Hi im new to airplanes and i bought an eagle 2 kit......i put it together and i now need to buy an 4 channel radio....i dont know what kind of radio i should buy could you help......

Something compatible with what your instructor is using
since you will want to buddy box with him for your flight
instruction.

You do have an instructor in mind dont you? If not then
take care of that right away.

Mike Hammer

Good advice above...

If money is not a huge concern consider getting an entry level 6 channel radio. here's why. Most if not all 4 channel radios are very basic, two sticks, servo reverse and a trainer switch. most entry level 6 channel radios have Dual rates for elevator and aileron, servo reverse, Flap and gear switches minimum... you'll likely also get ATV, end point and maybe Expo all for an average $30 to $80 dollars more than a Basic 4 channel radio would cost. All the features of the 6 channel will likely not be used on your Eagle II... you'll be glad you have them for plane 2, 3 and so on

John

here's some Futaba examples...

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEFJ4**&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXVW08**&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHYK7**&P=0

And JR

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...dID=JSP14000**

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...dID=JSP16000**

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP6654**

I agree with both posters above on all their recommendations excepting leaving out Airtronics & HiTec as a possible radio manufacturers. Tower is another, however I believe their radios are made by Futaba.

I agree that 6 channel COMPUTER radios can be a good choice for beginners. However, a 6 channel NON-computer radio, such as the Futaba 6YG should not be on anyone's list. The beginner should choose either a basic 4 channel, or make the jump to a computer radio. There's no reason to spend the extra $ for 6 channels, but not get the computer features.

Having said this, there are actually many reasons to go with a basic 4 channel radio. The primary ones being lower cost and simplicity. Features like dual rates, end point adjustments, etc are nice, but beginners should not be using them. It's all too common for a beginner to get a computer radio, slap the linkages on any position and then use epa and dual rates to get the right throws. IMO, a beginner needs to spend the time learning how to get things right mechanically BEFORE they start using epa and dual rates. Buying the 4 channel is also not a bad investment. They cost about the same as a flight pack. So, if they buy the 4 channel to start with, even if they decide to get a computer radio for their second plane, they haven't spent any more than if they bought the computer radio the first time and then a flight pack for the second plane. There is also the advantage of having that 4 channel transmitter as a spare in case they need to send the computer radio in for service.

Well said Chuck!

I'll just chime in and explain XTOL's comments on an instructor...

Without proper training, your airplane will be in splinters withing a few seconds of becoming airborne.

Find the local club in your area here:

http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmain.asp

And get their help. Instruction is free and you'll crash without it.

I'd go woth a Futaba 4EXA or 6EXA..

Both have memory for multiple aircraft so you won't have to get another Tx anytime soon.

You can get the 4EXA from Tower right now for $125 using the current $25 off $150 discount code on the main page.
Or the 6EXA for $155 using the code..

If possibe I'd get the 6ch radio.. It's only $30 more and will let you play around with flaps, bomb drops or do an easy milti-servo aleron/flap setup on your next plane..

I remember when I started out with a basic 4ch Tx.. 6 months later we picked up a a 7ch system.

Whatever Futaba Tx you buy you should get a 127DF 7ch Rx with it so you could pickup a 7C down the road and all your current flight gear would be fully functional with it.