NOOB with electric flight planes needs HELP bigtime. I'm a retired professional pilot/engineer( fixed wing and rotary wing ). My problem is I'm disabled, live in a rural area of Ontario, Canada and have no resources to support me when it comes to RC electrics. I have 2 planes and 3 choppers for which I have a separate radio for each.$$$$. I want to start using 1 radio with multiple rx's. Currently have a 4 ch programmable Walkera, 8ch prog Walkera, 6 ch Tactic TTX600. I don't know a thing ( honestly ) about the electric part of RC flying. Can anyone tell me about using 1 radio with multiple Rx'. Do all components have to match i.e. Futaba Tx with Futaba RX, Tactic with Tactic,etc. Really, Iam totally lost with the electric part of flying and I don't want to continue buying RTF. Any words whatsoever about the electrics of rc flying would be appreciated. Nothing will be too dumb for me to hear but it will all be very appreciated. Lost in the wilderness would describe me!!
Thanks to all that help!
Chopper Charlie

Hi, welcome to RCU. I'm kinda noob , but went thru similar questions. Only difference is that I wanted to buy RTF or at least TXR or ARF. Anyways you are correct in that only Tactic will work with Tactic and only Futaba will work with Futaba. I'm not sure about the Walkera or who may make it. It MAY be the same as something else , maybe not.

If you like cheap stuff and trust your choppers and plane to cheap chinese radios then you may be interested in HobbyKing's radio equipment. I had the same trouble with wanting to use 1 TX with many models and ONE cheap way to do it was to use Turnigy 9x TX and cheap HK rx on many of mine. For your Tactic RX perhaps the anylink module would work with your favorite TX?

Well that's the start of an answer anyways , there are many more experts with much more experience than me. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11022810

Thanks Guver. My Walkera TX is a Walkera WK-2801 PRO 8ch, 8 memory radio which came with one of my choppers. It's about a $200 TX and RX's are available from Hong Kong.. Problem for me is I want to buy at least 2 more planes in a hurry, they must have ailerons and flaps because my flying spot is tight. I need to resolve TX/RX issues before I buy and have to start all over with TX/RX's.
Anyone have recommendations for a once and for all TX/RX system?
Thanks for any and all help.

Well, if you're in a hurry, Hong Kong will not be your friend! Bite the bullet and buy a good domestic sourced TX with Rx's to go with it.

It sounds like your favorite TX is the Walkera right now and it might be ok for 8 models, right? A few cheap RX from China perhaps?

I'm sure that SOMEONE knows who makes that TX A little googling and it seems that they are on thier own?

No, this Walkera is not my favourite at all; just the only one which is programmable. The reason I'm asking questions is because I want to stop buying garbage, stop paying for RTF,  and get into one good TX. If the Walkera is an unknown commodity then I'll move on to something good or should I say better. The advice i need is what is a good minimum 8 ch, multiple memory radio which will work with the already models I have which are;
FZ Super Cub, FZ Cessna Corvalis. The  other 2 planes I will be buying will definitely be 5 or 6 channels for sure. I need ailerons and flaps.
Overall, the whole point of this is to have a good quality radio which will work with as many planes as possible. I understand that a Futaba TX won't work with all models for example. Does this go for other radios as well? Simply put, what TX will work with most models or does the TX limit the models  a pilot can have?
Thanks to all
C.C.

The brands must match between TX and RX in any case. It sounds like you don't want to take the route I took. Post #4 is best advise from Levram1 I think. Pick one of the biggies.

ps. If you have a couple of Tactic rx in the FZ planes then when purchasing a TX you may be interested in buying one that works with the anylink so it'll fly those Tactics without buying new RX for them. http://www.tx-ready.com/anylink-chart.html

I have a Spektrum DX-8 and I love it!

To both Guver and Levram, thanks for your help. Guver, since I already have a Tactic TTX 600 TX and 2 extra RX's as well as the 2 that are now in the planes I have, my immediate problem is solved to fly what i have. The one downside of theAnylink is the 1000 ft range, so I would prefer to keep the status quo for whatI currently have, however, I still need to plan the future. So, not havingany problem to fly what Inow own, I want to get theTX that will best serve me in the future. I'm sure everyone has their own ideason what radio is best but I am open to suggestions for a new programmable, 8 or more ch. radio. i have no clue about the Futaba, Spectrum, etc.. All ideas welcome. I have heard that all radios have their own inherent setbacks, it's just a matter of the best overall for a reasonable price. I just don't want to buy another TX that is like my Walkera!!
C.C.

OK. Look at Futaba, Spektrum and Airtronics. They are all great TX's. Airtronics might be the best bang for your buck I don't know what the extent of their rx's are though.

To all thanks for the help so far. Pls understand that my only resource for the learning curve is this forum so I ask for your patience and understanding.
I now understand that the TX and RX must be the same. I'm still lost on one issue though. As an example, lets say i have the Spectrum suggested by Levram, can I then buy any model plane that comes with all the electronics, except RX, and expect the electronics to interface alright. Do I have to worry about ESC compatibility, servos, etc. burning out or just not working because the TX/RX model isn't compatible.
Cheers
CC

A better way to ask I think! If, for example, I have a Spectrum DX-8 TX/RX do all the electronics in the plane, i.e the ESC, the servos, etc all have to be Spectrum made or compatible with Spectrum?
CC

No, only the RX needs to be.

Thanks eddieC , I should've said Module and RX must match brands. Kinda, but not always.

Guys, thanks for all your help!! At 67 years old and more than 5000 hrs. of Test Pilot time I thought I knew it all; then came electric R/C planes and the rest of the world had to come to my help. I do live in the best hunting/ fishing world. As for anything else I feel lost in the wilderness! Actually, I guess I am!!
Thanks again
C.C.

So, when are you going to invite us all up for that great walleye fishing?

For a straightforward suggestion, which it sounds like that's what you really want, I'll recommend two systems as the best value for your money depending on which one is currently running a free extra receiver special at the time you're ready to buy. The Airtronics RDS8000 is an 8 channel radio with 10 model memories that also has the typical helicopter programming. A big plus of that radio is that the throttle stick is smooth instead of ratcheted. That makes heli flying easier without having to remove the throttle ratchet like you do on some other radios. The other is the Hitec Optic 6. It's a 6 channel unit with pretty much the same features as the Airtronics. Both also have a "big brother" unit that all of your receivers will still work with if you ever decide you need more features. 6 channel receivers are about $60 each for both, which puts them at the lower end of the market for price. And as started above, it doesn't matter at all which servos, speed controllers or motors you choose.

I started with a DX6i, and needed more channels so got a Futaba 8 FGS when Futaba included a second RX. Then Spektrum had a deal on the DX8 with 2 extra RX, so I got one of those too.

Here is one thing to note, not all Futaba RX are compatible with the 8 FGS, but all Spektrum RX (DSM2 DSMX) are compatible with the DX8. The DX8 is also a smoother radio to fly with. Between the two radios I prefer the DX8 over the Futaba, but you can't beat the features on the Futaba.  Also to note all BNF planes/helis will work with the DX8.

Spektrum RX are less expensive than Futaba as well, and the DX8 has telemetry, which is good because you can keep track of the battery voltages.    There are also the Orange RX that cost about $20 that will work with the Spektrums too, and they work pretty good.

Not necessarily.

Look into buying a transmitter that uses modules, possibly a good used one. Modules plug into the back, and you can use any 72 Mhz receiver as well as 2.4 Ghz. I use a Futaba 8 UHP and 9 CHPS transmitters, and have plug-in modules for: 72Mhz, selectable for any frequency; 2.4Ghz Futaba FASST; and 2.4 Ghz Spektrum. I can fly my 72 Mhz planes on ANY frequency without swapping crystals or receivers, or upgrading them to 2.4, plus fly newer 2.4 Ghz equipment as needed. This is great for the new, small BNF stuff like the Night Vapor plane and MsR heli I have. All use just one transmitter and can be swapped in a few seconds. You can buy a Futaba 2.4Ghz module for a JR radio, also.

Like anything, computer radios mean a learning curve, but it's straightforward and logical. Each radio has 8-12 model memories, each model can be uniquely named so you can keep them separate.

Module-based radios give the most flexibility IMO, and are on the way out. Manufacturers are providing more proprietary radios, thus limiting your choices. I doubt I'll be buying another transmitter in at least 10 years, what I have gives me amazing flexibility.

Another option is the new 'AnyLink' by Tactic, which can convert almost any Futaba, Hitec, JR or Spektrum transmitter to 2.4Ghz for the Tx-R planes that are coming out. I haven't used this, only saw the ads in hobby magazines.

There are so many choices out there. No one radio will do it all, so you do have to choose based on what you're most likely to use. Get a local mentor, see what your hobby shops have, and keep asking on this and other forums.

Without all the help from you guys I think I would be declaring a MAYDAY!! I'm having fun getting back to flying even though its R/C. It certainly has been difficult without all the help from all of you. The electrical part of r/c is not a subject that the common guy would know anything about and that certainly is my case. Thanks for the advice, I am leaning towards your recommendation. I have done a lot of research today and u seem to be right on the mark.
Thanks
CC

Problem for me is that i live in the middle of nowhere, with no flying clubs, no suppliers, no local based knowledge. Most importantly, I am seriously disabled from 3 broken backs, 6 operations which has left me with great difficulty accessing flying spots. I use an electric scooter so i have to stay close to tarmac. Acquiring any R/C equipment is ,for me, strictly cross border mail order. Getting the wrong stuff or defective stuff can be a nightmare to solve. Needless to say, mail order doesn't provide much in the way of advice. So, my basic goal is to use the" keep it simple stupid"rule. Get a good basic setup and stick with it.
Thanks for the input and I'lllet everyone know what happens. This forum has beena goldmine for me.

U got it right about walleye! I live beside a large lake, am surrounded by hundreds of lakes, live 20 miles from Algonquin Park, well known for its great fishing. I also have 2 new boats and new motors, both on trailers, 2 canoes and enough gear for my own tournament!!
Had to throw some walleye away because it got too old with freezer burn. Won't happen again though! Problem for me is that chronic pain from my back is ruining my ability to function well physically. 6 operations have kind of screwed me up a lot.
As a retired professional pilot/engineer/Cdn Diplomat, I was lucky enough to afford all the toys. Sadly, money doesn't buy good health, so, every day is a new one for me.
If I ever feel that a fishing trip is feasable i'll let u know. I was Secretary of Supply to the U.S. D.O.D and spent a lot of time with the embassy in Wash., D.C.. Often feel more American than Canadian so I wud enjoy a fish or two with you guys.
Cheers
CC

There are other players, but really the Futaba/Spektrum thing is like the Ford/Chevy debate into perpetuity. Either one will do the job admirably.

It's a little dated, but I still like the Futaba 7C TX coupled with the 617FS (long range) or 6106HFC (medium) or 6106HF (short) RXs. These can be had at Tower Hobbies for a reasonable price (in order of cost) and are usually listed in used classifieds too for those on a budget. I never had a single radio issue in the handful of years I've had mine for helis or planks.

It's really best to stay with the same make for the Tx and Rx as well as frequecy and protocol within that make. The 7C has 10 heli and/or plane model memories that you "bind" exclusively to each rx....like the code to a garage door opener if you will.

But generally speaking, most servos, escs and gyros are compatible for all the major radio systems out there.

There are certainly more complex radio systems - but that's more than you need, harder to learn, and is an extra expense as well.

I would then just sell the other radio gear you don't need on the RC Universe or RC Groups classified and take the proceeds.

How to configure your new radio to properly control each heli and plane? That's another issue - as alot of RTF systems are lean on setup info and radio configuration for the model. The easiest being to duplicate the same movements with the new radio as the old. Ha!

$0.02

I sounds to me like a reliable supply is the major factor in getting equipment, given your location. I would pick a mail order house/hobby shop that can supply your needs without regard for brand as long as it is one of the major MFG's. It really is the Ford vs Chevy debate all over again. I don't think any of the equipment is "bad", it's just what you get used to.

good luck on your quest.

Ken