Hello, I'm just wondering if trainer cords on transmitters can be used between brands. I am thinking of buying a Futaba 6EXA 6-Channel FM, but I heard that the trainer port is of a new design and will not work with older radios. Is this true? Would a JR XP6102 6 Channel FM Radio be compatible with all the major brands (especially Futaba because most of the flyers at my field use Futaba)?

On a slighty different note, which radio I mentioned above would you consider to be better/ more worth the money?

Thanks for your time.

Hitec & Futaba trainer cords are generally interchangeable. The newer radios have rectangular plugs that are not compatible with older round-plug cables, but there are adapter cables availabe that fix that mismatch problem.

If most of the radio equipment at your field is Futaba, then you should stay with Futaba, so that advice, parts & support are readily available to you. As for which is better -- both types work just fine.

JR cannot be connected to Futaba with commercially available cords. There are web sites that describe building your on cables to connect various brands, but I'd just buy compatible equipment.

Futaba cord round on one end, square on the other. Hitec also uses the round plug
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBEK8&P=0

The Hitec Optic 6 shows 'in stock' at www.horizonhobby.com and it's supposed to have more features than the 6EXA. It can be connected to a Futaba via a 'standard' cord.

If you really like the JR, and can spend a little extra, get a JR buddy box and cord to go with it and you'll have everything you need all the time.

Thanks alot guys, both responses were really helpful!