I'm wanting to buy my second radio (my first is a basic 4/c). From what I've read it seems a 6 channel computer radio is best as it allows me to fly more than one plane with it. Start with basic trainer plane, move up when skilled enough to a more advanced plane.

Am I correct so far?

What does PPM and PCM mean and what is the difference? Is one preferred over the other?

I have learned a lot just reading all of your posts. This site seems to have alot of helpful and caring people.

Thanks for any advice and have a great day.

most people do it that way,simple answer is the signal is read different,my choice is ppm on glow,pcm on gas. Most prefer ppm because the cost of the receiver is a lot less,and some people don't care for the failsafe on pcm,blonds or brunettes?

Just saw that futaba came out with a 7CAF. It is a 7 CH version of the 9 C radio. That would be a great addition and you wouldn't need a new radio for many many years. The price was good on it and they will be in later this month from the looks of it. I would go that way over just about any radio out there unless you can swing the 9C. They rock!

PCM is good for safety, but it is more expensive. I fly it on just about everything, but most guys don't want to pay the price for it. I like the fail safe and also if I am flying and someone else turns on the same freq, which has happend a few times, I never notice it. The radio handles it better. PPM usually rolls on its back and goes straight in when that happens. I have had it happen a few times and my plane never noticed. Payed for itself many times over.

You have to ask yourself how far you want to go with the hobby. A six channel computer radio is a good choice for the majority of 'sport' flyers. By sport i mean those that fly for fun. Jet jocks, aerobatic champions or heli flyers may want more, but a basic six channel computerised set is a good step up from the 4 channel setup.

The majority of computer sets (if not all) will have memories for different model settings. A set which you can type in a name or identification will make life a lot easier. I don't know about the new ones, but the earlier Futaba Field Force 6 sets only allocated a number to each memory and I was forever forgetting what number was which plane!

Another advantage of computer radios is that they will make set up easier, allowing the servo direction and throw to be adjusted electronically. Although a good initial mechanical setting is also essential. Mixing between functions is also fundamental to their operation, such as automatically putting rudder inputs in when you move the ailerons.

They also allow more complex model types to be flown, Such as V-tail, Deltas, Flying wings etc.

This is obviously only an example of their ability. I'm sure you know most of it already. Modern sets are capable of a huge range of functions.

PPM is Pulse Position Modulation and PCM is Pulse Code Modulation. PPM is cheaper. PCM incorporates a fail safe function whereby if the signal to the model is lost (interference) then a pre-programmed event will occur. Usually for a sport model it is set to hold all the servos last position except the throttle which is automatically brought to idle. You can set each servo to either hold a position or revert to a set point. (As an example model jets are often programmed to lower the undercarriage, deploy the airbrake, bring the throttle to idle and hold all other servo positions.) This function may allow you to recover your model but at the very least should stop it flying away. I think PCM is also slightly more interference resistant, although modern PPM dual conversion receivers are pretty good!.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask more if you need more help.