High Everyone!

I have a Futaba 4Ch Transmitter. I plan to upgrade my radio. Kindly suggest the best ugrade in terms of no. of channels. I want this radio to last a significant amount of time and not grow out of it within 6 months. Also in future I plan to get into Helicopters. So i want to know how many channels will be ideal.

Thanks!

In my opinion, any of the multi-channel 2.4 GHz radios are the way to go. My choices would be as follows:

1. Spektrum DX7
2. Airtronics RDS8000

I own a Spektrum DX7 and love it. It's a 7 channel radio with 20 model memory.

I also own an Airtronics RD8000. Although this particular model (RD8000) is not 2.4 GHz, it is an 8 channel with multiple model memory. The RDS8000 is pretty much a clone of that radio. Tower Hobbies has them on sale for $230 US.

All your current servos will work with both radio systems (if they are Futaba as your current radio is). Other servos will also work just fine. This includes JR, Hitec, Futaba, Spektrum, and Airtronics, among others.


CGr.

This is from the Futaba side of the argument. I would suggest the 9CAPS as a good start. You can get them used now at a very reasonable price. Frequency modules are also reasonable, but not as inexpensive as a receiver xtal. On the other had, if you get a sinthized TX module, you can change frequencies by simply dialing in the new frequency. That takes care of the 72mhyz band. If you decide later that you really need the 2.4ghz, you can plug the 2.4ghz Frequency Module in. If I were buying a new set now, I would go with the Futaba 10C. It comes with the 2.4 ghz module but the same 9C 72mhz modules work also, so your pool of receivers isn't scrapped. Personaly, I see no need to suffer the expense of converting everything to 2.4ghz, but if you are starting new, it might be worth the price.

I suggest the 9 chanels, not because you will use them, but because the computer mix options are greater. It gives you a lot more flexability that the 7C for instance.

Don

You need at least 6 for a heli.
A Heli Tx will allow you to adjust the throttle curve to collective better.
So you might look into a Heli tx

To convert a Airplan TX into Heli all you have to do is remove a little brass tab
or visa sersa..put the little tab back for Fixed wing. it'll get you started in learnding
to hover, but you would probably want better throttle curve mixing when going to foward flight or 3D

The click feel when you use the throttle.

I'll just say I have a 9c and like it.

Futaba 6EX has 6 channels and is airplane/helicopter friendly. $230 w/ 4 servos, $200 no servos.

6 channels has lasted me for quite a while flying airplanes and helis.
I am wishing I had a 7 channel now for a scale heli with retracts. My only option with the 6 channel radios I have if I want retracts on a heli is to go with less of a gyro (gyro sensitivity is controlled on channel 5 which is also the gear channel)
Of course the argument could be said, should I really have any need of remotely switching the gyro in a scale model anyway?
So my answer is, get at least a 6 channel radio and 7 channels are better (make sure your radio has heli programming with several swashplate options and 5 point pitch and throttle curve settings)

I love my futaba's even though I like to try a Spectrum just to see if I like it. Right now I have a Futaba 6EX 2.4,and although I like it......I wish the 7 channel Futaba (7C) was out when I bought my current 6EX. I would buy the 7C in a heartbeat simply because you can program in model names with it instead of having to memorize all them....plus the display looks cooler.

But I'm not sure how many channels to recommend for helis though,but if 7 is enough,and your current futaba is a computer radio (the 4exa)......then go with the futaba 7C because it will be much more familiar to you. I wouldnt get a 6 channel though,get the 7.

I just checked some picture of a Spectrum DX7 and it looks to me like the Spec has 2 reciever boxes(which may not bother you) to hook up instead of futabas 1. And the Spectrum has Manual sliding trims on it instead of futabas electronic button type(which I'm not in love with yet).

Maybe that info will help you make your decision....either way,there's both GREAT radios and you wont go wrong either way I'm sure.

Ive gone from a Futaba 4 channel to a Futaba 6 channel and now to a Futaba 8 channel. If I could do it all over I would just go to at least a 7 channel. Ive read many posts saying to go much bigger than you think you need, I just didnt listen. Go bigger than you think, most of the bigger radios can do both air and helli.

If you are serious about getting into helicopters, radios that have the letter "H" in their model number are factory designed toward basic / standard helicopter control configuration. This same radio can also be used for airplanes.

7CHP is a very good choice, 9CHP even better! Good Luck!

Yes H does mesn heli but not all programmable heli radios can be used on airplanes. There is a Futaba radio I was looking at recently, don't know the model # off hand, that was heli only. So make sure before you buy.
Most programable heli radios will fly airplanes as well.

Thanks a Lot guys!
I guess its 7 Channel for me. I havent yet been able to decide the model though. I prefer Futaba. Any suggestions?

One more Question.

Excuse me if I am sounding silly. What is preferrable PCM or 2.4 GHz?

You'll likely get many arguments as to PCM vs. DSS. That said, I was a loyal Futaba guy until recently. My son got a heli version of the Spektrum DX-7 for his electric Mini UltraStick airplane. Both the heli and the aero versions have the same programming but the heli models have different (and some say more convenient) switch positions as well as a non-ratcheted throttle gimbal. He loves it!

I just bought a Futaba 9CAS system with the synthesized modules 18 months ago to upgrade from my workhorse 6XAS radio. That said, I've now just acquired a 2.4GHz JR X9303 and a rash of 2.4GHz receivers. My 72MHz gear is being put out to pasture.

I believe the DSS 2.4GHz market is doing to the 72MHz FM/PCM market what digital compact disks did to the vinyl LP market in the 1980s.