A comprehensive history of Ko Propo EX1 (1982-2002)

[Hoseman50]

Thanks for the information Lonestar, definitely looks like the JR Propo handset pictured.
We’re JR and KO made in the same factory then?
BTW, nice pictures of the signed radios, cool.

[Lonestar]

Good job @Jirka!

Looks like at the time there sure was some re-branding going on...

KO was the real manufacturer in this case, I think. JR was just slapping some labels on. What's interesting is the Alpina was a true JR product, though (sold as graupner in WE... the plot thickens )

[tamiya]

Just came across this thread while searching on google.
Would anyone know the date that this KO Propo EX-10 was manufactured?
Just acquired it, and was hoping it was period correct for my Kyosho Turbo Burns, around 1989 I think.

yep that's the very first EX10... circa early 1990s, 92-93 from guesstimate around the time of original Inferno's appearance.

[Maxline]

My dad's favorite radio was the EX-1 (85' edition) for his Optima Mid SE, & Turbo Optima. Finally got him over to Airtronics with the release of the Caliber series. Still have both of his EX-1's and a few RX's floating around for a vintage ride one of these days.

[RC10th]

Great 'old' thread, just wish I could read Japanese.

There isn't much info out there about these, at least that I could find. Google pointed me here while trying to find out more about a radio that I was gifted many years ago.

Although not minty fresh it's still in great condition considering its age, unfortunately the main blemish is where it looks like someone dropped a soldering iron on it at some stage, lol. It looks like the '82 EX-1 that someone has updated the wheel. Not that I've paid much attention but didn’t realise the trap door covering the pots until I saw Kent's picture.

[EX1Fan]

I think it is a EX-1 Pro from 83.

I absolutly love these radios, so I got them all

Many greetings from Germany

[RC10th]

The picture's too blurry to tell but aside from the wheel how can you tell the difference between the Expert and the Pro?

[EX1Fan]

You can see some differences at the DualRate Wheel ('82 had none) and off course at the adjusments.

[Bobpacho]

I have some Japanese versions of KO EX-1.
I would like to post some the Japanese versions of EX-1 from the advertisement published in the RC Magazine.

1. The first EX-1 don’t have the back trigger. The back trigger attached after a while.
2. The EX-1 PRO Introduced with more practical equipment by Naoki Ishihara. The EX-1 with the same function exists overseas not as a PRO version.
3. The New EX-1 was introduced within a short period of time from the appearance of the Pro. The New EX-1 has an early model and a minor changed late model.

[madweazl]

I'm trying to dig up some info on the KO modules for the EX-1 Mars. Specifically, I'm wondering how to distinguish which band they're running on (e.g. 27/75mhz); I'm after one on 75mhz. I've also seen RF-102F and RF-103F modules with the Mars label. If you guys/gals have any helpful info, please pass it along. And if you have a 75mhz module you'd be willing to part with, please let me know.