I have just begun the hobby of R/C aircraft and am having a blast. I purchased a NexStar all inclusive system and it has served me well. Some members at the club are saying I am ready for solo after two sessions. I am not comfortable sharing that position, but appreciate the confidence. I am looking for suggestions on my next radio. The four channel Futaba radio that comes with the kit is very basic and I would like to replace it. I have already bumped my trim levels and needed to look back at my notes to get them relatively close for the next flight.

I would like to get a computer model, 6 channels, and one that utilizes the frequency modules vs. crystals. It is my understanding that with a frequency module I can have multiple frequencies available to me when I come across a conflict where my current frequency is already taken. At this time I do not plan on doing anything fancy where I would need a 7+ channel radio. If I ever get to that point I will re-invest in an appropriate radio at that time (with whatever the latest and greatest features are at that time). The only frequency module radios I seem to find are the 9 channel high end radios, more that I need or care to spend at this time.

Any information is appreciated,

Rob

What your lookin for is a Hitec Eclipse 7 channel. It will do positve and negative shift and, any channel you want from 11 to 60. That means you can use any receiver from JR, Airtronics, Futaba, Hitec, Berg, FMA, etc. I have one but am selling it
due to I need $$$ to fund my Twist/.46 engine purchase. It was on Ebay but someone bought it as auction ended saturday.
On transmitters, don't sell yourself short!!! I have a Futaba 9C that I regularly use. 9 channels and it will store an infinite # of model memorys because it uses a module to store plane info. The 16k memory module holds I think 6 aircraft. You can get up to I think 512k of modules and use as many as you want.

Dave...

I have the Hitec Eclipse (typically $218 including battery and charger). I find it a very good unit as do many other members in our club. We have at least 6 happy users of the Eclipse. If you are just getting started in a second plane, you could even consider the entire package with servos and receiver, not many more bucks.

Don't forget about the receiver. You will either need a synthesized frequency receiver or a bunch of crystals.

Polk's Hobbies Seeker II receiver is fully synthesized and works great. You may also want to look at their Tracker II transmitter. The transmitter is fully synsythesized and 8 channels. It will work with ANY FM receiver (positive and negative shift). The present version does not have a buddy box port. A new version is coming out shortly that has a buddy box port, is a little more "stylish" and slightly smaller than the present transmitter.

The only negatives I have found with the unit are:

Programming, while excellent, IMHO, were a little clumsy compared to a Futaba.

The present "style" is very reminescent of the older "box" style transmitters.

The size is slightly larger than most of the transmitters out there (I like that because I have arge hands) and the weight is a little heavier.

On the plus side the cost for transmitter, receiver, batteries and ONE servo is under $300. There also is a review here on it.

The Hitec Eclipse looks like a good match for me at this time. The Polk's Hobbies unit does not seem as good a match right now as I am not ready to abandon a buddy port any time soon. I plan on utilizing this feature as I try to attempt more advanced flying skills. The amount of memory compared to the Futaba 9C is also not a big issue at this time. When I can afford to have that many planes to store I can afford to upgrade my radio. Our club instructors seem to enjoy teaching fellow members on any item or skill.

A couple more questions:

Will my current Futaba receiver work with the Hitec radio (assuming I have the radio frequency set to my receiver)?

Are there any other synthesized receivers out there? It would be nice to compare pricing and features.

Thanks for the input so far.

Rob

Rob,
The only one that I know of is a Multiplex system. Loads of $$$$ though.

Cheers,

I fly my NexSTAR with a Hitec Elclipse 7 with the Spectra module just fine - all I had to due was reverse the rudder servo (a simple programming task) and it works great.

The Futaba 7C has frequency modules so you can change channels easily. At this time, there is not a synthesized module available, so you need multiple modules for multiple channels.

Hitec will work with futaba rx's. Basically, both are of negative shift. The Eclipse radio will work with any rx no matter if its positive or
negative shift.

Dave...

One caution, if you are using the Hitec with a Futaba (buddy box hookup) be sure to use the Hitec trainer cord, NOT Futaba cord. The Hitec cord is polarized, i.e. you have an end labeled "Master" that needs to be on the unit that is transmitting. I hear you can use a Futaba cord providing that you remove the crystal and battery from the slave unit but can not verify that as fact.

Not true, the 9C has moduales while the 7C has standard crystals.

I thought I had read that it used modules... Looked at the manual online and it definitel does not.

Thanks for all of the input. I will be going to the flying field on Wednesday so I will check to see if anyone is using a Hitec, and what the Buddy box situation is with the club. I know they have Futaba, but am not sure regarding Hitec. I think for my needs right now the Hitec is the way to go. If I progress and get more advanced I can always upgrade. If I start with top of the line equipment right away I might end up in divorce court. The whole I am spending too much money on my R/C addiction thing.

Again, I appreciate all of the input.

Rob