JR or Futaba???
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JR or Futaba???
I'm looking for a new radio. I've got a JR XF 631 and I've already outgrown it. I'm thinking either a JR 6102, 8103, or a Futaba 9C. All of them come highly recommended. I'm already on a JR system, so the JR radios are attractive to me. But I've heard some horror stories about JR radios taking dumps at critcal times, resulting in piles of sticks where airplanes used to be. The Futaba 9C comes very highly recommended as well, and I've heard they don't break down so much, and they're easier to use and set up than the JR radios. I'd have to switch to Futaba recievers, but I've only got two JR recievers right now, so that isn't much of a problem. I've been told that I can use my JR servos with a Futaba system, would I have to alter the servos at all to make them work with Futaba recievers? I need all the opinions I can get, so fire away everyone...
#2
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Both are top of the line, and I imagine the failure rates are nearly identical (which is to say minimal). The 9C offers a little more capability over the 8103 but staying within one brand has advantages too. You won't really go wrong with either radio system (8103 or 9C). I do recommend one of those over the 6102, which is a fine radio, but going with the better radio will eliminate having to move up again when you eventually outgrow the 6102's capabilities. I bought my 9C only six months after buying my 6XAS, and wish I had just bought the 9C to begin with.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Personally, I've not heard any JR horror stories, but I seem to have read more acounts on here of Futaba failures. Both brands are pretty reliable, so it's really going to come down to personal preference.
I was in your position a while ago, I had an XF631 with a couple of airpacs and was wanting to upgrade. I had a chance to compare the xp8103 and 9C side by side and chose the XP8103; to me, it just had a better quality feel.
No doubt the 6102 is a nice radio, but unless there is something specific you like about it, the 8103 would probably be a better option. The 8103 and 9C offer similar features so whichever one you choose you can't go wrong, but the real test is to try both yourself.
I was in your position a while ago, I had an XF631 with a couple of airpacs and was wanting to upgrade. I had a chance to compare the xp8103 and 9C side by side and chose the XP8103; to me, it just had a better quality feel.
No doubt the 6102 is a nice radio, but unless there is something specific you like about it, the 8103 would probably be a better option. The 8103 and 9C offer similar features so whichever one you choose you can't go wrong, but the real test is to try both yourself.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Thanks Ryan,
I've been leaning a bit towards the 9C because I've been told that it's easier to use and set up, and it's more reliable. I do like the idea of staying with JR though, especially since Horizon service is excellent. I've got a month or so before I really have to make my decision. I've been told that I can use my JR servos with the Futaba system, is the true? If I have to switch over servos as well as recievers, that'll influence my decision as well.
I've been leaning a bit towards the 9C because I've been told that it's easier to use and set up, and it's more reliable. I do like the idea of staying with JR though, especially since Horizon service is excellent. I've got a month or so before I really have to make my decision. I've been told that I can use my JR servos with the Futaba system, is the true? If I have to switch over servos as well as recievers, that'll influence my decision as well.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
My 631 is too small for me now. I can't adjust the expodential, and I can't get more than three planes into it. I've got four projects here at the house now, including the plane I'm flying now, and four planes is more than the 631 can handle. I do like the radio, but it's just not enough anymore. My radio has been changing the rudder trim all by itself when I turn it on, and that's why I'm sending it in to Horizon. The batteries have also been draining really fast, too fast. I watched a friend crash a brand new World Planes 1.20 scale mustang because his JR radio started flipping out. I've also heard stories about brand new JR radios smoking and crashing planes when brand new.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
You'll get plenty of opinions on the matter, that's for sure.
As far as reliability goes, you'll hear from people who have had failures on both brands, or people who've seen the brand that isn't their favorite fail. The reality is that they're both high-quality products, and have low failure rates.
I'm not brand loyal at all. I use what I consider to be the best product (features, price, quality) for my application. I use JR, Futaba, Hitec, Airtronics, FMA, Tower, and probably a few other things too. When it comes to transmitters I use JR at the moment. I really like the feel of the 8103. That's something many people overlook when they upgrade their transmitter. Would you buy a car without test driving it? We've all got different sized hands.
My advice? Find the transmitters that fall within the range of features and prices that you want. People here'll be happy to help with that. Then go to the hobby shop and give them a try, then buy the one you like the best. Our opinions are great, but seeing as you'll be the one using it only your opinion counts.
As far as reliability goes, you'll hear from people who have had failures on both brands, or people who've seen the brand that isn't their favorite fail. The reality is that they're both high-quality products, and have low failure rates.
I'm not brand loyal at all. I use what I consider to be the best product (features, price, quality) for my application. I use JR, Futaba, Hitec, Airtronics, FMA, Tower, and probably a few other things too. When it comes to transmitters I use JR at the moment. I really like the feel of the 8103. That's something many people overlook when they upgrade their transmitter. Would you buy a car without test driving it? We've all got different sized hands.
My advice? Find the transmitters that fall within the range of features and prices that you want. People here'll be happy to help with that. Then go to the hobby shop and give them a try, then buy the one you like the best. Our opinions are great, but seeing as you'll be the one using it only your opinion counts.
#8
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RE: JR or Futaba???
You can use JR servos with Futaba gear and vice versa, in fact I am using all JR servos in my Comp-ARF Extra 33% with my 9C and Futaba receiver. Both radios are easy to program, and after you set up a plane or two you'll be smoking right through the menus making adjustments and setting mixes. Best thing to do like Tigger said is check both of them out and see what you like better. I needed switch assignment so I could put all my rates on one switch so I went with the Futaba, but not everyone shares that need. JR and Futaba are market leaders for a reason; they make excellent quality products.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
I posted the same question on RC Flying Network, and someone there told me that you can't use JR Servos with a Futaba radio and reciever because they work differently, go figure... My instructor in the Turlock Club recommends the 9C for a lot of good reasons, and he says I can use my JR servos with a Futaba, I just need to get new recievers. My instructor at Mountain RC Flyers recommends that I stay with JR. Everyone's got their opinions on the subject that's for sure. Nearly all of the Turlock club has switched over to the 9C, and they say they'll use nothing else. I am headed to the LHS to check out both radios and ask the opinion of the experts there, well, one of the experts. There's one guy there I trust his opinion on, and the rest of the guys working there I really don't trust. I'll just have to see if my instructors will let me use both of their radios for a bit so I can get a feel for them. My radios going to be traveling to Horizon Hobbies via UPS starting tomorrow. So I'm going to be grounded for a while anyways. I've got to get my 631 fixed before I can sell it. I feel like a bouncing ball here. First I think I'll go with one, and then with the other one.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
I have both and find the JR 8103 to be my first choice. You can use your JR or Futaba servos on either radio. Futaba to JR does require a plug adapter or the Futaba plug be cut down which is no big deal. My first 8103 is 4 or 5 years old never a glitch. The new one about 6 months old bought it for $375 ,FM with 811 digital servos which I felt was more for the dollar. I find the JR MUCH easier to program and do not like some of Futaba's features such as switch assignment....prefer them to always be in the same place. Reliability the same no problems with the Futaba also.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
I have never seen a thread with information that is as accurate as this one. Both raidos are great. The servos on all radios are interchangeable, although some may require changes to the connectors.
One thing that has not been mentioned is that you may want to keep your older radio IF you stay with JR. You won't get a lot for it, and you can use it as a buddy box in the future. Before much time goes by, your going to want those extra recievers.
I prefer the feel of the sticks in the JR, but that is a personal preference.
Anyone telling you horror stories about either radio is either relating an isolated personal experience or trying to sway your decision through exaggaration.
Whatever decision you make, try to stick with it, changing brands in a couple of years will be a much more expensive proposition after you have more and more radio equipment from one manufacturer. We all hope that the radio we buy today will be enough radio forever... it never is. You will be doing this again if you stay in the hobby long enough.
One thing that has not been mentioned is that you may want to keep your older radio IF you stay with JR. You won't get a lot for it, and you can use it as a buddy box in the future. Before much time goes by, your going to want those extra recievers.
I prefer the feel of the sticks in the JR, but that is a personal preference.
Anyone telling you horror stories about either radio is either relating an isolated personal experience or trying to sway your decision through exaggaration.
Whatever decision you make, try to stick with it, changing brands in a couple of years will be a much more expensive proposition after you have more and more radio equipment from one manufacturer. We all hope that the radio we buy today will be enough radio forever... it never is. You will be doing this again if you stay in the hobby long enough.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
I have had issues in the past with Futaba FM systems. It seems that no matter what channel or type or tx or rx, I always get servo chatter. I've had people tell me thats because of the cheapness of Futaba radios. I have a couple of JR systems that I also use and never have had a chattering servo, even using Futaba servos in it. As far as using JR servos with a futaba radio, they will just plug right into the rx... The futaba servos will work in a JR rx also, but you have to cut the little tabs off so they will fit. Im my opinion, I would stay with the JR systems. I am thinking aboutg a xp642 tx and going all JR, so I can get rid of the chatter. As far as failures, I think its about even across the board. Most failures are from batteries or pilot errors not charging the batteries or not seating a servo plug enough that it comes loose. My dad has 2 jr systems from the mid 80's and both of them still work perfectly, even though they are illegal now. On the other hand, I have a couple of older Futaba systems from the early 80's that are dead and have no idea why they wont work. Go figure. Good luck on your decision though!
#13
RE: JR or Futaba???
Ford or Chevy? - Same as Futaba and JR. You can have similar stories with the automobile brands just like in RC Radios. I have the JR662 for planes with just five or 6 servos, and the JR 8103 for those with more. This gives me the ability to keep flying while I might be field charging one or the other. And as it has been indicated already that you can use the lesser of the two for a buddy box. I do that with my 662. One other thing is to check your club if your are in one. Sometimes there are more of one kind or the other.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Sky Surfer, I have had both brands. I switched to JR and have no regrets. The 8103 is a breeze to program compared to the Futaba. No failures, except for the guy who filled his with fuel..........don't know how he managed that. He dried it out, and it worked fine. Sent it in to JR for a check.....came back without needing any work besides a cleanup.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Just the fact that I can use my old radio as a buddy box and a back up are good reasons to stay with JR. My friend who has a 9C still insist that it's easier to set up and fly with. I'm still thinking though.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Just a note about Futaba and JR. I have flown with JR for the last ten years. My buddy flies Futaba. We have neither had any troubles with equipment and flew almost every weekend for over 3 years. I still have the original JR 8103 I bought 5 years ago. Finally sent it in to have the lithium battery changed. In my honest opinion almost all radio failures I have witnessed over the years, included my years with boats, have not been the equipment. It has been the operator and the poor installations or use of the equipment. Buy the radio of you choice and have fun. The horror stories are almost all a coverup for bad installions or poor maintenance.
#17
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RE: JR or Futaba???
There is one big difference in the JR and Futaba radios IMO.
The JR radio requires the radio be sent in to replace the back up battery, the experts say every 3 years to be sure, and the Futaba has no such back up battery to replace. The Futaba uses a memory chip to retain the memory when the main battery is removed. I don't like the idea of a back up battery that may fail and loose all settings if not changed on time.
Yes you can use JR servos with the Futaba radio with no change.
Both radios are good radios and the 9C does have some extras, so it comes down to a matter of choice.
The JR radio requires the radio be sent in to replace the back up battery, the experts say every 3 years to be sure, and the Futaba has no such back up battery to replace. The Futaba uses a memory chip to retain the memory when the main battery is removed. I don't like the idea of a back up battery that may fail and loose all settings if not changed on time.
Yes you can use JR servos with the Futaba radio with no change.
Both radios are good radios and the 9C does have some extras, so it comes down to a matter of choice.
#18
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RE: JR or Futaba???
ORIGINAL: Roll On 60
The JR radio requires the radio be sent in to replace the back up battery, the experts say every 3 years to be sure, and the Futaba has no such back up battery to replace.
The JR radio requires the radio be sent in to replace the back up battery, the experts say every 3 years to be sure, and the Futaba has no such back up battery to replace.
#20
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Regarding the friend with the 1.2 World Mustang lost to a JR radio failure. I would not put too much stock in someone stating that his JR receiver failed and was the cause of the crash. First rule in R/C; blame the radio, never the pilot or builder.
A more correct statement would have been that such and such part was replaced by JR after sending the receiver to them after the crash. Being familiar with both the plane and the pilot in this incident, and somewhat with the radio installation, there is a strong likelyhood that the crash was caused by a battery wire disconnect or a break in the battery wire. The battery was located in the tail of the plane and the wire lead was run rather (very) tight. It looked like a loss of signal or battery power at the time of the crash. I know the sight because I've had the same happen to me with a battery disconnect.
I have NEVER heard of major failures with JR radios. I have seen programming errors. I have seen poor and improper radio installations. I have seen people install their receivers in a manner that the signal is blocked from the antennas' reception. This kind of stuff you can find anywhere, with any type of radio.
Consider the quality of service as well in your choice of radios. Some are MUCH better than others. I've used them all, and IMO Hitec has the best customer service in the buiness. Horizon runs a close second.
There is one manufacturer that I will NEVER do business with again due to my experiences (plural) with their "quality control" and "customer service". I won't name names, but just because you have a lock on almost the entire market doesn't mean you can ignore your customer and sell poor quality merchandise.
I changed over to JR radios 2 years ago and can say that I really can "Feel The Difference". I also haven't had any radio problems since that weren't of my own doing.
The simpler Futaba computer radios are indeed easier to program. But getting into the higher end radios the difference is too close to compare. The primary reason for the ease in the lower end radio programming is primarily in the way the manuals are written. Futaba has a better writer. I do know one thing, when Hitec come out with their new 10 channel, I WILL get one as quick as I can.
See ya at the field.
Pat
A more correct statement would have been that such and such part was replaced by JR after sending the receiver to them after the crash. Being familiar with both the plane and the pilot in this incident, and somewhat with the radio installation, there is a strong likelyhood that the crash was caused by a battery wire disconnect or a break in the battery wire. The battery was located in the tail of the plane and the wire lead was run rather (very) tight. It looked like a loss of signal or battery power at the time of the crash. I know the sight because I've had the same happen to me with a battery disconnect.
I have NEVER heard of major failures with JR radios. I have seen programming errors. I have seen poor and improper radio installations. I have seen people install their receivers in a manner that the signal is blocked from the antennas' reception. This kind of stuff you can find anywhere, with any type of radio.
Consider the quality of service as well in your choice of radios. Some are MUCH better than others. I've used them all, and IMO Hitec has the best customer service in the buiness. Horizon runs a close second.
There is one manufacturer that I will NEVER do business with again due to my experiences (plural) with their "quality control" and "customer service". I won't name names, but just because you have a lock on almost the entire market doesn't mean you can ignore your customer and sell poor quality merchandise.
I changed over to JR radios 2 years ago and can say that I really can "Feel The Difference". I also haven't had any radio problems since that weren't of my own doing.
The simpler Futaba computer radios are indeed easier to program. But getting into the higher end radios the difference is too close to compare. The primary reason for the ease in the lower end radio programming is primarily in the way the manuals are written. Futaba has a better writer. I do know one thing, when Hitec come out with their new 10 channel, I WILL get one as quick as I can.
See ya at the field.
Pat
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RE: JR or Futaba???
Thanks Pat,
Someone over at the RC Flying Network has an 8103, and he says that they are set up to buddy box. In fact, he says that they're set up so well for that, you can give your student control of only one stick at a time if that's what you want to do. Say if you want to teach your student rudder only, then you can make it so he or she can control only the rudder. Same with the elevator, and so on. I think my choice is going to be the JR 8103, that way I can keep my old radio, and not have to switch my recievers over.
Someone over at the RC Flying Network has an 8103, and he says that they are set up to buddy box. In fact, he says that they're set up so well for that, you can give your student control of only one stick at a time if that's what you want to do. Say if you want to teach your student rudder only, then you can make it so he or she can control only the rudder. Same with the elevator, and so on. I think my choice is going to be the JR 8103, that way I can keep my old radio, and not have to switch my recievers over.
#22
RE: JR or Futaba???
ORIGINAL: Sky Surfer
I posted the same question on RC Flying Network, and someone there told me that you can't use JR Servos with a Futaba radio and reciever because they work differently, go figure... My instructor in the Turlock Club recommends the 9C for a lot of good reasons, and he says I can use my JR servos with a Futaba, I just need to get new recievers. My instructor at Mountain RC Flyers recommends that I stay with JR. Everyone's got their opinions on the subject that's for sure.
//SNIP//
I posted the same question on RC Flying Network, and someone there told me that you can't use JR Servos with a Futaba radio and reciever because they work differently, go figure... My instructor in the Turlock Club recommends the 9C for a lot of good reasons, and he says I can use my JR servos with a Futaba, I just need to get new recievers. My instructor at Mountain RC Flyers recommends that I stay with JR. Everyone's got their opinions on the subject that's for sure.
//SNIP//
JR and Airtronics are positive shift while Futaba and Hitec are negative phase shift. (If I got it bass-ackwards same thing applies)
So while the servos are mox-nix the receivers are the thing that will not work between the two phase shift type brands.
Now I am not familiar with Futaba except that the top-of-line one has programmable phase shift. So does the Airtronics Stylus.
In addition the Hitec Computer radios also have it. Now why in H_ll JR 8103 does not is anyone's guess. That makes a fine radio *cheaper*, but that is what I use the most.
The Stylus has so many features, yet it is a load in the hands. Great radio.
Hitec receivers are IMO as good as they get, but I am not a serious competition flier so I don't demand the most of everything. Hitec has a model of their 8 channel that has shift select which allows you to use either JR or Futaba but it loses one channel.
So there are many choices out there. I like my JR transmitters and my Hitec receivers.
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RE: JR or Futaba???
ORIGINAL: Hossfly
Now I am not familiar with Futaba except that the top-of-line one has programmable phase shift. So does the Airtronics Stylus.
In addition the Hitec Computer radios also have it.
Now I am not familiar with Futaba except that the top-of-line one has programmable phase shift. So does the Airtronics Stylus.
In addition the Hitec Computer radios also have it.
#24
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RE: JR or Futaba???
I can tell you for a fact that the Futaba 6XAS is NOT shift selectable.
As for brand, it depends on personal preference. I have not heard of significant failures in JR nor Futaba radios (Airtronics and Hitec for that matter), and all have their advocates. I happen to prefer Futaba, but only because that's what I learned with. I had a Hitec Flash 5X, and it too was a good radio. For what it's worth, I use the servos that I happen to get the best deal on at the time; have Futaba, Hitec, FMA, Cirrus, and JR.
It's all good!
Dennis-
As for brand, it depends on personal preference. I have not heard of significant failures in JR nor Futaba radios (Airtronics and Hitec for that matter), and all have their advocates. I happen to prefer Futaba, but only because that's what I learned with. I had a Hitec Flash 5X, and it too was a good radio. For what it's worth, I use the servos that I happen to get the best deal on at the time; have Futaba, Hitec, FMA, Cirrus, and JR.
It's all good!
Dennis-