I'm considering those three:

1. [link=http://www.hitecrcd.com/transmitters/show?name=Aurora+9]HITEC AURORA 9[/link]
2. [link=http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk7000.html] FUTABA 7C 2.4[/link]
3. [link=http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2710]Spektrum DX7[/link]

I'm mostly flynig .40 sized aircraft aerobatic, small 3d and will like to stay in that kind and size of frame.

What will be the one to choose?
Thanks
SDG666

You'll never have a minute of trouble out of any of those. One guy in my club said his Spectrum was simpler to program than the comparable 72 Mhz Futaba that it replaced. That's worth something in my book.

take a look at the Futaba 10C 2.4..... that's my choice...as you move up in aircraft size and perhaps get into a gasser channels disappear quickly....better to have the channels and not need them...than to need the channels and not have them

Of the three you mentioned, the 7C all the way. I started with one and got every penny back I put into it when I upgraded to the JR X9303. If you can afford it, go right to a X9303 - you won't be sorry!

The Airtronics offerings for 2.4Ghz FHSS are very strong. All of the radios that sdg666 mentioned are good choices, but the RDS8000 and the SD-10G will both compare very favorably.

How's about the Airtronics RDS8000? Airtronics should not be left out of consideration! I have seen no bad press on this radio, here or elsewhere on the web.

Wow, Bigedmustafa, you and I posted the same opinion at almost the same instant in time! Cool!!

All of them are fine radios. I own the older 72 MHz Airtronics RD6000 and RD8000 and they are fine radios. I have not upgraded to the RDS8000 because I also have a DX7 and a DX6i, both are fine radios too.

I had a Futaba basic four channel but that went with the plane it was associated with when I gave that to someone.

CGr

I have the Atx RDS-8000. I say don't get it. It has some very limiting features that not even their reps had realized. If I knew about these I would never have bought it. Their new 10ch seems really nice however.

As far as the 3 you mentioned, it is a toss-up. Get what you like, what feels the best and has the features you like - they are all good.

Futaba has one Rx box with two small antennae in the plane, Spektrum has two RX boxes in the plane but has model match and more RX options than any competitor right now.

Personally I like JR/Spektrum radios for the way they feel in my hands. I didn't love the 'programming language' of my Futaba, however you can do a whole lot with it when you fully understand it.

I have used the Futaba 6EX and Airtronics RDS8000 and am now shopping for a JR X9303.

When making a statement like this, you should list the limitations. They may or may not be important to the original poster but he is probably wondering what the problem is since others have recommended it.

Also if you're looking for a radio right now, then the Aurora is out ... they are not even due to retailers until August.  []

First, get something that you are already familiar, second...something that most of the guys in your local club know and use. I use 7C 2.4 and a i love it very simple and most of the futabas has the same menu.

My bad...

The RDS-8000 doesn't have dual rates on the rudder - OP stated he's into aerobatics and 3D, so this is important. You can use up one of your C-mixes to slave the rudder. The problem with that is that your other C-mix is only on when you want your dual rudder on, so in my opinion that reduces you to one programmable C-mix, and really what that does is eliminate the option of having any C-mixes as that should have been built in the radio leaving you two mixes to play with.

It doesn't have expo on the rudder, which to many doesn't matter but to some of us it really does.

Switches are not assignable, and to have dual rates on that means you have to flip 3 pre-set switches (if you're using DR on rudder) to get them on, and then 3 switches again to turn them off.

There is no true end point adjustment on the ailerons when using a dual aileron setup. Sure you can attempt perfect symmetry in the linkage but no two servos are exactly the same out of the box, so without programmable servos you can't get equal aileron travel.

The radio has a lot of good features, and lots of mixes already programmed in and a language that is easy to work with. However I find these limitations to be over-limiting and cumbersome and thus warranting the need for a new radio.

I was talking to two Airtronics reps over the weekend (and a third over email) and they weren't aware that the radio was this limiting - they were shocked.

If you look at the competition (Futaba and Spektrum 7 channel) (and the Airtronics 10 channel) you will find that these limitations do not exist.

Since you are flying pattern, I can see these items being issues. For my flying style they would not matter.

I have a DX6i and have no complaints, does everything I need it to and a lot more. For the type of planes you're flying, it think it might be a great option/

Thanks for the input!

As for the RDS8000, I don't think I'll go with it due to their limitations
The JR 9303 is out of my price range, but I'm sure it's superbe Tx :[&o]

Is not for tomorrow that I'll change my Tx, so I can wait for the aurora to come out easely. But I don't know if it will bind on a DSM2 receivers os on the Bind and Fly from parkzone, I think this option will decide my next Tx.

The Aurora definitely will NOT bind to a JR/Spektrum DSM2 receiver (which is what Parkzone uses). Each brand is proprietary. If JR/Spektrum rerceivers are in your future, the "Brand" portion of your decision has already been made. You just have to decide which JR or Spekjtrum transmitter to buy.

Hold the phone here. Several years ago, I was getting started in pattern. My plane was a Tiger 60 and my radio was an Airtronics RD6000. Everyone I was working with including Dave Lockhart and his dad Ron Lockhart, said that what I had was plenty for what I was trying to do and I would never need anything more in the realm of a radio until at Master class. The radio would be fine from the Sportsman through the Intermediate level. In fact, I flew the Tiger for quite a while until I bought a Venus 40 to try to progress in pattern, and found it was no better or worse than the Tiger at my level. AND, I used my Airtronics RD6000 radio in that plane.

Since then, I bought an RD8000 (not the RDS8000) from a friend that won it at an event and used it while my RD6000 went back to Airtronics for service. A fine radio and the basis for the RDS8000.

The RDS8000 is based on the RD8000, which has been out for several years. The operations of that radio (RDS8000) are basically identical with the same limitations as the original RD8000. Saying that the Airtronics reps were shocked is just plain not true. They all know the products and are aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

The RDS8000 is a good mid level radio operating at 2.4GHz and will do just fine for just about anyone, with possible exceptions. Consider that the radio sells for $229 and comes with two receivers AND will work with most all of the servos on the market makes it a fine choice for anyone looking for an entry to mid level radio.

CGr.

CGR,
Not sure if the reply was to me or someone else. I wrote, "the brand decision has been made" because the OP mentioned part of his criteria is compatibility with the 'bind and fly' models from Parkzone. They come with a Spektrum receiver already installed, so the only transmitters they are compatible with are JR & Spektrum.

No, Carrelh, it was not directed at you. I just got on my soap box because of what a poster said about the RDS8000, which, in my opinion was just not factual and not fair to Airtronics, nor was it fair to those that are trying to get into this hobby. It's very difficult for someone to walk in and buy a $500 radio (or more.. ) and it's just not worth it for them.

There are other choices out there. For instance, Spektrum makes a very nice DX6i that will do just as nicely as the RDS8000, which in itself is a bargain considering that the RDS8000 radio comes with a pair of 8 channel receivers!!

As I said, I started out trying pattern with a "second plane" a Tiger 60 and my good old RD6000 which suited the flying style just fine. If you can do pattern with that combination, you can do it with anything, that's for sure. Although this is not a pattern geared thread, the subject came up and it was like mixing apples and bananas... so I thought I would add my two cents worth.

CGr.

</p>

I have to disagree with you here on this matter. While the Airtronics may not fit your style of flying, it might well be a fantastic choice for this pilot. Look back to what he said, mostly sport aerobatic and some 3D. You are flying pattern, which is a totally different type of flying than he is planning. The Airtronics RDS8000 is an outstanding radio for this type of flying and would be a great choice. It currently sells for $229, but that includes TWO receivers that come with the radio. I've been flying Airtronics radios for 14 years now and have never had any issues with them. I do own a JR X9303 and a Futaba 9C (converted to 2.4 FASST) that I have for doing product reviews. But when it comes to flying the planes I use every day I use my RDS 8000. I fly everything from sport aerobatic to a glider to a trainer to my everyday flyers on this radio and it works great.</p>

Yes, there is an issue with not having dual rates or expo on the rudder, but the lack of these features only affects a very small percentage of people. While you may feel that you HAVE to have those, many more don't need them and probably never will. And in the context of the beginner's forum the lack of those two features really isn't a huge issue. I also would wonder what Airtronics reps you have spoken to who didn't know about those features not being on this radio, because every one that I have spoken to (including Mike Greenshields) acknowledges that those features were not on this radio. It's not a shock at all because the RDS 8000 has identical features as the RD 8000 which has been out for years now. But like I said, I have found that those two features are only needed by a very small percentage of people.</p>

While IMHO I would be willing to bet the RDS 8000 will be more than enough radio for you, since you're not in a hurry you might want to wait and take a look at the new 10 channel coming out. However, if the Aurora is out of your price range then the 10 channel Airtronics will probably be as well. If money is a concern then I would take a second look at the RDS 8000 as it does come with two receivers, as I said earlier. IMHO I wouldn't dismiss the radio based on the comments of one person that doesn't even fly the same type of flying as you do. I fully realize that the radio may not have suited him, but unless you're going to fly pattern like he does it might well be a good fit for your, your style of flying, and your pocketbook. It might well be worth a second look.</p>

If you are looking for a radio that will bind with the ParkZone bind -n-fly equipment you will have to buy JR/Spektrum. All 2.4 radios are proprietary and will not work with each other. This is limited to the transmitters and receivers and does not apply to the servos, which you can still use almost any brand of servo with any brand of radio.</p>

That's my 2 cents worth</p>

Ken</p>

Several questions come to mind:

Any 4 channel radio can fly most planes, so what are you using today and why are you thinking of upgrading?

Only Spektrum or JR radios can bind with the Bind n Fly planes. Or a radio that can take a Spektrum Module, like my Futaba 9C. If this is the deciding factor then the only radio on your list that will do this is the DX7.


Things do consider:

1) How many channels do you need?

Ailerons - 1 or 2?
Elevator - 1 or 2
Rudder - 1 ( twin ridders? 2?)
Flaps - 1 or 2
Gear - 1
Smoke - 1
Lights - 1
Bomb drop - 1

That could be 8-12 channels if you were use all those features. How about other scale features?????


A .40 could use 6 if you have flaps and they are on separate channels. Some radios need 7 to have flaps on separate channels.


2) Mixes

Are you planning to have ailivators ( split elevators ), if so you will hit a limitation on the 7C as you can't trim them in flight. A long known limitation on this radio, unless they fixed it lately.

What about the other radios, do they have this feature? Do you care?

What other mixes do you think you might need?

DR and Expo on all surfaces?
Flight conditions? - Perhaps related to 3D or Pattern?

3) Possible future interests

Ever plan to fly gliders? Again a 4 channel radio can fly most glider, but full house glider pilots tend ot use a LOT of mixes. RES gliders need very few.

How about Helis? Simple helis can probably be handled by any of them but complex and aerobatic Helis with complex heads will need special mixes. Do you want to take that into consideration?


The size of the aircraft has less to do with what you would need than the type of surface manipulation and mixes. Figure one channel per surface, unless you plane to get into giant scale with multiple servos on a surface, for strength. But even then, you can use a gang box and still only use one channel.

4) Frequency

Are you ready to go all 2.4? Do you want to mix 2.4 and 72? Does the radio need to be convertable?

The 7C is either 72 MHz or 2.4 GHz, but not both. Only compatible with certain Futaba 2.4 receivers
Spektrum DX7 is only 2.4 and only works with Spektrum or JR 2.4 receivers
AURORA is only 2.4 GHz and only works with Hitec 2.4 receivers.

There are radios that can switch between 2.4 and 72. Is that attractive?


For example, the JR 9303 comes with a 72 MHz module. You can add a Spektrum, XPS or other types of 2.4 Modules to this radio.


So, what is important to you?

Well this is an open forum and all opinions are pretty much welcome, and I totally agree to be disagreed with. However I clearly stated my experiences and findings and made my suggestion - nothing wrong with that.

The RDS8000 is not a bad choice, but I believe two of the radios the OP mentioned originally are much better choices - the DX7 and the 7C. He did not say he was trying to get into 2.4g for as little money as possible, which is the main benefit of the RDS8000.

Ok, beginners forum: if you want a 3D plane with which the manual suggests dual rates, do you want to be thinking about turning off 3 switches when it's time to land, or just one?

I emailed Mike Greenshields about the independent aileron EPA's, and he told me it was possible to do. After a few more hours of trying I contacted Global Services and was informed that this is just not possible with the radio. I was talking to Anthony Romano at the meet last weekend, discussing the new 10 channel radio. He asked how I like the RDS8000 and I told him what I thought - he said "Wow, I had no idea it had so many limitations!" I was discussing with another rep who had the 10G (first batch) but don't know his name.

I stated that many people don't mind not having expo on the rudder. I can live without it, too, but I haven't met many 3D pilots who don't want and use high rates on the rudder. You're going to spend $250-$350 on a computer radio, I feel you should know you're going to be giving up one or possibly both of your C-mixes on the RDS8000 if you want dual rudder rates. Does that matter? Up to you.

Dual rates and expo: I can live without the Expo. I won't live without the dual rates on my Yak. You make it sound like I'm the only one, because I fly pattern, that likes to have dual rudder rates. I have not met many people flying 3D who do not want dual rates on their rudder, mostly which is having low rates for landing.

You can not accuse me of stating anything other than facts pertaining to the limitations of the radio and the knowledge of the reps; I do not make this stuff up. I clearly stated the limitations I found and gave my opinion on the radio when compared to the Futaba 7C and the Spektrum DX7. The RDS8000 is clearly a step down in performance.

Also someone mentioned above about other people in your club having the same radio brand. I am totally alone with Airtronics at my club and have to rely on myself to find out how to do things. It is a nice resource to ask a fellow RC pilot how to adjust something and get some guidance on the spot.

If any of the limitations I mentioned don't bother you, then buy the radio. It does what it does very well and very easily.

I don't mean to totally bash Airtronics and I'm still considering the 10 channel radio (just wish it wasn't so bulky!) and just started using Airtronics servos - but in my opinion they just left out too many features that are available by their main competition in the same class radio.

When I bought the RDS8000 no one told me about most of these limitations. I was told about the dual rates and the expo, but I was told I could use a mix to get the dual rudder rates. I wasn't told that the same switch also activates the other C-mix, meaning that I have to choose only two mixes that will be on or off, together, for my C-mixes. I would not have bought the radio had I known all this, and thus I think it is fair and appropriate to state my findings, experiences, and thoughts.

Afternoon CG. I have both the DX-7 and the RDS8000. Like them both. I see Hobby People has the RDS8000 with 2 rx for 199.99. Great deal.

Tower has it too (not sure if the price right now) - but you can get Tower deals AND free shipping!