Take a look at these two. Do they fit into you budget?

How do the Hitec Optic 6 and the Futaba 7C compare?

Comparison Chart ( provided by Hitec )
http://hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic%206...on%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/OPTIC.htm
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index....at=281&id=4451
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option,
Change
channel module, shift select, switch assignability, flight modes, 2 user
programmable mixes, and a variety of standard mixes.

Futaba 7C
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight
Modes,
3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes.


The Optic goes for about $130 and the 7C for about $150. That is not a big
difference, so I don't think price should be the deciding factor here. For
15% the Futaba gives you an extra channel and 2 more model memories. Worth
it? Up to you.

Which to buy? Unless you know of some specific need, both are great. Here
are
the major differences that I see.

HITEC OPTIC 6

8 model memories - plenty for some, not enough for others

Select shift - fly virtually any receiver - pos or neg shift - nice if you
are
buying used equipment.

You can change the channel on the Optic 6 by changing the channel module or
you can buy it with the Spectra channel synthesizer so you can fly any
channel. This could be valuable if you fly in contests or at a crowded
field
where there are a bunch of guys on your channel. Just change to an unused
channel and change the crystal in your receiver. Big value for some, not for
others. The Spectra channel synth module does pull more power, so battery
runs down faster. You might want to buy a second battery.

Hitec is coming out with a 2.4 GHz module for the Optic 6
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm

Programming menus are rich but a bit cryptic in my opinion - you will get
used
to it.

6 channels - you can never have too many but 6 is enough for most people.
R/E/F/A/A/Throttle or Tow release would be 6, for example. If you wanted
landing gear too, you would have to put both ailerons on one channel. How
many are good enough for you?

Good mix of features


FUTABA 7C

10 model memories - 2 more than Optic- nice when you get to your 9th and
10th
flyable plane. How many is enough for you?

Negative shift only - Fly Futaba, Hitec, GWS, Berg, FMA and other neg shift
receivers - lots of choices, but you can't fly pos shift receivers. If you
are buying all new equipment, it doesn't matter. If you buy used receivers,
then just make sure they are negative shift.

Fixed Channel - This is not an issue for most people, but some people like
to
be able to change the channel. This would be important if you have a lot
of
people on your channel at your field, or if you are flying contests where
they
only allow one person per channel. Optic can change channel with the right
options; 7C can't. Do you care?

Programming - I think the Futaba menus and process are a bit more friendly
than the Hitec, but you get used to either one.

7 channels - You can't have too many. Some day you may find you want that
7th
channel. R/E/F/A/A/Throttle/Gear or tow release = 7 On the Optic you would
have to make some kind of compromise since you don't have 7 channels.
Could
come in handy some day and offers greater flexibility. I have a plane I am
preparing that needs 8 so neither would be enough.

SUMMARY

Both are good radios with lots of features at a moderate price. These are
the
big chunky differences that I see as important.

Note that neither radio supports a 4 servo wing set-up, so you typically
have
to have both flaps on one channel. Normally this is not an issue, but if
you
get into advanced aerobatics, patterns, 3D or more advanced sailplane
set-ups
a 4 servo wing capability becomes more valuable.

The lowest priced radio I know of that has some 4 servo wing capabilities is
the Hitec Eclipse 7, at about $180, then the Futaba 9C, which has a richer 4
wing servo capability, at about $280.

If you don't have a preference between the Optic 6 and the 7C, then see what
kind of radios are being flown by your club or your friends. By having a
similar radio to your friends, you can get help with set-up more easily. If
they are mostly Futaba, then go Futaba. If mostly Hitec, then go Hitec. If
you don't mind going it alone, then this doesn't matter.

What does your local hobby store sell. If he gives you a good price, then
buy
there if you can get local support.

Both have good service and good reputations.

No bad choice here.

What you need to know about receivers:
http://www.*********.com/forums/radi...ers-12151.html