Hello,

I wanted to get some epert advice before I invest in my 2nd remote! I think Ill buy a seagull 300S ARF and a new remote as well.

I have a trainer with the JR quattro, It seems fine to learn on but not a remote I would want to swap out of my trainer. If I buy a JR remote with the same frequency would I be able to control my traner as well as my new plane with one remote?

Any opinions on what the best remote for the price out now is? I would like to have some of the new gadgets. I would like to stay in the $250-$275 range.


Can you even specify what frequnecy you whnt when you buy a new remote?

I see in the magazines they have for $30 more you can get digital servos, WHats the advantage to digital? Is it worth the extra money?

I guess I know very little about flight packs, crystals, and transmitters.... and need some advice!

Your opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated!

THanks for all the help,

Michael

Yes, if you get a transmitter (tech. term for what you want) on the same frequency as your current plane, you'll be able to control it. And you can get a transmitter on any channel you'd like, as long as it's for an airplane. (Channels are classified as ground or aircraft, can't run one on the other)

I know JR has a brand new 6 channel computer radio, all the gizmo's you'll be able to handle for a while, but I don't know the price off the top of my head. But I'll guess it's going to be under $300, well under. Futaba's basic 6 channel radio is under $300 too, but it dosen't look to have quite as many features as the JR does. HiTech makes a nice 6 channel, as does Airtronics, but if you're going to use JR stuff I'd stick with a JR transmitter. They're all good.

As far as digital servos, I wouldn't bother right now. When you need them you'll know it.


Surf the manufacturer's sites for radios, most of them (at least Futaba and Airtronics that I know if) have the manuals online. Although it's not the same as having the transmiter right in front of you, reading the manual can give you a good idea of the radio's capabilities, and how easy it is going to be to program it.

Andy

If you are going to stay with JR stuff, I'd go with an 8103. Yes, if you get the same frequency as the reciever in your trainer, you can control it a well as any other model you might get on that freq. The 8103 is very versatile, and you can usually find a good deal on a whole flight pack with reciever and servos. You might look at the new 6102 as well, but I think the 8103 would grow with you better. I've got the JR XP662, and while it is a great radio, I wish I had gone ahead and spent the extra cash for the 8103. Just my opinions though!

I am the same. I have the JR662 (the 6103 was not out when I made my purchase 3 yrs ago) and the 8103. It is a great combination. I have done a little training, and use them in combo with the 662 being the buddy box. With the JR receivers, I have been able to put the same plane on both radios using different RX crystals, unless they are over 6 channels like my US 60. This way, if I ever have to send one in for repairs (well not if, I have already done that) you will have a compatible spare you can use. As this thread progresses, you will get those who will recommend Futaba, or other radios. Personally, I just happened to pick JR. I could have just as easily chosen Futaba. (It's the old Ford vs. Chevy debate.)

Hopefully no one will try to persuade you to switch brands at this point. The major brands are all about equal as far as quality goes, so stick with JR if you're happy with it.

I fly Futaba, and have had Hitec, but won't ever try to convince anyone that either of them is better than JR. I WOULD try to convince a newcomer to stay away from Airtronics for now, simply because they're stuff has never been compatible with anyone else's. I believe they're changing that (finally).

Good luck with whatever you buy.
Dennis-

Thanks for the advice everyone,

Does anyone have the JR 6103? And how do they like it? How much did it cost? I thought It might be a good choice for next step.

I plan to stay with Planes Helicopters do nothing for me.....

Later,

Michael

I think you should consider a Multiplex radio at this point...they are much more user freindly, and totally unlimited as to capability. Price is pretty good too, depending on wat radio (Royal Evo 9 Non synth with a RX is about 400 bux). This radio blows away even the 9Z, and you wont ever need a better radio...you havent poisened your mind with the Asian radio programming philosiphy, so nothing to un learn.. do a search to see what you can find.

Micheal,

I have been using JR for over 10 years. Never have any problem.

There is no XP6103. Hookedonrc is talking about XP6102. Only two types of programmings; Air and Heli, no glider programming. It is a very nice radio and it is in your price range.

I have used digital servos for the past few years. I will not use another analog servo again. They are very inexpensive, $5-$10 more than analog servo. Digital servos give more percision control, better resolution, and better holding power. DS811s or DS537s are perfect for 40 to 60 size sport planes.

I hope this help. SC

if i were you i would stick with the JR if thats what you are used to. but the only remote i am getting to use is the one to switch channels on the t.v. wish these winds would die down

One thing to be aware of is that Futuba and Hitec transmitters ARE NOT compatible with JR recievers, unless one or the other (Rx or Tx) is shift selectable. One uses positive (JR) shift, the other, negative shift. Rather than get into all the mumbo-jumbo of it all, I strongly suggest you stay with the brand you are using now.
If you want to be able to use it on more than one model, be sure it is a computer model, with the ability to save settings for multiple models. Otherwise, you end up having to reset/re-trim each time you change aircraft. I learned this the hard way...items such as this are not always thought of when asking club members for advise on radios, etc. I don't blame them, though, when an inexperienced newbie comes along, alot of answers to questions need to be kept simple. One can only ingest and retain a certain amount of info at any one time.
I have a VERY strong suggestion for ALL newbies, and even 2nd plane candidates. During the week, if you think of a question, WRITE IT DOWN! Obviously, this keeps you from forgetting a question you had earlier in the week (this has happened to me). When you do visit the field/club meeting, have questions, paper, and pencil in hand to take notes. Don't be embarrassed to do so. The club I joined was very impressed with my willingness to learn and has given me all the support I have asked for.
I am lucky, the club president not only owns the land/field, but also has a small LHS within 100 yards of the field, and the vice president is retired, so I can call him if I would like to use the field (I am not yet ready to fly without buddy box). To give credit, ALL members have been as helpful as possible with my slow progress (due to health reasons).

Always remember, "The only dumb question is the one you don't ask!"

dano13

sclouis2 - thanks, I forgot to re-read my post, yes it is the 6102 not 6103. Thanks for clarifying that.

I got a JR XP662 as my second radio. I am very happy with it. So will you if you get it. Danny, at the JR Trasmitters and Radios forum does an excellent job here at RC. Visit that forum and ask him whatever question you might have. If I were you, I would stick to JR. Not only are they excellent quality Radios but you can use your Quattro as a trainer box.
Luis