What brands are the best and what are the features that you look for in a radio. I dont want to have to buy another radio as I progress so I am looking at a six chanel and am lost in all the brands. Please help.

go with the dx7
or if your loaded try the jr 9 ch

I always lock for a BATTERY. LOL they don't work for %&@@ without one!

depends some on what you want it to do. if your new and need an instructer( HIGHLY recomended) it needs to be compatible to your instructer's radio. otherwise functions and memory are factors.

Prgramming. Must be so easy a "Caveman" can do it!

Look at Hitec Optic6 or their 7channel. You can get a synth radio set around $200. Recently been selling around $180. for a set for the Optic 6. I wish I'd bought my Optic6 as the first radio.

Look at the JR7202 for synth and come in a set with RX that doesn't need crystals to jump to any frequency just like the 7202 does. Somewhere around $200 also. I wish the 7202synth had been out when I needed my first computer radio.

No brand is better than any other, it's the features for the price that matters. Or just features, like those two. They're worth the full price for their programming. They do what the more expensive do and everything any (not just beginners) modeler is going to need for years and years, until he needs more channels. The features are there, just not 9 or 10 channels.

With synth you won't have frequency problems at all.

2.4mhz is kewl, but right now, every RX you buy is going to be pricey. With the synths, you can use old ones, new ones, whatever. Like the excellent Hitecs that're $25-$30-$40 new.

You will want a computer radio with a good selection of mixes. I was in your shoes last Jan, and I ended up with a Futaba 9CAP super. It seems to be a very good choice. The only negitive I can find on it is that the timer beeper is a low volume beep and with my hearing, I can't hear it. A couple of the guys are flying JR's and they swear by them, so either brand would be a good choice. I think that there is a bit more flexability between receivers and servos with th Futaba, but I have not really looked into it that close so I may be wrong.

I would suggest a 9 channel. It gives you a lot of mix options that you will not have on a 6 channel.

Some will suggest one of the 2.4 ghz setups. I personally already have to much invested in receivers to switch and the Futaba 9CAP on 72mhz does all that I can handle. A second thing that would steer me away from the 2.4ghz setups is that they don't have a track record as yet. We have a number of guys flying them at the field and the only issue I've seen so far is that the antennas break off the small spectrum receivers. My view is one I picked up early on when working on big mainframe computers, Pioneers end up with arrows in their *s. The 72 mhz has been around for years and with few exceptions of interference from comerical radios, the only issue is the limited number of frequency channels. Even on a really busy day at our field though, that hasn't been a problem. Now if you were flying at a contest with several flyers in the air at one time. then it could be a problem. I really depends on where you fly.

Last, the number of 72mhz radios comming up on Ebay now from guy going to 2.4ghz gives you the oppoturinty to pick up stuff at a savings. Just make sure that you include the cost of sending the unit to the manufacture for a check up prior to using it, unless it is NIB.

Don

Depends on wether your loaded or not. But either way the best for your money is the...
6EX Futaba FASST 2.4Ghz. It rocks all around and is easy to use!!!

If it doesn't fit your buget... make it fit!!! It WILL be worth it

Happy Customer
Electrolight

I am going back to OZMOs answer, compatability.
I recently bought a radio for my daughter (who has made a vow of soloing by this time next year) I bought an Airtronics RD6000 for the simple reason that I already have an airtronics buddy box.
Get with an instructor and find out what system he uses.

The [link=http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk6900.html]Futaba 6EX[/link] (FASST 2.4GHz technology) looks like the one to beat right now.

It all depends on YOU! If you are in the hobby to stay, and you even think you MIGHT get into giant scale or warbirds, then I would definitely recommend something like a Futaba 7C or 9C. It is real easy to use up the channels, and it's nice not to have to use Y's for multiple servos.

I think 2.4 GHz is over rated at the moment, especially if you fly at a club. Unless it's a REALLY large club, there's bound to be open frequencies available. Just check it out before you purchase the transmitter. Crystals are cheap if you already have a few receivers. The only reason that I would specifically get a spread spectrum radio is if you fly in a 'public' area where there's no established club. You may get interference from another flier.

I can't recommend a Futaba 6EX. I have a 72MHz version that I quickly outgrew. It has very limited programming. I've looked at the 2.4GHz version and it's similar to mine. For example, there is only one switch for dual rates, meaning that every channel that you want to have dual rates set for is controlled by that one switch. No choice. Either all are low, or all are high.

Right now I have a Futaba 9CAPS and I can't see needing anything else for a LONG time!

Just my 2 cents

Kerry

I see that you are in Sunland. This means that you will most likely end up flying at the Basin. I strongly recommend that you go with a 2.4 Hz radio. I've seen plenty of shoot downs here. In Aug. at the Scale Masters Qualifier, even with a radio impound, a plane worth over 2 grand was lost as a result of someone who turned a radio on in the parking lot. They were planing on selling it as they were not into RC and turned it on to see if it would come on. This won't happen with a 2.4 Hz radio.

Scott

I agree with scott, the technology might be pricey but as you progress into this hobby your fleet will be as well. I have witnessed 2 different aircraft "shot down" by an unsuspecting pilot that turned on his transmitter without thinking. I purchased the X9303 but the Spektrum DX7 will work great for the beginner/intermediate pilot. My 2 cents

Theres lots of talk of losing a plane when the receiver resets if it gets a power blip whcih can happen after 3 flights. This can apparently be prevented by using very large battery packs however.

There's really no compelling reason to stick with 72 mHz if you are starting out right now.

2.4 gHz is affordable now and getting cheaper.

Another thing is that gas engines are now getting smaller and more reliable. With the rising cost of glow fuel, more and more fuel planes will be going to gas. When you have an ignition gas engine, 2.4 gHz works is hands down the best way to go as it is immune to ignition interference that besets the lower frequencies.

There are actually a couple of good reasons to seriously consider a 72mHz synthesizer radio.

The receivers that work with them are available right now range in price from $20 to whatever you want to spend. And you can use the ones you already have, or that might come with an existing plane. And the prices are going to keep coming down as more and more people who have switched over to 2.4 are able to swap out the ones in their existing non-2.4 planes whenever spare 2.4 RX prices come down from their roughly $90 and up.

And with synthesizer radios you're able to fly whenever you want simply by switching the channel.

And prices on synth radios are down since the industry is pushing the 2.4 while it's new and they can get away with full price RXs etc.

And as more and more people shift go to 2.4, the 72 channels have less and less people on them. I used to keep two radios on different frequencies because two other frequent flyers conflicted with my frequencies. They've both gone 2.4. Why should I? beats me. Oh yeah, somebody can still shoot me down. Who?

How long will 72 hang around? How long has AM stuck in there after FM came along as the new safer way. Not entirely the same but it's a close enough analogy.

2.4 is kewl. And makes more sense for a newbie who won't have more than one airplane for awhile. But it's not the only way to go by a long shot.

I'm not too worried about 2.4gHz. The one pilot who shared my frequency in the club went to it so I now have zero wait for the pin and it didn't cost me a cent.

Look for adaptability (programing), digital trims (most now have them - what a God send), availability (can you get batteries, servos, receivers, buddy cords, spare antennas . . . oops), market exposure (unique is cool until it comes time to upgrade, sell or expand the fleet). You can't lose with Futaba, JR or HiTec. Six channels is nice, more is better. Eventually, you will want to play with mixing or flaperons, etc. and you may regret a basic set-up.

I got started with Futaba back in the 70's and have never used anything else (well, there was this one Kraft in my college days . . .). Though I use HiTec high-torque servos for my rudders in most of my models. There can be some overlap among brands - but be careful. Don't mix servo arms between brands.

can i use other brand servos in the futaba recivers

I actually have the JR 7 channel that came out with the DX7. The only reason I did not choose the DX7 is because I already had three planes and I did not want to buy all new receivers. All I had to do is set my radio to the receivers I already had. Also the JR holds more planes than any out there. I got the heli version, the only difference is the throttle, it is smooth not clicky(I fly planes). For the money I would say the JR 7 if you have a fleet already if not get the DX7.They are almost the same price. You will not have to upgrade ever unless you are really trying to get into larger scale planes that require more than 7 channels.

yes you can. all the recamendations are good. jr is my pref. i sould rc airplanes at a locle hs and i always told them to pick it up and see how it feels. it seem to work. i recamend that you go with 2.4 so you are on top of the game. if your just stating out the avalbilty and the cost will come around and there whont be any thing to worry about.

Absolutely yes.

And you will discover some pretty good servos that way.

Like the Hitec HS225. They're more powerful than the average standard servos from most mfgs and only 2/3 as heavy as the average standard. And only about $20 each. Great aileron servos. I use them for aileron and throttle and save almost 2 ounces in your average 40-60size model. And Tower gives an extra discount off the price when you buy 3 at a time.

Just about every mfg has a servo or two that stands out. Like JR has an entire line of economy ones. They have a rack in the LHSs with the economy line. Their small 48oz-in servo is great for throttle in the 40-60size models, especially ones that come out tail heavy. I've actually been using them instead of the HS225s for throttle simply because the power of the HS225s is overkill. Doesn't really matter, but it suits the engineer in me better.

Yeah, every brand of servo except futaba will work with any brand receivers and wiring.

BTW, the JR "economy" switch harness is another excellent deal. Bulletproof harness with almost failsafe switch for less money. Suits the cheapskate in me better. And the demanding modeler who wants the best switch possible. (they used to kill more planes than gravity did)

Worth comparing the functions against cost of the Multiplex Cockpit SX, I think they offer waht some of the others do at a fraction of the cost ???

So how much does it cost? and where in the US can he get it?

And a fraction of the cost of the JR7202/synth or the Optic6 is going to be REALLY CHEAP.

OK, I did a google and it does read good, but didn't see a price or location in the US selling it. And it seems to require a dedicated RX. Any ideas how much that'd be and where they're available?

It's really good to supply info with good advice. You gave good advice, and that makes the info even more important.

I look for model memory. My Hitec Eclipse 7 has only 7 model memory so I had to buy a second one. I like the Futaba 9cap 18 model memory, probably my next radio someday.

I totally agree with Charlie and da Rocks comments. I have all ready seen a shift to the 2.4 radios in my club. Some of the "in demand" 72 mhz channels have now been freed up which means I don't have to share a channel to get in flight time.