rambler53
Posts: 1437
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Joined: 5/5/2004
Last Login: 5/23/2011
From: Palm Bay,
FL, USA
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You guys got to see how a tricky chart from Hitec that AT is promoting doesn't really tell the actual specifications from it's competition.
Hitec is late in the game. No one was buying much from Hitec when JR and Futaba released their products years ago. This is their last saving grace to keep the company in the radio business? Desperate selling on a forum? This cheats you out of the real specifications. So lets analyze the charts shortcomings.
First it gives you detailed specifications about the Aurora, except that it's out of stock, short on supply.
Next, it gives you only a partial feature of the 10C, leading you to believe the radio doesn't have any more features in that category.
Here are the real specifications you can see are hidden on the Hitec site but are easily found on Futaba's and Tower distributions sites.
FEATURES: Futaba's FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) shifts very quickly virtually eliminating signal conficts and interruptions unlike other 2.4GHz systems that only stay on one or two frequencies Dual antenna diversity enables FASST system to automatically and seamlessly select the best reception between the two antennas built into the receiver ensuring that the aircraft stays under constant control of transmitter regardless of altitude 7 point throttle and pitch curves 12 factory defined glider mixes Logic switches allows timer activation or other function just by changing positions of specific sticks or switches 15-model memory, expandable to 48 models with optional 128K CAMPac module (FUTM9408) 10-character model and user naming Assignable switches and dials/functions 2 proportional slider switches (Campac memory modules help you add unlimited numbers of models to your radio, but 15 is standard, meeting most users needs. This radio comes with a 14 channel receiver.
Model select, copy, reset Fail-safe, sub trims, servo reversing and EPA 160 x 72 (easiest screen to read of them all) backlit LCD with adjustable contrast (they liked leaving that out, and it's very nice to have. The screen is brighter than the JR green looking screen of the Aurora) Servo monitor display Auxilliary channel screen for 1-step function/switch assignment One year limited warranty
FASST is used by our military for years, not AFHSS and not JR's.
The Hitec charts tells you what is (easy) on their radio and (hard) on Futaba, and this is changing stick assignments from mode 1 and 2, and tension. I've done this once, it wasn't hard on the 10C. Anyone who is a modeler is familiar with a screwdriver.
10C has better programmable mixes, but the Hitec chart tries to make that an even playing field instead of saying 10C (better).
Hitec has no user name on the screen. Aw.
Hitec has 8 flight conditions available. Do you need all 8? Futaba 5. Could you even remember 8?
Hitec states their receivers (out of stock) are only $69. And Futaba is $199, but Tower always runs a $25-30 coupon at that level, and it is 14 channels. You could get a 5, 6, 7 channel receiver though, . The 7 is $99.98, the 6 comes in small and medium plane size ranges, $59 and $69, so it really depends on your needs and you have more choices with Futaba, better supply.
Hitec has 9 wing types in it. Go ahead users, name them from YOUR hangar over your lifetime. Don't we really just count the channels we have instead? HYPE.
Hitec lies and says dual engine programming, fuel mixture, or rudder to aileron mix (people don't use sticks for that?) isn't available on the Futaba. All you're doing is mixing 2 channels. They separate needle control and fuel mixture into two categories, but I can't tell the two apart and never needed either. Isn't that an old and race limited carb feature from the 80s anyway?
Gimmicks, not features. Hype, not applicable to user features you would EVER need or use. The bottom line is find one to put in your hands if you can, and see if it feels good to you. The switches look cluttered in the pictures. I haven't decided yet, not until I put my hands on it. But the 10C is not the new release, the 8FG is, and it's in the $400 price range.
The 8FG isn't in their chart. It has $20 in rebate coupons, and more available receiver choices that carry over to the 10C and all 2.4 Futaba radios.
Futaba's FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) shifts
very quickly virtually eliminating signal conficts and
interruptions unlike other 2.4GHz systems that only stay on one
or two frequencies
SensorTouch pad enables quick and easy menu navigation with only a
light touch (Ipod type dial)
Pre-defined mixes for easy programming
Accepts a 32MB - 2GB SD memory card for software
updates and almost unlimited aircraft memories
Eight proportional channels and two switched channels
128x64 backlit LCD screen offers adjustable contrast for easy viewing
in any light condition
2048 resolution enables servos to pick up even the slightest stick
movements with extremely low latency
New slim shape that is more comfortable to hold
High speed receiver operation allows digital servos to update more
rapidly than analog servos (both are compatible with this
receiver)
HS (High Speed) mode improves frame rate on receiver channels 1-6 to
only 7 milliseconds-compared to 14 milliseconds at normal mode
One year limited warranty beginning at date of purchase
So with castor mist on your hands, I guess you decide if you want a touch screen or a pad/button arrangement.
The new Hitec does have features I do like. The ball bearing sticks, only Futaba I know of under $1000 that had it was the 9Z.
It's a touch screen, JR had one too years ago as well. Wasn't that successful. Aurora 9 is advertised to have 1 step programming,
but review the RCGroup videos and I see more steps and menus going on to get it done, again, and again.
You have to put it in your hands people. Don't let the salesmen push you into it like a desperate Dodge salesman about to get laid off.
< Message edited by nitro-pilot -- 11/7/2009 3:52 PM >
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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros >> NO SELLING - JUST COMPARE FUTABA 8FG TO A9 HITEC 
NO SELLING - JUST COMPARE FUTABA 8FG TO A9 HITEC - 
