RCU Forums - T-Hawk Radio?

Starter Radios

I have a very specific position on radios. Don't buy a Standard Radio!!!
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4454

Computer radios are now so inexpensive and offer so much more than standard
radios that it doesn't make sense to get anything but a computer radio.
Don't get me wrong, there are many good standard radios, but for only a few bucks
more you get a much more capable computer radio that can do more for you
than any standard radio and can save you money by time you get the second plane.
They can also make it easier to fly your plane, perform aerobatics and more.

Below are five radios. All will fly your typical parkflyer. Two are standard radios, for the uncommitted or low budget first time flyer. These will get your plane off the ground with very basic radio features for a low price. Each package I list include radio, micro servos, micro receiver.

STANDARD RADIOS

Hitec Neon 3 - 3 channel standard radio $59
2 micro servos, micro receiver, switch, etc
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXLGF4**&P=7
For $19 you can add a trainer port to this:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDEK8&P=V

This package is such good value for that first 3 channel ARF or kit, if you
can't afford a computer radio. ( more on that later ) If you bought the
two
servos and the receiver by themselves, that would come to about $60. So
this
is about as cheap as you can get into a hobby grade radio that will fly a
three channel R/E/T or A/E/T parkflyer or 3 channel
glider ARF or kit plane. It also does not include rechargeable batteries
which
the others do. You run this one on standard AA batteries.

It includes mixing for flying wings or V-tail 3 channel planes as well as
servo reversing. It does not have ATV/EPA or dual rates, however these can
be added later at extra cost. . You can also add a trainer port for
use with an instructor or to connect to a flight simulator. You can add a
4th channel but it is limited so don't think of this as a 4 channel radio. It
can't fly a 4 channel plane.

Hitec Laser 4 - 4 Channel Standard Radio $113
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXLGF5**&P=ML
My minimum recommended 4 channel standard radio for A/E/R/Throttle
parkflyer,
glow plane or 4 channel glider. Radio, micro receiver, 3 micro servos,
Switch harness, etc. It will fly a 4 channel aileron plane. Includes V-tail
and Elevon mixing, servo reversing, ATV on ch 1&2 . Also has a trainer port
that can be used with fight simulators or a buddy box.

While the Laser is a good radio, pick the Laser 4 only if you are unsure you
will continue in the hobby and want to spend as little as possible to get a
4 channel plane into the air. Not my recommendation for a committed flyer
who plans to continue in the hobby.

COMPUTER RADIOS - Much Better Choice

In short, computer radios give you things like model memories, exponential,
a variety of surface mixes and more; features not found on standard radios.
Your computer radio can store the profile for many planes and reset itself
for each plane by just selecting the model. Standard radios don't have model
memories or a lot of the other features that computer radios offer. With a
computer radio, you only need one radio to fly a bunch of planes, rather
than dedicating a radio to each plane, or resetting the radio each time you
change planes. Computer radios are great! In the end, they are cheaper. more
convenient AND can make it easier for a new flyer to learn to fly.

These are all 6 channel radios so they will let you fly more advanced planes
then either of the radios above.

Spektrum DX 6 - $199 - For the committed Parkflyer pilot
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=SPM2460
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=623
If your plans are to fly small to medium sized electrics, often called
parkflyers, hand launched gliders with wing spans under 60 inches, this
might
be your best choice. The DX6 is suitable for flying within 2000 feet
out. That is about 5-7 football fields away. This is more then enough for
these plane and further than most people will fly them.

It has a nice mix of features, 10 model memories and is backed by Horizon
Hobby, so you can be confident of good service. You will never worry about
channel conflict again. This promises to be the RC technology of the
future.

Digital DSMT Spread Spectrum Modulation
10 model memories, dual rates, exponential, 6 channels, 8 standard mixes and
three programmable mixes. No crystals needed and no channel conflict
control needed

DX6 Flight experience thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...7&page=2&pp=15
More information on DX6 - Spektrum
http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Better/DX6.html
AMA on 2.4 GHz SS
http://www.modelaircraft.org/spreadspec.asp

Futaba 6 EXAS - Entry Level 6 Channel Computer Radio - $150
micro receiver, 3 micro servos, Switch- $160
Receiver in this package is not appropriate for sailplanes or glow planes.
OK for parkflyers/low speed electrics.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJUV7**&P=ML

The Futaba 6EXAS is an entry level computer radio for the committed flyer
who also plans to fly glow planes, thermal duration gliders or electrics over
60" wing span. Six channels, 6 model memories, a good mix of features and
convenience that will carry you a long way. The link is to a package that is good for
parkflyers, but there are other packages if you need larger/stronger
components for larger planes. For about $30 more than the Laser 4 radio you
are miles ahead in capability!

Airtronics VG 6000 - $170
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with
two
small servos AND a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories, a good mix of
features to carry you forward. The VG 6000 is also available with larger
components so it can also fly glow planes, and TD gliders that need greater
range than the DX6 offers.

There are lots of other good choices in computer radios that have more
channels, more features and a higher price. however these would be
excellent choices for the first time radio buyer or someone stepping up from RTFs who
knows they will continue in the hobby.

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What you need to know about receivers:
http://www.*********.com/forums/radi...ers-12151.html

Good article on radios from the Torrey Pines Gulls Web Site.
http://www.torreypinesgulls.org/Radios.htm