Spektrum Overview
• Spektrum is a newly developed Horizon Hobby
proprietary brand that is dedicated to the development of highly-advanced RC
electronics that are light-years ahead of anything else.
• Spektrum's
first release is the DSM (Digital Spectrum Modulation) System.
• The DSM
system is based on combining several forms of Spread Spectrum technology to
achieve an optimized system for R/C car use.
• The DSM system includes a
DSM Module and transceiver that replaces the module and receiver in most popular
3-channel module-based surfaces transmitters.
• No crystals or complex
modifications are necessary. Racers simply plug the DSM module into their Tx and
install the .4 oz transceiver in their car. After installation all that’s
required is a few seconds of setup to “bind” the transceiver to the
module.
• Compatible radios include:
Airtronics- M-8
JR-
R1
Futaba- 3PK
HiTec- Aggressor CRX
KO- Helios
• Built
into the DSM system is the ability for the transceiver to send data back to the
user via the same digital RF link used to control the car. Shortly telemetry
modules will be available that plug into the DSM transceiver and give racers
real time monitoring of engine temperature, speed, rpm, signal strength, battery
condition, lap times and more. The data can be view on a hand held unit or
uploaded to a PC. More modules will be added in the future that offer even more
telemetry options.
Introduction
Spektrum's DSM system offers the ultimate in radio link
security. No longer do you have to worry about transmitters being turned-on on
your frequency, waiting for the frequency clip to practice or interference
caused from noisy motors, speed controllers or other interfering sources. The
DSM system utilizes Digital Spread Spectrum Modulation technology to provide an
almost impenetrable digital RF link between the racer and their car.
The
DSM System operates in the 2.4GHz band (that's 2400MHz). This high frequency is
well out of the range of virtually all model-generated (motor and ESC noise) and
conventional radio interference. All the usual glitches that plague 27 and 75mhz
radios are simply eliminated with the DSM System. In addition, each DSM module
is factory programmed with it's own unique GUID (Global Unique Identifier). Once
a DSM transceiver is “bound” to a specific DSM module it will only recognize
signals from that module. With over 4 billion possible GUID codes, it's
virtually impossible for a DSM transceiver to mistake another signal source for
its DSM module.
DSM uses Direct Sequencing Spread Spectrum modulation to
generate a wide signal on a single frequency. The FCC requires that these
systems incorporate “collision avoidance” technology. When the DSM System is
switched on, it will scan the 79 channels available to it for a free one. When
it finds one, the DSM transceiver, which “listens” for the modules distinct
GUID, will lock on to it. In the unlikely event that the DSM channel spectrum is
full, the 80th system will not connect or cause any interference, going into
“hold scan” until a channel is free.
Summary of Benefits
• The
Spektrum DSM System provides an impenetrable digital RF link between a racer and
their car that is impervious to all types of interference including other radio
systems, model generated interference or environmental interference from pagers,
cell phones, etc.
• Collision Avoidance- The DSM system scans the 2.4Ghz
band looking for an open channel. When an unused channel is found the system
locks on that channel and transmits providing the following benefits:
No
more waiting for an open frequency
No need to impound the radio
Eliminates the need for a frequency board and frequency clips
Interference
for other radios is a thing of the past
No crystals are needed
•
2.4ghz worldwide band is approved for international use. No need to change
frequencies when traveling abroad
• Built-in failsafe drives the servos
to a preset position (usually full brakes) in the unlikely event of radio
interference
• The DSM system literally plugs into popular module based
3-channel transmitters allowing most racers to convert to DSM technology right
away.
• Short 8" receiver antenna is easy to mount
• The
soon-to-be-released DSM telemetry module will allow real time monitoring of head
temperature, rpm, speed, battery voltage, lap time, etc.
• No maintenance
or tuning required (always stays in tune)
• Up to 79 users can
simultaneously operate DSM systems
Spektrum Website
http://www.spektrumrc.com/
DSM System
Specifications
• Frequency Band 2.400-2.4835 GHz
• Channels 79
•
Channel Spacing 1 MHz
• DSSS Coding Gain 18 dB
• Bitrate 15.626 kbps
•
Range 3000 ft
• Latency 7.4 Ms
• Resolution/Channel 4096 steps
DSM
Transceiver Specifications
• Weight .40 oz/11.3g
• Dimensions (LxWxH)
1.62x1.06x.57in (41.2x27.0x15.3mm)
• Input Voltage 3.2 – 9.6V
•
Sensitivity -98 dBm BER 1E-3
• RC Channels 3
• Current 40 mA @ 4.8V
•
Antenna length 8.5 in
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is
DSM?
A: DSM or Digital Spectrum Modulation is a form of digital spread
spectrum modulation that had been developed and optimized for R/C use.
Q: What channel will I be on?
A: The DSM system scans the 2.4GHz band
and finds a channel that is not being used. Once an open channel is found the
transmitter begins transmitting on that unused channel. The DSM System has an
available spectrum of 79 channels. In the unlikely event that the spectrum is
full, the 80th system will not connect or cause any interference, going into
“hold scan” until a channel is free.
Q: Won't other 2.4Ghz devices like
phones and wireless computers cause interference?
A: No, the FCC requires
that all 2.4Ghz DSS devises be "smart"- incorporating collision avoidance such
that when any DSS system is turned on, it scans the 2.4GHz band until a channel
that is not being used is found then begins transmitting on that unused
channel.
Q: What is the range?
A: Typical range is about 3000ft.
depending on conditions.
Q: I understand that Spread Spectrum has a slow
response time.
A: Spectrum's DSM system is optimized to give the fastest
possible response time of 5.6ms. Typical FM systems offer a response time of 12
to 18ms.
Q: Will the DSM system affect or be affected by other
transmitters on 27 or 75mhz or lap counting systems?
A: No. The DSM system
operates in the 2.4Ghz ISM band and is well above the range of any equipment
including lap-counting systems presently in use.
Q: What type of
telemetry will be available?
A: The first optional telemetry module will
include the ability to monitor Real-time engine temperature, engine rpm, speed
in mph or kph, battery voltage, signal strength and individual lap times. We
hope have this telemetry module available in early spring.
Q: So I can
just turn on my radio any time with out worry of getting or causing
interference?
A: Exactly!
Spektrum is exclusively distributed
by:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL
61822
217-352-1913
Source: Radio Control
Car Action
