I am not trying to start a debate of which brand YOU think is better or which one has more features... I am just curious about how many people prefer what over what.

I know there are other brands out there (I am not sure what they are), but i am only sticking to the main ones.

So vote on your preference![&:]

You missed one major brand... Spektrum!

Spektrum has the DX7 7-channel 2.4GHz DSS radio, and they are partnering with JR for radios with 9+ channels. Futaba is slowly announcing their 2.4GHz radios as well.

At this point, I say get whichever 2.4GHz radio you like best in your price range... 72MHz will not be in production much longer.

I was a Futaba guy until the Spektrum DX7 came out, now I'm going with Spektrum and possibly JR 2.4GHz DSS radios...

You are right, i forgot to add spektrum [:@]

With me, it's not so much a matter of preference, as it is ease of programming. I'm not a computer whiz, and the capabilities of all the newer radio's far outstrip my abilities to use them. I wish they would include a DWIW button (Do what I want). I have some JR equipment, and some Futaba equipment. I do only use HiTech servos (for purely personal reasons).

As to the 2.4 issue, there are still some issues that need to be addressed (at least to my way of thinking). Until these issues are resolved, I will continue to use the 72 MHz radios.

I'm not trying to foment an argument here, but I think that l lot of us have questions concerning this new (to us) technology.

I do think that all the manufacturers could make the transmitter programming a little more user friendly.

Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1

I use Spektrum but I also have two Airtronics systems that I use for electrics, until I can get the smaller DX6 RX (they just recently started shipping them to LHS's). But, I won't trash my Airtronics, I like them and prefer them to others except the DX7.

Also, you may consider adding Polk, which has the synthesized frequency selection system.. can choose all of the channels in the 72 MHz band. But, they may be going away also with the advent of the 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum systems, and Tower. Tower has low cost systems that work just as well as the rest of the basic four channel radios.

I've never heard of the Polk radios, I do know that JR and Futaba have a couple of fully synthesized radios.
I was about to go with a JR 7202 Synthesized but got the DX7 instead for about the same price.

But like Stickbuilder said, if they could only make them a little more user friendly.

[color=#FF0099]Gentlemen,
Futaba! ....It's what I started with...a 7Cap .......I also prefer Coke over Pepsi, but that's another debate!
Bev

Futaba gets my vote. Although I also own Hitec I still favor the Futaba. And I also own a TowerHobbies, which counts as Futaba just with another label.

And BEV, I also vote for Coke over Pepsi , but I also vote Sprite over Coke. But yes Coke is much better than Pepsi by a long shot, and Cherry-Coke rules [8D]

I think Dr. Pepper and Coke Zero take my vote!

Since we are now discussing the merits of various liquids, my favorite would have to be: Jack Daniel's old No.7.

Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1

I am a Futaba/hitec guy

[color=#FF0099]Bill,
We missed you at the Jamboree! You would've had a blast... Tony (I live for 3D) can vouch for it....he flew at the Jamboree as well!
Bev

Personally I don't like anything with the words "ZERO" . . . I need my high of SUGARS

And not that it was asked but I still prefer the old-fashioned radio systems and not the computerized systems, I have enough on my mind dealing with my desktop. For sharing transmiters on different planes, just buy a 2nd or 3rd or what-have-you set of servos, receiver and go. Just remember to check each plane's settings before flying (WHICH YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO ANYWAYS)

Just my 3-cents

Futaba and BEERCICKLE !!!!!!

Futaba and Nomadio transmitters. and JR and Futaba servos.

My choice is JR, my second radio would be JR's XP7202, and ofcourse prolly in future or as my pocket allows me, I'd go for Spectrum/Spektrum of JR. Rx and servo's I'd always prefer Hitec, It never deceived me. If I'm asked what would be your second choice after JR, I'd always prefer Hitec.

Mody

Futaba and *BUUURP* Coke.

somegeek

Futaba till I can change everything over to Spektrum or 2.4gHz FASST. I currently use a Futaba 3PM-FM (RC cars) and a Futaba 7CAP (planes).

I own Futaba radios, a 4YBF and a 7CAP. I like my Futaba radio systems, they have served me well. I don't think Futaba is the only game in town though.

I finally got my hands on a Hitec Laser 4 transmitter today, and I was surprised at how much nicer it was than my Futaba 4YBF! The metal handle at the top is a very nice touch, especially since the plastic handle on my 4YBF is loose and pulls apart at the seam. The chrome trim on the front of the Laser 4 is a nice touch, too.

You have to love a basic 4-channel sport radio that provides you with end-point adjustments as well as v-tail and elevon mixing, too. The Hitec Laser 4 is the nicest 4-channel sport radio I've seen. I'd buy one instead of the 4YF if I were ever in the market again for a good, solid 4-channel radio system.

I think its a shame that Airtronics is so underrated in the North American marketplace. Hopefully the new distribution deal with Global will lead to some creative new ways to make Airtronics products more common at the airfield. If I knew then what I know now, I would have happily purchased the Airtronics RD8000 instead of my 7CAP.

JR is a bit of mystery to me. They use single conversion FM receivers in their sub $300 radio systems. I just see the other three manufacturers as offering better value at most of the lower price points. The JR Sport SX600 at $159.99 seems like an awfully good value though; if it only came with model naming and a dual conversion receiver...

The last radio i had before leaving the hobby for a while was the Futaba 8UAP. I loved that radio, it had all the features i needed and the channels. This time around, since i was already going to spend quite a bit on new equipment, i decided to go with Spektrum. I love my DX7, i just wish it had a few more features. One good thing is that i never forget to extend the antenna [8D]

I read somewhere that there was a JR radio that you could program the flap switch to make the transition slower? I would like that in the DX7

I picked JR... that company took my fear out of learning 6 channels or more. I was always afraid of anything more than the basic 4 channel, until I got my PTS Mustang. Now I'm hooked! You can't take me away from JR. I had Futaba and Hitec, they work fine... but I fell in love with JR. Now I know why some are switching to the Red Shirts![sm=lol.gif] I also bought a JR case for my radio... I've never bought a case for any of the others. I fly the PTS Mustang, and the Hanger9 J-3 Cub on the same radio. I LOVE IT![sm=thumbs_up.gif]




Luftwaffe Oberst
Radio Aero Modelers Club
AMA District II
Pulaski, NY

Bev,

Some of us still have to work for a living []. I wish I could have made it, but I am still paying for taking a week at Top Gun. Hopefully, we can still get to one of the same fly-in's before too long. Florida ain't that big. Top Gun is right around the corner again, for 2008, why not make that one of your plans for next Spring? Take care,

Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1

I have JR because that's what came with my trainer. I like the JR and was recently given a JR XP642 by a club member, so I will be with JR for the foreseeable future.