Hello Everyone,

The reason that I've been wanting a comp tx is the feature of multiple models on the same tx. A question that I've been wondering about lately is this.

What makes a comp tx able to store settings for the multiple models? When you put together a bunch of planes on one tx, do you replace the crystals in the tx? Or do you keep buying the same frequency of tx in the flight pack? But if you go that route with the flight packs, then why buy a comp tx? Just something I've been thinking of lately.

For example, I'm looking to get the Hitec Flash 5x or the Futaba T6XA. Could anyone give examples of how this multi-model thing works?

All help is appreciated

MV

MV,
A computer TX (transmitter) simply has a menu on an LCD screen. You use this menu to program the available functions, like 'flaperons' or 'elevons.

You also use the menu to "pick" which model you'll be flying. You've already programmed in that particular model's trim settings, servo reversing, etc.

You do have to have seperate receivers (Rx's) and servos for each plane though. The computer Tx will still allow you to do things a standard Tx won't.

Choose carefully. I like my Futaba 6XAS, but it does have one thing I DON'T like. You can't "name" the models in the Tx, you can only give them numbers. I solved this by putting the associated number on the tail of each plane.
Dennis-

Thanks for the help DB. I understand so far what you said. But one more thing puzzles me.

If you still need a different rx, is the comp tx able to change frequencies to match that model? Then you choose the frequency of that model to fly?

Or does the tx remember the trim settings associated with the number that is set to the particular model? Then you just set the tx to the number of the model to fly (with all trims saved in the tx). Then just go fly.

Actually.....I think that's it! Tell me if I'm understanding this correctly (anyone).

Thanks,
MV

if you shoose the tx with the sensasizer module you can change channels but you will really have to be careful.the hitec eclipse 7 channel is a great radio ,i have six models stored in mine ,it does this by having a cpu chip in it just like a desktop computer.i have all my models on the same channel to get around the extra hundred dollars forthe channel changer

Planes are on the same frequency as the transmitter. The transmitter stores the settings for each plane. All you do is change the model in the transmitter. The Futaba TX6A has a drawback in that you can not name the model, you store it by number. You have to remember which model number is assigned to each plane. Other radios, such as the 9C allows you to store each model by name.

The hitec Flash five is an excellent starter computer radio and is the one I recomend to my students if money is an issue. It is not a module radio just like most of the lower priced entry computer radios. It has storage for five models however is a single frequency radio which means when you buy additional flight packs for more aircraft you must order the Rx's with the same channel.

Ordinary more advanced radios use a single frequency module so that you can change frequency at will by popping in a module of a different channel. The problem here is the modules are expensive fifty, sixty and more. Hitec is the only one on the market currently with a synthsized module Unless you pay well over a thousand dollars for two very expensive radios that also have it. There is a brand new synthsized radio on the market now at a reasonable price but is to new and has no track record yet.

The Spectra module which is what hitec calls the synth module can change channels on the TX simply by dialing it in. It is avaliable with the Eclipse 7 radio. The major advantage of the Spectra system and the Eclispe radio is has a shift select feature which makes it compatable with all brands FM Rx's and with Spectra module you can just dial in the channel of that any Rx may be on. As you progress in the sport you will be amazed at the collection of used stuff you end up with. And the Spectra system makes all those Rx's usable.

John

MV,
Unless you have a transmitter with a synthesizer module, every one of your Rx's MUST be on the same channel as the Tx.

In other words, you buy a TX and Rx on channel 48. Every extra Rx you buy must also be channel 48.
Dennis-

I will second the choice of the Hitec Eclipse with the Spectra module if you want your planes on different frequencies. I have both the old Prism (with Spectra) and the new Eclipse with Spectra and find them both very useful. I often test other peoples flight systems, and with the Spectra and Eclipse, I can drive any brand of PPM (PWM?) receivers and check them out on any of the allocated RC channels in the USA 72 MHZ range.

MockV, I agree with the recommendation for the Hitec Flash 5. Yes, you need to buy flight packs on the same channel as the transmitter. And yes, the transmitter "remembers" the setting (trim, servo direction, etc.) for each model.

Big warning: Be very careful when you go between models! It is very easy to crash because you are flying model 1, but the transmitter is set to model 2. You might not realize it right away, since some of the controls might work right, or seem close enough.

In my opinion, the biggest benefit to a computer radio is none of the above, but the digital trims. Once set, they stay forever, you don't have to worry about bumping a trim tab, and then having to retrim the plane.

The downside of the computer transmitter (but well worth it IMHO) is the complexity of programming. I doubt I could set up an entire plane without consulting my "cheat sheet", and I've done it quite a few times.

Computer radios are great! I used to have a seperate radio for each plane, and now being able to use on TX for all my planes is sweet. I recommend the Futaba T6XAS or the Hitec Eclipse 7 if you want a cheaper radio and the Futaba 9C if you want a more expensive one.

Hi,

I think your confusion has arisen because the 'computer' bit of a transmitter isn't to do with the frequency it transmits on, it's to do with storing the settings unique to each model.

The settings vary from model to model and the transmitter 'remembers' the settings you dial into it, like the dual rate percentage, the 'sense' of the channel (that is, whether it is working reversed or not), the exponentials, servo end adjustments the trim settings you set in flight etc etc.

I reckon the most valuable thing a computer radio gives you is the ability to set dual rates. This makes it possible for a novice to fly an aerobatic plane on low rates before they get more bold/experienced, and set the rates higher.

If you go for a non-computer radio, it'll only take a few weeks before you wish you had spent the extra small amount of money and gone for a computer one.

David C.

Thanks to everyone who gave so much useful advice here! I really appreciate it.

I think I will go with the Flash 5x. I saw someone selling one in the For Sale section here. Everything I need for $160. Including shipping. Hopefully I didn't miss it and is already bought by someone else.

Again, thanks for all the help

MV