radio theory

[Gordon T Haley]

I does not make sense that a style of boat hull could be the problem radio waves go through plastic. A fail safe on a transmitter works when the signal drops between the receiver and the transmitter. Signal drops for basic reasons 1)  transmitter sending wrong signal either in strength or in message, 2) receiver does not understand signal received 3)  signal being blocked physically 4) voltage drop in either transmitter or receiver circuit . When testing fail safe circuits it is wise not to run full speed and not in a populated area where people may get hurt. There are many things in the environment that can affect the radio signal, in strength and in message. That is why it is best to have the latest in technology. With  every new development each downfall in radio technology is lessened. Back in the days of AM clubs use to have test equipment to make sure it was safe to operate. The new radios use digital linking transmitter to receiver so theoretically only one transmitter can communicate with one receiver, problem 1 solved. Digital signal was developed so that other signals could not "dirty" the RC message, problem 2 solved. The 2.4 GHz frequency solves a couple issues amount of data that can be transmitted and speed of transmission. Also with 2.4 GHz radios the high frequency acts like a laser beam it travels in a straighter path, easier to block with hard structures, but easier to go through soft. ie: (hard = metal, water)  (soft = air, plants) 

Fail safe was developed to combat signal dropout and loss of control, fail safe is a programed action to happen when signal is dropped. most people set engine to stop. 

If fail safe is getting triggered that means signal between the receiver and the transmitter  has be blocked, stopped, reflected, absorbed 

[Tony Castronovo]

OK, here is an issue that can happen with 2.4 transmission. Just like your SAT dishes the micro waves can be reflected or unable to penetrate a wall of water, so if the rooster tail for instance is shading the antenna the radio signal can no get through. We had encountered this problem in the early days of 2.4, and it drove me crazy until one of my design engineers brought it to my attention. We then relocated the antenna, and even made a shading device to push the tail down. Since then the radio manufactures seemed to correct this issue over the past several years I would assume with better circuit design.

You can not add to the length of these antennas but you can put them up higher on a non-metal mast of sort.

If you guys notice that this problem happens when the boat is going away from you or in the entrance of a turn, this may well be what is happening. A small aluminum deflector that will redirect the rooster tail lower is an option that seemed to work for us.

Thanks,

Tony C.