I have decided to get the GP PT-40 trainer and put the O.S. .46 AX engine in it. What kind of radio would you use. I want a 4-channel one but there are a lot of options. Which one would suit my needs the best and that I can later use when I move up to more sophisticated airplanes?

Thanks again guys!!

A solid option for future planes would be a 6-8 channel computer radio.

agreed...get the absolute best radio you can afford........

computereized goes without saying....

something like the Futaba 6exa or even the JR 7202 would be great.....
if you fly more than 1 or 2 weekends a summer...then you will outgrow a 4 ch system very quickly........

G'day Mate,
Check out the Spektrum DX7, I think that is the only one to buy now, Can't go wrong.

The JR Sport SX600 6-channel MD2 radio system (JSP16000**) has an awful lot to offer for $159.99 suggested retail:

Digital computer precision
Easy-to-read LCD screen
10-model memory
Trainer system
2 conveniently mounted direct-access programming rocker switches
Computer designed ergonomically styled case
Adjustable stick length
Dual rates for aileron and elevator
Digital trims with Direct Access feature
Throttle trim only affects idle position
Two-speed scrolling—press and hold the appropriate button to scroll quickly or press and release to scroll in steps
Flaperons mixing
Delta wing mixing
V-tail mixing
Throttle cut safety feature

You can read the owner's manual here:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...600_manual.pdf

This radio is only slightly more expensive than a standard 4-channel entry level setup, while offering a lot more advanced features. Of course, you can always get a nicer radio for more money. A top-quality 8-channel setup with glider and helicopter functionality and a complete feature set is available with the Airtronics RD8000, which is about $100 more expensive than the JR Sport SX600 system. Both of these radio systems are fantastic values when compared to anything else in their price ranges.

I think this is a better idea, sure these are all wonderfull radios BUT how abouti you go to the club and ask them what brand they mostly fly (JR futaba airtronics ....) Then we can help you in finding the right model

(note using the same brand will greatly simplify buddy boxing)

JR radios need a battery pack for the buddy box. Futaba and Airtronics don't need one. Best if you check if your RC club has buddy boxes available and get a matching brand. [8D]

I'm a Futaba guy myself. That being said, I really like the DX7 radios. And the DX7 can be buddy boxed with a JR buddy box.
Do check around your club though. BTW - if your club doesn't have any JR radios, a QUATRO buddy box is very cheap. Don't let that be the reason you don't buy a JR or DX7 radio system.

Can tell you that the only glitching issues I have had have been on the Hitec stuff. Have never experienced issues on Airtronics and almost none on Futaba. I recently purchased a JR DX7 and am in the process of setting it up. I no longer have nor will I fly Hitec recievers anymore.

The general message here, which I will reinforce, is that it no longer makes sense to buy standard radios when computer radios are so cheap and do so much more.

Even an entry level computer radio like the Futaba 6 EXAS can do things that a standard 4 channel can't and it can hold the settings for 6 planes.

Go with a computer radio. There are many to chosse from.

I agree on buying a computer radio for the minimal extra $$ but don't set up your trainer for dual rates. The main radio will use them but the buddy box will only use the "high" rate. [8D]

1. Follow the advice about checking with the instructors at the field.

2. Buy a compatible radio, with whatever features you want.

3. Buy a receiver crystal on the instructors channel and put it in your receiver. Or work it out with him/her that he/she has one for your receiver.

4. Now you, as the student, are using your radio as the slave/buddy box, and all is good.

As a club instructor, using Futaba, I have both high band, and low band transmitters and carry an extra crystal, matching each. Pop that crystal in the student's receiver and they get to use their transmitter from the git-go.

Fatsky knows what I mean.

The only time that does not work, is if they do not have negative-shift equipment. I do have the JR to Futaba adaptor cable. Works fine, but one must cut 1/8 inch of the rubber off the din plug.

Ken Erickson

I am just starting to fly electric helicopters and I am also looking for a good radio, but I am planning to start fixed wings soon. Can the same radio be used for helis and fixed wings.

Yes,

In most cases you can. BUT there are some exceptions.

BTW, I recommend the DX7. I know at least 6 Giant scale 3D guys, (names many of you would know), who are flying GS planes, including comp-arf's on this system. The risk of a shoot-down is too much for many of us with expensive planes. The use of 72MHZ and frequency boards will likely disappear in just a few years.

hey mate,
like everyone is saying get the best you can afford because if u get a 4 chan it is likely that you will have to upgrade at a later date. that said i have just upgraded from my old 4 chan JR (which was great for training) to a JR PCM 9X V2 system which is IMHO an awesome radio for the money. But just get wat u can afford, you wont regret it down the track i can assure you!

Safe Flying

Cujo it depends on what radio you go with. for instance the JR PCM 9X V2 is capable of air heli and gliders and is IMO and excellent choice.

OK, so we all agree it should be a computer radio. Since you have not given us a budget for the radio system or if you need receivers or servos, I will provide some general info. Most of the links are to raids with micro servos. You will want packages with larger servos.

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 us 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 judgments and do not represent a rigorous
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. Also note that some radio/receiver combos are not suitable
for larger planes due to range considerations. In many cases longer range
receivers are available for these larger planes.Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on ailerons and
elevator. Some include rudder too, which is valuable if you are into 3D
flying. All include elevon and V-tail mixes and many include other mixes.
Unless stated otherwise radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or
split elevator ( ailevators) servos.


Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel -

In addition to the basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split
aileron/flapperon 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.

With these systems you can more advanced planes but may not be
able to bring out all the plane can offer. They will fly full house
sailplanes
but will not provide many of the surfaces mixes that competition sailplane
pilots want.

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

JR Sport 600 - $159 for this package
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...dID=JSP16000**
10-model memory, DR for aileron and elevator. No mention of Expo
Flaperons, Delta/Elevon and V-tail mixing. Includes receiver and
4 standard sized servos which are not suitable for many small planes.


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 predefined surface mixes. expo on elevator and ailerons
only.

aeajr - we were talking about a radio system for cujo_77 weren't we? Shouldn't you be recommending Heli radios? I understand that it is easier to fly fixed wings on heli radios than heli's on fixed wing radios as a rule. therefore an example would be:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKZC0**&P=
Do you agree with this conclusion?

When Futaba puts out a radio like the Spektrum DX7, but closer to $200.00, I will purchase a new radio. I see a lot of crashes resulting from errors with the computer radio.

A $200 Futaba Spektrum like radio? Nice idea but a long way in the future. As for the crashes - don't blame the radio for a bad programmer/operator. Any computer radio that is properly set up and ground checked before flight should not crash.

You can develop a better idiot proof radio but someone will come along and develop an even better idiot.

I think the R/C radio industry is on the cusp of change again, at this moment. I think the Spektrum DX7, DX6 and radios like it operating on 2.4 GHz is where the future will be. In a few short years I can see radios operating on the 72MHz band being as obsolite as the old 72.bla-bla color & white frquencies were in the late 80s.

Is the change necessary? I don't know! Is it coming? I think so! Does it mean the channel frequincies radios will be selling cheaply, it certainly did in the late 1980s! Sorry, this response is really no help to you Pitch 19!

It was pointed out to me by BAX that Spread Spectrum tech isn't relagated just to 2.4 GHz. It could also be used in 72 MHz and others if we wanted it to be.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5073954

Edit - and if the FCC allowed.[:@]

Sorry, no, I was responding to pitch19, the guy who started the thread. Had not realize the the thread had been hijacked over to helis. But if we want to look at combined heli/airplane radios, I believe all of these have heli programming. I don't really follow or evaluate heli features.

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

JR 6102 - $199
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...odID=JRP6654**
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 timer. 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.

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

Multiplex Royal Evo 7 - $250-$440 depending on packaging
Prices seem to range widely.
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/royal-evo-7.htm
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/RoyalevoChart.htm
http://www.hobbyhorse.com/multiplex_radios.shtml
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/Reviews/Evo-RCM.pdf
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/R...C%20Report.pdf
http://www.rc-soar.com/multiplex/mpxevo/evo.htm
7-Channel FM, 15 Model Memory, Heli, Sailplane, Fixed wing programming,
3 flight condition Mixes per Model, Programmable Mixes, Data Transfer
*DSC (Direct Servo Control), Model Naming, other features
Multiplex uses a different type of programming model. Reputed to be
more flexible than the typical menu systems of the radios above.

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

I'll second the recommendation of the DX7. I have one and it's a fabulous radio. The frequency clothes pin is going to quickly become an endangered species as people move to 2.4 GHz.

Now that Spektrum has thrown down the gauntlet, Futaba and JR won't be far behind.

I wouldn't go writing obituaries about 72 Mhz radios any time soon. Unless the FCC takes the 72 Mhz frequencies away from use I bet you dollars to donuts that there will still be people using it 20 years from now. Yes, the 2.4 Ghz spread spectrum is a great technology that will help at fields with frequency conflicts, but not everybody needs to get one. Nor will everybody throw away their current radios just to buy one. Heck, I've been flying for 10 years now and I'm still using the first radio I bought. It still works so why would I replace it? If you look at pilots that have a lot of radio equipment it could easily cost thousands of dollars to move everything over to spread spectrum. Yes, the spread spectrums are great but don't be taking down your frequency boards any time soon.

Ken