Latest News

From Ripmax

We are pleased to announce that with immediate effect we are instigating a full exchange programme for all early 6EX 2.4GHz transmitters supplied by Ripmax. As we have widely publicised, a small number of early 6EX 2.4GHz transmitters had been incorrectly coded, which could have caused problems if two of these sets had been in operation together. The actions we took at the time meant that any potential issues were resolved. However, we have taken the decision that the only 100% secure course of action long term is to remove all of the early transmitters from the market and replace them with updated transmitters.

As we are now well into the flying season we want to ensure that owners of these transmitters do not miss out due to their transmitters being on their way back to us. To avoid these possible delays, the exchange will be carried out via model shops, where owners in the local area will bring in their old transmitter, and will in exchange receive the new replacement, all customers will have to pre-register for the exchange.

For full details of the exchange programme please visit the Ripmax website at www.ripmax.com At this web address you will be able to register for the programme by completing a simple online form. For those without web access, please write to Ripmax at 6EX Exchange Programme, 241 Green Street, Enfield, Middx, EN3 7SJ, providing your full name and address, contact phone number, Ripmax serial number/s of your set/s, and details of the model shop you would like to collect your replacement transmitter/s from.

Please note that shops will NOT hold stock, but will be sent the required number of new transmitters to exchange within 10 workings days of receipt of completed registration forms.

2.4 GHz radios may be used at the Nationals, as they were last year, with the following provisos:
Futaba TM7 modules and 6EX transmitters will only be allowed if they have been through the Ripmax exchange programme and carry the appropriate sticker.

The Assan modules will not be allowed.

These rules apply to all flightlines plus the ‘small electric’ outdoor evening line and the hangar flying.

All 2.4 GHz radios used on the competition flightlines must be booked in with the main transmitter control as normal and will be tested for power output. They will not be allowed to be used on the flightlines unless they have a Tx Control sticker attached.

Chris Bromley,
2008 BMFA Nationals Co-ordinator

On the 14th of June a team of BMFA members travelled to Brussels to attend the European Commission (EC) for a meeting on the Europe wide use of the 2.4GHz band.

The meeting was called by the EC due to an application made by a private communications company to limit the use of the 2.4GHz band to the communications industry and so preclude it’s use for other applications, such as model control. The method by which the European Commission works would mean that if such an application were to receive no counter argument then there would be a very real chance that the commission would uphold the application and it could become legally binding. Obviously this position had to be vigorously opposed to ensure that any resulting legislation took into account the use of the band by model flyers throughout Europe.

Read the rest of this entry »