I'm looking at getting a new radio, either the Futaba 7c or a JR 6102. The Jr having 6 channels of course and the 7c having 7 channels. My question is this, the plane I am currently building is a Great Planes Ju-87 Stuka. This plane uses a total of 7 servos, since I'm kinda a newbie and I don't know much about the function of the channels and how they relate to the servos I want to know if the 6 channel radio would be able to control all of the 7 servos in my plane. Will it allow me to deploy the flaps and contol all of my other surfaces as well, or would I have to have a 7 channel radio for all of that. There is no retractable landing gear or anything like that, it appeared that in the review they flew it with a 6 channel radio and I know the JR 6102 is a great radio for the money and all the bells and whistles I'd probably ever want. I will be getting a trainer to fly first so don't worry I wont be learning on the warbird. I just want to make sure I am able to control everything with the radio that I purchase. The thing that makes me wonder about getting the JR is the 7c has that extra channel and the 7c comes with digital servos for only about 20 bucks more. I don't really even have much of an idea about the difference between the servo types and the benifits/drawbacks but I do understand digital control would probably be smoother and more reliable.

Each channel equate to a specific independent function. Multiple servos can be used to perform a single function.

example

2 servos connected to each airleron and plugged via a Y-harness to a single channel on the reciever will all a 4 channel or greater radio to utilize 5 servos but only for channels

The only exception I've seen to the above answer are cases where a modeler takes one channel or Function like full upelevator and mechinically couples an other to it like full up elevator actives a bomb drop or full throtle activates a smoke system I've never down it allways been lucky enough to have available channels on my radios

Either radio is a good buy and both will control 7 servos.

From my understanding digital servo's have better resolution. They are smoother and return to center better than non-digital types. They also I'm told have greater holding power. They also use more current. I would say that in your trainer or Stuka the difference will be neglageable. But when you put together something aerobatic the digitals would come in handy. I fly Futaba and would recomend the 7 channel. There is nothing wrong with JR. I feel th futaba is a better bargain based on what you posted. When you get into scale the more channels available the better. If scale is where you are headed then the 7C is the way to go.

Mark Shuman

I appreciate all of your experience and knowledge on this topic. The R/C community can't be beat for cohesion and free flow of information. Thank you all again. It's quite an investment getting into this hobby, but I know I will love it. I've always wanted to fly, and this will help me get my passionate aviation "fix" before I can afford my real pilots liscense.

Good, glafond, that you enjoy this forum. I like it very much also, and although I seem like I have made many posts, I am actually still a newbie!