Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303  
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Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 2:50:23 AM   
Paul Cataldo


 

Posts: 816
Joined: 2/9/2003
From: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Status: offline 		Gentlemen,
I would like to ask you guys about a purchase I'm soon going to have to make, and I need some help.
I've always been a Futaba 9C guy, and I've been out of the hobby for 4 years. SO, I'm wanting to get into 2.4 for my Giant Scale planes, and I am not too sure IF I can wait for the Futaba 2.4 10C to come out.
SO, I'm doing something I swore I'd never do! GASP!
I'm actually considering going with a JR 2.4 9303.

SO, I'm going to keep this short and simple as possible.

1. Are there any major differences between these two radios? I mean, does one have considerably more (or better) functions/features than the other?
I know this is a broad generalized statment, but can anyone help me understand the main differences between these two radios, because after all my reading, I'm still not totally sure???

2. Is there any threads you know of, which I may have missed, that might possibly discuss this issue in plain english??

Thanks so much for any help guys. Boy how I wish the Futaba 12FGA or even the JR 12X was affordable. (or even better yet, a 2.4 14MZ!) I'd buy up one of those radios in a second. They just ARE NOT worth $1500-$2000, and I simply cannot believe ANYONE would drop that kind of money on a transmitter. (regardless of their financial situation). Must be nice I guess.. LOL.

Thanks for any help, really guys

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Paul Cataldo
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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 2:56:18 AM   
bruce88123


 

Posts: 10424
Joined: 11/26/2004
From: Memphis, TN, USA
Status: offline 		Have you downloaded manuals and spec sheets to compare them carefully?

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 3:02:17 AM   
Paul Cataldo


 

Posts: 816
Joined: 2/9/2003
From: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Status: offline 		Um, no, my old PC cannot handle much downloading, although it MIGHT be possible.
The biggest obstacle I have to overcome, is there are many terms and phrases/feature descriptions that I do not even understand fully, and it always helps to have the help of others who can generously take a minute to explain things in plain english to those of us in this predicament.
I can grasp much of it, but it's a TOTAL help when others can chime in with a helping hand, and explain things a little more clearly.
I'm basically just looking to get the general consensus of WHICH has the most features, or WHICH features are present on the Futaba, that might not be present on the JR (and vice versa).
You see what I mean. I'm not asking for anyone to list a thousand features of each radio. I'm just looking to find any considerable differences, which might lead someone to choose one over the other (IF you were to take the "brand war" out of it).
Let's just kind of act like we are assuming that BOTH radios are made by Futaba, and BOTH cost the same amount of money. (hypothetically, for arguments sake)
What THEN are the differences that would choose someone to purchase one over the other??
Thank you bruce,
PC

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Paul Cataldo

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 4:31:05 AM   
Flying Geezer



Posts: 1024
Joined: 4/12/2003
From: Bowling Green, KY, USA
Status: offline 		I bought the 12FG, very similar to the 10C, but more features. I considered the 9303 a nice radio for half the price of the 12FG.

REASONS I WENT WITH FUTABA:

1. I was moving up from a 9C and the programming is very similar.

2. I like the digital trim on the throttle, JR doesn't have it.

3. Futaba has the idle down and throttle cut features that are very simple to set up as compared to JR.

4. I like the single receiver, especially handy in smaller aircraft.

5. I think the Futaba has an easier binding process and stays bound better.

6. I believe (JMO) that the Futaba 2.4 system is more robust. I have engineering experience and studied both. This is not to say there is any problem with the JR.

I am probably Futaba loyal because of familarity, but believe there is nothing wrong with JR. It's just a preference because of familiarity with Futaba, and the features listed above.

JR's biggest advantage is the "model match" feature which is very nice.

Hope this helps.

As for you JR loyalists, stay off my back, I have spoken well of JR and have a right to my opinion. I am now donning my asbestos suit as I know the flames are coming, anyway.

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Hughes RC

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 5:49:36 AM   
Paul Cataldo


 

Posts: 816
Joined: 2/9/2003
From: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Status: offline 		Flying Geezer,
Thanks for the info. I understand it all, EXCEPT #5 and also the "model match" feature of the JR.
What is this "binding process" all about (not looking for you to type a page long scientific discussion, just a brief explanation, that is, of course if you don't mind)

Secondly, what does the "model match" feature do on the JR exactly?? Does it just allow you to setup a second plane with the exact same settings??? (my best guess!)
I'm shocked that the JR 9303 does not have a digital trim. ??? What's up with that. LOL.
Thanks so much FG, this is EXACTLY what I was after.

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Paul Cataldo

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 7:09:01 AM   
GalenB



Posts: 2004
Joined: 12/5/2001
From: Issaquah, WA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Paul Cataldo
What is this "binding process" all about (not looking for you to type a page long scientific discussion, just a brief explanation, that is, of course if you don't mind)


JR/Spektrum require that you use a binding plug to bind the rx and tx. They also use it for the fail safe settings -- fail safe returns all channels to the setings that had when the rx was last bound. This binding plug must be plugged into the battery port of the receiver, and that can be a challenge. It may mean having to disconnect the battery to free up that port and power the rx from another port. Binding can be done through the charge jack if you have a three wire jack and lead to the rx. Futaba binding is hold the micro switch until bound. It's kind of small, but I think it is less hassle than a binding plug. With the 12 and 14 channel txs fail safe is set in the transmitter and is not affected by binding. The TM-7 module may be affected by binding -- I can't recall as I haven't done it in awhile...

quote:

ORIGINAL: Paul Cataldo
Secondly, what does the "model match" feature do on the JR exactly??


Model match is a very nice safety feature that only JR/Specktrum offer. In short -- the rx will only respond to the tx to which it is bound, when the model memory in that tx that it was bound to is selected. This means that you cannot fly with the wrong model memory selected. So far only JR/Spectrum have this feature, and since it is likely patented only they will have if for the foreseable future. Many like this feature a lot and would not consider a system that doesn't have it.


< Message edited by GalenB -- 3/18/2008 7:10:59 AM >


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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 7:12:10 AM   
GalenB



Posts: 2004
Joined: 12/5/2001
From: Issaquah, WA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Flying Geezer
As for you JR loyalists, stay off my back, I have spoken well of JR and have a right to my opinion. I am now donning my asbestos suit as I know the flames are coming, anyway.


Yeah -- like that's gonna happen!



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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 12:32:44 PM   
Paul Cataldo


 

Posts: 816
Joined: 2/9/2003
From: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Status: offline 		Gotcha,
Man I don't really see the "model match" feature as any real benefit. Waste of time IMO.
I don't care how many planes you have, if you try to fly your plane with the wrong model program in your Tx, you need to slow down and think your whole process through again....
It just doesn't happen in my world. Never understood it, but I guess some guys make mistakes like that...

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Paul Cataldo

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 1:06:11 PM   
LAN


 

Posts: 10
Joined: 9/29/2003
From: Uppsala, SWEDEN
Status: offline 		Another difference between Futaba and JR are the timers. On Futaba radios you can start a timer with the throttle, this is not possible on JR radios, AFAIK. This is a feature I use mostly for my electric planes, might not be so important for giant scale planes.

/Leif

(in reply to Paul Cataldo)
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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 1:25:47 PM   
Howard


 

Posts: 202
Joined: 9/12/2002
From: Viera, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Paul,

You ask a question that is on the minds of thousands of folks and when all is said and done I don't see a black or white answer. We are extremely fortunate that both the 10C and the 9303 are such wonderful radios (no real data yet on the 10C). To make matters even more interesting Airtronics is working on a 10 channel SS radio to add to our list of comparisons. I recently moved from a 9C Super to a 9303 (with XPS) and the difference was a real treat to experience. I surely don't mean the 9C is not a good radio it is just that the 9303 (which is proportionately more expensive) is in another league. It is truly an exceptional radio with many more features and much more logical to program. The way I made my decision was to read the owners manuals which is like a self imposed weekend jail sentence. The JR manual has all of the information but, it is like learning to speak english by learning from a dictionary. It took a lot of effort and I had to read (down loaded it) it several times before I could make out the trees from the forest - but, once I did I knew I had found my radio. I also looked at Multiplex and some higher priced units. The key to my decision was reading the manuals.

The manual for the 10C is not available yet but, the 12FG manual is available and my guess is that they are going to be similar - I realize that is just my opinion. I have read the 12FG manual twice and that radio can do almost everything except kiss you good night. There are some features I don't like such as idle down is backwards and should be idle up and the throttle cut vs the throttle trim cut on the 9303 is very inconvenient (same as the 9C). I love the SD card vs the CAMPAC on the 10C but, I could learn to live with that. If the 10C is the little brother to the 12FG and at half the price it is going to be a big seller. Choosing between the 10C and the 9303 is a great problem to have and it will be fun to make the choice. The Futaba web site has a wonderful feature comparison chart for all Futaba radios - keep an eye on that chart to see when they add the 10C and it might be helpful. I also agree with you that model match is a feature similar to a car key that prevents you from starting the wrong car - it solves a problem that I don't have. Happy choosing and happy flying

Howard


< Message edited by Howard -- 3/18/2008 1:29:59 PM >

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 3:07:56 PM   
Zeeb



Posts: 1783
Joined: 11/11/2004
From: Pleasant Grove, UT, USA
Status: offline 		Well I'd say your choice might boil down to when you want to fly?

It is also difficult to compare the two when not even the manual is available for the 10C. That said, while some speculation might be accurate, there's no way to know for sure until you get your hands on something definitive from Futaba.

While Futaba is not alone in making shall we say, optimistic predictions of availability? Their record with some items has been dismal i.e. the TM8 module sets have been "coming soon" for over a year.

You may want to consider radios that you can get your hands on right now and that would be the 12FG or X9303.



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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 3:21:00 PM   
DadsToysBG



Posts: 1543
Joined: 7/31/2003
From: Bowling Green, KY, USA
Status: online 		I sell both, so I'm not going to talk about each one here. I have seen both. If you have any questions PM me and Ill send you my store number. Randy is right on most of the things he said. both radios play very well with each other. We give each other a hard time when he comes in, but it's all in fun. Dennis

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RE: Futabas new 2.4 10C and JR's 2.4 9303 - 3/18/2008 3:39:10 PM   
dick Hanson



Posts: 9924
Joined: 12/12/2001
From: slc, UT, USA
Status: offline 		Everyonewants to justify their choice - just like justifying their religion.
One point I would make - If you have not used a Model Match radio -you simply can't appreciate the advantage of it
On electric powered models -I would say, it is a necessity.
Why?
because people make mistakes - and on electrics -the possibility of starting up two models at the same time ( sans Model Match) is just toooo easy. Am I an expert on mistakes which cause accidents and injuries ?
a number of US State n Federal courts say "yes - I am. Having worked in analyzing accidents which caused hand/arm injuries - I developed a healthy suspicion of how accidents happen. None of em were funny and none of em were intentional and when I find a method of reducing the chance of an accident -I look at it long and hard
Model Match -in my opinion- is well worth having . Even for those "who never make mistakes".
Your opinion may be different - but as this is an open forum - I thought I would offer mine -again - FWIW.


< Message edited by dick Hanson -- 3/18/2008 3:44:32 PM >

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