ORIGINAL: piper_chuck
ORIGINAL: e-dave
I don't own the Futaba 6XEA...
I do and I think it's great for people who need a basic computer radio.
...but I did take the time to read the on-line users manual. It doesn't seem to be a bad radio. There are however a couple of things you should be aware of. One is the simple model numbering screen. If you get this radio, make SURE you write the model memory number on the plane somewhere.
Here's how I deal with this. I cut pieces of foam rubber, the kind for insulating receivers and battery packs, into something around 2x4 inches. I used a knife to make a slit in the center that's large enough to slip over a prop. Then I wrote a number for each plane on one piece of foam and slipped the foam over the prop. The number corresponds to the model number in the plane. Putting the foam on the prop forces me to remember to change the model setting on the transmitter before I fly. When I go to fly a plane I remove the foam from the prop, change the model number on the transmitter and slip the foam over the end of the transmitter antenna. The number usually stays on the transmitter until I chose another plane.
Also, another feature that this radio doesn't have ( unless I missed something ) is sub trim. What this does is allow you to center the servo arms ( which usually WON"T be exactly centered ) electronically. To me, it's a big plus when setting up an airplane.
Funny you should mention this. When I was just using Futaba servos, this wasn't an issue, they always centered properly.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not trying to flame this radio. It's just that for about $ 20.00 more you can get a six channel with model naming and sub trims.
Last price check I did at Tower, the net price for the 6EXA was around $130.
To each his own. If you are happy with your radio, more power to you. I have had minor centering problems with several brands of servos, haven't used Futaba since my model boating days years ago. Also, if another brand of servos are ever used, the sub trims will come in handy.I just checked Tower BTW and the current cost for the 6XEA is $179.99 and yes, for $20.00 more you can get a radio with the features I mentioned. Here's just one [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=JRP6219**]example[/link].
Once again, it all comes down to personal choice. Fatsky did make a good point in that you should find out what brand of radio is most in use at the club you'll be flying at as trainer cords are not compatible between some brands of radios, although if I'm not mistaken, JR does have a trainer cord system out now that allows their radios to be compatible with most other brands. If it sounds like I'm a huge JR fan, rest assured that is not the case. Yes, I do own a JR( 9303 ) but I also sold the first one I bought ( XF421 ) to purchase a HiTec Eclipse which is now over three years old and still flies most of my planes and NO, I would not recommend either of those two radios for a beginner.