its not just planes, its the general accepted way uk is mode 2 throttle on left, model 1 tends to be USA throttle on right, if you start having different sets it will become confusing for you. I have used turborix for a number of years, A£25 for a tx and rx!! cant be beaten, and 2.4 also, so no frequency clash worries, then you can buy extra rx's so will only need one transmitter for multiple boats, planet 5 is also a cheap 2.4 set 😀

Hi
Thanks for all your help; I will now look at aquiring a 2.4Ghz set-up. The advice you have all given has been a great help.
Happy boating
Edward

HI Tidtug
Used one for a couple of years now. Rock solid and the four batteries in the transmitter lasted for a couple of months weekly sails without charge 👍
Most of my fellow club members are or have upgraded to 2.4Ghz as it saves the hassle of checking for free frequencies. 😀

I just purchased a planet T5 2.4 gh and it works perfectly on my fishing boat I think for a group on the water this is the way now to go 😀

Thanks for this. it's all beginning to be clearer now although I guess there is a fair bit more!
Thanks for your help and taking the time
Cenbeth

HI Edward
If you are thinking in terms of 2.4Ghz I suggest you take a look at http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/spreadspectrumtests.shtml. This is an independent review of the various systems in common use. You should be aware that 2.4Ghz sets are almost always brand specific Ie you can anly use a Futaba Transmitter with a Futaba receiver. There are some after market receivers appearing that are compatible with the Futaba sets (GiantShark ex GiantCod sell) and I know that they do work but you need to be sure before you buy.
Binding is a once only process. Best done at home and once set should not need to be touched.
I agree that the T4U is readily available but it does not have the level of adjustment needed for the sail winches on the Cariad. Their Radio Link T6EAP at around the A£50 mark would meet you requirements much better. 😉
Your servos will work fine with any other receiver and they are no longer as manufacturer reliant as used to be the case in the 1970's. All modern servos/ESC's use a common female type plug. if your servos have the Futaba male plug from the 1970's they would need modification - and not just the plug. Good servos are freely available and full size start from about a fiver. I have bought from http://www.servoshop.co.uk/ and they have a very large selection to choose from.
You will also find lots of other R/c gear including Futaba radio sets - make sure you scroll down the listings , they tend to have the expensive helicopter sets at the top!
You will find that almost all radio sets offered are mainly aimed at the aeromodeller and the settings often refer to model plane set ups. Don't be put off by this, they will work just as well on our model boats (with the exception of subs for 2.4Ghz).
The modes are again an aeroplane setting. Basically either mode1 or mode2. This is just an adjustment that allows for the throttle/Aileron to be on the right (mode1) or left (mode2) sticks. Not normally of great Importance to us model boaters but is Important if you want to use some advanced features on the electronic sets as some functions only work on specific sticks.
Apologies for the length of reply.
Have fun looking. 😀

Hi,
What are the Modes that are talked about with 2.4GHz?

That's interesting, thanks. I will have a look at the web site. My Cariad is built x2 scale so the strength of the servos is Important so I would rather not have to change these. Futaba and Hitec are therefore Important (I think!).
Kind regards
Cenbeth

If you want to try 2.4 Ghz you will notice a slight difference in frequency allocation. instead of having to select a pair of crystals (and then check that no one else is on your frequency) you perform a process known as 'binding'. That means setting up your new receiver so that it will only respond to YOUR transmitter (requires a button press or two). Thereafter you can operate with any number of other sets and not worry about frequency allocation at all.

The other difference from the 1970s is price. The Chinese are turning out some very cheap 2.4 Ghz sets. Here is a site that a lot of boaters buy from - their Radiolink T4U 2.4 Ghz 4-channel combo is A£25, and servos are A£2 or less....

http://www.giantshark.co.uk/giantcod-24ghz-4channel-mode2-transmitter-p-403779.html

HI Dave,
Thanks for the response, it is a great help. I am inclined to take your advice, particularly about two sets and will hunt the rest of this site for other info.
Cheers
Edward

HI cenbeth
Welcome to the site.
The latest radio gear is 2.4Ghz. Noted for its short stubby aerial and short receiver aerial. Requires no crystals so great for using at busy sites. No good for your sub though as the radio frequency will not penetrate beneath the waves. 😰
40Mhz is available for all surface models (and subs) so may be a better choice than 27Mhz not least because there are 34 frequency slots available. 👍
Most sets are a basic two channel but you can buy mutI channel for more money. I suspect your servos may not have the current plugs in use so you may need to buy a set with servos - so called combI sets have no servos, but servos are readily available from model shops and the web.
You have not mentioned a speed controller so you will need one for your motor(s). Actual capacity will depend on the motor(s) installed.
I have a Cariad and also use an auxiliary motor with ESC, plus two sail winches and a rudder servo, so will actually use a 4 channel Futaba T6EX 2.4Ghz set. With a sail winch you need to be able to adjust the throw and this set has adjustable (electronic) stick settings.
If you can afford to buy two sets I would go for 2.4Ghz for your three surface craft and stick with the 27Mhz or buy a 40Mhz set for the sub.
You will find plenty of advice on this site regarding motors, ESC and batteries and a quick look at "Power setups" wil give you an insite. Also our "Boat Building Blogs" may help you refresh your memory on techniques old and new.
I hope this answers some of your questions but if there is anything else you need to know please keep asking. There will be many who are or were in your position and we all like to share our knowledge and experiences 😀