Originally posted by MikeL
Christopher, that's just plain bad info. I regularly hook up my old non-computer Vanguard 4 to my RD6000, and have no problems what so ever. There was no complicated set up, and it takes all of 15 seconds to connect the cable between the two on a slow day. The one thing I did check was reversing, but you've got to do that anyway. What systems have you had such problems with? Perhaps we can help.
Mike,
I own or have access to several Vanguards, a Skysport, a Tower 4, a Laser, and to Futaba and Tower trainer boxes. I also have an old gutted KRAFT Sport Series with leads and alligator clips that can be jumpered to the RF deck on just about anything. I fly with an RD6000.
Plugging in the cord is one thing, and easy. Matching throws, travel volume, trims, and neutrals so that the model reacts identically to both transmitters is entirely another.
When the beginner shows up with his computer radio and he has used the computer to adjust ATV, T-cut, differential, subtrims... PRECISELY the features you guys are saying are so great for beginners, JUST HOW do you set up your non-computer slave boxto match it?
The answer is you CANNOT, at least not in 15 seconds, which means that as an instructor, YOU have to take the time to zero out his set up, and then mechanically adjust all of his linkages so that the two radios match.
The Vanguard ONLY addresses the RD6000's RF deck, it's stick inputs are not filtered through the computer in any way, and this is true of Futaba and Hitec as well. The mere fact that you can plug the buddy cord in and flip the reversing switches in a few seconds does not make them compatible.
On a cost benefit analysis, the 4 channel is the clear winner, and on a practical analysis, the benefit of having gear that will quickly and easily match the buddy box gear that MOST clubs and Instructors own is incalculable.