ORIGINAL: sdg666
To answer AEAJR:
1) How many channels do you need?
Ailerons: I would need 2
Elevator: I would need 2
Rudder: I would need 2
Flaps: I would need 2
Gear - I would need 1
Smoke - No
Lights - No
Bomb drop - No
DR and Expo on all surfaces? I need it on every stick : ailerons, rudder, elevator
Flight conditions? - Perhaps related to 3D or Pattern?
3) Possible future interests : I want to try glider, no chopper. Althought I'm more of an aerobatic pilot (not pattern but would like to try it) I like 3D
4) Frequency : I want only 2.4 I currently use 2 receiver so it's not a big deal to swap all my plane to 2.4
So,
Based on your comments, you need a 9 channel radio, minimum with at least 8 of them being proportional.
You will need dual elevator and I would assume the ability to trim them while in flight ( check this one to be sure) Not sure if you need ailevators where the elevator halves follow the ailerons. Typically for tight aerobatics and some jets.
3 surface Expo
And your focus is 2.4 GHz.
So a 7 or 8 channel radio is not going to work for you.
Hitec Aurora - I don't know the details of the HItec Aurora so I can't venture an assessment but it at least has enough channels. Whether they are all proportional I don't know. Useful info has been posted earlier in the discussion. There is no real field experience to go against.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXXCZ4&P=ML
JR X9303 looks like a good fit. This one is based on the 9303 which has years of service and is very popular in many markets.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=JRP2915
Futaba 10C would likely be a fit. I don't know this one personally but I am assumign it is a super set of my 9C, so it should get the job done.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUEW6&P=ML
Airtronics SD10G would likely be a fit but again, go back to earlier posts. This one is brand new, so not much in useful field experience.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXXMY3&P=7
Since I prefer radios that have some field time on them I would probably focus on the x9303 or the 10C. Both of these also have sailplane software so you will be all set for that too.
Used options
JR X9303
Futaba 10C
JR 9303 with 2.4 module
JR 10X with 2.4 module
I am sure there are others
You can probably find used resales on these too. People are always upgrading.
JR 9303 would work well.