Radio Transmitter Recommendations

[slabuta]

All,

I'd like to hear some recommendations for radios. I haven't seen too much on this here, so I'd like your opinions. This is what I am looking for: an inexpensive 4-6 channel radio for use with some electric backyard flyers.

I'm finally going to by some real equipment and start flying stuff that's not RTF. Some of the Mountain Model planes just look too good! :rolleyes:

Thanks
Steve

[watt_the?!]

i can only recommend those im familiar with, but my opinion (everyone has one of these), is that hitec, jr, futaba etc are all good stuff, so go for the one with the features you want.

the jr2610 (thats what we call it here) is apparently good value- ive seen it and know peeps with it. 2 model types (heli/plane), 6 channels, 10 model memory.

ive used others and havent had any issues with any of them.

[Tweet]

Futaba 7C, my LHS sells the transmitter only for about $100. I have the 9C and for more complex models it is great, but will set you back $300 or so. Probably hard to go wrong with any of the major brands. I will say that the 9C is very popular and I have yet to find anything it won't do. I had a Hitec Eclipse 7 before this one and it was also a decent transmitter.

[soarr]

Steve,
While I am relatively new to flying (really got started in July), I can only comment on the Hitec Optic 6 with a Spectra Module that I have. In three months of flying (almost 3x per week for about 30-60 minutes/day), I have had no problems. I use it for a Cirrus glider, a Cermark Newtimer, and a GWS Slow Stick. I have seen it go on sale at Hobby People for $149 with the Spectra Module.

[Matt Kirsch]

Buy the best one you can afford, that's for sure. You'll never regret buying a fancier radio at the beginning, but you will always regret going the el-cheapo route.

[Steve]

a lot of folks like the Hitec flash 5, I use a Futaba 7cap and it's very nice.

[AEAJR]

STANDARD vs. COMPUTER RADIOS

I think you will find the economics of computer radios have changed in the
last 2-3 years. This is partially due to the advance in electronics and
partly because people are buying that second, third plane much sooner. We
have flyers in our club who have been flying less than 6 months who have 3
planes already. The cost has dropped so much, and the availability of ARFs
and high quality kits have made it cheaper and simpler to get the next plane.
There is little to hold them back.

I recommend new pilots go directly to the computer radios. If they start with
an RTF, then they use that radio to fly that plane. When they buy the second
plane, they get the computer radio.

A quality electric ARF parkflyer or simple to build kit, with the motor, can
cost as little as $40. A flight pack for that plane can be as low as $70.
You can put it in the air over a weekend.

An ARF 2 meter sailplane can be $90. The electronics to put that in the air
can be around $70 and can be completed in a couple of evenings.

In the glow and gas powered world these low costs and rapid adoption of second
and third planes might be different. I can't say.

BACK TO RADIOS

Just as computers have wiped out the typewriter, so the computer radio is
making the standard radio obsolete. Today, nobody buys a kid a typewriter
to type his school papers. They get a computer.

For someone new to flying and looking at buying your first radio, this article
on entry level standard radios might be of value. It describes a lot about
the components of a radio system and their function.

Entry Level Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44 (http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44)

When I wrote that article I did a bunch of research. I then started on the
research for the follow up article on computer radios that can be found here:

Computer Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65 (http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65)

I have come to the conclusion that the only reason to buy
a standard radio is lack of confidence that you plan to go forward, or
the standard radio came as part of an RTF package.

Here is a quick look at some key points.

Economics - Let's compare - Tower Hobbies catalogue

Hitec Laser 4, std Radioand 4 standard servos - $120
Futaba 4 EXA computer radio, receiver, 4 standard servos $149
Hitec Flash 5SX computer radio, receiver, HS-325 servos - $156

Difference is $30-36

Looking at the Flash, you get 5 model memories so you can instantly switch to
any of 5 models without having to reset anything. If we ignore servos and
receiver, the Flash covers your next four planes for about $9 each. With the
standard radio you need to reset for each plane, carefully keep all planes
tuned identically, or buy a radio for each plane so you can tune it to the
plane and keep the settings. That would cost about $60 per plane for each
standard radio, or an additional $240. And with the flash you only have to
charge one radio and bring one radio regardless of which plane, or how many
different planes you wish to fly.

That's $36 extra for one radio that handles 5 planes or an added 240 to have
each plane's settings retained with a standard radio. And the Flash 5SX does
a whole lot more than just provide model memories. This is an excellent first
radio.

Big savings and convenience with the computer radio!

In the Tower hobbies catalogue:
Futaba Skysport 4 with 4 S304 servos and receiver for $129
Futaba SkySport 6 with 4 S304 servos and receiver for $149
Hitec Laser 6 with 4 similar servos and receiver for $139
Futaba 6EXAS 6 Ch computer radio-same servos & receiver $179

For $30-$50 the 6EXAS gives you 6 model memories and a whole pile of features
the SkySport and Laser Standard radios can't touch.

What else can these entry level computer radios do?

Split Ailerons/flapperons: -

You can install two aileron servos and connect each to a separate channel on
the computer radio. This makes it very easy to trim each servo to get each
aileron just right.

You can set up aileron differential, if you wish, to improve effectiveness
while reducing drag. Very popular on sailplanes.

Or let's say you have a plane with ailerons but no flaps. You fly the plane
normally. Then flip a switch and turn the ailerons into flapperons. Now you
can use your ailerons as flaps during landings. Flaps on a 4 channel plane
that doesn't have flaps. You can just as easily set them up as spoilers, which
are commonly used on sailplanes during landings.

Cool!

Coordinated turns - Mix rudder into your ailerons so you have a coordinated
turn. On a standard radio you have to do this manually. With the computer
radio you can do it manually too, or you can focus on the plane while the
radio handles the coordination for you. You can override the mix and add or
reduce rudder at any time.

Exponential, dual rates, model memories, channel mixing, digital trims and
lots more. Some of these features can be very helpful in getting new pilots
in the air.

Are computer radio hard to use?

No! In fact if you want, you can just use it as a standard 2, 3 or 4 channel
radio until you want to use the other features.

Take a look at this thread, starting at post 49. This guy talks about using
flaps as ailerons for flying and flaps for landing on a R/E/F sailplane.
Pretty cool idea. Can't do that with a standard radio!
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289216&page=4&pp=15 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289216&page=4&pp=15)

So, for an extra $30-50 over a standard 4 channel or 6 channel radio, you get
a radio that handles multiple models and lets you do things that the standard
radios can't do. Go up a another $25-50 to the Hitec Optic 6 or Futaba 7C and
it is amazing what you can do.

Will you need this on the first plane?

Differential can be very helpful to a new pilot. Most radios that
come with RTF packages, and most standard radios don't have all these
features. You don't have to use them right away, but it is great to know that
you don't have to buy ANOTHER radio when you realize you would like to have
them. The price difference over a standard radio is now so small that for
all but the very few, the computer radio is now the economic entry level radio
of choice.

If you get into even semi serious aerobatics or sailplanes, a computer radio
is a huge benefit and for some things, almost a requirement to bring the plane
to its full potential. Even the pilot of a 3-4 channel parkflyer, or someone
flying a simple R/E sailplane with spoilers or flaps benefits from a computer
radio.

There is only one reason to buy a standard radio these days. "I don't know if
I will like RC flying so I want to spend as little as possible". Or the
standard radio came in an RTF package like an Multiplex Easy Star RTF, a Great
Planes Spirit Select RTF or a NextStar Glow RTF.

I have used Hitec and Futaba as examples here because I know those lines best,
but JR, Airtronics, Polk and others have entry level computer radios that are
a much
better value than any standard radio. In many cases these entry level
computer radios will serve the needs of the pilot for many years to come.

Get a computer radio, save a bundle of money, get a bundle
of features and really have fun with your RC flying.

[AEAJR]

Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel - approx $90-110
If your focus in on parkflyers, RES sailplanes, aileron sailplanes or 4-5
channel glow planes, these are very capable for the price. In addition to the
basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split aileron capabilities.
These make great first radios for the committed new pilot, providing features
beyond the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small incremental investment. For
many pilots, these may be all the radio they will need for years. They will
fly more advanced planes, like full house sailplanes or aerobatic planes, but
may
not be able to bring out all the plane can offer.

Futaba EXAS -
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUV7**&P=ML (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUV7**&P=ML)
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=556 (http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=556)
6 channels, 6-model memory, Prop Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6, 1 user
defined mix. The particular package I have listed at tower comes with micro
servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers

Airtronics VG 6000
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm (http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEUY5**&P=7 (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEUY5**&P=7)
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with two
small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories, 6 standard
mixes, no user definable mix capability listed. I can't find any info on the
range of the receiver in this package so I must assume it is around 1000 feet.
Suitable for low speed parkflyers only, unless you find the receiver has more
range.



Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels Approx $130-180 for the radio. These
radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer radios,
primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and some switch
assignability. These radios also add helicopter programming, though we are
not looking at those functions here. These radios can bring out more of the
capabilities of more
advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry level computer radios
lack.

Midrange Radio Comparison Chart -( provided by Hitec )
The reference to two wing flap programming referes to flapperons - The ability
to turn ailerons into flaps.
http://hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic%206%20comparison%20chart.htm (http://hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic 6 comparison chart.htm)

Hitec Optic 6
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/OPTIC.htm (http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/OPTIC.htm)
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?t=article&cat=281&id=4451 (http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?t=article&cat=281&id=4451)
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option, Change
channel module, shift select, glider features, switch assignability, flight
modes, ailevators, 2 user
programmable mixes, and a variety of standard mixes. Does not include a snap
roll feature

Futaba 7C
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html)
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=321 (http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=321)
Review - also compares it to the 9C, the 6XAS and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405 (http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405)
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight Modes,
3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes. Does not include
aileron differential which might be done with a user programmable mix.

JR 6102
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=JRP6664 (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=JRP6664)**
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=305 (http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=305)
This is a futaba 7C review, but the author compares it to the JR near the end
of the article. May be helpful if you are trying to compare the two.
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405 (http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405)
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes. Does not include a timer. Missing mixes of note are snap roll,
aileron diff, crow/butterfly. Some of these may be able to be created with
the user programmable mixes.

Airtronics RD6000 Super
http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm (http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm)
6 channel, 8 model memory, shift select, 4 timers, selection of standard mixes
and 5 user definable mixes.

[mblue2050]

If you fly with friends or at a club or even what your local hooby shop carries most. Using what is popular in your area is helpful but not a must.
I bought a RTF with a Futaba 4ch analog. Never would have done that had I known where this hobby would take me. got into 3-D and had to have a computer with at least 6 ch. Bought the Futaba 6XAS...not like today's version. Got into landing gear, flaps, then Helicopters and got a 9C. 7C was not availble then. I have a buddy that fly's the same sort of planes and more heli's. He uses the 7C only, bought another when he needed more memory for his ever increasing fleet.
So far my 14 model memory is enough. If they havn't already I assume a larger memory module will be available for it anyhow
I suggest a Fuatab 7C for anybody new that is going to stay in this hobby. 9C if you have the money.
On the other hand there are some old geezers (close friends) at my club that will swear 4 channels is plenty and the rest is a waste of money.
Or buy the Futaba 14 MZAP and never ever want for more

[AEAJR]

9C memory modules are available from Futaba in 8 model and 12 model sizes, I think. There are third party modules that will hold 50 or more.

Since the 9C has been discussed:

Futaba 9C Super - about $270
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk75.html (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk75.html)
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4600 (http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4600)
http://www.servocity.com/html/9ca_super_systems.html (http://www.servocity.com/html/9ca_super_systems.html)

Futaba transmitter feature chart
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/feature-compare.html (http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/feature-compare.html)


Futaba 9C Super has replaced the 9C that I own, though some places still have
the 9C. 9C Super has unlimited model memories via removable modules, 7
User-programmable Mixes + 8 defined mixes, 4 snap roll programs, two servo
elevator support, 4 servo wing support, customizable trainer program and
switch assignability. This is a very flexible radio.

Unless you have a large budget, I would not consider this a first radio. If
you have outgrown your entry level or intermediate computer radio and want a
significant jump in capabilities, take a look at the Futaba 9C Super.
This is an advanced sport radio, or a budget competition radio, that has
virtually all of the features that advanced sport power and sailplane
pilots are likely to need. It has a very strong following.

Channel Synth module for the 9C and 9C Super
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=542 (http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=542)

[TimOBrien]

Once you get a transmitter with a Spectra module (synthesized channel switching - no more crystals), you'll never go back....

[bsoder]

I have a JR6102 I really like. JR doesn't sell it separately tho which stinks. I bought mine via Ebay - there's a guy who sells them new but separate, you'll pay around $100 or so. bigdeal10 is his ID I think.

I do wish it had synthetic crystal capability tho.

[AEAJR]

Hitec has synth for the optic 6, prism 7x ( old ) and the Eclipse 7
Futaba has synth for 9C, 9C super and the older 9 channel radios, can't recall.

JR has a synth for their higher level radios, 9303, and I think the 8303, 10X. don't know about the others

Don't know about airtronics

Polk has synth built into their 8 channel and I think their 6 also.

Belive Multiplex has synth built in also.

[ifixairplanes]

Futaba 7C. Great features, 7 channel. More than I need as far as mixing.
Servocity dot com will sell Tx only for $150.

Sean

[AEAJR]

I think the Futabas are easier to program too!

[Don Sims]

I like my Tracker II for basic plane flying. It doesn't do exotic or chopper mixing but for most planes it works great. 99 model memory, no synth needed, easy to program but the radio is ugly. (At least to some folks!) I've used it for several years now with zero problems.
Don

[timocharis]

Another vote for the JR 6102. Excellent interface; will serve for years.


Dave

[Nitro Blast]

I like my Tracker II for basic plane flying. It doesn't do exotic or chopper mixing but for most planes it works great. 99 model memory, no synth needed, easy to program but the radio is ugly. (At least to some folks!) I've used it for several years now with zero problems.
Don
I second that comment, I love mine. I bought dozens of Futaba radios over the years and lucky for me, the Tracker II does all those jobs and more.

The only drawback? Well, I had to send it in for service, and although they were EXTRA SPEEDY getting it back to me (4 days), I was without my radio that I came to depend on for a weekend. I didnt have any backup's that were reliable (or gold stickered). Bottom line is I think the Tracker is an exceptional value for the sport pilot.

[I_Love_My_ABC]

This is probably the best 6 channel computer radio at a non-computer price...

http://www.modelflight.com.au/rc_model_radio_control/jr_propo_max_66_rc_control.htm

...you can pick up the basic radio with NiCad for under $100.00 and you can be sure that JR gear is of great quality!!:p :p

[AEAJR]

THE PROBLEM - Channel Conflict on 72 and 27 MHz

One of the concerns of the RC flying community is that people flying off the club fields are not being taught about frequency control within the 72 MHz RC airplane hobby band. The feeling is that these off field flyers are begining to represent a danger to the safety of planes and people on and off the club fields. If you are flying your RC plane at some school yard you could interfer with those on the the club fields or with other parkflyer pilots elsewhere. You could be causing crashes and not even know it. Or you could be subject to loss of control of your plane and not know why.

The issue is channel conflict. If you are flying on the same channel as another flyer, one or both of you will crash. With the range of today's equipment, you might be a mile away from the other flyer and still effect each other. The AMA recommends that club fields be at least 3 miles apart for this reason.

In the past channel conflict has been handled by frequency control procedures on club fields. But, with the dawn of the low cost parkflyers, many new pilots are not members of clubs and are flying ourside of the frequency control procedures of the clubs.

Pilots using 27 mhz may feel they are not at issue here as their radios typically have shorter ranges and don't impact 72 mhz club radios. However some of the 27 mhz planes are being flown on club fields. In addition, 27 MHz is not dedicated to airplanes. Someone running an RC car on the other side of the park could easily turn your plane into an out of control missle or, at least, turn it into a pile of junk. This could happen and the two of you might not even be within sight of each other. So 27 MHz carries its own problems. What to do?

THE SOLUTION - Spread Spectrum 2.4 GHz

Enter a new offering, Spread Spectrum 2.4 GHz radio systems for parkflyers. This technology was introduced to the RC car community a while ago and has been growing in popularity. This new system is extremely well suited to the parkflyer community and does not interfer with the 72 MHz radio that are traditionally used by the club flyers. It also does not conflict with 27 MHz planes, cars or boats. In fact, by design 2.4 GHz devices of all kinds are made to work around each other without conflict. No channel control is required as it is designed right into the specifications of the radio. It is totally automatic!

So, what does this mean to the parkflyer pilot looking for his first RC radio system? It means a new 6 channel computer radio choice that may be the best of all worlds in a radio system. And, it is competitive in price and features with the entry level 5 and 6 channel 72 MHz computer radios while avoiding the whole channel conflict issue. You avoid conflict with the airplane clubs and with other pilots, rc cars and rc boats in the area. Sounds good!

Horizion Hobby has begun distribution of a 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum system from SPEKTRUM. SPEKTRUM has been selling these systms for RC cars for a while. When you compare it to entry level computer radios like the Futaba 6EXAS, the Hitec Flash 5SX or the Airtronics VG 6000, it is quite competitive in price and features. And since the radio is targeted at the parkflyer community, it is packaged with 4 micro servos and a micro receiver that are very appropriate for these planes.

If you are considering an entry level 6 channel computer radio to fly your planes, add this one to the list of radios you consider.

DX6 DSM 6CH Park Flyer System w/4-S75 Servos
http://www.horizonho6 Channel Park Flyer System (http://www.horizonho6 Channel Park Flyer System)

Digital DSM™ Spread Spectrum Modulation
• 10-model memory
• Dual rates on aileron and elevator
• Exponential rates on aileron and elevator
• Dual and exponential rates can be combined on one switch
• Trainer system compatible with Spektrum™ and JR® radio systems.
• Adjustable stick length
• Throttle trim only affects idle position
• Two-speed scrolling
• Throttle-smart fail-safe system
• Digital trims for precise adjustment

Airplane Specific Features
• Aileron to rudder mixing
• Elevator-to-flap mixing
• Flap-to-elevator mixing
• Flaperon mixing
• Delta wing mixing ( elevons)
• Aileron differential
• V-tail mixing
• Three programmable mixes

Helicopter Specific Features
• Two 3-point throttle curves
• Three 3-point pitch curves
• Flight mode switch can combine throttle curves, pitch curves, dual and expo rates,
and gyro sensitivity
• Throttle hold
• Revolution mixing up and down
• One programmable mix
• Supports 120° CCPM mixing
• Independent digital trim setting for each flight mode

[Unbalanced prop]

The more I read about the DX6 radio, the better I like it.:D No more worries about bothering other flyers on the same frequency or being shot down by someone else on the same channel. No waiting for an open channel. No more changing channels to fly. Can't wait to try one out.

Doug

[airmail wf]

Hey E-Doug by now you should have one. What do you think? I might wait till they have expo on the rudder.:D

[Unbalanced prop]

Hey E-Doug by now you should have one. What do you think? I might wait till they have expo on the rudder.:D

Hey Terry

Ain't got one yet. I am going to try and wait a little while and see how others like them. I would like expo on the rudder too! If they are as good as everyone says, other manufacturers will have them pretty soon also. Nothing like a little competition to lower the price and get a little better product.:cool:

Doug

[airmail wf]

Expo on the rudder you say. Me thinks you are getting much better at flying.:D

[Unbalanced prop]

Expo on the rudder you say. Me thinks you are getting much better at flying.:D

I was, but I haven't flown for so long that I am probably back to my old self. But with an EPP plane (like the SX3 or Tocatta), who cares! Just push the reset button.:D

Doug

[airmail wf]

Reset, this is true. But sometimes a break is good. Next time you fly you might be surprised how good you are.;) :D Or maybe its just the SX3 making you look that way. :rolleyes: