JR~Spektrum~Futaba~High-Tec[Short List required?]Please

[1heli]

Good day everyone...
I am hoping that fellow members may just be able to help me put a short list together of maybe 2-3 RX Transmitters,for solely Rc Heli Flying?I admit from the very start I am a novice..but already I have learnt a gret deal in a very short time,through membership of several Rc Forums & blogs,have read hundreds of threads & posts of on many aspects of Rc heli Flying.I have watched many fine you tube vids to.

Eventually hoping to fly heli:600 LOGO or SAB (tuned down for basic flight) no 3D aerobatics (long story)?
will be using DJI stabilisation unless there is anything better?

I am told I require min 8 channel and with telemetary?
now dum question but would this mean I would get all the Heli`s functions on the RT rather than an add on Telemetary recorder?I will require either way the best way of monitoring everything that is going on?weather it be through RT or something like the eagle device or similar

The Rt/RX must be easy to set up and use..and be intuative to some degree...

For quite a while I was lookng at spektrum dx8 now I have being Given the HI-Tech auroer touch screen/Tel and several JR Models? but no Futaba...everyone tells me keep away from futaba as they are very complex and have poor manuals

anyway I will be very intersted to read your replies.advice and suggestions

many thanks in advance
Steve

[crxmanpat]

I have a JR XP9303 Heli model (although I don't fly any helis). It's the old FM version, but I changed it to 2.4GHz using the XPS system.

Nice radio, and you can usually find them for sale used for around $200.

[1heli]

crxmanpat good day from Norway

good of you to reply how does JR XP9303 compare to the lates models of JR and do you think JR are the best?
not an easy question to aswer I know

all the best Steve

[sparky1963]

There's no reason why you'd need 8 channels for a normal helicopter, unless you have an exceptional scale model with extra functions.
A conventional heli normally needs 5 channels, so you'll be looking at a 6 channel computer set, for programming throttle/pitch curves etc.
Sometimes, a 6th channel is used for setting gyro gain.

If you are determined to get an 8 channel Tx, be aware that there's a significant price jump for those 2 extra channels (usually just switched, not proportional) which you may never use.
I've looked at transmitters with more than 6 channels and I cant think of a single reason which justifies the extra cost, for 2 more switches. For example, DX8 is more than double the price of a DX6i.

You mention "I will require either way the best way of monitoring everything that is going on" - that would normally be 'Mk1 Eyeball', since a helicopter is usually flown in response to what you see the model doing.
As far as telemetry goes, you might only find battery voltage or rpm useful. (nitro models could benefit from a fuel gauge but not in this forum). Things like altitude, VSI, GPS, etc are largely irrellevant.
Also most telemetry screens are below the strap, and thus hard to read while you are flying. You don't really want to take eyes off your helicopter, to read numbers on a little screen.

My first heli Tx was a JR X347 - old now but still working perfectly - 7 channels and expensive, at the time. I mostly use a DX6i nowadays, for simplicity and convenience. It handles all of my models - both helicopter and fixed wing - admirably. The model match system ensures that you can't fly a model with the wrong memory setup, by mistake.

I hear the Hitec range offer good features for reasonable price. Even their 5-channel base model provides telemetry out of the box - but lacks computer programming for helicopters.
Beware of the Aurora9 you mentioned... flyers have been accidentally switching off their radios when adjusting trim!
If I was looking at a radio in that class, I'd probably consider the JR DSX9 instead.

As for cost, you can easily spend many £100's, if you wish. For around £270, there's the JR XG-7 and Spektrum DX8.
For half that price, the Hitec Optic 6 (8 memories) or Spektrum DX6i (10 memories) would be cheaper alternatives but with similar features.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by 1heli

Good day everyone...
I am hoping that fellow members may just be able to help me put a short list together of maybe 2-3 RX Transmitters,for solely Rc Heli Flying?I admit from the very start I am a novice..but already I have learnt a gret deal in a very short time,through membership of several Rc Forums & blogs,have read hundreds of threads & posts of on many aspects of Rc heli Flying.I have watched many fine you tube vids to.

Eventually hoping to fly heli:600 LOGO or SAB (tuned down for basic flight) no 3D aerobatics (long story)?
will be using DJI stabilisation unless there is anything better?

I am told I require min 8 channel and with telemetary?
now dum question but would this mean I would get all the Heli`s functions on the RT rather than an add on Telemetary recorder?I will require either way the best way of monitoring everything that is going on?weather it be through RT or something like the eagle device or similar

The Rt/RX must be easy to set up and use..and be intuative to some degree...

For quite a while I was lookng at spektrum dx8 now I have being Given the HI-Tech auroer touch screen/Tel and several JR Models? but no Futaba...everyone tells me keep away from futaba as they are very complex and have poor manuals

anyway I will be very intersted to read your replies.advice and suggestions

many thanks in advance
Steve

Another option is the Spektrum DX7s. This also includes their top of the line receiver. Take a look:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...FWgRNAodfAOMkw

This website also provides access to the DX7e user manual.

I've got two DX7's, one is a never needed backup transmitter. These units have been flawless for five years now. Around South East Wisconsin, USA, Spektrum /JR radio systems are used in the majority of the model airplanes in this area.

[1heli]

Hi again kyleservicetech
good to hear from you

Another option is the Spektrum DX7s. This also includes their top of the line receiver. Take a look:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...FWgRNAodfAOMkw
This website also provides access to the DX7e user manual.
I've got two DX7's, one is a never needed backup transmitter. These units have been flawless for five years now. Around South East Wisconsin, USA, Spektrum /JR radio systems are used in the majority of the model airplanes in this area.

Funny enough Spektrum RT s are the ones I know best as they were always being recommended even a few years back on my first abortive attempt to begin in RC Heli`s
Even when I made the decition to try again the DX7/8 e.t.c. were still being suggested by the majority..then one or two folk suggested the HI -Tec Aurora..and then some for JR models so I am really no nearer choosing but luckily I have time.

Your further imput on this appreciated

cheers steve

[1heli]

Good day Sparky 1063
If I recall I was advised to go 8 channel so I had a bit of flexibilility but nothing is set in stone,certainly 7 minimum by many folk.

You mention "I will require either way the best way of monitoring everything that is going on" - that would normally be 'Mk1 Eyeball', since a helicopter is usually flown in response to what you see the model doing.
As far as telemetry goes, you might only find battery voltage or rpm useful. (nitro models could benefit from a fuel gauge but not in this forum). Things like altitude, VSI, GPS, etc are largely irrellevant.
Also most telemetry screens are below the strap, and thus hard to read while you are flying. You don't really want to take eyes off your helicopter, to read numbers on a little screen.

You speak a lot of sense here but I have seen gadgets that attach at the top of the RT...and I thought if I had tel I could see when volts low,time to land,temperatures,e.t.c. which I would find helpful,but what do I know

I hear the Hitec range offer good features for reasonable price. Even their 5-channel base model provides telemetry out of the box - but lacks computer programming for helicopters.
Beware of the Aurora9 you mentioned... flyers have been accidentally switching off their radios when adjusting trim!
If I was looking at a radio in that class, I'd probably consider the JR DSX9 instead.

As for cost, you can easily spend many £100's, if you wish. For around £270, there's the JR XG-7 and Spektrum DX8.
For half that price, the Hitec Optic 6 (8 memories) or Spektrum DX6i (10 memories) would be cheaper alternatives but with similar features.

many thanks for the above very useful I wish to spend a good amount on the Radio as 99.9% have advised...so it`s just a csae of picking which is best for intended use..JR seems to have come more & more in to the picture with Spektrum going down a bit and nothing for FUTABA

anyway

best wishes many thanks Steve

[Paulo69]

One of our club members recently "upgraded" from A Spektrum DX7 to the DX8,
and he hates it !!! He's crashed many times, and that's after getting a replacement Tx and rx's !!! Wishes he had never "upgraded" !

Personally, I own a JR XG8, which I purchased about 2 months ago, after having tried several other brands along the way ...
I LUV this radio !!! Rock solid JR reliability !!! ... downside would be the rx pricing

[1heli]

Hi Paulo69

Really good to hear from you
I know nothing about RX but it seemed for a time it was all Spektrum..then JR started to get some recommendations..
JR XG8 this is an 8 channel,am I correct..how easy are JR Radios to use compared to FUTABA? e.t.c.

anyway another vote for JR

best wishes Steve

[dahawk]

I would not be too quick to bash Futaba. Look at any RC magazine and that's what the real pros are using. Futaba was around the industrial scene for several years and in the RC business long before Spektrum. Their spread spectrum technology is pioneering. JR ( Japan Radio) has been around for ages also.

Get the model that feels good to you. You should like the TX you're using.

-Hawk

[stuart]

1 helie, i'v been following along on your search for the best possible equipment to fly the heli. i know you say you'll only have the one....but if[and thats a shared if by all of us here at watflyer]you get hooked on rc helies the way i have planes you'll be glad you bought the first tx to grow with your hanger.

i watch the helie guys do complicated 3d,and then there are the simpler manuvers they do.loops,rolls and just zooming around.the reason i say this regarding the tx is bob at my field flys a lot of helies and has a scale looking rescue copter complete with lights,landing gear retracks,ect...ect...and it's a big heli[ fly-barless]. somehow after listening to your interest in helies ,i can picture you enjoying flying one of these scale looking birds in your yard...lol. so think about getting the tx that will grow with you and not be outgrown by you. stu

[1heli]

hello Hawk,
Good to hear from you,but must correct you I in no way bashed FUTABA but others I suppose have by warning me against them.Why? because according to many replies on other forums and emails FUTABA are hard to phathom out POOR manuals..not very intuative?I specifically asked for the opposite I need intuative,easy to understand for medical reasons..so unless you can make a case for FUTABA in the above context then at this time it`s looking like JR

but you never know

all the best Steve

I would not be too quick to bash Futaba. Look at any RC magazine and that's what the real pros are using. Futaba was around the industrial scene for several years and in the RC business long before Spektrum. Their spread spectrum technology is pioneering. JR ( Japan Radio) has been around for ages also.

Get the model that feels good to you. You should like the TX you're using.

-Hawk

[1heli]

Hello Again Stuart.
Really good to hear from you.I really do thank you your very encouraging and helpful reply.in fact it was more than that it was very exciting and why because I had never thought of scale heli`s before and the one you desribe owned by Bob seems ideal to me..Just point me in it`s direction please ask Bob where he purchased from if thats ok.

The reason I can state so catagorically that I will fly only the one radio, is firstly my age(not young) and secondly very poor health!!I will not bore you with the details.
That said I am looking for a really good TX and JR are now the front runners..and if I went for a scale model I would certainly wish it to have the best fittings e.t.c.


all the best Steve

1 helie, i'v been following along on your search for the best possible equipment to fly the heli. i know you say you'll only have the one....but if[and thats a shared if by all of us here at watflyer]you get hooked on rc helies the way i have planes you'll be glad you bought the first tx to grow with your hanger.

i watch the helie guys do complicated 3d,and then there are the simpler manuvers they do.loops,rolls and just zooming around.the reason i say this regarding the tx is bob at my field flys a lot of helies and has a scale looking rescue copter complete with lights,landing