Hi I am looking at getting a new transmitter. I have been perfectly happy with my used Futaba Skysports but they have some swithces broken off etc and it is time to think about a new system.

I don't really see a need for more than 6 or 7 channels.

I looked at the new JR 7202 but they said it wasn't compatible with my Futaba recievers.

I would really like to be able to change channels on the transmitter like the JR system. I don't want to buy all new recievers.

Is there anything out there for me?

I have seen it recomended many times..... Futaba 9 C. I know you said you didn't see a need for more than 6 or 7 channels but what most people don't seem to understand about most 6 or 7 channel radios is the limits of its mixing abilities. 4 servo wings (gliders or Ultra Sticks) Dual elevator servos that can be linked to the trim using 2 different channels. I have been using a 9C for a year now and have not used more than 7 channels on an Ultra Stick but I used almost all the mixes. The ability to asighn fuctions and directions to switches is also nice. If you want just the trans only servocity has it for 289.00 with a standard feq modual. You can also get Futaba's spectra modual to be able to change freq.

Take a look at these two. Do they fit into you budget?

How do the Hitec Optic 6 and the Futaba 7C compare?

Comparison Chart ( provided by Hitec )
http://hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic%206...on%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/OPTIC.htm
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index....at=281&id=4451
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option,
Change
channel module, shift select, switch assignability, flight modes, 2 user
programmable mixes, and a variety of standard mixes.

Futaba 7C
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, 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.


The Optic goes for about $130 and the 7C for about $150. That is not a big
difference, so I don't think price should be the deciding factor here. For
15% the Futaba gives you an extra channel and 2 more model memories. Worth
it? Up to you.

Which to buy? Unless you know of some specific need, both are great. Here
are
the major differences that I see.

HITEC OPTIC 6

8 model memories - plenty for some, not enough for others

Select shift - fly virtually any receiver - pos or neg shift - nice if you
are
buying used equipment.

You can change the channel on the Optic 6 by changing the channel module or
you can buy it with the Spectra channel synthesizer so you can fly any
channel. This could be valuable if you fly in contests or at a crowded
field
where there are a bunch of guys on your channel. Just change to an unused
channel and change the crystal in your receiver. Big value for some, not for
others. The Spectra channel synth module does pull more power, so battery
runs down faster. You might want to buy a second battery.

Hitec is coming out with a 2.4 GHz module for the Optic 6
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm

Programming menus are rich but a bit cryptic in my opinion - you will get
used
to it.

6 channels - you can never have too many but 6 is enough for most people.
R/E/F/A/A/Throttle or Tow release would be 6, for example. If you wanted
landing gear too, you would have to put both ailerons on one channel. How
many are good enough for you?

Good mix of features


FUTABA 7C

10 model memories - 2 more than Optic- nice when you get to your 9th and
10th
flyable plane. How many is enough for you?

Negative shift only - Fly Futaba, Hitec, GWS, Berg, FMA and other neg shift
receivers - lots of choices, but you can't fly pos shift receivers. If you
are buying all new equipment, it doesn't matter. If you buy used receivers,
then just make sure they are negative shift.

Fixed Channel - This is not an issue for most people, but some people like
to
be able to change the channel. This would be important if you have a lot
of
people on your channel at your field, or if you are flying contests where
they
only allow one person per channel. Optic can change channel with the right
options; 7C can't. Do you care?

Programming - I think the Futaba menus and process are a bit more friendly
than the Hitec, but you get used to either one.

7 channels - You can't have too many. Some day you may find you want that
7th
channel. R/E/F/A/A/Throttle/Gear or tow release = 7 On the Optic you would
have to make some kind of compromise since you don't have 7 channels.
Could
come in handy some day and offers greater flexibility. I have a plane I am
preparing that needs 8 so neither would be enough.

SUMMARY

Both are good radios with lots of features at a moderate price. These are
the
big chunky differences that I see as important.

Note that neither radio supports a 4 servo wing set-up, so you typically
have
to have both flaps on one channel. Normally this is not an issue, but if
you
get into advanced aerobatics, patterns, 3D or more advanced sailplane
set-ups
a 4 servo wing capability becomes more valuable.

The lowest priced radio I know of that has some 4 servo wing capabilities is
the Hitec Eclipse 7, at about $180, then the Futaba 9C, which has a richer 4
wing servo capability, at about $280.

If you don't have a preference between the Optic 6 and the 7C, then see what
kind of radios are being flown by your club or your friends. By having a
similar radio to your friends, you can get help with set-up more easily. If
they are mostly Futaba, then go Futaba. If mostly Hitec, then go Hitec. If
you don't mind going it alone, then this doesn't matter.

What does your local hobby store sell. If he gives you a good price, then
buy
there if you can get local support.

Both have good service and good reputations.

No bad choice here.

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

I have to say that I have a lot of fun with just 4 channels. Soon I willl need 5 for the retracts on my Mustang. I might use 6 just so I don't have to use a "Y" on the ailerons. I don't think I will ever have an airplane with 4 servos on the wings and I know I will never own one with 2 elevator servos.

Thanks for the tip on the 9c from servo city though. That might just be the only way I'm going to be able to change channels and I sure didn't need that expensive reciever unit.

The Optic 6 can change chanels the same way the 9C does it.

Wow Ed - thanks.

There is alot of info there to contemplate.

I have found the 9c with the synthesised modual for $330.

I have a 9C and like it a lot. The newer 9C super is even better.

I can get the Optic 6 with the spectra modual from tower for $159 - $15 for a discount and free shipping. I think this is the ticket for me. Thanks Ed!

Note that the synth radios use more power so the battery will run down faster. I would plan on getting a second and larger pack if you like to fly all day, as I do.

1800 MAh NiMh packs are very reasonable. I have 2000 and 2500's in my Hitec Prism 7X and Futaba 9C. I keep the stock battery as a spare.

I'm really suprised that no one has recommended the new Spektrum DX7 system. The write up on it in the lastest FLY RC magazine shows that it is definatly the way of the future. One of the guys over on RCSB alreadu has his and also found that it's responsiveness is faster than any of his other radios. It is definately my next system.

He made the point in his opening post that he didn't wish to need to change out his existing RX's which would be required if he wanted to use the DX7 with all of his planes.

Ed, I want to order the large battery because I don't want to think about it while I'm fliying all day. I can't figure out what the connector is on the Hitec. I need to know what it is so I can order a battery.

Thanks,
Treven.

No problem. You order the battery with a Hitec transmitter connection.

This one for example:
http://www.servocity.com/html/9_6v_1...h_battery.html

Or this one
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFRT5&P=7

Also a point. Never say never to using more channels. I have 9c and am using eight channels in an 29% aerobat. If this were a scale airplane with retracts, flaps, the works, I could easily use a 14mz. :P

Remember, none of us thought we'd be spending thousands of dollars a year on toy airplanes.

Clearly you have to work within a reasonable budget, but zope_pope is right.

I purchased my 9C looking for 4 wing servo mixing, never expecting to need more than 7 channels. Well I know have a scale glider that uses 7 channels and, if I hook up the optional spoilers and put in the optional landing gear, I will need all 9.

Today, six chanels is really a minimum if you look to the future.

That's true. HOWEVER, the advantages of the Spektrum system could outweigh the aversion to purchasing all new receivers.

No. I don't need more than 6 channels. I can fly my war bird with retracts on 5. I don't need flaps - spoilers etc.

I have a budget. If I were to start all over I would consider the spectrum but I also like micro models and extra small recievers might not be availible for the Spectrum yet and I have too much money ( for me ) invested in micro recievers and regular Futaba flight packs to change now.

I might tend to agree with you but his wife may not. Care to guess who will win out?

Actually the DX7 is an improvement over the DX6 which was designed for Park Flyers
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM2460
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM6000

Can you live with 7 grams and 39 mm square and 9 mm thick 6 channel?

BTW - no need to change servos or anything else either.

No, that is little heavy for an 18" wing span plane. I have several Cirrus micro systems where the 4 chanel reciever is 3.05g. and they are availble smaller than that.

You could always go with the DX7 and have the Skysport TX fixed for those small planes. The repairs shouldn't cost much or if you are any good at soldering you could install new switches yourself legally. This would not effect the RF section. Just contact FUtaba service and tell them what switch functions are broken and they will give you part numbers to order.
Always nice to have 2 transmitters.

Does this battery have the right connector for the Hitec Optic 6?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBGF7&P=0

I have a question I'm not sure about, I have two recievers and both are a Futaba FP-R127DF's. They're both the 7 Channel Duel Conversion, and they're both Narrow Band channel 44.

Due to Futaba discontinuing the Reciever, what Radio can I use that would work with it? I'd like to operate my 2 planes with the one radio... I'd hate to waste good Recievers. Also I need something that I could program the Radio with ease. I've been so used to just the plain 4 channel radio's without all that Computer stuff on it with all the bells and whistles. I'm kind of afraid it will be complicated if you know what I mean.

There are so many Radio's on the market... and they look way too complicated, and shopping for what I need can be very confusing.


Thanks,


Peter Dowling aka Luftwaffe Oberst
AMA District II # 865404
Aero Modelers Club
Pulaski, NY

No, but this one does:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFRT5&P=7

Or this one
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXN739&P=7