UHF RC Shootout: Arkbird Long Range System (part 1)

This is the Arkbird long range UHF RC system.
This video (part 1) looks as the general design, layout and quality of construction. The Arkbird transmitter loses points for less than ideal physical construction and the use of a module and chips that have had their identifiers obliterated. The poor thermal design may also cause problems with extended use. As a result this transmitter gets only a "satisfactory" rating from a hardware perspective.
The receiver is "clunky" because of the silly antenna (and lack of plug for same). The use of an old-style crystal is also an unwelcome surprise. The receiver scores a poor rating from a hardware perspective.
Pro's:
- the concept (a 2.4GHz to 433MHz repeater station) is great
Con's:
- poor physical construction of transmitter
- silly receiver antenna and old-style crystal
- RF module performance unknown until bench-tested
- receiver antenna hardwired and glued
Check part 2 for the bench-tests which will determine how the system actually performs.