Without going crazy looking at a hundred radios trying to find the best one.What transmitter should i buy that will take me from the beginner that i am now through the next 4 or 5 planes? I have no problems with computer radio's and definitely want one. Im just confused as to the different features and how necessary they are.
Im looking for the most features at the best price out there.
Thanks, Barzini

Check the Htec Eclipse 7channel computer radio w/multi frecuency module.
www.hitecrcd.com
www.quantummodels.com
www.towerhobbies.com
Regards,
Patrick

dont expect for a simple answer, everyone has their favorite brand/model and wont hesitate to tell you.

the above mentioned hitec is a great radio, I have seen several used, marc (AKA RCAdmin) uses one and he seems happy with it.

the futaba 9cap is also a good radio (the one I use) but is a bit more expensive ($389 on tower compared to $274 for a comparably configured hitec on tower) or the futaba 6xas is about $219

all of those redios have multi model memory (able to store the settings for mutiple models) and computer mixing/settings

the two futabas and many JRs are able to do PCM (pulse code modulation) also which is a signal modulation that uses encoded digital information to reduce the chance of interference.
the hitec cant,

the hitec has programmable FM shift that allows it to work with almost any brand RX (except for PCM recievers) so you can fly a JR, futaba, hitec, airtronics, RXs with out a problem.

JR has a selection of good radios, but i dont know their brand well enough to give you examples.

go to your local field and see what they fly, because if you are going to be instructed via a "buddy box" you are going to want to use compatable radios (futaba/futaba futaba/hitech jr/jr a jr radio wont work with a futaba)

personaly I would recomend the futaba 9C if you can afford it, or the 6X. But then again, like I said, I am biased

My choice is Futaba,to start with the simple 4 ch.is enough,later you can use it as a buddy box or the radio and keep the other parts. It would be hard to find a real bad radio on todays market.check at the club you're going to fly and see what they are using,if you use something different then you may have a problem with questions and training.

I'd vote for the 9C also.

The 6XAS is the worst buy you can make on a 6-channel computer radio. My advice? Find out which brand the instructors in Rockland County use and buy something compatible with that. If you don't like the brand, buy a cheap 4-channel and upgrade later. Which radio you start with doesn't really matter too much. You're going to grow in this hobby, and all those features that mean nothing now will start to come into focus. You'll find some that you value, and some that you don't. When it comes time to get a higher end radio, you won't be confused. You'll know which one best fits your flying and your budget. People are going to recommend whatever they have or like. Everybody is different, and what you find yourself valuing is going to be different than somebody who just says "Hitec Eclipse" or "9CAP."

Thanks everyone for all the help!

Tony, get the brand most used by the other club members.

I bought 3 Futaba Super Sevens from people here on RCU very reasonable about $75.00 each and very programmable.

why does mikel think the 6xas is the worst buy for comp.radios. i just bought one , i hope i didn`t make a mistake? thanks alot

OK EVERYONE, THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP.

It is not a bad radio, and most people that own them are very happy with them. You will probably be perfectly happy with it too. It's just that the technology keeps improving and if you want lots of computer features, you can now get them for less than you could when the 6xa was first sold.

For this reason, I still recommend that beginners buy the cheapest four channel they can find and then figure out what sort of computer radio they really NEED after they know a bit more about flying.

Remember that if you buy one of the major radio brands, the servos, receiver and battery pack will be compatible with your second radio. Also if you buy the four channel, you can pull the TX battery out of it and use it to double your flight time when you start using a computer radio radio.

i really only bought the 6xas because it has a 6 model memory & it only cost $199. thanx for the reply

I have a 6XAS too and I love it. If it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, so what? I know how to fly without them.

I have a JR 662 I just bought and wish I had gotten it insted of the 400 I started out with, this ones capable of 6 model memory, planes or helis, with all the programing I think Ill ever need, however if you do choose this one I might suggest purchasing it with a better battery than the 600 which comes with it.
I dont think swapping out batteries is an option when your models are programed, unless your willing to re-do that every time you change batteries.

barzini,

If I were you I would choose the best you can afford. In my opinion, the best offering (for the non-competitive modeler) from each manufacturer are:

Airtronics - RD8000 8-channel
Futaba - 9C 9-channel
Hitec - Eclipse 7-channel with Spectra Module
JR - 8103 8-channel

Hope this helps.

Flap,
I was worried about the same thing. I took all the time to write down the settings for 6 models because I wanted to change the battery out. I put in a 1650 nimhi battery and guess what. The programming was still there. There has to be a lithium backup battery in the unit. Just want to let you know, it's not a problem, at least with mine.

I prefer JR normally, however me and most of the people I fly with have switched to the Eclipse 7. The flexibility of this radio makes it the obvious choice for me. Not only is it a very inexpensive 7 channel radio but you can use it with pretty much any reciever on any Frequency. And unless you are going to get into much more advanced flight you should not need more than 7 channels.