Buying a radio system. Spektrum vs Futaba?

[eric.huntley]

I'm getting ready to buy a radio system, and I'm leaning towards the DX6. Is there any big differences between Spektrum and Futaba radios? Any other options I'm not thinking about? Would the Dx6 be enough for my first radio? I want it to last a while. Should I get the Dx7 instead?

[Heli Jim]

If you can afford the DX7, that would be my choice. The DX6 is a good radio, too. A few less switches and one less channel but most planes and helis only need 5 so you still have one more.

The important thing is that with the spektrum radios, you have a lot of programming features so you will be OK with either one.

A lot of planes and helis are coming as BNF (bind & fly) now so you can buy it without the transmitter, but otherwise it's ready to go---just bind and fly. I was out of the hobby for about 15 years and I can't believe how much things have improved.

Please don't think that I am putting Futaba down, I have NO experience with that radio but I do like my Spektrum DX6i.

[firemanbill]

Both are excellent radios and you won't go wrong with either one.

Are talking about the original DX6 or the DX6I? I recommend you get at least the 6I if going the Spektrum route. The receiver choices are a lot more expanded for the 6I, you are limited to the original AR6000 with the basic 6.

You'll hear positive and negatives comments from all the camps on this one. It really boils down to a Ford/Chevy argument. Both have good and bad points but are really pretty equal and you'll have a good radio either way.

[kyleservicetech]

I'm getting ready to buy a radio system, and I'm leaning towards the DX6. Is there any big differences between Spektrum and Futaba radios? Any other options I'm not thinking about? Would the Dx6 be enough for my first radio? I want it to last a while. Should I get the Dx7 instead?

Unofficial surveys on the Internet, JR/Spektrum has some 2/3 of the market, Futaba somewhat less than 1/3 or so, and the remaining brands are scattered.

Big advantage on JR/Spektrum they have the "Model Match" feature where if you have more than one model airplane setup in your transmitter, it is impossible to take off with the wrong airplane. (That can result in your second airplane having reversed ailerons, and instant crash!)

From what I can tell, no other radio suppliers have "Model Match".

I've got the Spektrum DX7, and five extra receivers now for two years, with hundreds of flights on them. And all have been absolutely flawless.

Futaba also has good equipment, but doesn't have "Model Match".

Personal opinion, go for the Spektrum DX7, or if not that unit, go for the Spektrum radio with (I think)10 models available in the transmitter.

(Check out my posting on radios in general for a lot of reading. The end of the PDF file discusses the differences between Spektrum and Futaba 2.4 Mhz radios)
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45173 go to pages 32 to page 35.

[eric.huntley]

Both are excellent radios and you won't go wrong with either one.

Are talking about the original DX6 or the DX6I? I recommend you get at least the 6I if going the Spektrum route. The receiver choices are a lot more expanded for the 6I, you are limited to the original AR6000 with the basic 6.

You'll hear positive and negatives comments from all the camps on this one. It really boils down to a Ford/Chevy argument. Both have good and bad points but are really pretty equal and you'll have a good radio either way.

Sorry, I did mean the 6I. I notice some radios are sold in kits that include Servos. Are the Spektrum servos that come with these any good? Right now I don't have anything particular picked out so I'm not sure if I should even get one with servos, since I don't know what size I'll be needing.

Are you limited to using only Spektrum receivers? Or can you use any 2.4ghz receiver?

[firemanbill]

That's the one down side, for now, is that you have to use the Spektrum and Futaba receivers respectively.

All 2.4 system are still proprietary for now so you are locked into their receivers.

If you are flying smaller stuff then the AR6100 receivers are the best choice and they can be had for around $40 so they are not too terribly much more than the FM stuff by the time you add a crystal to them, No crystal to worry about an 2.4.

[gfdengine204]

If you plan on staying and growing in the hobby, I highly recommend the DX7. While I never thought I would need 7 channels, I now do with my Mini Ultra Stick with flaps. Great radio! Can't say enough.

[firemanbill]

Me either Kev, I got the Original 6 before the DSM2 stuff came out and was very happy.

Once the DX7 came out I got it and now I am in the process of upgrading to a JR X9303 9 channel 2.4. It's amazing how much you use of the features that are on the radio. Mixing being the big thing for me at the moment.

Come on big brown truck!:D:silly:

The 6I will work fine for you but if it is within your budget then take Kev's advice here on this one too.

[Mysterious]

I own a Futaba 6EX, its excellent, but in hindsight I should have bought the dx6i or dx7i for the bind-n-fly options that are on the market and just the lower price for the receivers (1/2 what futaba is)......you'll like either, but i admit theres a bit more pluses like those i mentioned

[kyleservicetech]

I own a Futaba 6EX, its excellent, but in hindsight I should have bought the dx6i or dx7i for the bind-n-fly options that are on the market and just the lower price for the receivers (1/2 what futaba is)......you'll like either, but i admit theres a bit more pluses like those i mentioned


Could you expand on the "bind and fly" for the new modelers that may not know what that is? I'm certain they'd appreciate it. Us old geezers all ready know! :D :D

[blueapplepaste]

You will be happy with either one. It is like Ford/Chevy or Mac/PC. Both have their supporters and their detractors. But in the end, both are top notch. For me it would probably boil down to what your LHS carries.

Mine carries Spektrum stuff. My cat chewed through one of my receivers and in stead of waiting for one to come in the mail I could go and buy one. Had I had Futuaba I couldn't have done that.


Big advantage on JR/Spektrum they have the "Model Match" feature where if you have more than one model airplane setup in your transmitter, it is impossible to take off with the wrong airplane. (That can result in your second airplane having reversed ailerons, and instant crash!)

From what I can tell, no other radio suppliers have "Model Match".

For me I think Model Match is one of those "sham" features. They try and market it as being so great, but for me with proper pre flight checks you should never worry about selecting the right model. So if you're properly checking out everything before each flight, then its really a moot feature.

I wouldn't base your decision on this feature, its just not that great of a thing, at least not to swing one way or another in your decision, IMO.

[Louis]

...

[kyleservicetech]

You will be happy with either one. It is like Ford/Chevy or Mac/PC. Both have their supporters and their detractors. But in the end, both are top notch. For me it would probably boil down to what your LHS carries.

Mine carries Spektrum stuff. My cat chewed through one of my receivers and in stead of waiting for one to come in the mail I could go and buy one. Had I had Futuaba I couldn't have done that.



For me I think Model Match is one of those "sham" features. They try and market it as being so great, but for me with proper pre flight checks you should never worry about selecting the right model. So if you're properly checking out everything before each flight, then its really a moot feature.

I wouldn't base your decision on this feature, its just not that great of a thing, at least not to swing one way or another in your decision, IMO.

You're probably right. But, I've seen two crashes this year at our field where the pilot took off with the wrong model setup in his transmitter. One was a very nice Bipe with reversed ailerons. The Bipe will fly again, but damage was extensive. And the pilot screwed up, he's got a good 10 years experience in radio control.

Bottom line, those that like Futaba will continue to buy Futaba, those that like JR will continue to buy JR/Spektrum, those with (you get the idea!) And, JR/Spektrum and Futaba have been around awhile, and they get the job done.

Oh, yesterday I tried to take off with my Great Planes "Revolver" on my Spektrum DX7. Nothing. Dead. Looked at my transmitter, it showed "Revolver". Looked at it again, it showed "Revolver" model #12. Dumb dumb. I'd copied the revolver from Model #5 to model #12, and tried to fly on #12. Worked fine when changed back to model #5. And I've been flying radio control since 1964.

[TDisaster]

Take a look at Airtronics.

The RDS8000 is a solid radio and is very reasonably priced. Airtronics has the cheapest receivers as well.

Or the SD-10G, I love mine. Amazing radio for 500$. Really can't beat it.

[eric.huntley]

I went and picked up a DX6i a few hours ago. I would have preferred to buy the DX7 but it was a little out of my price range, and it seemed a little more complicated than the Dx6i(which still seems awfully complicated). I also wasn't sure whether I wanted to buy a package with Servos, and I couldn't find one with just the Tx and Rx.

Can I use this for ALL flight simulators out there?

On the instructions for binding(I don't have anything to bind yet, just reading right now) it shows a "receiver switch" wired into some stuff. I haven't been able to figure out just what that is. Where do I get one?

Added about an hour later:

I was going to ask some questions about some of the functions of the DX6i but It got longer than I planned and it's a bit off topic, so I'm going to just go ahead and start a new thread now. Atleast that way it might be easier to find and help some other newbie someday.

[slipstick]

The RC Radios forum is a good place for asking questions about radios or even for finding the answers because loads of other people have already asked the same questions ;).

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=68

Steve

[eric.huntley]

The RC Radios forum is a good place for asking questions about radios or even for finding the answers because loads of other people have already asked the same questions ;).

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=68

Steve

Yeah, I was sort of conflicted(and still am) as to whether I should stay in the beginner area, or go to the radio forum..

[eric.huntley]

I started another thread regarding some of the basics about the DX6i. If anyone is interested here's the link:

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=629472#post629472

Another question: Is there anyone that can(in laymans terms) tell me what the main difference between the DX6i and the DX7 are? I can get the DX7 with servos(with choice of 2 different sizes of servos and Rx) for $304. I saved my packaging and everything, so if it's worth it I might just go and exchange it for the DX7.

I'm still undecided as to what size servos I should be using most often. My Supercub has a 48" wingspan and I don't see myself flying planes much bigger than that, I have no idea just what size of servos are appropriate for that size of plane though. My instinct tells me to get the smallest of everything I can get.

Obviously the DX7 has one more channel than the DX6i, but is it a switch, button, stick or just what? And what is it most commonly used for?

[firemanbill]

One more channel and more Model Memory, the 6I has 10 model memory and the 7 has 20.

[floridawen]

A year and a half ago I purchased a brand new Futaba 7C with R617 receiver (2.4 Ghz) and no servos. I have been very pleased with it's performance. I does lack the "model match" like the Spektrum has so you can't accidentally chose the wrong model settings, but it does have setting storage for 10 aircraft. It's not that hard to take your time and be sure you selected the correct model. The biggest "problem" that make people shy away from Futaba (IMO) is the receivers are $89 - $99 for the seven channel matching receiver for the 7C, and it is a medium size and does not fit well in INDOOR airplanes, but Futaba also makes an indoor receiver that is small but it lacks the range if used outdoors in a full size field. Even with these "quirks" I still like my Futaba 7C and it has been very reliable to me over the time I have had it. I have seven airplanes and EACH one has its own Futaba R617 Receiver in it.

:)

[TDisaster]

A year and a half ago I purchased a brand new Futaba 7C with R617 receiver (2.4 Ghz) and no servos. I have been very pleased with it's performance. I does lack the "model match" like the Spektrum has so you can't accidentally chose the wrong model settings, but it does have setting storage for 10 aircraft. It's not that hard to take your time and be sure you selected the correct model. The biggest "problem" that make people shy away from Futaba (IMO) is the receivers are $89 - $99 for the seven channel matching receiver for the 7C, and it is a medium size and does not fit well in INDOOR airplanes, but Futaba also makes an indoor receiver that is small but it lacks the range if used outdoors in a full size field. Even with these "quirks" I still like my Futaba 7C and it has been very reliable to me over the time I have had it. I have seven airplanes and EACH one has its own Futaba R617 Receiver in it.

:)
Spektrum's 7ch is 99$ new, 6ch park receiver 50$
Futaba's 7ch is 99$ as well, 6ch INDOOR receiver 50$
Airtronics's 7ch is 70$, 8ch is 80$, 6ch park receiver 50$.


Not even gonna get into the high channel receivers. But Airtronics's 10ch is cheaper than Spektrums 9ch.

I'm just saying, with Airtronics there is no problem with brown outs. It will hold signal long after your servos stop working (from low voltage).

Just do a google search on Airtronics 2.4 problems, then Futaba 2.4 problems, then Spektrum 2.4 problems. You'll see a large difference in results...

Air tronics has a model match system as well. http://globalservices.globalhobby.com/globalforum/viewtopic.php?t=24205 ;)

[blueapplepaste]

You're probably right. But, I've seen two crashes this year at our field where the pilot took off with the wrong model setup in his transmitter. One was a very nice Bipe with reversed ailerons. The Bipe will fly again, but damage was extensive. And the pilot screwed up, he's got a good 10 years experience in radio control.

Even with model match, one should be checking proper direction of movement on their flight controls all the time, every time. As another poster pointed out, with MM, someone might become too reliant on it and get lazy with pre flight checks and just assume since its the correct model every thing is OK.

Its just one of those things thats a good habit to get into, your story underscores that point in a very big way.

[kyleservicetech]

Even with model match, one should be checking proper direction of movement on their flight controls all the time, every time. As another poster pointed out, with MM, someone might become too reliant on it and get lazy with pre flight checks and just assume since its the correct model every thing is OK.

Its just one of those things thats a good habit to get into, your story underscores that point in a very big way.

Anyone that has ever flown sailplanes has either launched a sailplane with the receiver off, or knows someone who did. (For me its both! :o)

So, long ago, I've had the habit of checking movement of all surfaces on my models before the taxi to the runway. Regardless of what radio you have, or how many flights your model has, it's a good habit to get into.:<:

No radio will protect you, if you try to take off without plugging in the aileron servos! :cool:

Like a lot of us, I typically go to the flying field with two or three airplanes, and am flying one, charging two. So that Spektrum transmitter is being changed between models continuously during an afternoon of flying.