I run Futuba 3004's in my ultrastar with JR XP8103 , are the digital servo's a lot better :? whats the big gain in them ?

Digital servo return to center better, they are usually more powerful and in most cases give better response and improve the overall feel of the plane in the air

the down sides are mainly cost and battery power. The cost is more and the flight battery pack will be used up a little quicker.

hmmmm geez there just isnt a good way to turn these days without spending more and more and more $$$ ...hmmmm what to do

A bigger bank account would be a good start J/K. Actually there are some pretty good servos that are none digital out there. Futaba, Jr and Hitech all make great none digital ones with the expensive being JR and Futaba, at least that's how I see it. Personally I use Hitech digitals and non digitals and have not even had a hiccup.

I know, it really does bite, but as has happened to me this hobby has turned into an addiction and I must have the newest and greatest toys or I'll feel left out. Don't let this happen to you as there is no cure and I am glad there isn't one

I dont mean to insult anyones intelligence, but can you REALLY tell the difference between a digital servo and a standard servo?
Just curious if they are really worth the extra $$ for the casual sport flyer.

very good point. Digitals really shine in the 3D and 1/4 scale and larger planes, but non digitals are just fine for everyday sport flying

I've been waiting for someone to show up at the field with 8611's or similar in an Avistar or other trainer and be bragging about how much better it flies. The sad thing is some folks will beleave him.

There is a point where digitals are a better deal, but I have not decided in my own mind where that point is.

Ed M.

thanks for clearing that up , saves me $ now

CitatioN10 before you go off and buy the standard servos, you should check out servocity.com. They have a special on the Futaba s3151. Buy one get one free. They come out to $20 a piece that a way. Thats the same price as a s3001. Its a good deal and a good way to check out digital servos without breaking the bank.

A 3151 isn't anything more than a 148 with a digital amplifier. There's there's 1 inch ounce more torque and they are .02 faster so your not going to get much of a trial with digital servo's with that. I wouldn't use them in any application where you wouldn't use a 148 or a 3001.

Right, it is a standard digital servo. But for the price it is a good deal bc they cost about the same as standard nondigital servos. I was giving him an alternative to the s3004.

I have a set and really like them (they came with my 7c). Can I tell a huge difference with them, no. But I think that has to do more with the poorly built plane that they are installed in for the time being. I cant wait to get them on a plane that will benefit from better centering, etc.

If you are a good pilot, you can tell the difference. The centering, even on those that are regular servos with a digital amp, is excellent. I test fly many new airplanes every year so I get to fly a lot of different servos and you can't compare standards with digitals. The centering precision is hard to believe until you fly a plane with large control surfaces and have it roll slightly when it should stay level, then you correct and it rolls the other way.

The other thing is holding power. I have some pretty powerful standard servos, but for holding the rudder in knife edge on a heavy plane, you can't beat digital.

Some people are going to fly standard stuff their whole lives and some are going to live with 4 channel, low end transmitters. They are going to enjoy the hobby just as much. My recommendation has always been to buy the best equipment you can afford. I believe you will enjoy the hobby that much more. I would start with one on rudder first, then buy 2 for ailerons.

But Ed, do you think you can tell much difference at all on a trainer or sport plane like the Avistar that have such small control surfaces?

Ed M.

I agree on a 3D helicopter or bigger aerobatic plane, sure big difference and worth the money.

On a trainer or 40 size, I think it would be a waste of money and battery drain. For those of you that don't know, digital servo's have a higher current draw, even at idle, than standard or even hi torque analogs.

I'm not saying they are bad. They surely have thier place. I also agree with the buy the best you can afford, it saves in the long run from buying twice. But I wouldn't worry about it for slow flyers, mild aerobatics etc.

Well i guess right now i better keep my money in my pocket , from what you guys say i shouldnt see any diffrence with my little 40 ultrastick , I really appricate the advice because without you guys here i would have already gotten them and would be upset ;..


again thanks a lot . !!