I just received a Futaba TM-8 2.4 Ghz FASST module to review. I'm using it to upgrade my Futaba 9TCAP radio. I'm glad that they made this available as it extends the life of a good radio. The TM-8 Module lets you control either 7 or 8 channel FASST receivers.

I'm not saying anything bad about the Spektrum technology because I also own a JR X9303, but in this instance I would recommend to stay with the Futaba module for your radio.

Whether you upgrade your radio or not is up to you to decide. These modules were designed in order to prolong the life of some of the higher end radios that Futaba produced. For those that spent $500 and up on a radio aren't going to be in a hurry to get rid of it. So many will buy the modules in order to extend the life of their radio. Another factor to consider is that they want to stay with a radio that they are familiar with. Using an upgrade module allows them to keep the radio they know the programming on.

In your case. If you are looking at a 7 or 8 channel radio I would probably say that you would be better served by saving your money and purchasing a true 2.4 Ghz radio. The currently radio you have is not going to quit working tomorrow, so there's probably no huge hurry to upgrade it. In fact, as more pilots move to 2.4 Ghz the 72 Mhz channels are quickly becoming less crowded. Many pilots that have stayed on 72 Mhz are finding that they are almost as free to fly as those that moved up to 2.4 ghz. When you are ready there are lots of good deals on 2.4 Ghz radios. If you watch the sales on Tower there are lots of opportunities to get a Futaba on sale. If you aren't brand specific you can get a fantastic deal on an Airtronics RDS 8000 8 channel 2.4 Ghz radio (I own one of these two and it's probably my favorite radio). You can pick a RDS 8000 up for $229, and that comes with 2 eight channel receivers. When it comes time to buy more receivers the Airtronics 8 channel receivers cost $80, whereas the Futaba 8 channels cost ~$139. So it might be something to look at. If you are interested I did a review of this radio for RCU, which you can find here: [link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=995[/link]

Hope this helps

Ken