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The Schulze Blinki-MC4 provides a glitch counter or glitch detector function as explained in the text. This device can be used to reconcile problems with flying sites (or fields) that are within close proximity to one another.

Q-74:I recently experienced a flying site separation problem where two local clubs were operating from flying fields in very close proximity to one another. To help resolve this problem I was advised to look up AMA document #548 Procedure for RF Interference Testing Between Model Sites. Well I did and it appears that this test procedure depends on a device referred to as a glitch detector. The only problem is there is no reference as to what this device is or even where one could buy it. Can you help me out?

A-74: Being a long time member of the AMA RC Frequency Committee I was aware that this document was in the preparation phase, but quite honestly didn’t see the item that was released to the AMA website. I quickly looked it up and realized that the reference to the glitch detector was missing and then did some investigating. The glitch detector was originally designed and developed by fellow committee member, George Steiner about ten years ago. George published a construction article on it that appeared in the April 1994 issue of RC Modeler magazine and at that time offered some assembly kits. Although the kits are no longer available George says he has some PC boards remaining and will give them away for the cost of the postage. You will have to purchase your own parts, but it should be a simple process. Contact George Steiner at: GSPPROD@aol.com.
I also learned that the Schulze Company in Germany makes a glitch counter or detector that they call their Blinki-MC4. They can be purchased from Icare-Ikarus Inc. of Canada (www.icare-rc.com). The price  is $45 (U.S. dollars).
Still another variation on this same theme is the new Flight System Receivers (FS5 and FS8) offered by FMA Direct. It also has a built-in glitch counting capability. A detailed review of this product is expected to appear in the November 2004 issues of Model Aviation.
But that isn’t the end of the story. Dan Williams, who is the AMA District-II Frequency Coordinator recently took the Steiner glitch detector design and updated it with a new microprocessor making it easier to use and calibration free. Dan is making up several of these devices for each of the AMA districts. The Frequency Coordinator for each district (listed at the top of each VP column every month in Model Aviation) will eventually receive these glitch detectors. When you have a flying site separation problem it is suggested you first contact the designated coordinator for your district. He will be able to loan you one of these devices and coach you on how to effectively use it to solve your flying site separation problems.
 

—Bob Aberle