Hello,

I'm currently building my Top Flite P-51 Gold Edition, and am in need of a new radio set. I'm looking at the Futaba 7CAP 7 channel radio. (This would be a big upgrade over my current Futaba 4 channel Attack.

Does anyone have any comments/experience with the Futaba 7CAP 7 channel transmitter (w/ digital servos)?


Thanks much!

Joe

The Futaba 7CAP is a excellent radio IMO. Its kinda hard to program at first but once you get the hang of it, there are tons of features. Also, if this is a radio you are gonna have for a while, you might want to consider the [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGAF5**&P=ML]7CHP[/link]. Its identical to the 7CAP but there is also heli programing, and they are the same price.

Hope this helps

I started using one last year with the S3004s. Great radio. It was one of the best RC buys I have ever made.

One of my best RC buys too. I think the 7cap is a breeze to program. I love the dial feature. The radio has all kinds of fun features. I'm very happy with mine.

I've been using the 7CAP for about 6 mo. I am very happy with it and I feel like it will be a long time before I need a 9
chan radio. I also like the programming interface.
If I have any complaint, it's that the JR radio's I have handled seem to be a bit more "solid", or better constructed.

I also have a 7cap and I really like it. Keep the manual around. The radio is loaded with features and you cant remember them all. And to tell ya the truth, I really don't think there is anything wrong with any newer radio. I would only have to say that get as many channels as you can afford cause you will always be one short. That is what all the experienced fellas told me at the field.

Does the 7CHP have a ratcheting throttle stick?

I am also planning to get the 7C I am gonna get the cheap one though. What is the difference ebtween Not being PCM? Thanks
Chad

Rubberduck,

The 7CHP has the smooth throttle. I picked one up a while back, and I never intend to fly helis. I must say, I really like the smooth throttle... but... of course everybody will have their preference. The only other mechanical difference in the two models is the CHP has the three position switch on the left side, and the trainer switch on the right side- which is opposite of the CAP

My first computer radio... and I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

-Pat-

can you get the 7c with micro things?

Wrig0335,
When you say 'smooth throttle' do you mean that the throttle stick doesn't 'click' into place?


joe

also,

what's the truth about digital servos and pcm? If I go with the Futaba 7ch, is it really worth it to upgrade to PCM and digital servos?

Joe

The Futaba 7CA (airplane) and 7CH (heli) have identical software. The only difference is that the heli transmitter has a non-ratcheted throttle stick, and the toggle switches are moved around to suit the majority of heli fliers. Both transmitters, though, have the same airplane and heli programming functions. The model type, airplane or heli, deterines the default type when the memory's reset or upon initial power-up.

I have another ques regarding this radio. I noticed that the PCM version comes with (4) digital S3151 servos. I'd need an additional 3 servos to complete my build. Tower Hobbies doesn't have any S3151's in stock, and wont have them until late june. Is it possible for me to purchase the 7cap with (4) digital servos, and then purchase (3) "standard non-digital S3004" servos? Can I safely mix the standard servos with the digital servos on the same system?

Thanks

The S3004 servos are single BB digital servos but they have slightly different preformance.

Here are the specs from TH for the S3004:

And the S3151

So as I see it, as long as you use the servos in pairs (same servo for both ailerons or pull-pull), it should be fine.

Hope this helps.

Put one of the S3004's on the throttle and the the other 2 where they are not mechanically interconnected.

Thanks for the info so far. Bruce88123, that was my next question. Here's where I'm going to need servos:

Throttle
Right Flap
Left Flap
Airleron
Retracts
Elevator
Rudder/Tailwheel

I have four S3151 digitals, and I guess I'll purchase 3 S3004's. Where should I use the S3004's?

Also, I just want to make sure that I'll still have the same benefits of PCM, even though I'm mixing the s3004's with the s3151's.

Thanks,
Joe

4 flap servos? Can't you do 1 and then wire then together as one? I would use s3004 on flaps and rudder

Chad, where does he say anything about 4 flap servos?

I am assuming that you are using 1 servo for each surface.
S3004 on throttle and rudder/tail wheel.
Will retracts work with a standard servo or will they need a special retract 180 degree servo or a high torque? If a standard servo will work, use a S3004 there.

BTW- There are other places to buy servos than Tower you know.

bruce88123,

I didn't think about the retracts! This is my first time using retracts, and they might need a special servo. I'm using the Century Jet pneumatic retracts for my TF p-51 mustang. Does anyone know if I'll need a special servo, or can I go with a standard servo?

Thanks,
Joe

Just wanted to add that they're pneumatic retracts, not mechanical. Would I still need a high torque servo or a specialized servo?

If they are just controlling an air valve any std servo will be fine including an S3004.