How are Hitec stuff?

Is the Eclipse 7 pretty good?

how are the 425BB servos?

Does the spectra module work well?

What receiver should I get? (Super 8, Electron, etc.)

Which servoes (definitely some 425BBs)

Does Hitec sell gyros?

Personally I'm not a big fan of Hitec radios.

Yub,

You'll be fine using whatever Hitec products you choose. Make sure the servos are rated for your application.

Yes to all the yes/no questions, a PCM Rx for the Rx. question. And personally, I don't like Hitec, but they work.

I have a hi-tec Eclipse with the Spectra and have been very happy with it. Not a big fan of pcm's as I have seen several fatal crashes when they locked up for no good reason. Get the complete radio system (with flight pack) and you'll be fine.

I have several pieces of Hitec gear, and I don't have a single complaint. In fact, I really like the stuff I have

hitec 425's are great standard servos, Ive used tons of them and have never had one go bad or be bad out of box. Since we are in the beginners forum I would strongly recommend you NOT getting the hitec 7 channel radio unless you specifically need the spectra, which I doubt anyone really needs IF they check there clubs frequency board and list. The 7 channel radio has several limitations for a high end radio (crow, double elevator mixing just to name 2) The optic 6 (almost out) is plenty of radio for a beginner. The futaba 6exa is also a good beginner radio with expo, dual rates, etc and wpuld be a good radio up until the point you would be ready to jump to a bigger plane that requires more advanced mixing. For the money the supreme FM RX is probably the best thing available IMO, but most radios you choose will allready have a RX with it. The HItec flash 5 with the 555 RX is also a great beginning computer radio. I had one several years ago and liked it a lot

I have two Hitec Prism 7 channels and various servos. I have no complaints. When I bought the Prisms they were the best bang for the buck.

Smallfly is correct about the limitations of the Hitec 7 channels compared to other radios currently on the market. I think you will like the Hitec line, especially when comparing prices and quality.

I have been using Hitec servos and receivers for a while and like them a lot. I have HS 425BB in a stick with a Super Slim 8 Rx. The servos are just as good if not better than Futaba 3004 (standard BB servo). The HS 425BB have dual BB instead of just top bearing like the 3004 has which make it a little smoother operating. The Futaba 3004 gears are 100% interchangable with the HS 425BB and vice versa because I had to replace some gears once in a 425BB from hanger rash. I have 2 Super Slim 8 Rx in 2 different planes. I am using HS 55's, HS 85MG and HS 425BB. Using a 6.0V will really wake up the servos. My HS 85MG on a 6V has 49 oz of torque which is a little stronger than my HS 425 BB on 4.8, but the HS 85 weigh literally half the weight as the 425BB.

I don't have any experience with Hitec Radios, but they seem to work fine from what I have read.

I have both the Prism and the Eclipse, both with Spectra modules. Very satisfied with both.

I have futaba,jr,airtronics,and polks equipment funny thing is that i keep going back
to my hitec radios and equipment. mike

I can't speak for anything but the servos.....I love the HS425's. I have tons on them and never had a problem.

Yub, Yub:

If you wanna buy a 7 channel radio buy a JR 378 its great value. I just bought one and I love it, besides here in New Zealand the Eclipse was more expensive.
Just my $0.02
Zimbo

I have two Prisms, two Flash 5's and two Focus 3's. I have loads of 425 servos and am using the Super Slim, Electron 6, 555, and the 8 channel Receivers. I also have a load of different micro servos from Hitec and best of all, their service is second to none. They really stand behind their products.

David,
I had a Hitec Flash 5X but sold it. I liked it okay, but prefer Futaba. I've heard many good things about the Eclipse 7, and having the Spectra Module can never be a bad thing. I still use some of Hitec's receivers, and aside from the "Feather", they're all very good. Never tried the 425 servos but have quite a few HS-81's, and some HS-55's, and they've been very reliable.

Why are you asking about the Eclipse? Do you have a chance to buy a used one at a good price, or are you thinking about upgrading radios already?
Dennis-

I too have JR378 and love it. but all my other planes have Hitec 425's servos and they are every bit as good as the JR servos that came with the radio.

Ed

Same reason.... Isn't Hitec also Taiwanese?

I plan on picking them up at a cheap price in China... hence the PLEASE RESPOND BY FRIDAY NIGHT part

Leaving at 8:00 AM Saturday.

Temporary 3-day hiatus from RCU, then I will once again have access to a computer!

For the price, check out the 475bbs...they have the karbonite gears, and 60 oz torque @ 4.8 volts, and at 17.99 they aint bad for a standard servo. (Hitec)

Yub,

Will you be able to buy the radio on a US frequency?

I have a friend who bought an Eclipse but he was really disappointed with it. I am not sure why but when he showed it to me it was in pieces.
It was probably just a dud, with all the thousands they produce there must be some duds.
Just my $0.02
Zimbo

Zimbo, if i can't I'll pay $20 or whatever to get it tuned to that frequency.

i heard of people having 72 mhz radios tuned to 50, 50 mhz radios tuned to 75, etc.

DB: Did Dave Brown, AMA president, say that airlines have banned all radio gear and Nickel Cadmium batteries also? Just kidding, but half serious.

No, but I've heard that it's getting VERY difficult to transport RC planes on planes, like when trying to get to a contest across the country or overseas. []
Dennis-

yea, planes are gonna be tough, but hopefully little things such as radio gear and maybe a Thunder Tiger EB4 S3 aren't going to be that tough.

Too bad EB4 S3 isn't out yet.