diff --git a/RF24.cpp b/RF24.cpp
index 8fb3dc2..6ad87e4 100644
--- a/RF24.cpp
+++ b/RF24.cpp
@@ -351,7 +351,10 @@ void RF24::begin(void)
   {
     p_variant = true ;
   }
-  setDataRate( RF24_2MBPS ) ;
+  
+  // Then set the data rate to the slowest (and most reliable) speed supported by all
+  // hardware.
+  setDataRate( RF24_1MBPS ) ;
 
   // Initialize CRC and request 2-byte (16bit) CRC
   setCRCLength( RF24_CRC_16 ) ;
@@ -364,7 +367,7 @@ void RF24::begin(void)
   write_register(STATUS,_BV(RX_DR) | _BV(TX_DS) | _BV(MAX_RT) );
 
   // Set up default configuration.  Callers can always change it later.
-  setChannel(1);
+  setChannel(100);
 
   // Flush buffers
   flush_rx();
diff --git a/examples/pingpair/pingpair.pde b/examples/pingpair/pingpair.pde
index d9f2b7e..05254c4 100644
--- a/examples/pingpair/pingpair.pde
+++ b/examples/pingpair/pingpair.pde
@@ -93,12 +93,6 @@ void setup(void)
   // optionally, increase the delay between retries & # of retries
   radio.setRetries(15,15);
 
-  // optionally, use a high channel to avoid WiFi chatter
-  radio.setChannel(110);
-
-  // optionally, increase the CRC length for improved reliability
-  radio.setCRCLength(RF24_CRC_16);
-
   // optionally, reduce the payload size.  seems to
   // improve reliability
   radio.setPayloadSize(8);
diff --git a/examples/pingpair_dyn/pingpair_dyn.pde b/examples/pingpair_dyn/pingpair_dyn.pde
index 7655505..5d3be9e 100644
--- a/examples/pingpair_dyn/pingpair_dyn.pde
+++ b/examples/pingpair_dyn/pingpair_dyn.pde
@@ -104,12 +104,6 @@ void setup(void)
   // optionally, increase the delay between retries & # of retries
   radio.setRetries(15,15);
 
-  // optionally, use a high channel to avoid WiFi chatter
-  radio.setChannel(110);
-
-  // optionally, increase the CRC length for improved reliability
-  radio.setCRCLength(RF24_CRC_16);
-
   //
   // Open pipes to other nodes for communication
   //
diff --git a/examples/pingpair_irq/pingpair_irq.pde b/examples/pingpair_irq/pingpair_irq.pde
index e8c5396..bf565cb 100644
--- a/examples/pingpair_irq/pingpair_irq.pde
+++ b/examples/pingpair_irq/pingpair_irq.pde
@@ -94,12 +94,6 @@ void setup(void)
   // We will be using the Ack Payload feature, so please enable it
   radio.enableAckPayload();
 
-  // Optional: Increase CRC length for improved reliability
-  radio.setCRCLength(RF24_CRC_16);
-
-  // Optional: Pick a high channel
-  radio.setChannel(110);
-
   //
   // Open pipes to other nodes for communication
   //