Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it?  
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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros >> Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it?
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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 9:13:39 PM   
HarryC


 

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Example:
If you want a second elevator servo with a Multiplex Tx, choose any channel that you want, not dictated by the manufacturer, and the programming is as follows:

Assign servo X = elevator

That’s it. No kidding.

There is a current JR8103 thread that quotes the following instructions from Danny Snyder about how to program a second elevator servo. In the end it gets the same effect as the Multiplex but which one do you think is easier to program? Now do you begin to see why Mpx users rave about the programming of Mpx?

""These are the mixing direction sent to me from Danny Snyder from JR they worked perfect on my 8103

Dual Elevator Servo Set-Up

Now we will set up the elevators, so that we will have channels 3 and 7 working together. You will plug the right elevator into channel 3, and the left elevator into channel 7. Press the up key till you get to mix 5 or 6. We will use 5 or 6, as they are including mixes, meaning the elevator trim lever will operate both channels. If you do this mix on any other mix, the elevator trim will not work the second channel. Press the + key and change the first channel until it says elev. Press the channel key over to the second channel. Press the – key to change the second channel to SPOI. Make sure that beside SW: it says ON. If not, press the select key till the arrow points at SW, and press the + key to make this say ON. Press the select key till the arrow points at Rate: and make the percentage 100% by pressing the + key. Then move the elevator stick, and the arrow will move to the 0% in one direction of movement. Make this 100% also with the + key. Now we have the elevator working on both channels, but the aux 2 knob will operate the second channel. To eliminate this, will use another mix. For this mix, I would use mix 3. Press the DN key to get to this mix. Once at the mix, press the + key till it says SPOI for the first channel. Press the channel key so that the second channel is underlined. Press the + key and make the second channel is SPOI. Then press the select key till the arrow points at Rate. Press the – key till it says -100%. Then rotate the aux 2 knob, which is on the top left hand side. Rotate this until the points at the 0%. Press the – key till it says –100% also. This completes the set up of the elevators.""
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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 9:15:22 PM   
Flyfalcons



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Congrats! Throw an MPX party.


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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 10:07:13 PM   
JohnW



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Harry, it really isn't fair to compare the radio you use to a JR8301. In the states your radio cost a lot more than the 8301. A better comparison would have been against the 10X.

There is no doubt that the upper end Multiplex radios are at the high end for radio programming flexibility. However, I only need to press one button on my ZAP to run dual elevators. Yes, the channels are preassigned (ch2 and ch5 in the case of the ZAP), but I could change it to another channel by mixing if I really wanted to, but why would I need or want to? What situation could possibly occur where you MUST use ch5 for something else?

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 10:24:47 PM   
Flyfalcons



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It should also be mentioned that the Futaba 9C will support twin elevator servos, and that radio definitely costs less than the MPX. All I have to do is go to the Ailevator menu and hit Activate. Again, as MonkeyBoy pointed out, I could run the other servo on another channel using one mix, but when do I really NEED to do that? The channel assignment will benefit literally less than 1% of all modelers out there.


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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 11:05:55 PM   
HarryC


 

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[QUOTE]Originally posted by MonkeyBoy
Harry, it really isn't fair to compare the radio you use to a JR8301. In the states your radio cost a lot more than the 8301. A better comparison would have been against the 10X.
[/QUOTE]

Really? Multiplex RE9 channel costs same as the 8+1 channel 9C here. Mpx RE7 channel is £30 more than an 8103. And in the USA at the moment you can get a 9 channel Mpx 3030 for about $350 compared to what for an 8+1 channel 9C? Those are hardly 10X prices.

Harry

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 11:18:44 PM   
sfaust



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[QUOTE]Originally posted by HarryC
Example:
If you want a second elevator servo with a Multiplex Tx, choose any channel that you want, not dictated by the manufacturer, and the programming is as follows:

Assign servo X = elevator

That’s it. No kidding.
[/QUOTE]


Now I see why the JR is so much easier to use. They spell everything out, from plugging in the servos, which buttons to press, and why things work the way they do. Your example doesn't cover any of that. I certainly hope the manual is more like the JR example below, or I can see Multiplex will remain a minor player in the US market.


Extremely biased review, no?

You used a radio that wasn't equivalent to the Multiplex example. Use the 10X and its very simple to setup. If we are going to dispense with end point setup, reversing, text descriptions how to access the function, button presses, etc that are required in both situations, but you left out on the Multiplex example, it would be more like this;

Multiplex = Assign servo X = elevator
JR 10X = Enable Dual Elevator, turn on trim linking

If you want to compare radios, at least do it fairly and without bias. But then again, I guess thats what this whole thread topic is about, isn't it?

But I would say Multiplex users are no different from the same JR, Futaba, or Airtronics fanatics. We are all fanatics about our chosen radios, airplanes, engines, or tools.

(edit: After reading this myself, it sounds much harsher than I intended. Just read it light in tone. I'm not bashing at all)

< Message edited by sfaust -- Feb 11 2003 8:14PM >


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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/11/2003 11:31:09 PM   
f4you



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[QUOTE]Originally posted by sfaust

But I would say Multiplex users are no different from the same JR, Futaba, or Airtronics fanatics. [/QUOTE]

NOW you've nailed it. You won't see too many folks saying how dumb it was that they just spent X-hundred dollars on a new (fill in the blank with YOUR favorite) radio.

I'm USED to the "maniacal" JR stuff, so I like it and will probably keep on doing so.

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/12/2003 12:39:32 AM   
JohnW



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Harry, I'll have to take your word on prices... mainly because I actually tried to price out a Multiplex radio today by calling the US distributor and all I got was an answering machine that won't take messages. However, the greeting message was very clear as to when the RC cars are raced at their track... like I care.

I'm not opposed to looking at all there is. I like my ZAP, but there are some features in the 10X I wish I had, but then again, there are some things I'd miss in my ZAP if I had a 10 X. I figured I'd look at a Multiplex RE12, but I guess the current US distributor is more interested in racing RC cars... so be it.

Anyway, as for your "presto it is done" explanation, if you look at the online manual for the RE on page 104, setting up dual elevators on the RE it is clearly a four step process that can involve multiple key presses. I activate dual elevators on a ZAP with one keystroke, literally, I just press activate on the predefined dual elevator mix.

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Am I missing the point? - 2/12/2003 1:15:56 AM   
tiggerinmk



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What's wrong with the good ol' fashioned Y harness?

So now you can't lower your retracts, your flaps and turn on the landing lights because you've got multiple channels dedicated to basic functions?

Have we lost sight of what multiple channel radios were origially for? :

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Re: Am I missing the point? - 2/12/2003 1:20:37 AM   
Flyfalcons



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[QUOTE]Originally posted by tiggerinva
What's wrong with the good ol' fashioned Y harness?

So now you can't lower your retracts, your flaps and turn on the landing lights because you've got multiple channels dedicated to basic functions?

Have we lost sight of what multiple channel radios were origially for? :
[/QUOTE]

Y-harness works well if you are short on channels. If you aren't short on channels and get to experience using a separate channel for each servo, it is tough to go back to using a Y.


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Re: Am I missing the point? - 2/12/2003 1:32:31 AM   
sfaust



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You only slightly missed the point.

Not everyone has retracts, flaps, landing lights, bomb drops, and so on. If they use all Y's for all channels, they use 4 channels of a 10 channel radio. Using the extra channels for dual elevators, individual rudder servos in a ganged setup, allows for more precise tracking of each servo to the others, redundancy in the case of open servo leads or connector failures, and reducing the effects of resistance in the wiring, etc.

If you have 6 left over channels, might as well use them in a useful way, rather than let them sit idle.

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/12/2003 1:45:22 AM   
Ladyflyer



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Other than their genetic ties I can't imagine any reason.

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/12/2003 3:01:13 PM   
fiery


 

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Awa' an bil yer heid!

Ach, saissenachs - ye cannae dae wi' 'em

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/12/2003 10:02:16 PM   
Flyfalcons



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Maybe this is why:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/tm.asp?m=549916]


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Do what? - 2/12/2003 11:35:58 PM   
tiggerinmk



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Flyfalcons,

That link you posted was doin' my head in!

I thought this was supposed to be a hobby! If that 's what a top end computer radio is like to program I'll stick to my XF631!

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Why are Multiplex users so darned evangelical about it? - 2/12/2003 11:46:32 PM   
sfaust



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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Flyfalcons
Maybe this is why:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/tm.asp?m=549916
[/QUOTE]

Wow! And all he ws trying to do was get 100% of his throws from the servos?

Gee with JR is ServoTrav = 100%.
With Futaba, its ATV=100%.

No kidding, thats it!

Ok, I'm sorry. I am just having fun at someone elses expense. (slapping wrists till they are black and blue).

No matter how simple one radio is to those familiar with it, its usually Greek to those that are new to that radio. When I switched from the Futaba 9Z to the JR 10X, the 10X was Greek to me. After a while, it was second nature, much like the 9Z was to me. After using them both, they are both simple to use. The 9Z requires a few more steps in many areas, but its still easy to understand and use. I have to give a nod to either radio in regard to usability, with a slight advantage to th