i am looking for a radio to control 6 servos, 1 for each aileron, 1 for the elevator, 1 rudder, 1 throttle, and 1 wheel. Do i need a six channel radio to do this, or could it be done in four, having both ailerons on the same channel and the wheel and rudder on the same channel.
And what is a good futaba radio, already have futaba servos.

4 channel would be a normal setup like that. Ailerons on one, with a Y harness. The rudder and wheel on the same with two push rods on the same servos. Rudder and elevator on their own. But, A six channel radio would be a better option, as you can grow into it with future planes that need flaps and retracts. Also, look into one with multiple model memories. As for a Futaba radio I don't know, as I use JR. Somebody else will chime in shortly.

no six channel radio is needed for this set-up four is fine but if your looking for a futaba radio go with the 6EXA. watch it now the "6EXAS" is pcm or ppm transmission modes. i believe the price is just under or at $200.00

You only need a 4 channel radio for that setup. Yharnes on the ailerons and 2 pushrods on the servo for the rudder/nosewheel.

Your Futaba servos will work with any receiver - the most you may need to do is switch a couple of the wires at the plug (easily done with the tip of a #11 blade ).

The Futaba 6EXA is a decent radio. You may want to look at other brands also. JR is an excellent brand and for future growth, especially with no channel hassles, check out the Polk's Tracker III (about $200 with 1 servo ) and the Spectrum DX7 (about $350 ). Both have multiple model memories - the DX7 has 20 and the Tracker has 99.

You can use any servo with any receiver as long as you get the wiring correct. Refer to this chart to see how to rewire a servo to work with your receiver.

Ken

The Futaba 6EXAS would be a great starter radio and beyond.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHYK7**&P=
at @ $180

OK guys, we need to start getting up to date with the Futaba receivers. The new ones that are being shipped are the R168DF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLSX4&P=7
It is an 8 channel RX and doesn't care about the Hi/Lo stuff any more. Good for all 72 MHz channels.
No more using the Hi/Lo stuff to push the Brand X stuff IMO.
And at $60 for this new Rx, I think a good deal.

As others have said, Y harness for dual aileron to one channel setup, and the rudder is tied to the nose-wheel for steering on the ground and rudder control in the air.

I can give you some information on a third radio, the Airtronics. They make an 'entry level' radio that is not computer controlled, and then you can move up to their RD6000 six channel 5 model memory computer radio. Prices are reasonable at Tower Hobbies. Your choice. Ask around. All of the radio's of the 'big three.. Airtronics, Futaba, and JR (alpabetically listed not in order of preference) are all good. Higher end radio's are available, like the new Spektrum DX7, and lower end (price wise) like Hitec or even Tower, but I don't know if the Tower is computer controlled or not. Hitec makes some fine products too, on the lower end price wise, but the big three are considered just that, the ones most flyers are using. That could all change if the DX7 takes off like Horizon would like it to. I have one and like it so far.

There is another option, too, the Polk synthesized radios. I have one of those too, but don't use it as frequently as my Airtronics RD6000 and RD8000. But, this new DX7 has my attention for now.. and maybe for the future. Nice radio, but not cheap.

DS.

Hi
You may want a computer radio for down the road when you are flying your next two or three airplanes.
As per choosing a radio, my advice is to go to your local flying field, find out what most brand radio most flyers are flying, then purchase same brand of radio, so they can help you program the radio.
And welcome to a great hobby, enjoy yourself.

Good Luck

Bill

STANDARD RADIOS vs. COMPUTER RADIOS
by Ed Anderson
aeajr on the forums

I think you will find the economics of computer radios have changed in the
last 3-4 years. This is partially due to the advance in electronics and
partly because people are buying that second, third plane much sooner. We
have flyers in our club who have been flying less than 6 months who have 3
planes already. The cost has dropped so much, and the availability of ARFs
and high quality kits have made it cheaper and simpler to get the next
plane. There is little to hold them back.

I recommend new pilots go directly to the computer radios. If they start
with an RTF, then they use that radio to fly that plane. When they buy the
second plane, they get the computer radio.

A quality electric ARF parkflyer or simple to build kit, with the motor,
can cost as little as $40. A flight pack for that plane can be as low as
$70. You can put it in the air over a weekend.

An ARF 2 meter sailplane can be $90. The electronics to put that in the air
can be around $70 and can be completed in a couple of evenings.

In the glow and gas powered world these low costs and rapid adoption of
second and third planes might be different. I can't say.

BACK TO RADIOS

Just as computers have wiped out the typewriter, so the computer radio is
making the standard radio obsolete. Today, nobody buys a kid a typewriter
to type his school papers. They get a computer.


I have come to the conclusion that the only reason to buy
a standard radio is lack of confidence that you plan to go forward, or
the standard radio came as part of an RTF package.

Here is a quick look at some key points.

Economics - Let's compare - Tower Hobbies catalogue

Hitec Laser 4, std Radio and 4 standard servos - $120
Futaba 4 EXA computer radio, receiver, 4 standard servos $140
Airtronics VG6000 6 ch computer radio, receiver 4 St servos $170

Difference is $20-$50

Looking at the Airtronics VG 6000, 4 model memories so you can instantly
switch
to any of 4 models without having to reset anything. If we ignore servos
and receiver, the VG6000 covers your next three planes for about $16 each.

With the standard radio you need to reset for each plane, carefully keep all
planes tuned identically, or buy a radio for each plane so you can tune it
to the plane and keep the settings. That would cost about $60 per plane for
each
standard radio, or an additional $180. And with the VG you only have to
charge one radio and bring one radio regardless of which plane, or planes
you wish to fly.

That's $50 extra for one radio that handles 5 planes or an added $180 to
have each plane's settings retained with a standard radio. And the VG
does a whole lot more than just provide model memories. This is an
excellent first radio.

Big savings and enhanced flexibility with the 6 channel computer radio!

In the Tower hobbies catalogue:

Standard Radio - 6 channels
Hitec Laser 6 with 4 standard servos and receiver 139
Computer Radio - 6 channels
Futaba 6EXAS 6 Ch computer radio -4 std servos & eceiver $179

For $40 the 6EXAS gives you 6 model memories and a whole pile of features
the Laser 6 standard radio can't touch, and you divide the cost over 6
models. The computer is cheaper and more convenient.

What else can these entry level computer radios do?

Split Ailerons/flapperons: -

You can install two aileron servos and connect each to a separate channel on
the computer radio. This makes it very easy to trim each servo to get each
aileron just right.

You can set up aileron differential, if you wish, to improve effectiveness
while reducing drag. Very popular on sailplanes.

Or let's say you have a plane with ailerons but no flaps. You fly the
plane normally. Then flip a switch and turn the ailerons into flapperons.
Now you can use your ailerons as flaps during landings. Flaps on a 4 channel
plane that doesn't have flaps. You can just as easily set them up as
spoilers, which are commonly used on sailplanes during landings.

Cool!

Coordinated turns - Mix rudder into your ailerons so you have a coordinated
turn. On a standard radio you have to do this manually. With the computer
radio you can do it manually too, or you can focus on the plane while the
radio handles the coordination for you. You can override the mix and add or
reduce rudder at any time.

Exponential, dual rates, model memories, channel mixing, digital trims and
lots more. Some of these features can be very helpful in getting new pilots
in the air.

Are computer radio hard to use?

No! In fact if you want, you can just use it as a standard 2, 3 or 4
channel radio until you want to use the other features.

Take a look at this thread, starting at post 49. This guy talks about using
flaps as ailerons for flying and flaps for landing on a R/E/F sailplane.
Pretty cool idea. Can't do that with a standard radio!
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...6&page=4&pp=15

So, for an extra $40 over a standard 6 channel radio, you get
a radio that handles multiple models and lets you do things that the
standard radios can't do. Go up a another $30-60 to the Hitec Optic 6 or
Futaba 7C and it is amazing what you can do and now you get 8-10 model
memories.

Will you need this on the first plane? No, but they can be helpful.

Differential can be very helpful to a new pilot. Most radios that
come with RTF packages, and most standard radios don't have all these
features. You don't have to use them right away, but it is great to know
that you don't have to buy ANOTHER radio when you realize you would like to
have them. The price difference over a standard radio is now so small
that for all but the very few, the computer radio is now the economic entry
level
radio of choice.

TRANSMITTER MODULES

Many computer radios in the midrange and upper range use removable
transmitter modules. These allow you to change channels by swapping out the
transmitter section. It also allows you to change the frequency range on
the radio. This might allow you to use the same radio to fly 27 MHz, 50 MHz,
72 MHZ and 75 MHz. So you could use the same radio for planes, cars and
boats
just by swapping out the channel module. Quick and easy to do.

Hitec, Futaba and JR have channel synth modules that will allow you to
select any
of the 50 72 mhz channels that can be flown in North America. There are
also radios like the Evo 9 and 12, and the Polk 6 and 8 channel radios that
have built in channel synth. If you want to avoid channel conflict, a
computer
radio that can change channels could be a great asset.

Hitec has also let it be known that they will have a 2.4 GHz module that
will fit Hitec and Futaba modular radios radios.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm

There are lots of good reasons to buy a computer radio. If you get into
even semi serious aerobatics or sailplanes, a computer radio is a huge
benefit and for some things, almost a requirement to bring the plane to its
full potential. Even the pilot of a 3-4 channel parkflyer, or someone
flying a
simple R/E sailplane with spoilers or flaps benefits from a computer
radio.

There is only one reason to buy a standard radio these days. "I don't know
if I will like RC flying so I want to spend as little as possible". Or the
standard radio came in an RTF package like an Multiplex Easy Star RTF, a
Great Planes Spirit Select RTF or a NextStar Glow RTF.

I have used Hitec and Futaba as examples here because I know those lines
best, but JR, Airtronics, Polk and others have entry level computer radios
that are a much better value than any standard radio. In many cases these
entry
level computer radios will serve the needs of the pilot for many years to
come.

Get a computer radio, save a bundle of money, get a bundle
of features and really have fun with your RC flying.

This may also be useful:

What you need to know about receivers:
http://www.*********.com/forums/radi...ers-12151.html

The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. Some radios include helicopter functions however I don't review
these features. I include links to the manufacturer's/distributor's product
page, where available.

No one ever bought a radio with too much
capability. However, if you are like the rest of use and budget is a
factor, I make some special remarks about how each group would satisfy the
needs of various groups of flyers. These are my own personal value
judgements and do not represent a rigerous evaluation. If you are a serious
competitor, consult those who know your particular field best. I am only
trying to provide some thought points for your consideration.

Sites where you can buy just a radio include:
www.servocity.com
www.allerc.com
www.brucknerhobbies.com

Prices - read the descriptions as prices vary by what is included in the
package.

Radio packages can vary greatly depending on what is included.
Most radios come packaged with standard size servos and receivers. These
packages may not be suitable for electric flyers or some gliders. If I see
a package
with small servos and receiver, I note the link for the benefit of these
flyers.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on Ch ailerons and
elevator. Some include rudder too, which is valuable if you are into 3D
flying.
All include elevon and V-tail mixes. Unless stated otherwise
radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or split elevator servos.


Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel -

In addition to the basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split
aileron capabilities. These make great first radios for the committed new
pilot, providing features beyond the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small
incremental investment. For many pilots, these may be all the radio they
will need for years. They will fly more advanced planes but may not be
able to bring out all the plane can offer. For most flyers, these radios
will provide all they are likely to ever need.

If you are flying 4 channel planes and might like to add landing gear or
flaps for casual/sport flying, these radios will get the job done. They are
also great for R/E/S or R/E/A sailplanes or e-gliders or hand/discus
launched gliders or slope planes. These radios have enough capability to
meet the casual sport flyer's needs in most cases.

Futaba EXAS - $160 for this package
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk54.html
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJUV7**&P=ML
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=556
See it being programmed
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/futk52-58-deluxe.mpg
6 channels, 6-model memory, Proportional Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6,
and 1 user definable mix. Expo rudder, elevator and ailerons. The
particular package I have listed at tower comes with 3 micro servos
and a micro receiver suitable for parkflyers but not larger planes.
Other packages are available

Airtronics VG 6000 $175 package
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with
two small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories. In
addition to four prefefined surface mixes. expon on elevator and ailerons
only.


Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels
These radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer
radios, primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and some switch
assignability. These radios also add helicopter programming, though we are
not looking at those functions here. These radios can bring out more of the
capabilities of more advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry
level computer radios lack.

If you intend to actively pursue aerobatic or pattern flying on a sport
basis I would suggest these as your starting point, though most do not
include a snap roll feature. They are not competition class aerobatic
radios but they have enough to satisfy most weekend flyers looking for some
extra features. However they do not allow you to control each flap servo
on an individual channel. Aerobatic planes, like the Ultra Stick, make use
of the flaps as second ailerons. These radios can not do this.

If you are interested in full house thermal duration sailplanes, e-gliders,
hand launched gliders or slope gliders, I would consider these your minimum
starting point. These are not "real" sailplane radios, but they have enough
capability that the casual sport flyer enjoying themaling a full house
glider can fly the plane with a nice mix of options to meet sport flying
requirements. You also have enough for casual aerotowing where a tow
release will be needed. As noted above they do not provide 4 servo wing
support.

Midrange Radio Comparison Chart -( provided by Hitec )
The reference to two wing flap programming refers to flapperons - The
ability to turn ailerons into flaps.
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic...on%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6 - $220
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hitec.htm
http://www.servocity.com/html/6-ch_optic_6_systems.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=1399
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index....at=281&id=4451
Optic 6 Tutorial - Goes beyond the manual
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manu...icTutorial.pdf
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option,
Change channel module, shift select, glider features, switch assignability,
flight modes, ailevators, 2 user programmable mixes, and a variety of
standard mixes. Does not include a snap roll feature. This package at
the link above has micro servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers.
Hitec is also coming out with a 2.4 GHz module for their radios
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm


Futaba 7C - $260
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...roducts_id=753
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, the 6XAS and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight
Modes, 3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes. Does
not include aileron differential which might be done with a user
programmable mix. Does include Snap Roll

JR 6102 - $270
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP6664**
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=305
This is a futaba 7C review, but the author compares it to the JR near the
end of the article. May be helpful if you are trying to compare the two.
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes. Does not include a time. Missing mixes of note are snap roll,
aileron diff, crow/butterfly. Some of these may be able to be created with
the user programmable mixes.

Airtronics RD6000 Super - $260
http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXWC35**&P=7
6 channel, 8 model memory, shift select, 4 timers, selection of standard
mixes and 5 user definable mixes. Also provides select. No Snap Roll.
Note that his package has large servos and receiver that are not suitable
for smaller planes/parkflyers.

JR 7202 Synthesized Radio - $319
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=JRP7632
20 model memories, 7 Channel, Fully Synthesized Transmitter on 72 MHz, 3
DS285 Digital Hi-Speed Sub-Micro servos, R790 Scan Select S-PCM receiver,


Spektrum DX7- $379
2.4 GHz full range 7 channel radio
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM2712
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Articles/A...ArticleID=1624
20-Model memory, 2.4 GHz full range receiver and 3 micro servos
limited switch assignment, user mixes, 3-axis dual rate & expo, 3-position
flap