Bind-N-Fly Radio Control Systems
Spektrum Bind-N-Fly radios offer better control and interference free flying
Kraft RC transmitter from early 1970s
2.4 GHz radios change RC model flight forever
The technology supporting indoor radio control model airplane flight has advanced rapidly over the past several years. Per the radio control plane primer, everything from light weight building materials to practical batteries and motors has led to the revolution of practical indoor micro RC aircraft. Perhaps the most rapid and innovative area of improvement has been in the realm of the radio control systems, in particular the new breed of interference-free 2.4 GHz radios using DSM (digital spectrum modulation) and Bind-N-Fly radio technology.
DSM technology, pioneered by Spektrum radio, is a huge improvement over the older 72 MHz frequency radio control sets we have used since the mid-1970s. DSM operates on the higher 2.4 GHz frequency band and is immune to the most common forms of radio frequency (RF) interference. DSM is a purely digital RF link between the transmitter and your model airplane’s receiver, with a much “tighter” and more precise control feel than the older 72 MHz radio control systems.
Spektrum radio DX6i DSM2 transmitter
DSM and DSM2
But what has happened quite recently is the introduction of Bind-N-Fly radio technology to the original DSM radio control systems. The technical characteristics of DSM allowed Spektrum radio engineers to come up with the advanced capability of DSM2 (DSM second generation) permitting Bind-N-Fly radio capability for select 2.4 GHz transmitters and receivers. In a nutshell, any Bind-N-Fly radio allows multiple RC model airplanes to be controlled by single transmitter. With Bind-N-Fly radios, you use a simple procedure of “binding” your transmitter to a particular receiver, such that the receiver only “sees” that particular transmitter.
Ember 2 with DSM2 Bind-N-Fly radio system
The advantages of this Bind-N-Fly radio procedure are almost too great to describe. In short, with the advent of Bind-N-Fly radios you can use a single transmitter - one that you are completely comfortable and familiar with - for up to 20 different model airplanes. This is no small matter given the complexity of today’s computer radios. Your flying will thus improve by the use of a common Bind-N-Fly radio transmitter for potentially all of your RC model aircraft. You will save money as there is now no need to purchase a separate transmitter for each RC model airplane you acquire. This is a real advantage of Bind-N-Fly radio technology when combined with the rapid success of practical, affordable ready to fly micro RC planes such as the ParkZone Cessna 210 or Ember 2. You will find plenty of Bind-N-Fly radios at popular model airshows such as E-Fest.
Select JR radios have 2.4 GHz DSM technology
Binding your transmitter and receiver
Connecting a Bind-N-Fly radio transmitter with a selected model airplane is very simple, but varies a bit from model to model. Be sure to read the instructions for your chosen Bind-N-Fly transmitter and receiver. As a general rule, you power up (connect the flight battery) the airplane or helicopter’s receiver, ensuring that it is in bind mode. You then turn on your DSM transmitter in bind mode. Wait a few seconds for the systems to bind (usually indicated by a light), and you are ready to fly. Bind-N-Fly radio sets are this easy to set up and use.
E-flite mCX S300 has Bind-N-Fly radio capability
Check for DSM2 capability
Bind-N-Fly radios are a fairly new development in the world in radio control flying. You will find some older (2008 or so) transmitters - especially with the very first ParkZone ready to fly micro airplanes - that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum, but are not Bind-N-Fly capable. You still have all the great advantages of interference free flight within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, which means no more waiting for a free frequency channel to fly. However, you just cannot use one of these early 2.4 GHz transmitters for more than one airplane. This is not big deal. As DSM is evolving technology, simply ensure that any 2.4 GHz model airplane radio system you purchase today (and you should only purchase a 2.4 GHz system, no going back to the older 72 MHz radio systems) includes “DSM2” capability, and the logo “Bind-N-Fly” listed in the radio instructions . The Bind-N-Fly logo is simple to check on the model’s box or on the airplane’s website, and will ensure you are able to enjoy fully the great advantages of 2.4 GHz DSM2 technology combined with Bind-N-Fly technology.
Kraft transmitter, receiver and servos - state of the art in early 1970s
There is simply no going back to the old days of 72 MHz radios and waiting for a clear frequency pin to get your transmitter from the impound rack.
Bind-N-Fly radio