So I'm beginning to compile a list of parts ill need for my first aircraft and was wondering what brand/type of transmitters are the best. Also looking ahead, i need a transmitter that will be able to control multiple functions andabye programmable. Basically I want a transmitter that will be future proof.

Thanks

Tomorrow proof? well maybe but future proof is if I have learned anything in this hobby/sport pretty much an unattainable goal.

First you need to stop thinking in just terms of buying a transmitter, you are buying a system and at a minimum will include matching type receiver(s). Servos for most part can be pretty much any brand. With your stated goals I would definitely stick with the five majors period and think of each in terms of a system.

To most of my folks I recommend Hitec or Futaba and with your goals I would bypass the entry level systems from either and start with in the case of Hitec's system I would go with the midrange Eclipse 7 Pro and if Futaba is your preference I would go with no less than the 7C.

Either are not the cheapest out there but you never mentioned cost and asked for the best and I feel these listed above meet that goal.

John

Thanks for your input, its exactly what I was looking for, just top brands. D o you think a 9C would be too much? Also I I figure since the transmitter is the most important part of the system I shouldn't skimp out on it

Any of the major brands are going to do just fine. Futaba, JR, Airtronics, Hitec, Spektrum are all good brands and you will be just fine with them.

Ken

No the 9C is definitely not to much and it was a very popular radio many have started with it. Problem is and anyone please correct me If I am wrong but its been around a long time and I think it has been discontinued. I would not recommend buying any radio that is discontinued.

Almost all the new folks at our field usually go with Hitec or Futaba and I usually fly with those using Hitec and another does so with the Futaba users. Although my preferance is Hitec I must say most of the Futaba users here start with the 7c which is a very, very capable unit in terms of features. I believe the 9C predates the 7C by some time and the 7C Is more capable in some ways.

John

If you might be flying with others, it might be a good idea to select something mainstream. That way you can get programming hints or use a buddy box system to train. Even if you are skilled, it sometimes helps to buddy box with a better pilot when you first try out a less stable aircraft.

if you are joining a club then see what sort of radio they use there. Help will be easier to come by when you need it.
I would use a 2.4 set up and go for a minimum of an 8 channel transmitter. Mostly because the programming tends to be quite a step up from that point.

All the manufacturers turn out good radios. My preference is Airtronics. I have an RDS-8000 which is a good 8 ch 2.4 radio. I now use a SD-10G for my main and use the RDS as a back-up. If I were to go to another radio I would most likely either use a Futaba 8FG super or a 12SG. Having said all that a trip to the local field to find what everyone uses is a good idea. I would pick the radio that felt right to me then I would look for my own way of buddy boxing it so that I would own my set up and would not have to be locked into waiting for a certain person to show up. These are just my thoughts.

I don't believe anyone has actually said it yet, but the radio system is the one area in radio control that you will be doing yourself a favor to buy the very best system you can possibly afford. Airframes will come and go, some simple and cheap, some more sophisticated and more costly, but the one thing that remains constant is the transmitter in your hands. Decide what brand you prefer, and all the major brands are producing fine radios, and then determine the very best you can afford and then save some more money and buy better. Otherwise, if you stay in this hobby, you will end up with a cabinet full of useless radios and at that point, it will have been cheaper to buy one really good radio.

I love my 18MZ, but even I know it's not "future-proof". Nothing is.

Radio selection is really about knowing what your planes are. If you plan to stick with fairly simple sport and aerobatic planes for the next 4-5 years, then a 6-8 channel computerized radio will serve you well. Buying anything more is just a waste of money IMO. If you plan to get serious about IMAC competition or want to fly a complicated scale model with flaps, retracts, landing lights, etc, then you'll need more channels and more sophisticated programming for that project. So what are your RC goals for the foreseeable future?

In my opinion, your right to not "skimp out" as it indeed the bit that connects you to the aircraft. RcKen and others are right that any of the mainstream brands will help you (I use a specktrum DX8 myself now as my first set was a Dx6i), although there are things like the FrSky Taranis (IF you could find someone with on ex shelf) that are opening up a LOT of options out there.
As far as functionality goes, I'd look for a system with telemetry as getting real time information from your aircraft on things like battery voltage, engine temp etc makes a LOT of sense. I'd also see IF you could find something that can have it's firmware upgraded via the net as that will help with future proofing.
With regards to stand alone value for money right now (excluding the Taranis) the Futuba 14ch radio is a hard act to beat (http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/fut...4sg/index.html). It has telmetry, the ability to run all 3 of Futuba's 2.4 protocols, 3 axis gyro (heli) settings inbuilt etc etc - and is like only US$600 at tower hobbies. all for a bullet proof system that I cannot see ANY newbie outgrowing for many years, if at all.
That said, as others have eluded to, find out what the main brand is at a club you'd like to fly at. I didn't, and it's a pain in the bum when trying to find SOMEONE to work with on a new aircraft for maidens etc as I can't buddybox or use their settings off similar models etc (most folk at my local club use Futuba and fly mode 1 like most people here in NZ, and I don't, and it has cost me re time and progression over the years that is for sure).
Either way, if I was you I'd take into account the advice above, and just get the best system you can afford (all the top brands are really good), as no-one here will EVER state that they could not fly any aircraft as they had too many channels, and the same cannot be said in reverse!

I just looked at the prices and fetures of the Futaba 7ch and the Spektrum 7ch radios, if I was on the market for a new radio I would go with the Futaba, buying 8 channels or more will cost you a lot more.


All the top brand radios are good ( I have used them all in the past ) I was looking for a new radio about 6 months ago and end up buying a Futaba 10CAP from the for sale here on RCU ( got an excellent deal for it ) my previous radio was a Futaba 9CAP that I used for about 12 years without any problems, the 10CAP was the most logical next step to get since I know the sofeware well and I love the big screen, I also prefer the round dial instead of the turning barrel ( I also have a Spektrum 6iX )

My recomendation, if in the next 2 years you are going to fly sport airplanes only then get a 7 ch but if you think you want to fly more sofisticated airplanes then get a radio with 8 or more channels.

I hope this helps.

Good luck.

I still fly with a 9-C. I got it when it first came out. Before that I had the Hitec 7, it was a good radio but to date the closest radio I have found that is almost as easy to program as the 9-C is the JR 9303 or 9305. I haven't gotten to use/program the Hitec 9 but John knows all about them. I have a Hitec Module for my old 9-C that converts it to 2.4 so I am able to use it with 72 or 2.4. It's a great radio and I would hate to part with mine but there are some really nice radios on the market today. I just tell my students to buy the best they can afford. At my local fields the number one radio in use it the JR or Spektrum so there is a lot of help with programing problems if needed. You can't go wrong with the big three, JR, HItec of Futaba. JR/Spektrum did have a lot of problems when they first went to 2.4 but those problems seem to have been fixed.

Another factor to consider is the cost of subsequent receivers as your fleet grows. Fasst and Specktrum receivers cost a fortune for what they are (IMO), which is why I like the idea of being able to use the cheaper S-FHSS 2.4gig system that the 14 ch futuba radio I list above offers (on top of it's ability to also use the other two 2.4 FASSTest and FASST receiver options ex Futuba should you want more confidence on expensive planes).
Hitec look to be charging a very reasonable amount for their receivers, which for me is a good thing.

The thing I am getting at is that once you have got a transmitter, it yours and that's that, you don't need to buy a new one for every new plane - receivers are another matter, and are thus should be a future costing factor to be considered IMO.

Now I use a Specktrum DSMX system, and it's great, I can't complain about it at all - it's been great full stop - reliable, easy to use, secure, easy to get accessories parts etc (excluding the branded receiver pricing, that is never been cheap). I can use 2s LiPo's directly with the right high voltage servos, and it's NEVER failed me, and I'm stoked that I have the telemetry option for my more expensive models.

Would I go that again knowing what I do now? (and the fact most round me DON'T use Specktrum), it's hard to say, but if I'm honest, I odds on would not on that basis (I'd personally go Futuba 14ch re my local external preferences, and the ease it would have made the learning curve for me PERSONALLY).

After all that, weight up your specific situation, go into it without any brand preferences (excluding what the majority of people around you use, that should be a consideration), and look at what your money gets you THEN get the best system you can afford. A Specktrum DX8 or 9, a Hitec 9ch and or a Futuba 14ch system will see you right for many a year to come in my opinion, regardless of what one you go for.

I have flown Futaba for years and would buy a 10Cg if I was in your position. It has airplane, heli and glider modes and should cover any eventuality up to multi engine models with flaps retracts drogue chutes and toffee bombing. About $650.

If suffering from sticker shock a lightly used 9C in 2.4 mode should be findable for about $300 or less.

The manual is a little dense in places [ MAJOR UNDERSTATEMENT ] BUT "Futaba 9C, The Users Guide" by AnnMarie Cross who used to work for Hobbico many years ago explains things better. She also wrote the same type manual on the 10C. They may be hard to find but worthwhile.

But other makes are as good.

If you have a local club see what make is most popular and buy that make. That way when trying to program a 4 servo flaperon wing there is a good chance someone at the club will be able to help.

No the 9C is definitely not to much and it was a very popular radio many have started with it. Problem is and anyone please correct me If I am wrong but its been around a long time and I think it has been discontinued. I would not recommend buying any radio that is discontinued.

Almost all the new folks at our field usually go with Hitec or Futaba and I usually fly with those using Hitec and another does so with the Futaba users. Although my preferance is Hitec I must say most of the Futaba users here start with the 7c which is a very, very capable unit in terms of features. I believe the 9C predates the 7C by some time and the 7C Is more capable in some ways.

John

Actually, the 7C came out before or at the same time as the 8 and 9C IIRC. The difference is the 7 and 8Cs were reworked into a 2.4 sets while the 9C was replaced by the 10C. I have a 9C with a 75MHz PCM module that has been discontinued along with all PCM receivers. I can still buy a 72MHZ FM and 2.4GHz modules as well as receivers so I'm good to go for several years at this point. Is it future proof? Not hardly as Futaba turned it into an antique with the release of the 2.4GHz 10C system

The 9C is a great Tx (I have one) but it is not as "future proof" as the 8G (also a great Tx I own). The latter I have upgraded the software on twice because it takes a HD card and you can upload new versions (free) off the Futaba website. It also supports the S.bus system and gives you unlimited servo installation options (single USB wire routing) and up to 14 proportional channels. And come as 2.4GHz. I'd recommend it over the 9C . . . though I have converted my 9C to 2.4GHz and it is a trooper that keeps flying without problems.

I fly my foam electrics on a Spektrum DX6i and that has been a good Tx. I added a backlight.

There is 10Acap and a 7 chose Futaba for salenright now here on Rc universe.

Huh????