Opinions on the Hitec - Aurora 9

[JZSlenker]

Does anyone have this radio? Curious how you like it.

[rcers]

Best system at that price point on the market today - bar none. I LOVE mine....

Pluses:

• Fantastically easy to program
• Large 5.1" touch screen
• Backlit display
• Telemetry
• Totally locked-in feeling
• Trim sensitivity
• Timer - Up or Down throttle stick assignable
• Sliders
• Gimbals are ultra smooth and precise
• 2s LiPo battery support
• Budget priced (Tx and Rx)

Minuses:

• No model match feature (like Spektrum)

To get me converted off Spektrum was no small task. I still have a Spekky system for BNF micro stuff but the A9 is now my primary system.

I get receivers in three packs for about $34 each (not bad for a full range RX!) and now they have the new Micro Minima receivers that are small and light.

Here is my review I did at another site:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1179322

Mike

[spad]

Oh, my, now you've gone and done it-I feel as RCERS and then some-Hitec has almost no peers when it comes to customer service. I kept my JR X9303 and all my receivers, but this little jewel is where my heart lies!

[JZSlenker]

Hmmm, i was almost hoping no-one would like it so I don't have to contemplate switching from Spectrum. I'm starting on an X-8 quad build with GPS so I will need at least 8 channels. The Aurora is certainly cheaper then the DX8 with one more channel plus it looks to me like any switch can be programmed for anything. That would be great for my quad build. Guess I have to consider switching.

[rcers]

And no recalls on the A9....

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by rcers

Minuses:

• No model match feature (like Spektrum)

Mike

Question:
Is the "Model Match" feature limited to Spektrum/JR?

Because of patents? Or trademarks?

Just wondering.

[JZSlenker]

Lack of "Model Match" for this project would not be an issue as the TX will only be used for this X-8 not any of my other planes or helis. The X-8 will live at my office. (Company is paying for it)

[rcers]

Originally Posted by kyleservicetech

Question:
Is the "Model Match" feature limited to Spektrum/JR?

Because of patents? Or trademarks?

Just wondering.

Yes and Yes.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by rcers

Yes and Yes.

Ah ha
Good to know!

Thanks

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by kyleservicetech

Question:
Is the "Model Match" feature limited to Spektrum/JR?
Because of patents? Or trademarks? Just wondering.

Originally Posted by JZSlenker

Lack of "Model Match" for this project would not be an issue as the TX will only be used for this X-8 not any of my other planes or helis. The X-8 will live at my office. (Company is paying for it)

"Model match" is proprietary (patent) to the Spektrum system only.

However, general concensus now is that the Hitec system, like some Futaba top end sets,
confirming model and frequency before transmitting begins is better,
especially given the increasing use of multiple transceivers.

. There is a plug in aftermarket Alternative to "Model Match" known as "ModelGuard" for those
with Hitec, Futaba or JR systems etc that really want it.

more information available under
Aurora A9, Spectra Modules & Optima Transceivers
- FAQ & Undocumented Features
- Mixes, Setups, Tips. {Individual Links often updated}

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links (quick search = Ctrl+F)

[TopSpin]

I have always been a fan of Hitec because of the feel. They just feel like solid radios. I do have a Spektrum DX7 and the model match is a very nice feature. I have crashed a couple of times in the past because I had the wrong plane dialed in on my Futaba and Hitec transmitters.

I read somewhere that the Aurora 9 system allows you to use either 72 MHZ or 2.4 GHZ systems.

[rcers]

Originally Posted by A.T.

. There is a plug in aftermarket Alternative to "Model Match" known as "ModelGuard" for those
with Hitec, Futaba or JR systems etc that really want it.

Did not know about that....

While ultra cool, $20 x 20 models = $400 is a fair chunk of change for sure. Think I can be very diligent about surface control checks.

Mike

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by rcers

Did not know about that....

While ultra cool, $20 x 20 models = $400 is a fair chunk of change for sure. Think I can be very diligent about surface control checks.

Mike

From what I can tell, Model Guard requires a dedicated channel on your radio. And if you don't/can't hear the guards alarm because of other model engines running near by, you could still take off with the wrong model programmed in your transmitter.

JR/Spektrum, with the wrong model programmed in your transmitter, your model airplane servos are all dead, making it impossible to taxi, much less take off.

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by TopSpin

I have always been a fan of Hitec because of the feel. They just feel like solid radios. I do have a Spektrum DX7 and the model match is a very nice feature. I have crashed a couple of times in the past because I had the wrong plane dialed in on my Futaba and Hitec transmitters. I read somewhere that the Aurora 9 system allows you to use either 72 MHZ or 2.4 GHZ systems.

the Aurora has been available as TX with a 72 Spectra Pro module and Freedom 9 Sythesised RX only for quite some time. The "ID Set up Module" included for the 9S RX is detailed & additional 9S pictorial manual at:
Hitec - Synthesised HSD-09RQ (Freedom 9S) Manual and set-up

Spectra Pro 72MHz PPM/QPCM Module Manual. see also:
Addendum re Range Check with Pictures & Screen Shots - under range test:
"Warning!
- Do the range check before each flying session to confirm the
radio system is working properly.
- Do the range check before the engine or motor is started."
may have been amended otherwise suggest amend to read:
- Do the range check with the engine or motor running and whilst cycled up <> down
or add
"and repeat with Engine/Motor running which will highlight any vibration/electrical problems"
see also: Aurora 9 Range Test Procedure .5 g)

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

[A.T.]

Further to previous post, an upgraded model has just been displayed at the Nuremberg Toyfair 2013.
Attached photos all that is currently available, await full details with interest.

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

[rcers]

Originally Posted by A.T.

Further to previous post, an upgraded model has just been displayed at the Nuremberg Toyfair 2013.
Attached photos all that is currently available, await full details with interest.

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

Any release dates? Hopefully it will be out much more quickly than the original A9.

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by rcers

Any release dates? Hopefully it will be out much more quickly than the original A9.

Not as yet, but understand it will not be long.
Aurora 9X - further Information
quote:
"Ok guys... I'll answer any question I can but some insight into our thought process first:

The Aurora is an incredible platform but fell short in some areas... The 9X shores these areas up and allows for even further enhancements where the current radios memory was capped out.

1. Performance:
a. 4096 resolution (4 times better/ 2X better than Futaba and Spektrum)
b. Dual processors (one for programming, one for RF)
c. Re Engineered signal processing so the Optima RX performance is twice as fast (19ms frame vs. 41ms)
d. New Maxima RX's (Non Telemetry) have a 7ms frame which outputs all channels simultaneously for the absolute minimum latency. (FBL version in the works)

2. Case design:
a. Slimmer back with integrated stylus pen.
b. Vibration warning in rubber grip
c. Battery connector uses J plug (no plugging in backwards)
d. A & D switches are now 3-pos.

3. SLT: This is built in and selectable. With this protocol being open, any manufacturer could offer models compatible with it.

4. Head tracking: The 9X will support this.

5. Binding/protocol select: Built into the programming... no pushing buttons (except of the RX.)

6. Programming enhancements:
a. 7- point curves on all mixes
b. Stick activated switches
c. Swash ring (Kinda late of this one)
d. There's more, but I'm not listing everything.

Essentially, our goal was to update an already awesome product and not to change the category it was in by adding things that would significantly add cost. Note that the current A9 will not be discontinued. I am very pleased with the updated version and while it might not be a big enough jump for some to change, it does address the shortcoming of the current radio and allows us to compete better with any high performance radio on the market today reguardless of cost. Yes, we know that some wanted more channels but at this time, that was not possible and what % actually can use more than nine anyway? The Aurora essentially changed the landscape of the radio market and the 9X will be a tremendous bang for the buck offering higher performance, resolution, speed, and versatility for the future to further change that landscape!

Mike"

More under

Post 2

Alan T.