Hey guys. I am looking at getting back into the hobby. I had an eagle II about 15 years ago but I had to get out of it so I sold my gear. It had a basic 4ch AM radio and a magnum engine and actually worked pretty good. I managed to get my wings and do some basic aerobatics...i.e. loops, rolls, touch and go's, etc. I already have a new plane and engine (nexstar and os 46) and i'm looking for a good radio. I am thinking that I'd like to eventually get in to helicopters and maybe even some giant scale someday..maybe even a ducted fan jet. From what I have read on this site, the new 2.4ghz radios seem to be all the rage. Whatever i buy, i want it to be good and the lastest technology. I was thinking of getting a DX-7...any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks.

There are getting to be a variety of good 2.4 radios out there and if you wait a couple of months there will be more from both JR and Futaba to choose from. Budget is your limiting point. Whatever you choose, get the Heli version if you are planning to ever fly heli's. Don't fly them myself but understand that the switch locations are MUCH better for heli's in the heli versions and yet fly planes well. Also be sure NOT to scrimp on battery power. That appears to be one possible weak link in some systems, especially with digital servos.IMO

Futaba 6X. It will do ppm, pcm, acro and heli. Dual rates, Ch 6 dial, airbrake switch, programmable mixes ... They've been around a while, but they're still selling them. That oughta tell you something...

You might want to look here on RCU on the Buy/sell. There are some pretty good deals on 6 channel radios if you wanted to start out with somthing cheaper then the the newer radios with all the pretty buttons!![sm=lol.gif]. Like Bruce said JR and Futaba are comming out with a lot of new stuff so you might wait and let them come out and have some time to get the bugs worked and then get a expensive radio.

Just a suggestion and good luck!


rc-plane

Something else to consider would be a 9CHP Super II. The reasons I suggest this system are:
1) It is layed out and programmed for helos, but still has all the aircraft programming as well
2) It has more channels, all the bells and whistles of the smaller 6 channel system and then some
3) It has available standard and synthesized 72MHz TX modules and receivers, as well as the 2.4 GHz FASST modules and receivers for more options on channel and frequency band you would want to use

Just something more to consider

I also got back into it (for good) several years ago. I bought the Futaba 6XAsuper since I wanted a basic computer radio. I certainly didn't need all 6 channels but the computer mixing eventually was handy. Most handy feature was being able to store several different model setups in memory.

The 6XA is not made any more and has been replaced by the 6EX which features digital trims.

If I were starting out from scratch today I'd look at one of the 2.4 sets. Still at least 6 channels but DSS technology.

Well, the cost isn't really a factor but I want something that will grow with me. I have done some more reading and I would like to go 2.4. The x9303 seems to be a nice radio and I don't think i'll ever outgrow it. But it's twice the cost of the DX7. I also looked at the Futaba 6ch 2.4 system and I think I would outgrow it too soon. I'm gonna head down to my LHS tomorrow and see what they have. I may go 72mhz but i'll have to see what they have.

Thanks.

Do yourself a favor and get a 9 channel or higher radio. The 9303 from JR is great and so is the Futaba 9C. As you grow into more complex and bigger planes, a 9 channel or higher radio will go with you. These radios really come in handy when you have split elevator halves or retract systems and so and so on...

If budget is a problem, then go with the Futaba 6EXA or 7C. I myself have a 7C and it's a great radio.

It's hard to beat the Spektrum DX7 for price, features, and flexibility. You can get them at myrcsupply.com for $292 plus shipping with a receiver and four digital servos. The next step up on the Spektrum side is the 9 channel JR X9303 in 2.4GHz, but it's about $500, pretty big price difference. If you get a Futaba 9C, the 2.4GHz module only works with two different Futaba receivers right now. The Spektrum DX7 will work with ALL of the Spektrum aircraft receivers (8 different receivers available right now). The DX7 has a graphical display, like the Futaba 9C for endpoints, expo, etc.

I have a 9C and a DX7, I doubt I'll be getting any 2.4GHz modules for the 9C... I'll probably save up my pennies and get the X9303 next year sometime.

thanks for all your replies guys. I decided to go with the DX7. I took a look at it and it looks like it will fit the bill.