rcpilot1972

I have had Futaba radios for all my aircraft, I had all my stuff in storage and it all got stolen. I have been looking at the jr xp8103, never owned a JR radio before and was wondering how they compare to Futaba as for as dependability and Quality? If omething tears up on the radio is JR good as Futaba about repairing it? I have wonder how HI TECH is also as far as quality?

Rodney

The reliability of all the major brands is very good. IMHO Hitec is probably the best but not by much. If you are interested in a 6 channel radio, it will pay you to pick up the latest copy of RC Report. They have a very good side by side comparison of all the major brand 6 channel radios in that edition.

rcpilot1972

The HI TECH is one of the best radios out their? I thought about trying a HI TECH but I am scared it may faile me onday and I loose one of my planes, thats why I asked are the dependable and also good quality? Are the survos good quality?

bpannier

You can not go wrong with the 8103. I have two of them and never a problem. JR service is excellent. Also have Futaba 9 c but prefer the JR.

GoldenPoint

what about the airtronics stylus or RD8000

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

YOu can list every radio made by Hitec, Futaba, Airtronics or JR and the answer will likely be that they are all good, all are backed by good service.

If all you want to fly is a 3 channel parkflyer then any will do.

Do you have some special needs or requirements? THAT is what will tell you which radio you need.

The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. The entry level radios do not include helicopter functions but the
mindrange and radios above that generally do. However I don't review them.
I include links to the manufacturer's/distributor's product page, where
available.

Prices - read the description - The range in the start of the group is for the
radio alone. Sites where you can buy just a radio include:
www.servocity.com
www.allerc.com
www.brucknerhobbies.com

Radio packages packages can vary greatly depending on what is incluced. Most
radios come packaged with standard size servos and receivers. These packages
may not be suitable for electric flyers or some gliders. If I see a package
with small servos and receiver, I note the link for the benefit of these
flyers.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on Ch1&2; some
include Ch 4. All include elevon and V-tail mixes. Unless stated otherwise
radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or split elevator servos.

This article may be useful in understanding the features I mention here and
their value.

Radio Systems Part 2 - Computer Radios - The right choice for almost everyone
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65

Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel - approx $90-110
If your focus in on parkflyers, RES sailplanes, aileron sailplanes or 4-5
channel glow planes, these are very capable for the price. In addition to the
basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split aileron capabilities.
These make great first radios for the committed new pilot, providing features
beyond the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small incremental investment. For
many pilots, these may be all the radio they will need for years. They will
fly more advanced planes, like full house sailplanes or aerobatic planes, but
may
not be able to bring out all the plane can offer.

Futaba EXAS -
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJUV7**&P=ML
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=556
6 channels, 6-model memory, Prop Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6, 1 user
defined mix. The particular package I have listed at tower comes with micro
servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers

Airtronics VG 6000
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with two
small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories, 6 standard
mixes, no user definable mix capability listed. I can't find any info on the
range of the receiver in this package so I must assume it is around 1000 feet.
Suitable for low speed parkflyers only, unless you find the receiver has more
range.



Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels Approx $130-180 for the radio. These
radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer radios,
primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and some switch
assignability. These radios also add helicopter programming, though we are
not looking at those functions here. These radios can bring out more of the
capabilities of more
advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry level computer radios
lack.

Midrange Radio Comparison Chart -( provided by Hitec )
The reference to two wing flap programming referes to flapperons - The ability
to turn ailerons into flaps.
http://hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic%206...on%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/OPTIC.htm
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index....at=281&id=4451
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option, Change
channel module, shift select, glider features, switch assignability, flight
modes, ailevators, 2 user
programmable mixes, and a variety of standard mixes. Does not include a snap
roll feature

Futaba 7C
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, the 6XAS and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight Modes,
3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes. Does not include
aileron differential which might be done with a user programmable mix.

JR 6102
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP6664**
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=305
This is a futaba 7C review, but the author compares it to the JR near the end
of the article. May be helpful if you are trying to compare the two.
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes. Does not include a timer. Missing mixes of note are snap roll,
aileron diff, crow/butterfly. Some of these may be able to be created with
the user programmable mixes.

Airtronics RD6000 Super
http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm
6 channel, 8 model memory, shift select, 4 timers, selection of standard mixes
and 5 user definable mixes.

==============================

Radios with 4 Servo Wing Support

Hitec Eclipse 7 - $180 - for the radio
http://www.servocity.com/html/7-ch_eclipse_systems.html
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/eclipse.htm
manual
http://www.hitecrcd.com/product_fs.htm
7 channels - 7 model memory, Shift select, 3 conditional mixes per model,
Channel change module or optional Spectra frequency synth, Five user
programmable mixes, conditional mixes, a variety of predefined mixes.
It is distinguished from the group above in that it has support
for a 4 servo wing and perhaps a mix or two more at $180.

Futaba 9C Super - about $270
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk75.html
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4600
http://www.servocity.com/html/9ca_super_systems.html

Futaba transmitter feature chart
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/feature-compare.html


Futaba 9C Super has replaced the 9C that I own, though some places still have
the 9C. 9C Super has unlimited model memories via removable modules, 7
User-programmable Mixes + 8 defined mixes, 4 snap roll programs, two servo
elevator support, 4 servo wing support, customizable trainer program and
switch assignability. This is a very flexible radio.

Unless you have a large budget, I would not consider this a first radio. If
you have outgrown your entry level or intermediate computer radio and want a
significant jump in capabilities, take a look at the Futaba 9C Super.
This is an advanced sport radio, or a budget competition radio, that has
virtually all of the features that advanced sport power and sailplane
pilots are likely to need. It has a very strong following.

Channel Synth module for the 9C and 9C Super
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=542

-------------------------------------------

$400 and up for the radio alone

Royal Evo 9 Channel - $520 w/synth module
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEXV7&P=ML
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/royal-evo-9.htm

Airtronics Stylus - 8 Channel -$440
Optional sailplane card - $120
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=772
http://www.airtronics.net/stylus.htm

JR 9303 - $450
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP9269**
reviews
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4643
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=515


If you have $2200 laying around, check out the Futaba 14MZ
http://www.14mz.com/
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJHG6&P=ML