Thanks for all the answers to my "Getting ready to buy a radio" thread. I finally decided on a Futuba 7CAF, channel 58 (was recommended by an avid club member to get this channel). It comes with the S3004 ball bearing servos. I would assume that these will be great for my LT-40.

Also, my LT-40 won't be done for another month, but I went ahead and bought the radio now so that I can hook it up to my computer and fly FMS with it. Been using a joystick until now. What cable do I need to do this?

Thanks again for your help in helping me make my decision.

Enjoy your radio,

If I would recommend a channel to someone new at my field, I would recommend all the other 59 channels except mine

To my luck at our club there is only one guy at the same channel with me and he does not come frequently.

I did a decent amount of research as I always do and settled on this one. However, after doing more the 7CAP with PCM? seems to be better.....I did some searching and it seems to be a hot topic.

Can I convert my 7CAF to PCM later if/when I decide to upgrade. I bought this radio because I wanted to have lots of growth potential. 7 channels should be plenty for me. I have yet to solo....it'll give me years of use I am sure. Can I convert later?

Your TX is PPM/PCM, the PCM package only comes with the PCM receiver the TX is same you just change mode to PCM from menu.

So you are good, you don't need the PCM for trainer and it costs 2x 3x more too for the RX.

From the Futaba 7C FAQ...

How do I change this radio from FM to PCM or vice versa?

This radio comes with the ability to transmit in either FM or PCM modulation. Simply change the modulation type in the parameters (PARA) menu, and turn the transmitter off and back on to transmit in the new modulation. Of course, the receiver must be the proper modulation to operate. A receiver cannot be converted from FM to PCM or back

Hope you enjoy that radio byris.

I just bought the JR X-378 and love it! I have another Futaba radio and just love the feel of the JR compared to the Futaba.

Besides JR manufactures in Japan and Futaba manufactures in China doesn't it?

Zimbo

Huh?

I also bought a &caf about 2 hours ago after spending 2 weeks formulating a huge wish list to get started because i had a Firebird XL since i was 12 and it was the biggest piece of S**t ever. Just Checking the 7caf comes with the crystals... right

The 7 CAF transmits on PPM or PCM (both are FM), and yes you change it in the "Parameters" portion of the menu.

As mentioned, PCM receivers run about twice as much as PPM, and I've never seen a need for running PCM.
Dennis-

Congrats on getting a new radio! I love my 7c, for the price it can't be beat.
Having this new radio will open many doors of RC for you.

No need for PCM.

Glad you dont fly at my field with that attitude.

No need for PCM until you hit the Pattern/3D arena. I chose a 9CAF as my first radio on an LT 40,with S3004's in it; and the club members all concurred I wont need an upgrade for 10 years. I did however get a 6 EXA for my wife. (yep, shes gettin the bug too!) Gotta love a woman who is into RC too.

I just need to know but why do pattern and 3D pilots need PCM?