Hi guys, i am new to rc flying and had a question. I dont want want to get a RTF because of the radios. I want a radio that i can use on anything i get into as my skill advances. I found the futaba 9CAPS radio for a good price on servocity.com and my birthday is coming up soon. Would i be able to use this kind of radio?
Thanks alot,
rcMitch

Thats one radio you won't have to replace for some time. I bought the 7UAPS Super 7 on advice that I get the best radio I could afford at the time in 1991 it served me well until 2004 when I bought a 9C

While overkill for a beginner, it will definitely work for you far into the future and with several planes as it has multiple model memories. All you will need to buy is the airborne (flight pack) portions for your fleet.

barracudahockey - Still flying my 7UAFS and loving it. Great feel to it.

I have to say that the radio is the best place to spend your money when you are first starting.I have been through about 4 radios.I finally broke down and bought a computer radio and have realised that overkill is better than not enough later on.[8D]

Buy it.

You will not regret getting a 9C. One of the guys I fly with has been in the hobby for only a few months and has already upgraded to a 9C from the 4 channel radio he got with his trainer. My memories of having a half dozen transmitters for my planes does not fall under the category of the "good old days."

Ok, so I'm the oddball in the group. I have a bit of a different opinion on new flyers getting the more advanced computer radios. It has nothing to do with cost, moving the radio to an another plane, or anything else. It has to do with learning to fly. As an instructor I've seen quite a few new pilots, planes, and radios come through our field. I've seen new students sit for hours trying to program computer radios for their trainers with exponential, mixes, etc.... IMHO, this is counter productive to learning to fly. All of those "gadgets" are great AFTER they have learned to fly. But while learning all those things can actually work AGAINST the learning process. If the student relies on the radio for somethings then they never really learn how to fly properly. As I said above, I have nothing against the computer radios for a student if they were to leave all the "gadgets" out. But how many new pilots have the self control to not play with all the knobs and switches?? I know I wouldn't be able to resist.

So for new pilots I would recommend staying the with basic 4/6 channel "no-frills radio", and move to a computer radio when they get their second plane. The can always give/sell that first radio to another new pilot down the road, or use it as a buddy-box later on.

That's my 2¢ worth.

Ken

Another opinion from someone who is just starting out. I started with a 6XAS and have two models programmed into it. I had left my neck strap connected to it one day and the strap caught a knob on my field box and I dropped it. Broke one of the switches off and the right stick is a little sticky around the center. Very annoying. Anyhow, I range checked it and flew with it. I also ordered the 9C, so now the 6XAS can go to Radio South for maintainance and the 6XAS will be my backup.

As far as RCKen's comment about programming, I don't know about the new bread of low end computer radios, but my 6XAS is far more complicated to program than my 9C, at least for what we need to program when starting out. If the new entry level computer radios are anything like the 6XAS, then you will have an easier time with the 9C IMHO.

I guess I just think that when you are starting out, the last thing you want is down time while you build a new plane or wait for a repair to come in the mail. I am all about the redundancy for my addiction Yeah, yeah, that is a good excuse to buy more stuff, hehehe.

My $.02,
Patrick

BTW, I never leave my strap connected to the TX anymore.

I know I haven't messed with them yet. I bought a 9C as my first radio because I knew I'd be sticking with the hobby. About all I have programmed in is a couple of servo reverses and the throttle kill. And we won't even get started on how long it took me to finally figure the throttle kill out . (Actually, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it was hard to program, but for some reason, I never quite got it right at first.)

Hi,
I'm just wondering if there's a neccessity to buy a 9c? What's the consequences that make you consider a 9c? Why not 7c? Please don't get me wrong and I'm not against anyone buying a 9c. In fact if you look at my recent post, I'd too wanted to buy a 9c. But I had people telling me that is it neccessary to buy a 9c? I just wanted to weigh the pro's and con's before investing.
My question is what application ( what type of plane ) is neccessary to use a 9C? Please don't ask me to look into the futaba website pertaining to the application as I have problem understanding the technical term use by them
Regards

I have not used the 7C, so I am not sure how I would like it, but for me, I wanted to know that I would have the most flexiblility down the road. I wanted the tripple position switches. I also like the menu/programming system. Plus I am a geek, so it was just a cooler gadget

Patrick

if you think you'll fly for a long time the 9c is the radio to get if you're not sure and are kinda playing with the hobby to see if you want to go further get a 4 channel

Futaba has just released a 4-channel computer radio, and it's very affordable. Only $149 at Tower Hobbies

[link]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKJD8**&P=0[/link]

In spite of what my last post said, I do understand that some need to get a radio for several model because of the money issue. This could be a low cost starter computer radio. It's got a 4 model memory and should be plenty of radio for the starting pilot, and should be fine well into your 2nd or 3rd model

Hope this helps

Ken

I've been with the hobby for a long time :-) I've yet to need more than 5 channels.

The typical compelling arguments for a high end radio are memory for more models, mixing that's not available on lower end models, or an actual need for more than the basic 4-5 channels. If money is an issue, a basic 4 channel, or the new 4 channel computer model Ken mentioned, can actually go a long way. It's unfortunate, but way too many people try to convince beginners that they should go out and spend $300+ on a radio before they even know if they'll like the hobby.

Quite often it's better for a beginner to go out and buy a basic radio and use it for the first couple planes. If they decide they like the hobby, and can afford it, they can upgrade at that point. Little to no money is lost with this approach because the cost of their first radio was about the same as a flight pack.

Piper_chuck,
I couldn't agree with you more. I've been in the hobby for 10 years and I've never needed more than 6 channels yet. I've got 3 computer radios, but I have a 5 of the "plain jane" basic radios too. In fact, the plane that I fly the most has an Airtronics Vanguard 6 channel radio in it. In case anybody isn't familiar with this radio it is a no-frills basic radio. I bought it at a swap meet for $60, and it was still "New in the box". The sticker on the bottom says that it was manufactured in 1994. This radio has been rock solid and like I said above, it gets more use at the field than my computer radios.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now!!

Ken

My reasons for buying the 9C were:

1. My trainer came with a JR 431 computer radio and it only had two models.

2. The JR radio that I had didn’t have any exponential programming.

3. 3 years ago the 6XA and the 9C radio package were only $100 difference.

4. The 9C offered me more models, more programming options, granted I am still not sure that I need all of them.

5. The 9C has a frequency module that legally allows me to change my frequency. I believe that I can even use the ground 75 MHz frequency.

I have been in the hobby for 4 years.
I own:
( 2 ) Futaba 4 channel radios
( 2 ) Jr 5 channel radios
( 1 ) Futaba 9C

I still have the futaba 4 channels because I use one on a flight SIM., and I keep one in the van to buddy box with.
I still have the JR 5 channels because I still have the trainer planes that they came with. I also use theme as buddy boxes if needed.
I only fly the 9C! I believe that once you try it you will understand why nothing else compares.

My wife has taken a very large interest in the hobby and we are saving up to buy her a 9C as well.

Please understand that I have nothing bad to say about any brand of radio. I personally prefer Futaba transmitters.

I bought the 9C because other friends had the 9C. I enjoy its ease of use and it gives me more options than I will probably ever use.

A few amenities that I like about the 9C:

1. I like the timer option. I can make the timer start when throttle is applied. I can
make an alarm sound at a pre-set time to tell me when I need to land.

2. It allows me to use two separate servos on the wing and have them adjustable independently.

3. Throttle kill is a very big plus for safety and convenience.

4. I can assign rates to virtually any switch I want. I usually assign all servos to one of the triple switches. Insane throw, manufacture high rate, and manufacturer low rate.

5. Exponential allows me to fly planes more relaxed. It allows me to fly very touchy planes without being touchy.

It has made me a better pilot!

Sorry for the long report. I guess my coffee just kicked in!

If your going to do anything more than a trainer you will eventually want dual rates and exponential. This means you will at least need 6EXA, but for a little more you can pick up a 7c, which has timers, more mixes etc... So to answer your question, spending money on a 7c is plenty worth while if you are going to be in the hobby for a while, a 9c is even better, but unless you need the channels or dual elevator servos, you will be fine without it.

I have a 9c, and while I don't need everything it does I found the throttle idle-down and cutout features very handy.

schu

Hi rcMitch, I have been RC modeling for around 25 years. I first bought a standard 4-channel and learned
to fly.......of course computer radios were not around then. I ended up with a bunch of radios that I
accumulated through the years. I now own a Futaba 8U and a 9C and have all my planes on those
two radios. I find it very nice to have everything in 1 (or2) spots and have since divested myself
of all my other radios. In response to RCKen's objection for beginners to use a programmable radio
to learn on.........I agree......beginners should learn the basics without crutches, but you do not have
to use any programming that you do not want. I don't know if I will ever utilize all of the functions
of the 9C but they are there if you want them and you never know what you will be wanting to do
tomorrow. I do not believe there is a more versitile radio around than the 9C. More and more of
the people I fly with are buying them and are very happy with them.
Of course this is just my opinion and everyone has one, but I'd not hesitate to encourage you to buy
a 9C

Very Best Regards,
Andy

If you can afford it, sure! I'm an experienced modeler but new to R/C. For my trainer (Sig LT-40) I bought a Futaba 6XAS computer radio since it was on sale ($219 for the PCM version). Only problem with the PCM was it wasn't compatible with all the FM trainer cords used by our instructors so I wound up buying a R127-DF receiver.

No regrets and the additional features were worth it. Learning curve wasn't bad.

Comments from all of you are fantastic! Guess I need to sleep with a higher pillow tonight and see what I want in the end

If you want the 9c and can afford it and figure it out on your own, go for it, but as an instructor -- don't bring it around for me to figure out for you. I spend my time teaching you to FLY and if we aren't doing that I want the time to fly my own planes. I also have the hard head thought that I'm not interested in spending all our time tuning your plane -- there are to many loffers sitting around giving advice that can help tune as they WON'T teach just *****.
Don't get me wrong - I do all those things when needed but it better be limited as I have a life also. I've been teaching for 25+ years and if there is anything that will turn me off real quick, it's someone that went out and bought that SUPER duper what ever and then wants me to spend my life figguring it out for them. I don't even figure out the remote for my wife, if she wants to use it -- figure it out.
I've seen to many good instructors spend WAY to much time setting up things up for someone, only to have them take it home and PLAY with it and get it all screwed up, then want the instructor to fix it again. ( or crash because they did someting and didn't say anything about it )
You say that's what an instructor is for --- I say BS. They taught me to DRIVE not fix the car or tune the radio.

Now if you want the 9c - go for it, but while you are learning LEAVE it in the BASIC mode.


rc ken -- you thought you had a band stand -- HA !!!!! ENJOY !!! RED

I agree with RCKen in that I feel you should learn to fly without any "help" from your transmitter. There's no need for dual rates, exponential, programmed maneuvers, etc. on a trainer. And if you use these features when you learn, they will be a crutch later on that will impede your progress.

That being said, if you are serious about the hobby, get as much radio as you can afford. The 9CAPS should last you for many years to come. I've been happy with mine so far.

Kerry

I prefer the 9c over the 7c because the programming menu is easier and more intuitive then the 7c. The 7c is a very good radio though but I like the ability to change frequencies in the 9c

I've had the 7C since it came out, it is a great radio. But for a beginner, just get a basic radio for now, and wait until your ability/needs warrant a better radio. At that point, you'll likely find it is worth jumping up all the way to a 9C.
My 7C does all that I need it too, even for my two helis.
For now, just get a regular 4 channel set ($130), and in the future, you can still use all the gear with a better radio, and the transmitter can be used for training others! Getting a Futaba 4 channel radio set is only $10 more than getting a flight pack, so the 4 channel transmitter is cheap and smart way to go.

I'm a little late, but just wanted to say, depending on your field, you may be doing yourself and your instructor a favor, and also if you can afford it, if buy the RTF package, trainer cord and 9C. I say this since while I do keep a buddy box and cord in my car at all times, one can save the frustration of looking for one and trying to borrow one. More importantly, when I am instructing the first flight of each day for a student usually requires a trim flight for both the slave and master, wasting more time. Also, it is much easier to set throws, especially for the motor. I realize not everyone whats to spend a lot of money on stuff, but just wanted to point out that the more money you save, the more work you tend to create