.
 
If your loco sustains a large enough impact to damage the reciever, I think the other components that will break in the same impact will probably be more of a concern...

They're bulletproof in my experience.  Mine really do get a hard time, we run in all weathers here, and our locos do real miles.  Never had a failure.  The old 27mhz jobs in a plastic case were all full of oil and gunk too, when removed to upgrade to Planet (I have a Saturn set too - works fine but uses twice as many transmitter cells, which also makes it heavier to carry), so it is surely just a perception.

Of the MR's 8 steam locos, 2 have Spektrum DX5's and 6 have Planet T5 r/c gear.
All the receivers have been fine for a couple of years now.
One Planet was fitted last year to a Jane.  Being a pot boiler, the loco gets quite hot, but no problems so far.
I would commend them to the house.
 

I have sold dozens of Planet radios here in Australia to live steam customers.
The only problem I have found is the RX is sensitive to over voltage.  That is, they don't like 5 cell re-chargeable battery packs often fitted to Roundhouse locos.  The solution was simple.  I removed one cell from the pack and voilą, no more problems.  Stick to 4 x cell packs.

brianthesnail96

funandtrains


I've got 2 locos fitted with Planet 2.4Ghz systems and although the transmitter is very good I don't think the receiver is really up to live steam being a very light weight type intended for model aircraft, the type intended for model cars are much better having an impact resistant plastic case.

Have you ever actually had a problem with one Steve, or is that just "gut feeling" based on the appearance of the thing? The one in my Caradrig hasn't given it's new owner any problems (or me) and I had no qualms with buying another for my Lawley.

If your loco sustains a large enough impact to damage the reciever, I think the other components that will break in the same impact will probably be more of a concern...

The only problem I've had so far is that the sticky fixing pads don't hold them that well and are harder to clamp down that those in solid cases. I wouldn't want to use them in a meths fired loco as the shrink wrap would melt off quickly with a spill fire. The new Acoms set looks like it may be better but I've yet to try it.

Mine are sticky padded in and the only issue I've had has been persuading the sticky pad off the reciever 'cos I've stuck it in the wrong place, i.e. where the batteries wanted to be