Remote Control Systems

All model boats designed to speed across the lake or play a sound require a remote control system. The essential piece of kit here is the right remote control. As well as transmitters, receivers and servos, you’ll find further modules and features for your model boat in the JOJO Model Boat Shop.

Receivers, servos, expansion and switching modules for model boats

Remote controls with at least 2 channels are required to control model boats. In our online shop, you’ll find the right receiver for 4- to 9-channel remote controls. Each receiver has different strengths and features. You should therefore consider exactly which features you need from the receiver. Important criteria when selecting a receiver include, for example, response time, range, and the number of channels the receiver is intended to and can accommodate. Generally, thanks to innovative technology, our receivers feature a new Hopping Telemetry Transmission high-frequency unit with high-quality components and state-of-the-art software. To activate functions via remote control, you will need an RC transmitter with a free channel and a switch module. With this, you can then control accessories such as lights, winches or sound via remote control.

Beginner’s Remote Control Set

We have put together two different remote control sets for model ship captains. These sets contain all the necessary components for controlling a ship, perfectly coordinated to work together. The Beginner’s Set includes, in addition to a 2-channel controller, a speed controller for the drive motor, a high-capacity battery and a simple charger. The Nautik Starter Set contains a 4-channel Kyosho brand remote control, a speed controller for a brushed electric motor and a powerful servo for the rudder.

Expansion modules for remote controls

In addition to the standard components of a remote control, you can expand the capabilities of your system. Model boats can be fitted with a wide range of additional special functions. Expansion modules and components for remote control systems from the FUTABA® F-Series allow you to integrate multi-switch/propeller modules and up to 16 additional control channels into the remote control.

Video transmission for model boats

Sailing model boats is an experience well worth capturing on camera. Video transmission is a brilliant gadget for this purpose. That is why we offer a high-quality video transmitter for transmitting video images in our online shop for model boats. The transmitter is conveniently compact and very powerful. Furthermore, it is very straightforward to connect to cameras with an SMA connection.

What are radio remote controls for model-making?

Using the radio remote control, the pilot operates switches and levers; these are converted into radio signals by the transmitter in the control unit and sent to the receiver. The receiver decodes the signals and transmits them to the control elements of the model vehicle, such as servos, speed controllers or multi-switches. Typical examples of such control functions include the rudder on a boat, adjusting the speed of a motor, switching on lights or playing sounds.

Multi-channel remote controls

Radio remote controls differ primarily in the number of channels available for controlling functions. A 2-channel remote control can only influence the speed and direction of travel of a model (e.g. a car). An 8-channel remote control allows at least eight functions to be controlled. When buying a new radio remote control, you should therefore consider how many functions it needs to control.

Transmission frequencies of remote controls

In Germany, the frequency bands 27 MHz, 35 MHz and 40 MHz are designated for radio transmission in model making, although the 35 MHz band may only be used for aircraft. However, remote controllers operating in these frequency bands are now obsolete and are hardly available any more. For model boats, however, 40 MHz controllers still offer clear advantages in terms of range on the water.

The newer 2.4 GHz technology represents a significant leap in quality; the transmission capacity is considerably higher and, thanks to the coded transmission of control commands, many more models can be operated simultaneously in one location without the signals overlapping and interfering with one another.

Types of remote controls

There are three main types of remote control: pistol-grip, console and handheld remote controls.

Pistol-grip remote controls are designed to be held like the grip of a pistol and are mainly used for RC model cars and, in model boat building, for racing boats. Pistol-grip remote controls have 2–3 channels – leaving one channel for a special function.

Desk-style and handheld remote controls are mainly used for controlling helicopters and aeroplanes, as well as model boats with numerous special functions. Handheld transmitters must be held during operation. Desk-style transmitters have a strap so that enough fingers remain free to control the sticks with precision, and they also feature a rest for the palms.

Telemetry

The latest generation of remote controls often feature built-in telemetry transmission.
Sensor readings, such as temperature or the voltage of the drive battery, are transmitted directly from the model’s receiver to the remote control and displayed on the screen. This means you can always see at a glance whether there is still enough flight time remaining or whether the motor or speed controller is overheating.

Manufacturers of radio control systems

There is a wide range of manufacturers offering various control systems. Well-known brands include Multiplex, Jeti-Duplex, Futaba FHSS and FASST, Graupner HoTT, Kyosho and Spektrum. Manufacturers of radio control systems have developed different transmission protocols for their 2.4 GHz systems. These protocols must be compatible between the transmitter and receiver. As a rule, receivers and transmitters from different manufacturers are not compatible.