Q-111: I noticed in magazine advertisements that the new Hitec Optic 6
RC transmitter can provide RF [radio frequency] signals on regular FM (also
known as PPM [Pulse Position Modulation]) as well as PCM [Pulse Code
Modulation]. Do I need a special receiver to operate PCM? Do any other Hitec RC
transmitters operate on PCM?
A-111: I recently reviewed the new Hitec Optic 6 RC system. That article
will likely appear in MA soon, so you might want to wait for it and read
it in detail. I contacted Glen Merritt—marketing director at Hitec and Multiplex
Modelsport USA—to make sure I provided the correct answers.
Hitec refers to its new PCM function as “Q-PCM,” which stands for Quick PCM. As
do all PCM RC receivers, it provides fail-safe operation and includes fail-safe
preset control capability. At this time Hitec offers only one receiver for Q-PCM
operation; it is designated the HPD-07RH.
Hitec updated its popular Eclipse transmitter in March 2003, and part of that
modification included the addition of the Q-PCM capability. Therefore, all
Eclipse transmitters sold after that date can operate on Q-PCM.
I also learned that Hitec has begun offering an upgrade to the “older” Eclipse
transmitters, which includes a new HPD-07RH seven-channel Q-PCM receiver for a
$100 charge. Therefore, Hitec now has two transmitters that operate on Q-PCM—the
Eclipse and the Optic 6--and one Q-PCM receiver—the HPD-07RH.