ctdahle
Posts: 289
Score: 161
Joined: 12/3/2001
Last Login: 10/9/2012
From: Del Norte,
CO, USA
Status: offline
|
There is a lot of emotional nonsense posted about "what radio to buy"
Here, briefly, is the cost benefit breakdown on the four channel vs six channel question as it relates to what radio a beginner should buy.
I assume you all agree that a 3 channel is totally out of the question, and that the cheap six channels like the skysport 6 that do not have multi model memory do not give the beginner the multi airplane capability that a serious modeler's primary radio should have.
Therefore, the debate is between:
a basic 4 (JR Quattro, Futaba Skysport, Airtronics Vanguard...) $120-150 street,
a mid price computer 6 (Futaba 6xa, JR XF631 etc) $220-250 street.
I note that all basic fours are shipped with seven channel recievers that are fully compatible with the more expensive radios. Therefore, you can buy a four channel and later use it's flight pack and servos as a second flightpack if you buy a computer 6(on the same channel) at a later date.
I also note that tower's price for a futaba flight pack, WITHOUT battery is about $110. It ships with the same reciever as both the skysports and the 6XAS.
Given these facts, I lean toward recommending the four channel, with the expectation that if the first airplane is still flyable, the beginner will defintely want a six for his second plane.
By doing it this way, the beginner's cost to purchase radio equipment for his first plane is about 150.
When the beginner equips his second plane, he can get a computer 6 and use it to fly both the first and second plane, retaining the four channel tx as a spare, and using it's battery pack to extend flying time with the 6. He will also have his own buddy box system if needed. Total cost for radio equipment for 2 planes $400, 150 initial outlay, and 250 follow up expense in 6 months.
Now, other secnario, buy a 6 channel up front for 250. Assuming again that first plane is airworthy when second plane is finished, beginner will want a second flight pack to use with his six channel. Per Tower Hobbies, $110 for seven channel reciever and 4 servos, plus $15 for an airborne battery. Total outlay for radio equipment for 2 planes, $375, 250 initial outlay, and 125 follow up expense in 6 months.
Now, we do have to consider the convenience value of what is left out in the second scenario. The beginner will not have a second charger, which means that he will have to alternate charging of plane 1 and plane 2, or buy an aftermarket charger ($25-75), or risk an under charge on one of the planes if he flys 2 days in a row. He will also not have a spare battery pack for the TX, so he will be limited to the single battery's charge capacity, unless he buys (about $19) this seperately also.
Therefore, buying a six channel to start actually results in a total cost that is $45 to $75 HIGHER than simply buying a four channel now and the six channel you really need if and when you need it.
For these reasons, I consider buying a four channel to be the most economically sound choice, both in the short run and the intermediate term. (In the long run, we are all dead)
Be that as it may, there is an emotional desire to buy the fancier radio and I wont deny it. I did the same when I bought my first radio in 1974, a World Engines EXPERT 7. Regretably, Because I spent so much on the radio, I could not afford fuel for the next year.
It is of course a modelers choice to buy a basic 4 channel radio, or something fancier, but I believe that a basic four channel radio is the best initial bargain, and that the price difference between it and a 6 is better spent on fuel and propellers.
_____________________________
When I get a little money I buy model airplanes and if there is any left over, I buy food.
Hide Signatures
|
Search This Thread
Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Beginners >> What would a radio cost? 
What would a radio cost? - 
What would a radio cost? - 
If the plane has been crashed and he is selling the RX with it, don't use it unless he or you sends it back for repair and service. Even a hard(I do mean hard ) landing can damage a RX crystal. 
4 Channle radio - 
My 2 cents - 
