That is what I was asking....

As Monkeyboy stated, 6 channels will probably satisfy your needs for quite a while. I've been at it about 8 years and 6 is still enough for me. (Have had probably 30 planes so far.)

BUT! I really am contemplating an 8UA or 9ZAP for the programming features, and wish I'd bought one rather than my 6 XAS.
Dennis-

I'm gattering info, cause when the time comes I would like to push a little and get something that's going to last me several years, I was looking something like the Hitec spectra for the channel synthesizer or the Futaba 8 something for the channels and programability

These days it's very difficult to find a radio in that class (7 channels upwards) that is bad.

It's all a matter of personal choice. One thing it might be worth remembering, is to take a look at the the durability of the transmitter. It's going to be used in pretty hostile environments and you want all the features you chose to last.

Boring things like the strength of the transmitter case, and the switches can become a big issue later in its life.

-David C.

David what are you using and for how long have you been using it?

Hi jucava,

I use Hitec, and my main transmitter is the Eclipse 7 with a Spectra module. I also have a few Laser 4s and one of their computerized 5 channel transmitters as well, which I reckon is a superb smaller transmitter.

I chose them because you seem to get a lot for your money, and, up to now I have had no problems whatsoever in hundreds of hours of flying. The only feature it lacks for me, is the ability to program crow ailerons/flaps, (which I almost never use anyway!) and even that can be done with a two switch set-up.

I have also found Hitec's after-sales pretty good.

I was tempted recently to get a Futaba 9c, and still might, but for now the Hitec Eclipse gives me all I want, and I have never found 7 channels to be a restriction to what I want to do.

-David C.

David let ask you something, why many people use synthesizer insted of using all the receivers on the same channel, just to be able to fly another plane if one particular channel is being used?

Yes indeed, that's the main reason.

If you have two different receiver crystal channels you have twice the chance of there being a channel free for you to use on a busy day. The Hitec transmitter battery compartment has little slots to store spare receiver crystals, so, when I turn up at the flying field, the first thing I do is to see which channels are being used, and pick a crystal that is free. I almost never have to wait, even on our flying field which is very crowded occasionally.

-David C.

Well at my club we can only hold the channel for 15 minutes, we fly and then fix something, chat, etc., I never tough about the possibility of a crowded flying field.

I must said I agree with the Futaba 9C, I'm new in this Hobie but you only live once. Also was looking at the new Futaba 6EXA.

Now what is the difference and the pros and cons of FM vs PCM?

PCM gives you a few advantages, but, at the risk of disagreement from people who have spent the extra amount, I personally can't see the reason for it. PCM does give you a lock out facility of the signal is temporarily lost, which some say is 'fail safe' but I know that some people would rather fight a stray signal than completely lose control.

They both use FM radio waves, it's just how the channels are handled that is the difference.

Until we get computer network technology (which is years off, if we get it at all) I reckon it's best to stick with good ol' FM. but that's just my opinion!

-David C.

I been earing a lot about the digital servos, this ones works with the PCM radios only?