loveflying!!

hi, i was just wondering as a beginner what kind of radio equipment would be good to get. i mean there are just so many brands and types and this whole spectrum deal. I just was wondering which of all these radios you guys would recommend for me that i would be able to continually use as i get better at this hobby. oh by the way i prefer planes, if that helps. thanks a a lot in advance.

flyinrog

My Feedback: (1)

You want to get 6 channels, looks like the 2.4 is the wave of the future, personally I am a futaba guy,, I say 6 channels because you want several model memory and high/low rates, they generally dont come on beginner 4 channel radios....find out what brand is prevalent at your club/field, people tend to be brand loyal......Rog

Crash Campbell

Hi,

I would suggest that you visit your local club and purchase the brand of equipment used by most of the instructors. That way there aren't any dramas with buddy boxes, assistance with programming etc. All the major brands are good and reliable.

With regards to the sophistication of the set up that will be determined by your budget and if you plan to stick with the hobby. I would think a low to mid level set up so is fine for a beginner, that way you don't tie up too many dollars in a hobby that you may not stick with. However be warned that if the "bug bites" you can never have too many function or model memories

Cheers,

Colin

Spacemonkey71

Because you're just getting started, you may not want to spend alot of money -and you can spend ALOT on some of the new radios and receivers!. You might just want to look at a simple 72mHz FM 4 or 6 channel. They're reliable and cheap. Remember you will need a Transmitter (Tx) AND a reciever (Rx) with 72Mhz systems.

You can get a good 4 channel or 6 channel FM 72Mhz Tx used (usually with the reciever and sometimes with servos too) for $40-$60. Just make SURE it's an FM radio (NOT AM!!!) and "legal" > meaning FCC certified (you can google this info off the web or "search" on this board -it's "legal" if it has a little gold sticker on the back). Most 72Mhz FM radios are OK, but AVOID ALL AM radios or channels other than 72Mhz! For example, I picked up a great little Futaba Skysport 4 channel transmitter with 4 servos + receiver + flight battery + remote power switch for $40 off of ebay and it works wonderful for what I fly (high wing trainers) and even what I PLAN to fly in the near future. Sure, it's a "discontinued" model, but it works great for my needs and it actually cost me LESS than what I really needed >the FOUR servos!

A 4 channel FM 72Mhz is really all you need to start with and learn to fly, but if you want 6, go for it, you'll just have 2 extra channels for "future" stuff (like flaps or retractable landing gear > which you won't need for a while; these aren't typical on beginner's planes). The four "basic" channels are for the (1)throttle, (2)ailerons, (3)rudder, and (4)elevator.

Since you're just starting out, you don't need to spend alot of cash to "get in" on the radio, there are PLENTY of other opportunities to spend the money you're saving! Spend the extra $$$ on stuff like the engine, the plane itself, props, fuel, new/extra flight batteries, chargers, flight box, servos, >replacement/fix-it parts< . The 4 basic channels will keep you busy for a pretty good while. And when you start to fly more advanced planes, 4 channels will still handle almost any plane you want to fly. If you get a plane that needs 5-6 channels, which is not usually a "beginner" plane, you can always upgrade later. Radio technology advances QUICK and who knows what the next great thing will be Futaba just rolled out a 10 channel Transmitter with FM 72Mhz AND 2.4Ghz capability ( of course it costs about $700.... and has 6 more channels than I need )

For beginners, in my opinion and my personal experience, the simpler the better. The more dials, switches, and features you have, the more possibility there is to accidentally screw something up. I also own a Futaba 72Mhz 7 channel FG series transmitter and, quite frankly, I don't exactly know what some of the switches and dials on this thing really do!

Incidentally, there are a few 2.4Ghz systems (which have a longer range and a few other "whiz bang" features) out now for around $100; FM 72Mhz stuff is typically "older" technology (but still good!) while 2.4Ghz is "newer" technology with more features -which is why it usually costs more for the Tx & Rx. (Ex: At the LHS I saw a table with used 72Mhz receivers on them for only $10 to $25 each; you won't see a 2.4Ghz ANYTHING at that price!)

If you DO decide to get a used one, just make sure the Transmitter (Tx) and Reciever (Rx) have the same Frequency crystal aka "channel" (don't worry they usually do -btw 72Mhz FM uses frequency channels 11 to 60). The frequency crystals typically cost about $13 each if the system doesn't come with them or you want to change for whatever reason.

I'm just an old school 72Mhz type though. There are PLENTY of others with different opinions and advice on what to get (2.4Ghz, Spread Spectrum, FAAST) and there are alot of good reasons to get these radios too. I just like the 72Mhz FM stuff because you can get it used for almost NOTHING and it does everything I need it to. Heck, if you start hanging around with your local flight club (look on the AMA website (american modellers association) for some clubs in your area) someone might even GIVE you a old 4 channel Tx/Rx or sell it to you for cheap. People in alot of clubs like to help the new guys and will often unload some of their old stuff they don't use anymore for peanuts!

wings

Spacemonkey makes some good points.

However, there are two sides to every coin!

If you are not sure about sticking with the hobby then the simpler and cheaper is probably better.

But if you have been bitten by the bug and are pretty sure you are going to be in this hobby for the long haul you may want to spend a little extra money now as opposed to having to buy a complete new system later.

72Mhz are great and work just fine. But do you want to worry about sharing a frequency pin while more and more pilots whip out (and turn on) their 2.4 GHz radios as soon as they get to the feild with no worries of frequency pins?

With 72Mhz systems you are also relying on others to follow the rules. Someone could easily shoot down your plane by NOT following the rules. It happens too! Should they buy you another plane? Absolutely! But do you really want your pride and joy to bite the dust?


I would personally recommend a 6 channel 2.4Ghz of some sort.

But as spacemonkey suggests, a four channel 72Mhz will work just fine all all types of beginner planes. If you're on a tight budget then this will get you buy.

For more on the radios sytems including pcm vs pcm vs spread spectrum [link=http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/rc-airplane-radio.html]take a look here.[/link]

I hope this helps!

da Rock

Don't worry about having to share frequencies. The more 2.4s that show up, the less conflict.

Would you rather pay around $50 for the receiver for your second model, or closer to $100. There are excellent, full range receivers retailing around $50 for the 72Mhz systems. PLUS, the guys who're switching over to 2.4 are selling perfectly good equipment at BARGAIN prices.

I fly a LOT. And at the 3 different fields where I fly, all the guys who were on my frequencies have gone to 2.4. They also have fewer models ready to fly from week to week, because they haven't been able to afford RXs for all their models yet. Think it over before doing it. Quite different reasons to do things sometimes.

hungryandbroke

If you want my opinion since you're a beginner I'd get the Futaba 4YF 4 channel. It's reasonably priced and will fly your trainer just as well as the high dollar radios.

Do "High Dollar" golf clubs make you a better golfer? NO!

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEFJ4**&P=0

bigedmustafa

My Feedback: (2)

I believe that a simple 4-channel sport radio is best for primary training. The last thing a student pilot needs to worry about while practicing his first landings is his radio. The best transmitter for new pilots should be simple, reliable, and uncluttered.

If you're going to start out on a 2.4Ghz computer radio, however, look very closely at the Airtronics RDS8000. It's easy to program and a terrific value. It's also a very full featured 8-channel computer radio with 10 model memory and advanced programming for helicopters and sailplanes as well as regular aircraft. Additional 8-channel full range receivers are only $79.99, so it isn't any more expensive to add planes than a typical 72Mhz FM radio (a Futaba R168DF receiver with crystal is $72.98 from Tower Hobbies, for example).

If you start with the simple 4-channel sport radio (an Airtronics VG400, for example) to train with, you can later use it as a backup radio system, a simulator interface, or a buddy box once you take the plunge and upgrade to a full-featured computer radio like the RDS8000.

Remember, you're not "wasting money" by starting out with a basic 4-channel transmitter. If you price the servos, receiver, receiver crystal, power switch and harness, and receiver battery that come with it, the transmitter, tx battery, and wall charger are almost free. Take advantage of the free starter transmitter and then upgrade once you master basic flight.

TedMo

I having read all the replies to you I will say they have pretty much added to the confusion. Lets put some of this in perspective. All the comments have their pros and cons. This is how I look at it:

No. 1- What age are you, therefore may determine your financial status.
No. 2- What type of aircraft (flying) most interests you?
No. 3- Do you have a flying site and club near you?
No. 4- Do you consider your interest likely to be short or long term
(this may be influened by your initial success)
No. 5- Without any doubt whatsoever if your financial status permits. A 2.4 radio is DEFINITLY the way to go.
( Cost more but can also be sold more easily if you do not take to it.)
No. 6- If 2.4 is your choice read all you can about them. Again each manufacterer has pros and cons.
( A feature I consider extremely important is the Model Match that JR. has.)
No. 7- READ, READ, READ as much as possible about the new equipment in order to make a choice you will not regret. All right here on
R. C. U.

Bob Mitchell

I'm relatively new and chose a 7 channel 2.4GHz radio because I believe that this is a hobby I will continue with, not just a flash in the pan.

I bought 7 channel because that gives enough for flaps and retracts for future aircraft, and a spare channel. The difference between the 6 and 7 channel price was not so great that it took a great deal of thought.

I also went 2.4Ghz because it became obvious after reading a bit that was the way the hobby is going, and it meant I didn't have to worry about channels (me or the other guy), radio impound, etc.

I bought an ARF rather than an RTF so that I could choose which radio I wanted.

In terms of brands, any of the major players make fine stuff. Spektrum, JR, Futabe, Hitec, Airtronics, etc. Someone else suggested you check and see what the instructors in your club are flying and then go with that brand to minimize buddy box issue. That's a good point, particularly for someone who hasn't grown attached to a particular brand, yet. I chose Futaba.

Good luck.