How do channels on a radio work?

[SnapDragon 44]

How many channels are needed to fly a plane with elevator,flaps,rudder, and aileron? Could you recommend some radios for this? Thanks

[JetPlaneFlyer]

5 channels would be the minimum you would need, that's one for each of the functions you listed, plus one for throttle. Ideally you would go for 6 channels and go for a Tx that had aileron mixing which makes setting up easier.

What to go for depends very much on your budget. Spektrum gear is popular and is good value. In the Spektrum range the Dx5e would be the very minimum you require but the Dx6i or better still the Dx7 or even Dx8 would give you more features and more scope to cover future models with additional functions (like retractable undercarriage for instance). I'd recommend going for the highest spec Tx you can stretch to so you don't end up having to replace it in the future when you get another model.

Steve

[NJSwede]

Five. Four for the control surfaces and one for the throttle. A channel is simply what conveys the movements of the sticks to the movements of the servos and electronic throttle. You want to move this:
1) Throttle
2) Aileron
3) Rudder
4) Elevator
5) Flaps

I.e. five channels. Everything you want to move/change requires a channel.

[SnapDragon 44]

Okay thanks this really helps!

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by SnapDragon 44

How many channels are needed to fly a plane with elevator,flaps,rudder, and aileron? Could you recommend some radios for this? Thanks

Put me down for the Spektrum radio systems also. I've got two DX7 transmitters (One is a backup I got NIB at 1/2 cost from a club member), and 7 AR7000 receivers.

As others have indicated, buy the best you can afford, and unless you are flying very low cost back yard flyers, kind of stay away from the cheap import radios.

As for the Spektrum radios, I ran across a club member that is flying a multi-thousand dollar wet turbine model with a Spektrum DX6i transmitter. He had many many flights with it, with zero problems.

As for me, I'd go to a little more expensive radio for those turbine models, but you can't argue with success.

Most club members that went to 2.4 Ghz radios are using the Spektrum or JR radios DX7 or higher. No one in my club is using Futaba or any other brand of 2.4 Ghz systems.

One guy did have problems with his Spektrum DX7 radio losing binding last year. (Never lost a model, just could not take off with a dead radio) Sent it back, got it back, and after a few flights it lost binding again. Sent it back again, and Spektrum returned a brand new transmitter and receiver at no charge. From what I've read, this customer response for Spektrum is not unusual.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by SnapDragon 44

How many channels are needed to fly a plane with elevator,flaps,rudder, and aileron? Could you recommend some radios for this? Thanks

If you go for the Spektrum DX7 system (Just recently upgraded to something like DX7s or similar) you've got 7 channels. That allows you to put two servos on the ailerons, two on the elevator, and do the mixing for these servos in the transmitter. Nice.

[NJSwede]

I agree with Dennis. Plus, you have perfect timing! Spektrum just replaced the tried and tested DX7 with a new model (DX7s), so you should be able to score a cheap used DX7 from someone who wants the latest and greatest. The DX7 design still has many years of service left in it and since I personally own one, I can attest to the quality and reliability. I've probably had 100+ flights with my DX7 so far, and not a single glitch that could be related to the transmitter.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by NJSwede

I've probably had 100+ flights with my DX7 so far, and not a single glitch that could be related to the transmitter.

I've just got to go one up on this, my DX7 transmitter has over 500 hours on six different models on it. (The Spektrum DX7 transmitter has timers for each of the models in its inventory.) Not all of these hours are flying time, but they do add up to over 600 flights in the past four flying seasons. And also, not a single loss of signal, or glitch during this entire four years.

[NJSwede]

Originally Posted by kyleservicetech

I've just got to go one up on this, my DX7 transmitter has over 500 hours on six different models on it. (The Spektrum DX7 transmitter has timers for each of the models in its inventory.) Not all of these hours are flying time, but they do add up to over 600 flights in the past four flying seasons. And also, not a single loss of signal, or glitch during this entire four years.

You're the biggest one-upper here at Wattflyer, but you still have my respect! (Because you have the experience and knowledge to match your one-upping...)

[SnapDragon 44]

How about this? http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXRXF4**&P=TS its in my price range!

[road king 97]

Originally Posted by SnapDragon 44

How about this? http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXRXF4**&P=TS its in my price range!

Its not 2.4 first of all so you will need to make sure no one is on the same frequincy ,if they turn on your plane goes down. second they want you to buy all the stuff listed below it for more money and if you buy a dx6 or dx7 they come with servos and all the goodys. Save up some cash and buy 2.4 radio you wont be sorry . I own 2- dx7s and 2 old futabas and i never use the futabas any more . joe

[SnapDragon 44]

Then how about this? http://www.hobbytown.com/Shop/5-chan...-tx-novus125cp

[Rockin Robbins]

I'd be wary. To quote the website you linked to:

No specifications are available for this product.

[road king 97]

Originally Posted by SnapDragon 44

Then how about this? http://www.hobbytown.com/Shop/5-chan...-tx-novus125cp

Here is a dx-5 channel with 6 channel reciever for 99 bucks http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM5510

[SnapDragon 44]

Cool Thanks!

[road king 97]

If you can afford a little more radio the planes come and go but your radio is realy a good invesment . You are welcome and happy flying . joe

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by SnapDragon 44

How about this? http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXRXF4**&P=TS its in my price range!

Or check these out:

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/D...ProdId=SPM6610

http://search.horizonhobby.com/index...d=130DDCCEB8B9

Note Spektrum at Horizon Hobby has a receiver/transmitter for under $100.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM5510