Product Review by Josh Bunn

No more cable!

The 2iCRC Module comes complete with all of the extension cables that you need to connect two receivers.

If you are in the market for some kind of buddy box system, you need to look at the wireless buddy box system from Second in Command remote control. (www.2icrc.com ) If you are just learning to fly or would like to learn a new 3D move or maybe you have a big war bird that you are having trouble with, but you don’t want your friends to see you with a cord hooked to your transmitter.

The 2ICRC use two independent transmitter and receivers. They do not have to be the same model or even the same brand. How does this work you may ask? 2ICRC use an interface box where servos and the primary and secondary receiver get plugged into it. Then you will connect an auxiliary channel from the primary receiver in to the module which will control which receiver the unit will take commands from. There is also a port where the battery is to be plugged into. The module can handle up to six channels. Let’s say you have a jet or war bird and you would like to work on just using just the flap system. Then you would only connect that channel in to the system and the primary pilot would have control of all other channels. This gives the trainee endless possibilities, and makes learning new systems or maneuvers a little less overwhelming. The same system could be used for a back up system in any type of aircraft; you would hook up the system and fly the plane with the secondary receiver and transmitter, and have another pilot on standby with the primary transmitter ready to take over if any problems happen.

Here’s the completed installation... with one receiver at the left and the other near the bottom right of the photo.

Installing the unit is very simple and comes with all necessary cable. The instructions are very easy to follow and come with multiple diagrams. I used a Spektrum AR9000 for my primary receiver and a Spektrum AR6200 for the secondary receiver. Once all my cable was installed and receiver bound to the transmitters, I adjusted the trim pot on the 2Icrc unit. The trim pot is to be used to adjust the sensitivity of a switch or dial to when the trainee radio will take over command. The LED on the unit lights up when the secondary pilot has control or if the battery voltage drops below four volts.

Field tests showed no problems at all. We did the normal range checks with both transmitters in command of the aircraft. While in flight I found it very easy to give and take command of the airplane from the secondary pilot. I programmed one of my AUX switches on my JR 12X to do the controlling of the unit between pilots. By doing this I did not have to hold down a switch the whole time the secondary pilot was in command. Without having a cord attached between transmitters it gives the pilots the flexibility to stand further apart or even at different flight stations.

For more information and detail on the 2ICRC system check out the web site www.2icrc.com The 6 channel unit sells for $140.00. I am also being told that a 3,9, & 12 channel system are in the works along with some other great new products that are sure to change the R/C hobby in the near future.

2iCRC Cordless Buddy Box System
www.2icrc.com
Product Review by Josh Bunn