Collision avoidance eliminates the possibility of more than one Direct Sequencing Spread Spectrum system from transmitting on the same frequency. Here’s how it works: When the transmitter is turned on, the system scans the 2.4GHz band looking for an open channel. 79 channels are available. When an open channel is found, the system locks in and transmits on that channel. This process takes about 2 seconds. In the unlikely event an open channel is unavailable, the transmitter continues to scan without emitting a signal until an open channel becomes available. The transmitter will remain on that selected channel until it’s turned off. Each individual module is factory programmed with its own unique serial code called GUID (Globally Unique Identification code). Once a receiver is programmed to a specific module (called binding) the receiver will only recognize that module ignoring signals from any other sources. And with over 4 billion possible GUID codes, it’s virtually impossible for a receiver to listen to anything other than its bound transmitter.

When the receiver is turned on, it scans the 2.4GHz band and searches for its specific transmitter’s encoded signal. When found, it locks in on that channel. If the signal is lost, the receiver goes into a hold mode, positioning the servo to a preset fail-safe position until the signal is reacquired. If the receiver is turned on before the transmitter, it will continuously scan the band until the encoded transmitter signal is present. During this period, the receiver drives the servos to the preset fail-safe position. All Direct Sequencing Spread Spectrum systems are required by the FCC to incorporate active collision avoidance, making it impossible and illegal for more than one transmission on a single frequency.

BINDING

Each module has it own unique code (called GUID). The receiver must be programmed to a specific module so that the receiver will only recognize that module, ignoring signals from any other sources. This process called binding is push-button-easy and takes only about 30 seconds. During the binding process the servo fail-safe positions are also set. It’s necessary to bind the receiver to the module during first installation and is recommended when the receiver is moved from one car to another. Multiple receivers can be bound to a single transmitter module, common when using one transmitter to operate several models.

TELEMETRY TO COME

The DSM receiver is actually a transceiver in that two-way communication takes place. This spring, Spektrum will be releasing telemetry modules that will plug into the receiver and will give real time information on a hand-held unit that includes engine /motor temperature, speed/rpm, lap times, signal strength and battery voltage.

BOTTOM LINE

With Spektrum’s DSM system, you no longer have to wait for the frequency clip to practice, worry about transmitters being turned-on on your frequency, or interference caused from noisy motors, speed controllers or other interfering sources. The receiver will only recognize its corresponding module and it’s virtually impossible for a receiver to listen to anything else!

Plus the DSM system is telemetry-ready, and with optional telemetry modules the engine temperature, speed, rpm, signal strength, battery voltage and even lap times are displayed in real time via Spektrum’s handheld display or via a PC.

If you own any of the popular 3-channel module systems, the Spektrum module quickly replaces the existing module in your transmitter converting to this bulletproof radio link.