Scott Gray with X9303 wins the 2007 Nats
Helicopter events at the US AMA Nationals are popular with almost all of the spectators as well as other RC competitors at Muncie. Seeing the high-powered 90 size nitro machines go through the F3C FAI routine is an inspiration to all RC pilots. Scott Gray was “the man” in 2007 and the prototype JR X9303 2.4GHz was his radio of choice. There is no doubt that the pilot/builder is the center point of this competitive combination but the exact radio setup contributes to the necessary precision and reliability needed to reach this level of performance.
Many of you may know that Scott Gray is a Horizon JR Radio team member. So it is no wonder that he had the opportunity to use the prototype JR X9303 2.4GHz Helicopter radio at this years Nats. Scott makes no bones about attribuiting the precision and reliablility that the new 2.4gHz radio contributes to his helicopter flight performance.
The 9 channel DSM2 radio provides the exclusive Servo Sync feature that handles the chore of directing all servo messages to the CCPM servos at exactly the same instant resulting in a new level of precision control. Servo Sync makes sure that the CCPM servos act totally in unison with no lag between channels as on normal 72 mHz radios. You have to experience the feel of DSM2 Servo Sync to understand the precision it brings to helicopters. The most often heard statement is the "locked in feeling" pilots remark about.
Everyone has heard that the X9303 2.4gHz provides total freedom from any frequency conflicts while enabling the pilot to operate worry free of any RF noise generated in the model. But also the X9303 is an integrated ground up 2.4Ghz radio, no modules are used in its design and this gives many important features. Smart Safe (when you accidently turn on the RX first), Model Match and Servo Sync are some examples of features not included with non DSM2 module conversions.
But there is more to a Nationals First Place winning model. Lets take a look.
- The Helicopter is a Japan domestic market only model called Sylphide. It is not available in the US. He does use the JR Vibe 90 rotor head to give the specific kind of performance he is looking for.
- As you can see in the lead photo the fuselage is a very attractive Super Gracy.
- Scott uses a JR7000T tail rotor gyro and JR DS8900G tail rotor servo for extremely fast and precise control.
- There are also 3 JR 8311 servos controlling all of the CCPM functions giving the best possible resolution, syncronization and control of the rotor blades.
- The throttle is controlled by a JR DS3400G servo again providing the speed and precision needed with a compact servo easing installation.
F3C competition is a rigorous set of precision heli maneuvers much different than the 3D freestyle events seen recently. A complete, prescribed aerobatic maneuver routine is mandatory for each pilot to complete, no freestyle here. F3C requires very fast, very smooth precision maneuver performance that is needed to get the points from the judges and you have to be better than the other guys to get the most points. Scott’s machine sometimes hits 110mph performing some of the smoother precise aircraft style maneuvers in the routine. So you can see there is a huge demand on the model and its equipment, top to bottom.
Precision aerobatic helicopter competition at the Nationals level is demanding requiring hours of preparation and practice. One look at the machine Scott has put together will give you an idea of what goes into this event. Having the freedom to fly whenever he wants with the JR 2.4gHz X9303 contributes to his performance in a big way. Horizon Hobby and JR radios are proud to be part of Scott’s success. Scott is attending the World Championships of F3C helicopter competition where he will represent all of us as well as his Canadian homeland. Let’s follow him and wish him all the success he can hope for.
