UK Radio control frequencys

27 MHz

Is the original model control frequency, using eight 20KHz spaced crystal controlled channels. The frequency in use is indicated by a coloured flag on the antenna. The newer 27MHz equipment introduced in 1998 provides 30 channels and uses a 10Khz channel spacing. It is indicated by a white flag with a black channel number on the antenna. The two systems are not compatible. If using this equipment, you need to make sure you have the correct crystal type. The 27Mhz band is shared with CB radio that was introduced in 1981. This band often suffers from interference. Only one model can use each channel at the same time.

35MHz

The 35Mhz control band is an AIRCRAFT ONLY band. It MUST NOT BE USED FOR SURFACE BASED MODELS.

40MHz

This band is for the control of surface models and MUST NOT BE USED FOR THE CONTROL OF MODEL AIRCRAFT. It is indicated by a green flag with white channel number using the last 3 digits of the channel frequency. The equipment is still crystal controlled and there are 34 channels. Only 1 model can use each channel at the same time. This equipment is still available but getting less common. People wanting to model submarines still use this frequency band

49MHz

This band is a very low powered band used for many toys. As far as I know there is no commercial model control equipment on this frequency.

458MHz

This is a shared telemetry band and is not commonly used for radio controlled models

2.4GHz

This is the latest generation of radio control equipment and if looking to upgrade or buy new I would recommend this type of equipment. (There is always one exception, 2.4GHz does not work with model submarines). 2.4GHZ equipment uses fully synthesised frequency management and the transmitter is bound to the receiver with a digital code during setup. This bound relationship eliminates interference and means that the receiver will only accept a command from the bound transmitter. Up to 80 models to be operated together in this band. This equipment is now the most widely available equipment and there are now very capable multi channel controls available at some relatively modest prices.