RADIO SOUTH SERVICE INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Radio South has been in the radio system service business since its beginnings in 1976. As our business grows, we are increasing our listing of systems that we repair. We now service Futaba, JR, Airtronics, Kraft, Pro-Line, Ace R/C, HiTec/RCD, Aristo-Craft, Hobby Shack, and Tower Hobbies. We carry factory schematics and keep in contact with the factory service departments in order to stay up to date on all of the latest service information. Our relationship with the many factory service departments (such as Futaba) is such that we are frequently recommended BY THEM for specialty equipment and service! We are proud of our service and will work hard to keep you flying.

SERVICE

We have a complete service facility with the latest in service equipment, including a Spectrum Analyzer. We are a RCMA authorized sticker station (#22). The "gold" sticker program assures that a transmitter meets the 1991 narrow-band requirements for transmitter emissions assigned by the FCC and AMA.

 Our service capability includes complete repair (both annual service and "crash" damage repair), frequency changes, tuning and updating to "1991" narrow-band standards. We offer custom transmitter configurations such as left-handed, mode changes, specialized single stick systems and custom throttle locations for disabled pilots. We can build special aircraft servo harnesses for large scale aircraft, jets and other special requirements.

 Our normal turn-around is about 10 days, but it is seasonal, and will run longer during the Springtime and throughout the flying season. We recommend that you send your equipment in for annual service and check-out during the Winter months, to avoid delays in the Spring. After equipment has set unused during Winter, batteries can fail when called upon again during the flying season. We recommend that you replace your packs every 2 years or so to avoid crashes associated with battery failure. Batteries are cheap when compared with a newly built model!

BATTERIES

We use Sanyo cells for all of our battery replacements. Special manufacturing fixtures allow us to build packs to fit most transmitters as well as special RX packs. Packs are available from 270 MA up to 2100 MA for 1/4 scale use. We carry both NiCad and NIMH cells.  Call for prices.

FREQUENCY CONVERSIONS

The FCC requirements for "gold" is -55db sidebands at +/- 20Khz. An additional requirement is the frequency accuracy must be within +/- 1.5 KHz from center frequency. Most transmitters can be "gold stickered" at a cost of $15.00. Pro-Line systems are $40.00, due to special components needed to update them. Kraft systems are $50.00 for pre-1976 transmitters, and $25.00 for 1976 and later versions.  Frequency changes are common in order to obtain a frequency that is less crowded or to move away from known interference at a local flying field. Costs vary from system to system, due to the price of crystals required for the change. Most newer systems use dual conversion crystals in the receivers. Prices vary, but most Dual Conversion systems are $49.50 (TX and RX, including tuning) to change. Single conversion systems are usually $39.50.

LABOR RATES

Radio South labor rate is $35.00/hour. Labor is charged in 15 minute blocks. Most complete systems w/ 4 servos will generally require 2 hours labor for inspection and repair. Four-Channel system repair minus servos will be charged 1-1/2 hours labor. Individual components such as transmitters and receivers are charged depending on type. Non-synthesized receivers are 3/4 hours labor, and synthesized versions are 1 hour.  Non-computer transmitters will require 3/4 hour labor for service.  4-8 channel computer transmitters will require 1-1/2 hour labor.  9 channel and higher computer transmitters will be charged at 2 hours labor, due to their complexity.  Servos are generally charged at 1/4 hour labor, however replacing a servo pot will increase the charge to 1/2 hour.   Discounts are given for large amounts of servos or receivers in a repair. All parts costs as well as shipping are extra.

SHIPPING

Shipping costs are in addition to the repair. The weight will dictate the charge, but usually it is $12.00 + insurance. Special 2-day and overnight shipping is available.  When possible, we use US Postal Service Priority Mail for small items.

PROCEDURES

If you are sending in equipment for repair, we recommend the use of the original container for shipping, as it will do the best job of protecting your equipment. Include a detailed letter describing the trouble and what you want repaired. Include your daytime phone number and e-mail address as well as instructions on payment. Radio South can take the following credit cards....Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. 

Ship the repair to either of our repair facilities:

Radio South, Inc./139 Altama Connector, Box 322/Brunswick, GA 31525  PH 1-800-962-7802 (Tony Stillman)

Radio South, Inc./6847 N. 9th Ave., Suite A #320, Pensacola, FL 32504   PH 850-426-0820  (Ben Pham)

You may also E-mail Tony or Ben directly  with any technical/repair questions you might have prior to sending your equipment to us for service.

QUESTIONS?

Just give us a call at 1-800-962-7802 for information concerning repair of your system. Our goal is customer satisfaction, so contact us with your special needs!

Copyright © 2002 Radio South, Inc.
Last modified: November 05, 2007