G'day

I am currently using four different types of radios.

Older JR 2610 6 channel with the original FM (I have two of these and they work well and always have though I did have a problem at a fly in recently with some interference.

An old JR 2610 which has a very cheap Fly-Dream 2.4 Gig module in it. I have been flying it for a while with no problems. A friend uses this system for quite expensive models with no problems. It is certainly cost effective and seems to work well.

A Hitec Optic 6 2.4. I have used a number of Hitec FM systems over the years and I really had a good run from them. I bought the Optic 6 2.4 to use on my intermediate models that need more then 4 channels but which are not really complex or valuable. So far I am impressed with it. I have been using it for about a year.

A Spektrum DX7. I use this for my most expensive and complex models and also use it a lot with a couple of trainers which I use to teach other people. It has been bullet proof for 18 months but the receivers are nearly twice the price of the Hitec ones (but they do have an extra channel) and they are three times the price of the Fly-Dream receivers.

I think Spektrum is good value but it is a high end product and you pay for it. Spektrum also has the advantage of working with many Bind-and-Fly planes.

I do not discount Futaba radio gear and my local shop pushes it. Friends that have it find it works really well though they have had problems getting receivers recently. I think this is just the fact that the 2.4 system is new and the up take at the moment is high. I am sure it will settle in time. It is a quality product but like Spektrum is expensive.

I think Hitec is the best value for money and still a very good system. The new Aurora system seems to be extremely good value for a 9 channel radio and I think one day I will buy one. I am unlikely to buy a more expensive JR or Futaba radio though they are extremely good . They are just too expensive for my needs.

Mike in Oz.