Would it be better to start out with a computerized radio even though I am a beginner so I can use it for future planes.
I was going to buy a JR Quattro because that is a good radio, but I am wondering if I should step up and get a JR XF421EX or XP6102.
________________________
Flyn' High, Real High

It's totally up to your pocketbook. If you can afford the better radio without sacrificing food and shelter, got for it. But I would caution against getting too much too soon. You need to learn how to fly, and you don't need to spend half your time learning to program.

So if money permits, get an entry-level computer radio.

There is a thread in the clubhouse about this right now. A flight pack (all the electronics of the plane like receiver, battery, servos etc) cost almost exactly the same as an entry 4 channel radio with flight pack (Hitec Laser 4, etc). A computerized radio doesnt help you much right now with the trainer but once you advance past your trainer you will want a new plane anyway and then start to use the features of the computerized radio.

So why not by the entry level radio and then for your next plane and buy the computerized radio on the same channel and you will be able to fly your trainer and your new plane with the computer radio.

Money wise you come out the same and with a more basic radio you dont have to worry about extra switches and such that can be confusing at first.

If you can afford it buy something like the JR6102. If you buy a 4 channel radio now and decide you want more channels later you will have to spend more money and realise that you could have spent that money on anther plane or engine or something else you want.

Another thing you can do is if you belong to a club, ask if anyone has an old radio for sale or goto a auction. I have seen decent 4 channel radios at auctions sell for less than $50.

Hitec makes very good 4, 5 and 6 channel computer radios. I have the flash 5 and have been very happy with it.

I started with the Hitech Eclipse 7 and have been very happy with it. It is very simple to operate and will keep you happy when you get into programing. The factory service is just great too.
Dick

I started with JR 421EX, the bottom of the line computer programmable JR radio. After finishing with my trainer, I bought the 6102 JR radio. Very nice and versatile. Now the 421 is a buddy box/back up!

If money's tight, buy a basic 4 channel radio. Later, when you know you are serious about the hobby you can buy a computer radio on the same frequency and use the stuff from the first radio as a second flight pack. In some cases, you can even use the transmitter battery pack in the new radio.

If money is not a problem, buy a basic computer radio. This will get you through several planes, and possibly a lifetime. Even on a 4 channel trainer, a computer radio will offer several advantages such as electronic trims, end point adjustments, dual and exponential rates, and throttle shutoff (a handy little switch that kills the engine).

If money's no object, buy the latest 9 channel wiz-bang setup you can find. This way you can impress everyone at the field while flying your 4 channel trainer

A lot depends on how involved you plan to be in the hobby.
You are looking at airplans now, are you intersted in sailplanes, Helicopters, or other aircraft types?
If you are going to grow in the hobby or your interest is high, then I would go with a good computer transmitter and not worry about the flight pack.

What Do u mean by flight pack, Do you mean a pack that comes with a trainer plane, motor, and radio all in one package?
I just do not want to radio that will stress me out over learning to program it instead of concentrating on flying....is the XP6102 good for beginners?
_________________
Flyn' High, Real High

StoneDeaf,

Flight packs are the receiver, crystal, battery switch harness and servos

For electrics simetimes a speed controller is subistuted for one othe the servos.

Go find out what radio brands are most popular and which channel(s) are the least crowded at the club you plan on flying at It will greatly help in the long run.

BTW my experience has been that starting out with the a cheap for 4 ch radio and trading up when your ready doesn't cost any more then buying a more expensive radio and an extra flight park. And you get a "spare transmitter" to boot.