Rumors are that JR/Spektrum is changing their current 2.4 technology from a fixed frequency system to one that hops available frequencies, like Futaba, Hitec, and Airtronics do. It's true, JR has released the DSM-J (3) system in Japan and some other countries. More after the jump!
The DSM-J system was developed to be legal in Japan where 2.4 radio rules are more strict. Europe is still working on a universal rule set to govern the new 2.4 systems, and the J system may meet those strict requirements too. The J system does use hopping, and as yet, it is not known whether it is a better system that the one Spektrum and JR currently use. Both 2.4 transmission techniques have good and bad sides for soaring pilots.
The question is will the current JR - Spektrum systems now be obsolete? Can DSM-J work with DSM-2 receivers? The answer is the new DSM-J radios are not approved for the US market as yet, and no one knows when this may happen. And no, DSM-3 will not work with DSM-2 receivers, though I would guess current DSM-2 radios could have a module upgrade to work with DSM-J.
My take on this is that don't sell your JR gear in a panic. It works, and it may be years before DSM-J hits the US market. Will DSM-J be better than DSM-2? Only time will tell.
It's my understanding that DSM2 is superior than that developed for the remainder of the world. The reduction in power to meet the euro union standards make a freq hopping implementation a better choice.
Posted by: Rob Davis | May 25, 2010 at 07:21 PM