Charlie, thats only true if you use all of the setup features. As an instructor I personally encourage them to get the 9C and HELP them setup their 1st plane so that the mixing functions that are something the trainee will only need later down the road on more advanced planes. But at least he doesnt spend $200 on something he is very likely not going to want to use once he sees all of the nice computer radios out there once he starts to get educated on the RC world. Just work with the student to teach him how to use the radio as part of his training so he doesnt try to OVER use the tool.
I can sortof see the older guys not wanting to mess with programming something since many struggle with computers,, but for the younger computer saavy generation its a must have for the few extra $$ it cost. There are so many handy functions other than mixing that I use...
1. I use the slider to have finger touch control of ground idle speed, flight idle speed and then landing idle speed. At the bottom of the slider the engine dies. 1 click of the slider above the bottom its turning minimum rpms,,,,
2. I use the timers setup on countdown and sometimes in response to the position of the throttle stick... Its super easy to use and it will save you from forgetting and running out of gas.. On a big gas plane you can only get 10 minutes of so out of a tank so you try to squeeze every second out of practice flights so you dont have to add weight with a bigger tank.
3. Multiple Model Memory.... Enough said!
4. I can see what model program I am flying at all times when the Tx is on.
5. Digital onboard transmitter voltage meter.
6. If I want to program a mix, I can put any mix I want on any switch OR I can program it to stay on all of the time!
I could go on and on with the long term advantages gained by starting with a comp radio..
Its not my job to protect an adult pilot from himself.. Computer radios are a flat out better buy especially the 9C. If the student want to move on and overcomplicate things thats their own dumb fault for not listening.
