I got a "generic" transmitter with me first aircraft-What is the next step- Is Futaba better than airtronics-or are they all the same? I want a 6 channel- should I get a computer radio or not?

Man did you open a can of worms. Everybody has personal favorites. I would recomend buying the one that most of your flying buddies use. This way if you have a problem help is close by. Other than that there are several good radios from the companies you mentioned.

Computer vs. reg 6 channel. Most of the time you don't need the computer. The big plus would be exponetial. On a 3-D type plane EXPO is a must. If that's not what your into buy a good non computer 6 channel and go. Give us a price range and I would gladly suggest a few from each company.

David

Like David said.

JR, Futaba, Hitec, Airtronics, Polk, Multiplex the list goes on. Lots of good systems, and lots of people who prefer one vs another, but you'll generally be happy with any of them.

The biggest advantage for a computer radio is that most (if not all) of them store multiple model configurations. So you can use the same transmitter on multiple different airplanes. Some guys like this, some guys see it as another way of crashing. How many models and what other features are available, varies widely, of course. So it becomes a lot like shopping for a car, do you prefer american or import, etc etc?

What is the next step?... Hnmm... what is the capability of the radio you have? How many channels of control. what type of servo connections does it have? (maybe there's something that can use the same servos when you upgrade... maybe not. can't know without info.)

There is no real difference in capabilities of one brand vs another... one may have a btter pitch curve programming setup for Heli guys... another might have a better set of pre-programmed mixes for the guy flying Pattern or for 3D fixed wing or for gliders... That's just cmputer programming.

All 4 ch and up FM or PCM systems will have essentially the same range based on the transmitter. (the RF decks are virtually identical now... FCC limits max power output... there's your range limit.)

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Where do you want to go with your modeling? Then we can point you at the better choices for that purpose. If you plan on doing a B-36 with 6 gasolne engines and 4 turbines... you need the best 9 to 12 channel system money can buy. If you don't think you'll ever go beyind flying the Four Star 40... any 4 channel to 6 channel radio will do just fine. (no sense spending $1000 on a radio to control a $150 ARF...)

My advice is to buy more that what you think you might need. My second radio was a 6 channel computer unit and I thought it would be all I ever needed. As I learned more about the hobby, I realized that it was not going to be enough to do what I wanted to do. Now, I have a 9 channel system. So, if you think a 6 channel will do it, buy a 9 channel. If you think a 9 will cover it, go for a 12 channel. As far as brand & model goes as everyone else has said, it's a matter of preference.

Once you have a system, the next thing you should do is look at flight packs. Mini servos are wonderful for all kinds of things. Buy a couple receivers and a couple battery packs and a good field charger. Obviously you don't need to buy it all at once, but having extra flight packs means you don't have to move your radio back and forth between planes. Plus if you buy a variety of servos, the possibility that you'll have the "just right" servo for any given application increases.

Yep... never too many servos or RX's... I'm up to 3 RX's for my 6DA (which is not a computer radio...) and 4 for my Super-7 (which is an ancient computer radio... but has been regularly serviced. Its about 15 yrs old now.) Most of my recievers are the standard 7 channel. one 8 channel PCM, one GWS micro. about 30 standard size servos... 2 HS-81, 4 assorted micro servos.

But I've been accumulating these things for years... and yes, I do occasionally do have one plane RTF for each RX.

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When buying a "flite pack" compare the price to a 4 ch system. Often the system is cheaper. (just order it on the same channel... and turn the TX into a buddy box for the club. and you still save money.) You can special order a system an get the servos you want.... and still get a system deal discount (making the TX and charger free...)

A computer radio is worth the money. The ability to mix channels and to change the servo end points and throws is invaluble when seting up a model. You also can fly many models with one transmitter. Less things to lug to the flying field or forget at home. As for brands get whatever your instructor has. That way you can use the buddy box set up. I wish you all the best.

Hey FH Huber, what you mean ancient Super7. I have 2 that you could never pry from my cold dead pinkies LOL. They are really wonderful radio's . I love mine. Wish I had another one.

Mark Shuman

What imean by ancient... its 15 years old. Thats ancient in the world of computer radios.

You also would darn near need to shoot me to get mine.

BTW... Radio South thinks its a good TX... well worth the efforts needed to repair and keep it functional. It has those nice non-computer type trims... that visibly show you that the linkages need to be changed when you land. (full trim is close to five turns on the clevice on my Tiger 60's elevator)