Goran, if you can get a JR Tx with a MODULE instead of a dedicated JR 2.4
this way IF you have problems with Spektrum later on you can switch and not lose the new TX.
Just a heads up

How do the modules work? Is there a module for all of the major brand radios? So if i get a FM JR radio and get a spektrum module and the spektrum stuff eventually fails i can switch to futaba module? I have heard people talking about the modules but have never looked at them so i don't know about them.

Back to your previous question, one of the differences between the fixed wing and heli radios is the throttle stick. On heli radios, the throttle stick does not have the "click" feel, it is smooth from idle to full. There may be other slight differences, but that's one that I know of.

A lot of the radios have both fixed wing and helicopter memories that can be switched in and out of either mode, even if it is a "heli" or "fixed wing" radio.

Your decision to just hold on and wait until you really need to upgrade is a solid decision. Technology changes as do the radios as they release new model radios. When I bought my DX7, it was state of the art. Now, today, there are several that are superior to that radio, but at a substantial cost difference.

" I would only buy Futaba, or Airtronics, or JR, or Spektrum..." are the answers that say nothing about the radio in question. You are doing the right thing by asking questions and making informed decisions.

And as to the modules, well, they are manufacturer specific. You cannot interchange a JR module in a Futaba. The technology is different and proprietary and won't mix.

Best of luck!

CGr.

The main reason I went with Spektrum was because of all the cool Horizon BNF aircraft they have nowadays. Up until buying my DX7, I was a diehard Futaba guy. Had it not been for that T-28, micro P-51, and some Blade Helis, I probably would've gone with Futaba, but only because I was more familiar with them. What I've found though is after buying the radio and some BNF aircraft, that I'm drifting away from anything I would've put a Futaba 2.4G in, ie glow powered AMA field stuff. Most of my glow models have sit idle for over 2 years now. However, I did use the Spektrum stuff with a .40 trainer once and it worked flawlessly. Another benefit of Spektrum is that AR6400 brick, that is if you like building your own micro stuff. Good for the occasional Guillows or Air Hog conversion as well.

With all do respect i have to disagree. There are (other) brand name companies that make modules for JR module based TX other than JR/Spektrum. If i'm not mistaken, there's even a Futaba module for JR Tx. Maybe someone can elaborate.
Cheers,
V.
edit: check this link
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=566018

Well, if that's the case, then I stand corrected.

I don't own one so I am just going on what I believe I have read previously, and what makes sense to me based on the differences in the manufacturers of the 2.4 GHz technology.

CGr.

In addition to the lack of a throttle ratchet, the heli radios sometimes have a few different switches and some different menus. I know a couple guys who fly planes but accidentally picked up a heli radio at the LHS (kid behind the counter didn't know any better). They will fly a plane so that isn't an issue but it can get a little confusing trying to help someone with a heli version of a particular radio. More of an annoyance than anything though.

CGr,

There really is not "compatibility" between brands. Some manufacturers do make RF modules that will plug into a different brand transmitter. In all cases, the RF link and receiver compatibility is tied to the module and that is brand specific. The transmitter is only sending instructions to move servos.

You can buy a Spektrum brand DSM2 module to fit a Futaba transmitter. It will only communicate with Spektrum and JR DSM2 receivers.

Hitec has a 2.4 ghz module that fits Futaba transmitters and may already have the one that fits JR module based transmitters. It will only communicate with Hitec Optima receivers.

Hobbico has a (Futaba FASST) module that fits THE PCM10, PCM10S, PCM10SX, PCM10SXII, 10X, 8103, 9103 and 9303 JR transmitters. It will only communicate with Futaba FASST receivers.

The XPS equipment in Vasek's link; plus the modules from Assan, Corona, etc may fit in various transmitters but they are still proprietary systems that only work with their own receivers.

Goran, the future is promising for module based Tx! here's pic of a Hitec module for JR Tx to come out with matter of weeks>see the thread bellow POST#9
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9518544/tm.htm
I have Spektrum now and had no problems so far. But if i lose more than one plane due to "unexplained" circumstances (or even an explained one that i don't like) i can just replace the module with the Hitec one and be done with it.
Hope this helps,
V.

Hi.
Just a quick note to add to this thread.

I use a Spectrum module in my JR3810ADT (8103) and no problems so far. Using Spektrum Rx's like the AR500 and 6200. Also, I have tried the "Orange" 6 channel DSM2 compatible Rx's from Hobby King and have had no trouble. Having said that, one of my clubmates has an "Orange 6 that refused to re-bind upon it's second switch on and continues to refuse to rebind.

The majority of my club are on Spectrum or JR 2.4GHz, even a couple of total die-hard Futaba nuts. Mostly Spektrum DX7 but with some Futaba 6 channel 2.4 Tx's.

You will see several aftermarket modules, like the Jeti system that is installed in a Multiplex Royal Evo 9, he never has a problem.

Go with what works for you. In the dim and distant past here in the UK we went from 27mhz to 35mhz. Guys were blaming the change for crashes. Now, we have 2.4GHz the same guys, and their sons and daughters are blaming the change. Do you know what... since I went 2.4GHz I have had only one crash, and that was PILOT ERROR!! there, I've said it.

By the way, if any members of P.A.R.C.S. read this forum, then HI THERE!! I enjoyed being a member from 1988 - 1992 when I lived and worked in NY.

Best regards

BG.

OP - don't let random reports of Spektrum issues scare you off your current system. I've been using an AR500 and AR6200 with my DX6i and haven't had one problem. The brown out issue was fixed by Horizon long ago. I'm willing to bet if the actual reason could be confirmed, that 99% of crashes attributed to Spektrum equipment is user error.

You can get your motor here http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=10084 and $60.00 cheaper, I buy mine from Hobby King all the time. 26cc Gas $129.00, etc... Tha ASP's are the same as Magnum, and Sange in Europe. All the same factory...

Our club has had as many crashes to Futaba lockouts than JR/Spektrum, do not believe crap you read in forums I fly Futaba for my choppers and JR for my planks. I have had issues with both but would not hesitate to fly my 37%er with either, both equally as good as each other. I would go as far as to say that 90% of all lockouts are due to user faults but these users are to arrogant to admit fault. I lost a 100ccer to a Futaba receiver but it was my fault, position of the receiver and other issues, never lost one to JR or Spektrum.

Out of the last four crashes at our club, which the pilots thought were lockouts none were actually a lockout. Post mortems showed, one battery failure, one elevator failure, one servo failure and one wing failure.

That statement is soooo 2008, where have you been since then?

spectrum 8 or hitec arora 9 is what ive narrowed my choices to.

Keep in mind that the Aurora 9 is a very nice transmitter with touch programming and receiver feedback telemetry right on the screen, but the RF unit is a plug-in in the rear with its own antenna that plugs in the top of the case where the 72 Mhz FM antenna was. It works great.

thats what i use on my baja, and it never fails me.
however i also have one of those $30 hobbyking 2.4G systems and it also never fails me...

If I didn't have an investment in Futaba receivers, I would take the Aurora because the receivers are cheaper, and watching the planes voltage from the radio screen would have saved at least two planes I've lost in the last 3 years when I foolishly went just for that one extra flight. One loss was sadly my Ultra Sport 40, grrrrr... I learned to be more battery conscious since then.

I just fly sport planes, usually 40 to 60 size, 35% expo, dual rates, flaperon sometimes, and throttle cut. A 6 channel would get the job done and has for many years. If you settled for a cheaper 6 or 7 channel radio, imagine what the difference would give to your hobby. You could get a nice ARF or engine with the change. I can always use another ARF/kit or engine.

For about a year Tower had the Aurora backordered, and I to date have never seen one except on online videos. With slow economic times especially here in Florida, I felt it timely to sell my 10C and my 8FG. I wouldn't recommend either of those radios anymore.

I found a nice 9C was only $100 from the marketplace, couldn't pass it up. Found a TM-7 for $65 a few weeks later on the RCU marketplace also, but 72mhz hasn't given me any trouble to leave it, and $15-20 receiver costs are just a wonderful thing. I picked up 6 PCM 8 channel Futaba receivers for $150. I never see a glitch.

But if money was no object, the reports on the Aurora 9 are good.

Futaba 2.4gHz has a receiver overheating problem?  First I've heard.  What voltage were you running it at?  I have four 2.4 gHz Futaba receivers, three on 4.8v and one on 6.0v and I haven't noticed a heat problem.

There's no rule that says you have to stay with only one brand of radio equipment. Why wonder which you'd like better when you can simply own both and make up your own mind. If you discover that you really, really like one way more than the other, you can simply sell your second favorite radio system.

Buy the 10C and see how you like it! Murphy's law dictates that, once you find the perfect radio and get it all set up exactly how you'd like it, you will inevitably spill a Coke on it and short it out. Transmitters aren't like love, herpes, or diamonds; they come and go as time marches forward.

Been Flying Futaba 25 years I have Had all the Futaba Flavors 4,6,7,8,9,& 10channel from the AM 4ch to 10xcap 72mhz (Favorite ) to top of the line 9Z (I still cant program it!)...When the Question came up 2.4 Ghz I researched all , reliability Problems , Ease of Programming , Internet Feedback ... the winner Looking at All mentioned + Price It wasnt even close ...the Aurora 9 Has the best reviews... Best Support and Is most liked, (So far) No buyers remorse ... I bought the first one In my club ,and after 50 or so flights (my 38% QQ somenzini -big plane ) I am still happy ... The smallest reciever 6ch $50 at tower Has battery Telemetry ...So it is pretty inexpensive to upgrade the ( older & smaller ) planes .... Nachman

I have had virtually all brands as well, and the Hitec Aurora 9 stands "head and shoulders" above the rest. Best bang for the buck, and perhaps the best bang to date in technology. But what do I know, I just work for NASA...

http://www.wired.com/science/space/m...sa_50_mistakes

Not true, you can run a Futuba GV1 with only 6 channels, it will come on and off in relation to a throttle setting, I'm thinking of getting one myself for that very reason.
Admitingly you lose the ability to alter head speed from the TX if you want a few different head speeds for differing styles of flight, but the point that you don't NEED a 7th channel stands!

Hey Charlie,
to my knowledge the overheating was caused by Rx exposed to sun heat (let's say you had a black canopy and the rx was behind that AND you lived in Texas and it was scorching hot...) that was back then, i believe the problem has been remedied since. I would always protect my plane from the sun anyway. Just a heads up