JR Propo

JR Propo was a leading Japanese brand of popular RC devices, including radio controllers, receivers, servos, electronics, programmable robots and model aircraft.

In December of 2017, JR Propo filed for bankruptcy. Production of RC equipment by JR Propo ceased in 2018.

Overview
Unique to JR Propo's radios is the company's patented ABC&W (Automatic Blocking Circuit with Window). Simply put, this system rapidly reroutes incoming signals through a series of ever-smaller electronic "windows," effectively blocking out spurious signals which cause radio "glitching". Any signal that does get through the system is filtered before being sent to the servos all without noticeable lag or delay. If the signal is unable to be processed, it is rejected, again without noticeable reaction.

JR Propo introduced the JR module bay, which is widely used in RC controllers for external transmitters and modifications.

Competing brands of radio control systems include, Spektrum RC, Sanwa, Futaba, Hitec, KO Propo, Jeti, Acoms and Multiplex Modelsport.

History
In August 1976, the founder Tadao Yamazaki and 4 others established RC manufacture and sales company. In November 1976 the firm got reorganized as a limited company.

In February 1977, the company introduced the RC by FM system for practical use. In October same year, it entered a business tie-up with World Electronic Industries Co., Ltd. and started overseas collaboration (e.g., UK, Italy, France, Sweden, Hong Kong, Australia).

In February 1978, the company entered a business tie-up with Maeda Technology Lab. and built a new factory in Matsusaka, Mie prefecture, enlarging RC product production.

In February 1979, an agreement with GRUNDIG (Graupner) was established. Overseas operations were expanded. In April same year, the company capital increased to 12 million yen. A patent for servo motor control circuit was received. In August, entered into an exclusive distributor agreement with USA Circus Hobbies Inc. Started exporting RC products to USA.

In April 1983, the company capital was increased to 24 million yen. Maeda Technology Lab. got renamed as Mie Japan Remote Control Co., LTD. Factory got expanded. In October, the first 18-years agreement with USA Aero Space concluded. Developed and released an RC device with 8-bit microcontroller with PCM.

In April 1984, relocated to a new head office. In October same year, entered a joint development agreement with machine makers. Started development of industrial remote control devices.

In March 1985, developed the ABC&W technology of preventing radio interference in receivers. In October same year, JR introduced JR APEX Computer remote control, the first programmable radio controller with microprocessor.

In January 1986, the world's first industrial remote control microcomputer software was developed. Became a member of Japan Radio Control Safety Associations.

In April 1990, the company's capital was increased to 36 million yuan.

In April 1993, RC helicopter gyroscope system was introduced.

In January 1995, helicopter division started, development and manufacturing of RC helicopters commenced. 700 million yen order receipt at Shizuoka Hobby show, became No.1 in RC industry.

In April 1996, succeeded at development of digital servo IC design.

In April 1997, entered a business tie-up with Sanei Electronics Manufacturing Sdn.Bhd in Malaysia. Started production in Malaysia.

In April 1999, patent of RC transmitter equipments announced publicly. RC radio PCM10X received Good Design award.

In December 2002, participant in SOHLA (Space Oriented Higashiosaka Leading Association).

In December 2005, released humanoid robots RB1000 which were jointly-developed with Vstone Co., Ltd.

In March 2007, the company was selected as The Top 300 Strongest Small-To-Medium-Sized Enterprises by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

In January 2008, selected as Excellent company of Osaka. In March same year, acquired land of "Matsusaka core industrial complex". In December, a new system 2.4GHz DSX series released.

In January 2009, satellite Maido 1 (SOHLA 1) was launched successfully, for which the company provided technical assistance. The satellite was developed by Astro-Technology SOHLA.

In August 2009, took over Mie Japan Remote Control Co., Ltd. In December same year, next-generation radio 11X Zero was released. Entered into an exclusive distributor agreement with Horizon Hobby in USA.

Over the years, among the company's presidents were Shoji Kuyama and Masako Esaki (after around 2015).

Company information

 * Company name:
 * Japan Remote Control Co., Ltd.
 * 日本遠隔制御株式会社; Nippon Enkaku Seigyo Kabushiki Gaisha
 * Head office:
 * 2-12, 2-Chome Eiwa Higashi-Osaka 577-0809 Japan

Users

 * JR APEX Computer Propo remote controller was used by Ayrton Senna, Brazilian racing driver who won the Formula One.