blhollo2

My Feedback: (278)

Hey all, I'm on a budget here and I came across the Hitec Optic 6 2.4GHz radio, anyone know if this is any good or worth the $219.00? it comes with 2 recievers!

blhollo2

My Feedback: (278)

wow, no replys...

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Perhaps a bit soon, Has it even been released yet? I am now just flying my first two seven channel Rx's and module (in an old Eclipse) I thought the Aurora was going to be the first Tx released and that is just now showing up.


John

bkdavy

My Feedback: (1)

I've had an Optic 6 with the 72 mhz Spectra Module for the past 4 years. Last January I sent it in to Hitec for a rework of the case and a couple buttons (damage from mistreatment). They replaced it for $60. I've been looking for the 2.4 module for it since last spring but Tower Hobbies and my LHS weren't getting them in stock. I finally found the module and two Optima 7 recievers for $129 last month. So I now have the system you're looking at buying for $219.

Is it a good system? Absolutely. Its easy to set up, the menus are clear, the instruction manual is easy to follow. It has an 8 model memory, separates high and low rates for ailerons on one switch and rudder-elevator on another. And you can buy new recievers for the rest of your fleet for $49-$69 (6 or 7 channel).

I also like the look and feel of the Optic 6. Its one of the reasons I've opted to stay with it, rather than buying the new Aurora 9. Although, that might be in my future as I save my nickels and dimes.

Brad

jester_s1

To throw a wrench in the discussion, I'm wondering why someone would buy the Optic 6 when the Airtronics RDS8000 is a little cheaper and has 8 channels? Am I missing something?

blhollo2

My Feedback: (278)

yeah, your missing it comes with 2 recievers VS 1 that comes with the Airtronics, also it has a full display VS the Airtronics display feels better in my hands VS the Airtronics

bigedmustafa

My Feedback: (2)

The Optic 6 2.4Ghz radio system with two 7-channel receivers is available for $199.99 at Hobby People:

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/755500.asp

Hobby People currently offers the Airtronics RDS8000 radio system with one 8-channel receiver for $149.99:

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp

The Hitec Optic 6 2.4Ghz radio system and the Airtronics RDS8000 each offers a few advantages over the other:

-The Optic 6 2.4Ghz radio system can also use a 72Mhz RF module to work with your existing FM or QPCM receivers, the RDS8000 has a fixed RF system

-The Optic 6 offers 7 character model naming while the RDS8000 only offers 3 character model naming

-The Airtronics RDS8000 has a 10 model memory capacity while the Optic 6 only offers 8 model memory

-The Airtronics RDS8000 offers 8-channel maximum capacity while the Optic 6 radio systems are 6-channels maximum

-Airtronics offers a 6 gram micro receiver for 2.4Ghz FHSS connectivity while Hitec has not announced plans for an ultra lightweight micro receiver

Both Airtronics and Hitec offer mixing and programming capabilities for airplanes, sailplanes, and helicopters. Both Airtronics and Hitec offer very affordable 6-channel and 7-channel full range receivers in the $49.99 to $76.99 price ranges.

I own a pair of RDS8000 transmitters and I've held the Optic 6 72Mhz transmitter and flown a plane with it briefly. In my opinion, both transmitters offer superior ergonomics to similarly priced transmitters like the Spektrum DX5e, Spektrum DX6i, or Futaba 6EX FASST.

Both the RDS8000 and the Optic 6 2.4Ghz radios represent an outstanding value. Both have a good selection of aggressively priced compatible receivers available to go with them. If you want a new transmitter that you can still use with your older 72Mhz FM receivers, then the Optic 6 2.4Ghz is the only choice. If you don't have a bunch of 72Mhz receivers, or if you still have your old transmitter to use with them, then the RDS8000 offers more value and a more complete lineup of available receivers. Either radio system would be a great choice for the typical sport pilot.

jester_s1

Great post! I do like the look of the Hitec better and like the display better, but if I understand correctly the features are basically the same, right? I understand that the Hitec has exponential on the rudder which could be helpful, but otherwise I can't see anything one has that the other doesn't besides the channels on the Airtronics and modules on the Hitec.

KW_Counter

Jester,
Some of us thinks Hitec walks on water!
I am not nocking Airtronics.
I started in this hobby with a Hitec Flash V and their customer service has been A+++.
I just had it reapired for the huge sum of $23 - including shipping.
The fact that Poway was, at one time, between my duaghter's place and mine helped.
I am a currently planning on being a lifetime customer.
I got the 2.4 module and receivers for my Optic 6 for for Christmas.
Can't wait to play with them.
Just my opinion, yours may vary .
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

ashutoshn

Hi,

I tried to get hold of online documentation which says that Optic 6 2.4Ghz transmitter does work with older 72Mhz FM receivers. Could someone please point me to such a location?

Ashutosh

KW_Counter

Ashutoshn,
Post your question in the Hitec forum.
The guys in Poway monitor it and you will probably
get a very quick response.
My guess is the radio is the same and thay are
selling it with the 2.4 module vs. the 72 module.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

ashutoshn

Thanks KW_Counter.

gatreetop

I just got mine 2.4, it's my first comp. radio. Done alot of research before buying! 98%
plus/plus. The manuel gives step by step set up,it was a breeze and I'm not a
comp. wiz. Go for it.

mclina

The Hitec Optic 6 is $199 at Tower with 2 RX's, plus you can use the discount code for $25 off a $199 purchase.

A 2.4 radio with 2 RX's for $175 is very tempting. One of these days I will have to give in to the urge.


edit: oops, looks like the $25 off ended yesterday. That's OK, it'll be back.

SigMan

My Feedback: (21)

airtronics only uses AA bateries if it came with a nicad pack i would buy it.

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

Not so:

jester_s1

The Airtronics uses a 4x4 NiCd pack like many other transmitters. I just bought a LiFe pack for mine that fits perfectly because I wanted to not have to worry about charging every time I go to the field.

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

I bought a a pair of those (LiFePO4 2 cell 1800 mah packs). There are two problems with them, though. First, you really need to use the appropriate charger for them. Second, well, you have to be careful when approaching the end of the charge capacity of these batteries. The drop off from useful to useless is quite sharp.

Other than that, they are great. Light weight, given the capacity, and powerful. And, the second problem can be avoided by not flying the plane till the last possible milliamp is used up. A little common sense does wonders in this respect.

CGr.

Rodney

You can also now buy the Eneloop battery packs for either brand. IMHO a much better choice than LiPo or LiFe as the stock charger works just fine. The Eneloops hold a charge as well as the Lixx do and no worry about deep discharge or charging problems.

SigMan

My Feedback: (21)

IT SAYS THE AIRTRONICS SG6 USES ONLY AA battteries on its website. IS THIS CORRECT ?

SigMan

My Feedback: (21)

DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL CHARGER FOR THE ENELOOP BATTS ?

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

If you mean the SD-6G, yes, it uses AA batteries, either rechargeable or alkaline.

CGr.

Rodney

No, any of the old wall warts will work fine. Just charge for a long enough time. If you know or can measure the current put out by your charger just divide the battery capacity by that value and multiply by 1.2 to get the number of hours needed to fully charge a fully discharge battery. It wont hurt the battery to charge even longer as long as the charging current is less than C/10. Measure the current with an ammeter if you can as the values printed on the charger is often quite far off.

SigMan

My Feedback: (21)

Doink !

armody

My Feedback: (10)

Yeah you are right

Hitec optic 6 does come with 2 receiver package as well

http://www.rcplanet.com/Hitec_Optic_.../hrc158243.htm

Tower hobbies, hobby people, amainhobbies, a lot are selling it. My friend is using it and he loves it, I wanted to buy it so badly but somehow I got so lucky, waiting for yes to get a great radio and got me Hitec Aurora 9 2.4 Ghz Can't Thank enough GOD for it. I think you should go ahead and buy it without any problem.

Great thing about Hitec Aurora 9 I paid $350 free shipping with optima 7 Receiver from RCplanet and any Aurora is purchased between Jan to April 2011, they would send you a free optima 7 Receiver and also cheap promotional offers by filling out a form/. I ordered Optima 7 and getting 1 free.

Good Luck!!!!