RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz*

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz*
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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/20/2008 2:35:00 PM

bruce88123

Posts: 10726
Joined: 11/26/2004
From: Memphis, TN, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: otrcman

gaRCfield,

Yes, that seems to be the consensus. The word is that Futaba receivers are quite sensitive to low voltage, and may have difficulties simply from momentary drops due to servo load. The Airtronics receiver works down to a much lower voltage and the servos will quit before the receiver does. I don't know if the Futabe has a fail safe mode or if the receiver simply re-boots due to low voltage.

I have seen a Spektrum do an unexplained loss of control which may have been the same low voltage phenomenon. It was in a hovering helicopter, and when tested afterward, the Spektrum worked fine. Could not reproduce failure. That's scary to me.

Regarding pointing the antenna at the airplane. The first time I range tested my new RDS (in low power mode) I walked out to the max range point of about 75 paces, then deliberately pointed the antenna at the airplane. I couldn't detect any range reduction at all, but that doesn't keep me from following the precautions in the operating manual.

Dick

You have this a bit mixed up. The Futaba RX units are still quite reliable at lower voltages (down to 3 volts where the servos don't operate well) although no manufacturer (including Airtronics) recommends it. JR/Spektrum RX's seem to have a problem below 4.8 volts at the RX and drop out. They have a mod available to speed up re-boot time though and a 6v battery helps too. Futaba RX re-boot is near instantaneous.

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Post #: 901

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/20/2008 4:17:05 PM

sthill

Posts: 32
Joined: 5/31/2002
From: St. Charles, IL, USA
Status: offline

All,

I purchased the RDS8000 to put in my new Pulse XT 40 and it has been ROCK SOLID for the dozen or so flights I have on the plane. It is hard to explain but 2.4Ghz just feels so much more responsive than My old 72Mhz radio. I switched from Futaba so the programming took a bit to get used to but once you get the hang of the Airtronics style programming I think it is easier than my 6XAS.

All of the voltage questions had me a bit spooked so I upped the battery pack to a new 4.8V 1000mha Sanyo NiCad battery. Even after 5 flights it still reads over 5V under load so I can’t imagine getting down to the 3V to 4V during a typical day flying…

I really like the “pointy toothpick” style sticks on the Futaba radios (the RDS8000 comes with flat topped sticks) and found out that you can steal the stick tops off an old Futaba radio (thanks to mrbigg for the suggestion)! In my instance I had an old Futaba Skysport buddy box that I wasn’t using so I just “borrowed” them. Just be really careful when trying this and don’t force anything as you need to make sure that the threads match between vendors. In my case I screwed the Airtronics tops into the buddy box first to verify the threads as I figured ruining a buddy box was cheaper than a new TX!

I wish the RDS8000 had a couple of extra features like model match, timer start on throttle up and a bigger battery but these are all pretty minor.

IMHO this is the best TX/RX combo for the money by a long shot!

Thanks Airtronics!

(in reply to bruce88123)

Post #: 902

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/20/2008 4:38:37 PM

djlyon

Posts: 1991
Joined: 12/10/2001
From: Castaic, CA, USA
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I wish the end points were independently adjustable for high rates and low rates like Futaba. Unique pylon racing problem.

Denis

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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/20/2008 4:54:56 PM

bruce88123

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From: Memphis, TN, USA
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Model Match is Patent Pending so they would need to pay royalties if they copied the feature too closely.

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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/20/2008 6:44:27 PM

prgonzalez

Posts: 352
Joined: 6/7/2004
From: KATY, TX, USA
Status: offline

I have been thinking on getting a 2.4 system and after reading the whole thread for some hours, I am very curious about this system.

These are my comments/questions:

1. One question that some pilots made previously that has not been answered is the use of heli mode for flying airplanes in order to gain D/R and expo in the rudder.
2. I am about to start precision flying (pattern) and at this time I still am not sure that this radio has all of the features needed for such flying setup. Some pilots have said in this thread that it is a pilot preference while another pilot in the pattern fourm only recommended this radio for the first two classes of pattern.
3. How this radio compares to the JR-378? I own two JR-378 radios that have a good set of programming features that I know I have not yet explored and I am not sure to need ever. I know the 378 has enough programming for pattern, however, I still share frequency pin with other pilots.
4. I am convinced about the commitment of Global and ATX for customer service satisfaction and R&D efforts. There is a big piece of mind on that aspect.
5. Do I have to wait to see the 10-channel radio specs to make the final decision?

I would highly appreciate your input.

Pedro

(in reply to bruce88123)

Post #: 905

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/21/2008 7:00:11 AM

MikeGreenshields

Posts: 172
Joined: 3/15/2005
From: Fountain Valley, CA, USA
Status: offline

Optional pointy ended sticks are available for those who want them.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/492778.asp

Some people do fly fixed wing in heli mode. You pick up flight modes and rudder expo. You loose differential aileron and dual elevator mixing, for example. So, if the plane is a fairly simple plane, go with the heli if rudder expo is important.

If you're not using any p-mixes, you can use airplane mode, but then use one of the p-mixes, mix rudder to rudder, and now that mix, on the mix on/off switch, become rudder dual rate. It's an end-around band aid but I know a lot of pilots who use it quite successfully

Mike

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Post #: 906

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/21/2008 2:38:51 PM

zertsman

Posts: 52
Joined: 4/11/2006
From: Tyler, TX, USA
Status: offline

someone was explaining the heli mode to me.. you need to choose the right type "head" setup for it to work.. maybe others can clarify and maybe the default option for this is the right one..

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Post #: 907

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/21/2008 7:35:43 PM

gaRCfield

Posts: 1701
Joined: 5/20/2008
From: Burlington, VT, USA
Status: online

prgonzalez, I'm the one who started the radio thread in the pattern forum. I've gotten back some personal emails from experienced pattern pilots, and what I've heard is that:

1)This radio does not have dual rates and expo on the rudder; may not be a big deal to starting pattern pilots, but definitely a feature people want for intermediate->masters.
2)This radio does not have assignable switches; you can't put all the dual rates on one switch, and you can't set up switches to your preference. Again, not a big deal for starting pattern pilots.

I got the radio anyway; I am a starting pattern pilot with 2 planes and this radio comes with two receivers. It has the ability of using dual channels for dual elevators, and plenty of pre-programmed mixes, like elevator to throttle, etc. It is inexpensive and I was able to have one now, before the season is over.

If you really want a great radio (i.e. want to wait for the right radio) then either wait for the 10ch and see it's features, or go with a 7 or even 9 (really 9 if you are serious about pattern) channel Futaba or Spektrum. Will cost a bit more, but you are less likely to be unhappy two or three years from now.

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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/21/2008 8:02:01 PM

bruce88123

Posts: 10726
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From: Memphis, TN, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: gaRCfield

prgonzalez, I'm the one who started the radio thread in the pattern forum. I've gotten back some personal emails from experienced pattern pilots, and what I've heard is that:

1)This radio does not have dual rates and expo on the rudder; may not be a big deal to starting pattern pilots, but definitely a feature people want for intermediate->masters.
2)This radio does not have assignable switches; you can't put all the dual rates on one switch, and you can't set up switches to your preference. Again, not a big deal for starting pattern pilots.

I got the radio anyway; I am a starting pattern pilot with 2 planes and this radio comes with two receivers. It has the ability of using dual channels for dual elevators, and plenty of pre-programmed mixes, like elevator to throttle, etc. It is inexpensive and I was able to have one now, before the season is over.

If you really want a great radio (i.e. want to wait for the right radio) then either wait for the 10ch and see it's features, or go with a 7 or even 9 (really 9 if you are serious about pattern) channel Futaba or Spektrum. Will cost a bit more, but you are less likely to be unhappy two or three years from now.

Don't forget the 10 Ch Futaba and good JR's. Spektrum (brand name) only goes to 7 channels, above that it's JR radios.

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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/21/2008 10:11:34 PM

prgonzalez

Posts: 352
Joined: 6/7/2004
From: KATY, TX, USA
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Mike G, gaRCfield, and Bruce,

Thanks so much for providing the information I needed. Based on your information I have decided to wait. I already have what I need for the first classes in pattern. The JR X-378 it's a 7-channel computer radio with expo and DR in all surfaces, dual ailerons, dual elevators, aileron differential, pre-programmed mixes as well as channel-to-channel mixing, etc. Its programming is 98% the same as the JR-8103 (8-ch) but with just 7-channels.

At this time, I found that it does not make sense ($$) to jump to 2.4G with a lesser or equal radio than the one I already have. With this information and the hope that ATX/Global will deliver a real winner and competitor to JR and Futaba, I am going to wait for the 10-channel ATX specifications and price.

Thanks again,

Pedro

< Message edited by prgonzalez -- 8/21/2008 10:14:22 PM >

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Post #: 910

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/22/2008 12:39:38 AM

bruce88123

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From: Memphis, TN, USA
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Pedro-

Did it stop raining down there yet?

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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/22/2008 3:14:11 AM

prgonzalez

Posts: 352
Joined: 6/7/2004
From: KATY, TX, USA
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Bruce,

It was cloudy today. It rain came down early at dawn. I hope it will be dried this weekend.

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RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/22/2008 2:00:37 PM

fishkillbill

Posts: 21
Joined: 12/13/2002
From: NY
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: gaRCfield

I've been reading review after review of people intentionally trying to go against the precautions and TRY to get radio failures, and it seems to be tough to do. But like you I will follow the manufacturers recommendations too.

I'm psyched for this radio; just don't understand why there's no D/R or Expo on the rudder?

I would like to have D/R on the rudder. I use it for taxiing in the grass. It’s easier using a lot of nose wheel steering, then flip to much less for take off roll.

Bill

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Post #: 913

RE: *Airtronics RD8000 2.4 GHz* - 8/22/2008 5:54:57 PM

zertsman

Posts: 52
Joined: 4/11/2006
From: Tyler, TX, USA
Status: offline

you can do it with a c-mix.. works great..

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