ORIGINAL: bryris
Been flying with a Futaba 7CAP FM radio. Still plan to keep it in the arsenal because I have 3 airplanes that have FM receivers, but would like to move into SS stuff. I am looking for a fairly cheap radio and was looking at the 6EX. I doubt I'll ever use more than 6 channels...used 5 max to date, just for aileron mixing.
I'd like to get into helis soon. Would the 6EX fly a basic heli just fine? Would it be better to get the heli radio and then fly airplanes with it or get the airplane radio and fly helis with it? What is the best option? Can the throttle ratchet be turned on/off at will?
Hi,
I'll just share my experience..
Firstly Futaba FASST is excellent.. I have been using 2.4Ghz for over a year, with thousands of flights logged and never a single glitch...
The 6EX is a very good radio and can be used on a helicopter (I used one for 6 months on 450 size helis)
The next Step up is the 7C - which I also have.. Personally, if you can aim for this radio I would strongly recommend it for a number of reasons.
1. The gimbals are MUCH smoother than the 6EX, it has an overall feeling of higher quality (but that is just a feeling.. the 6EX worked flawlessly)
2. It has Sub Trim function.. which the 6EX does not.. this is a fairly important feature if you are getting into Helis as it allows you to balance your swashplate perfectly through the entire range of pitch movement..
I also have a Futaba 8FG, which is my personal favourite as the bearings are ball bearing supported and it is beaufifully smooth.. It cost twice as much as the 7C so it is more expensive..
Go with the 7C.. you won't be disappointed..
Here is a vid of all three.,...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNNljwYrmLo[/youtube]
I also have used Spektrum in my Helis..
The DX6i works great and has sub trims..
The DX8 is a beautiful radio and now with DSMX there is not a lot in it between Futaba and Spektrum...
Here is mine beside the Futaba 8FG
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBGEDBL5JXQ[/youtube]