what are your opinoins of the Airtronics RDS8000 2.4GHz FHSS Radio. Certainly can't beat the price of the radio or the receivers. Of course the LHS guys that I deal with, say they're junk! They sell spektrum and Futaba) Always pushing the Dx7. But bottom line is that I don't have to please them. just me! Only real difference I see is the model name characters (only three letters) and the number of models it can store. I'm comparing this to the Dx7.

I've been flying Airtronics radios since I started flying 14 years ago. IMHO the RDS 8000 is one of the best bargains in radios today. It's rock solid and will do well for most of what you want to fly. The only disadvantages are the 3 character display (which you already mentioned) and no expo or dual rate on the rudder. However, lack of dual rate and expo on the rudder is usually minor for most people. At this level, or for most sport flyers, this just isn't an issue. It's a great radio and you'll do well with it. Airtronics also has a 6 and 7 channel receiver out now that will work with this radio.

You can read my review of this radio here:
<p style="MARGIN: 5pt 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black">Read the full review/article loading with pictures
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=995

Ken</span></font></p>

Billd76

I have both the RDS8000 and the DX-7 I like them both. The Airtronics has a throttle cut that I really like. After using Futaba 7CAP with the throttle cut and then go to the DX-7 where you have to run the throttle trim down to shut the engine off, not as easy to use. Just my 2c

Thanks guys. Will think about it. I'm am growing weary of trying to decide though.

Just do it Bill

Hey Bill,


I'm a Futaba Guy myself.

The 6ex 2.4 does what I need.

Bob

PPPPPP

From what I have seen, the only people who call a radio set "JUNK" have never flown with them.

The Airtronics RDS8000 is a great radio. I have (2) 8000's, (2) 6000's. If you get one, you will be happy with it.


Dru.

Your LHS doesn't like the Airtronics because they don't sell them, not because they are junk. Simple as that - no profit. Don't own one but it looks like a good radio with inexpensive RX's.

Radio choice is a hard one for all of us. Go on line or even go to your LHS and take the time to read the instructions and look at the features of each radio so you can spot there pros and cons. Some have better mixing and features. When I'm helping a student pick out there first radio I say to buy the best you can afford because unlike planes the radio will be with you for a very long time, you don't want to out grow it fast and have to go buy another one right away. 7ch or more though if you plan on sticking with RC. You can work around the problems in a radio but why should you have to. I'm still using my Futaba 9-C and it has everything I have ever needed and the features I like. It's the little things like the high/low/kill switch or expo on the throttle that makes thing easier. Most sport pilots don't require all the features I enjoy but as your planes change you want a radio that will keep up. Money is a key problem so when I was looking for a new radio the sticker shock about floored me, I was looking at the JR 9303 and Futaba 10, made my old 9-C look better and better, it's only lacking feature is it isn't 2.4. How will I ever go through life without that feature????

All good points,I have been online and reading all the manuals. About the only thing have decided on is at least 7 Channels. Of course money is an issue, always is, as I'm a "tight wad". Hate spending more than I have too, feel ill when I do. Just want to be sure I get one that suits my future needs and is the right tool for the job. As far as "Junk" gees, the mother boards inside them, I'm sure, most likely come from the same source. So there really can't be that much difference other than the programing features. Probably putting more into it than need too, thought wise. Like Gorish said, I need to just do it! Whatever it is that I do! [8D]

Actually , the mother boards probably come from different sources. Only thing in common is that they may all be made in China/Taiwan these days. Since none of the 2.4 GHz manufacturers use exactly the same modulation methods (except Spektrum and JR) it's unlikely they have same manufacturer. IMO

You have gotten as much info as needed to make your decision. The only point I might make is what do your flying buddies use? This can be a big help. I have been using JR radios most of my life and am totally pleased with them. However, I know that Airtronics make a very good product so would not hesitate getting one if I was just getting started.

You really have to see right through anyone calling anything like that junk. Airtronics has long been one of the big four systems out there. Now, one of the big five if you include Spektrum and not join it in with JR.

They are all fine systems. No, they are not junk. I may not fly Futaba, but have flown with one. And, it was just fine. I owned two Airtronics radios, an RD6000 and an RD8000 (before, when it was 72 MHz) and still fly with it. They are just fine.

Pick one, Bill, any one... and you won't be sorry.

CGr.

All of the TX's are saying "pick me, pick me" AS I said before, I fly with Futaba, Airtronics and DX-7. They all do a great job. The Fubaba's are 72's. I use them with a buddy cord on a big stick and a goldberg cub.

CG, having our club meeting and fun fly tomorrow. We are going to try and get all the Cub's in the air at the same time and get a picture and send it to our AMA person, Bill Oberdieck. Maybe get our picture in the AMA magazine. It is suppose to quit raining. It has been raining all day, today. I am taking some homemade Chicken and wild rice soupwill save you a bowl.

I must agree. If it comes down to budget, well, it's hard to beat the RDS8000 system with two receivers. And, not to worry, all your servos will work.

Meanwhile, Irish, you gotta send me a copy of that pix. That should be a great one.

I'm down with a cold, sticking around for the weekend. Headed to Baltimore for work on Monday afternoon, testing on Tue, drive back to NJ on Wed. I am gonna eat real light tonite. I might warm up some chicken soup or something.

CGr.

Hey Guys: If I unplug the TX will I loose my settings?

No, the RDS8000 transmitter has a lithium battery inside that retains all the settings in the radio, even if the main battery is removed. This lithium battery is the same type used in watches andshould be replaced about every3-4 years.

Ken

Hey Bill,

The votes are in.
Do you want a M16 or a 45 ?

You know what I mean,

Bob

Now on sale:

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp

I would say go for the RDS8000. Can't beat the price. A guy at our field used one this season and had zero issues with it.

Rgr that. Either is better than a 9milly Ha! I got it Lima Charlie!

Thanks Ken.

Terry L.

One mans junk is another mans treasure! I have only used Futaba in my airplanes because it is what I used when I raced the cars for over tweenty years without a problem, I seen no reason to switch, but I see every kind and make of radio's out at the field and they all love'em like I do mine! I remember other drivers at the time telling me I should have the new state of the art radio rather then the Futaba junior's that I used but some how winning with the cheaper radio's just never made me want to move up!

Can the same trainer cord be used to hook up a VG6DR to the RDS8000?

I have learned that the folks at my LHS are not well informed about anything that is not in their store.  When looking at a product like the Airtronics radio, I come here to RCU for real expert advice.  The review I just read from RCKen was very good.  To be honest, I have already given my wife the stock number from Tower for that exact radio for my B'day present.  That and Xmas is when I get my pricey stuff.  And the Airtronics price is definatly right.