9C vs. 8103
12-08-2002, 01:36 AM
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9C vs. 8103
you can download the manuals at:
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/shar...612-manual.pdf
http://www.bestrc.com/futaba/manuals/index.html
the filenumber for the jr manual isn't right ,but it may be the right manual.
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/shar...612-manual.pdf
http://www.bestrc.com/futaba/manuals/index.html
the filenumber for the jr manual isn't right ,but it may be the right manual.
12-08-2002, 02:30 AM
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9C vs. 8103
I've emailed Futaba/GP for a PDF copy of the manual and have yet gotten a reply in 2+ weeks other than an automated response - anyone know if it's available? It's nice to have all JR manuals, Eclipse, MPX available to compare features before deciding on a purchase - RD6000 Super isn't available either. Hopefully the distributors will wise up and realise that PDF manuals are one of the best marketing tool, rather than trying to charge a couple of bucks.
12-08-2002, 03:27 AM
#7
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9C vs. 8103
The Futaba site is fairly comprehensive with info on the 9C. Manuals are nice but they make me fall asleep if I'm not physically able to do it on the radio while I read.
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj85.html
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj85.html
12-09-2002, 05:19 AM
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9C vs. 8103
The 9C manual is NOT available for d/l. I spoke (email) to A.M. Cross at Hobbico just last week and its a no go. They have a loose-leaf version available now but she wanted me to return my bound copy in exchange. I cannot imagine why these manuals are treated as gold.
12-09-2002, 05:35 AM
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9C vs. 8103
It is too bad that the entire manual isn't online. You can see parts of it by checking out the manual updates in pdf format. Even though I haven't seen the manual in it entirety, I just voted with my money. A 9C should be at my house in a week, woohoo!
12-09-2002, 06:21 AM
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9C vs. 8103
You can fire off an email to [email protected] with the text 9Cvs8103 in the subject and the body of the email and you will get an automated response comparing the two. Make sure the the 9Cvs8103 is the ONLY thing in the email. The 9C is VERY user friendly aslo. I haven't messed with an 8103 though.
IronZ
IronZ
12-09-2002, 02:06 PM
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I have no experience with the JR but I like the 9C. I will admit that the manual could use a LOT of help. You must be able to speak Futaba-ese. If it was more reader-friendly ....
I have used the forums and the Futaba FAQ to help me translate things that confused me. Plus I would read-and re-read the manual.
I have used the forums and the Futaba FAQ to help me translate things that confused me. Plus I would read-and re-read the manual.
12-09-2002, 05:29 PM
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8103
I have an 8103 , the manual is excellent , and explains every detail of setups to the T ,
The quality is good , some don't like the manual / analogue throt trim , the rest of the trims are digital,
The 9C on the other hand has , a good feature whereby the user can assign different Ch's or functions to the various switches , etc.
For example the aileron dual rate switch on the 8103 is a fixed switch dedicated to aileron dual rate , with the futaba you can assign the switch to the rudder dual rate or any other function ( certain limitations )
Value for money , the JR is tops , the after sales are also good.
The quality is good , some don't like the manual / analogue throt trim , the rest of the trims are digital,
The 9C on the other hand has , a good feature whereby the user can assign different Ch's or functions to the various switches , etc.
For example the aileron dual rate switch on the 8103 is a fixed switch dedicated to aileron dual rate , with the futaba you can assign the switch to the rudder dual rate or any other function ( certain limitations )
Value for money , the JR is tops , the after sales are also good.
12-10-2002, 03:19 AM
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I was faced with the same choice: 9C or 8103. It came down to basically a flip of the coin because I have good relationships with both distributors. No regrets just annoyed by the manual.
I work in the tech industry and poorly written/translsated manuals are the norm. Someone need to write a "how-to".
I work in the tech industry and poorly written/translsated manuals are the norm. Someone need to write a "how-to".
12-10-2002, 05:43 AM
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9C vs. 8103
Im buying the Futaba 9CAP radio.. why 260$, JR, something like 350-450$, futaba has more features, and its not as difficult to program like its past radios might have been
12-10-2002, 06:46 AM
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9C vs. 8103
Last I checked, 9CAF is $390 vs. 8103 $470? Still, it does make the 8103 look over-priced, feature-wise esp. with the free CamPac offer running at the moment.
12-10-2002, 07:00 AM
#17
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9C vs. 8103
To me, switch and channel assignment make this radio much more valuable than the 8103. It's nice to switch all your rates and activate a mix or two with one switch; kind of like a poor man's condition function. BTW I ordered my 9CAP for $420 from Tower, including CAMPAC and a $20 gift certificate. Considering that comes with Futaba's top of the line receiver (sans synthesizer), that is a great deal.
12-10-2002, 03:49 PM
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9C vs. 8103
I think some of you are running up against JR's MAP pricing. Calling shops will generally yield a much better price. Helipros has the 8103 with 811 digital servos for $450 or so. That's hard to beat.
How many of you are ordering these radios sight unseen? If you haven't felt each in your hands, you're missing one of the big factors in buying a radio: how it'll fit you.
How many of you are ordering these radios sight unseen? If you haven't felt each in your hands, you're missing one of the big factors in buying a radio: how it'll fit you.
12-10-2002, 07:49 PM
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8103 radio
I've had an 8103 radio for several years now and just love it. The manual doesn't do justice to the radio. It's just the basics. There is so much else it will do once you play with it for different airplanes.
Jack
Jack
12-10-2002, 09:02 PM
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9C vs. 8103
I've owned many Futaba's and now an 8103. I like my 8103 and think it's miles beyond the 6XAS, but it doesn't beat a 9C though I feel that you will not be disappointed with either radio.
Just my $.02
Just my $.02
12-11-2002, 06:38 AM
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9C vs. 8103
let me know how you like it .. I'm really on the fence right now between the 9C and 8103 .. Of course who wouldn't love either the 9Z or 10X .. but I just can't justify that kind of money for a radio ..
12-11-2002, 06:43 AM
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9C vs. 8103
Go down to the shop and play with each of them. You'll figure out which one makes more sense to you, and which one feels best in your hands.
12-11-2002, 06:53 AM
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good point Mike .. I was looking at both the other day at the LHS (which is where I would buy it) and unfortunately the battery was totally dead in the 9C .. the 8103 lasted about 10 secs .. of course they hadn't been charged...what I'll prob do is call ahead and have them charge them (they're friends so they will) and spend more time with them .. I've always admired Futaba.. and like I said the 9Z looks SWEET .. but that 8103 sure felt good..