Hitec's version of PCM sucks big-time too.

Not only does it offer 1990's level resolution (512 steps, versus 1024 or even 2048 from JR and Futaba) but they've had some really bad PCM receivers come out of the factory which don't work very well at all and have to be returned to Hitec for replacement.

Complaints about the strength of the cases is another valid point -- the handle fell off my Optic 6 last weekend because the molding is *really* thin and narrow -- insufficiently strong to cope with regular stresses and loads.

The Eclipse is also a very *old* physical design. The engine-cut switch can't be operated without taking your fingers off the sticks (great if your gear won't come down and you're on final approach so need to cut the motor to do a gear-up landing). There are no finger-operated sliders for the extra channels so (again) you have to take your fingers off the sticks to adjust flaps or other settings associated with channels 6 or 7 by twiddling knobs that are surrounded by other switches -- making them very hard to use.

From an electronic perspective -- the E7 lacks dual elevator capabilities, won't suport the increasingly common two-servo ailerons on a power model without a 6-channel receiver, won't allow you to adjust the engine trim when using any flight condition other than the default, has limited model-memories, won't show the model name without pressing buttons about four times every time you select a new model, etc, etc.

I have an E7 and an O6 and, while they're fine transmitters, my next one will almost certainly be a Futaba 9C, for all the reasons stated above and more.