I have a Futaba 6EXA system, and just so I have the info for my next plane, is it possible to get a receiver from another manufacturer (namely Hitec), and use it with the Futaba transmitter? I looked at some of the receivers from Futaba, and the ones in the flight pack are 7 channel, and expensive. I really only need 5 channels maximum. Is this possible? Thanks in advance.

I have that radio and actually use 3 different receivers. As long as the receiver can phase shift to match Futaba there are several options out there. One receiver even has a dip switch to select for Futaba. I'll get the MFG info to you tonight when I get home if someone else doesn't post it.

Yes.

Check ServoCity.com or HobbyHorse.com. Or others of your favorite hobby suppliers. You'll find flight packs for Futaba/Hitec. JR and Airtronics won't work, though HiTec makes receivers which work with JR/Airtronics.

Tower's house brand receivers are also compatible with your Futaba transmitter.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

Not all receivers are compatible with any transmitter. Some are positive shift, some are negative shift. Hitec makes both. Be sure to get the correct one for Futaba.

If I need a receiver for a new plane I like the Hobbico Command receivers. They are 7 channel, full range around $50.00 at TH and the crystal is included in that price. You have to be careful if you start getting into the recievers that only handle 3 channels. Some of these are built for park flyers and don't have very good range. [8D]

I've got the 6EXA. I know what you mean about the flight pack prices, they are a bit high. I actually a better price on my second flight pack by buying a complete 4NL system while it was on sale. Gave me a second wall wart, transmitter battery, and a buddy box for teaching new pilots.

I've got two of each of the following receivers: Futaba R127 (one came with the 6EXA, the other with the 4NL), GWS (can't remember the exact model, bought while I was in Singapore), and Hitec Electron 6 (bought NIB from eBay). All of the receivers work well.

As has been mentioned, be careful when buying some of the light weight receivers. It's not just the 3 channel ones, GWS has 8 channel receivers with limited range. Some of them have limited range 600-1000 feet. This is ok for park fliers, but for anything larger, look for a 1-2 mile range. Also be sure to get dual conversion rather than single conversion.

One more thing if this is your first venture into multiple planes on a single transmitter. Work out a foolproof system for ensuring that you have the correct plane setting on the transmitter before flying.

I've got a numbered piece of foam rubber on the prop of each plane. Before I start the plane I remove the foam rubber and attach it to the flag at the end of the transmitter antenna. At this time, I set the appropriate number on the transmitter. The foam stays on the antenna until I decide to fly another plane, at which time I put the foam back on the prop, get the foam piece from the next plane, switch the transmitter setting, etc. If I need to change the transmitter setting, perhaps to an unused number while I'm getting a new plane ready, the foam is removed from the transmitter and put back on the prop of the appropriate plane. I think this is a simple, low tech solution to keep me from trying to fly the plane with the wrong settings on the transmitter.

I make it a habit to check the setting before each flying session. I also do a quick check for proper movement of every control surface just before taxiing out to take off (every time, not just on the first flight).

Another good choice is the FMA rcvrs. They shift automatically. Earlier ones dip switches for choosing high or low. Fred Marks does good work

I have used quite a few Hitec recievers with my Futaba equipment. Nary a problem and everything works fine. I like them. Go ahead you will be pleased. As others have suggested just be sure to specify for Futaba when you order it.

Mark Shuman

I'll also recommend the FMA units, many choices and; if you want the minimum of 4 or 5 channels, its hard to beat the M5. Five channels and small enough for the park flyer yet full range and excellent selectivity good enough for the quarter scale crowd. Will also stand more abuse than many others.

The inexpensive Hitec "Supreme" Rx is shift selectable, & it works flawlessly with the Futaba 6EXA.

The reason I use the Hobbico Command and suggested it is that it is a full range 7 channel Futaba clone at 1/2 the price and includes the crystal in that price. Except for the sticker on the front, you can't tell that it doesn't say Futaba on it. The Hitecs and the FMA M5 are about the same price but to get the crystal you have to add another $12.00 for that. Since Xdeath is looking for the best value, this is it.[8D]

Futaba and HiTec systems are "negative shift" and are compatible with each other either way. Jr and Airtronics are "positive shift".

Yes, you can use Hitec receivers with your 6EXA.

Just to clarify, not ALL HiTec receivers are Futaba compatible. Many (most?) of their receivers are available with either Futaba or JR/Airtronics shift. If buying, be sure to get the correct version, or choose one that is shift selectable.

if you are going to use the hitec receiver. you must use a hitec crystal a futaba crystal will not work in the receiver.