Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I currently have a dx6i that came with my first plane andI now have 3 aircraft bound to this plane, but in a couple weeksI will be starting my first kit build and I am worried and debating about buying a futaba 10c and switching to futaba. Is spektrum reliable I would just hate to go through all the work just to have the radio stop working and destroy all my hard work.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I've been flying Spektrum/JR DSM2 for over four years now. Solid as a rock.
Go forth and enjoy.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

Being as you already have Spektum, just stay with it

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I'm a Futaba guy, but not because it's better, has more features, is less likely to fail, etc, but because that is what I started with and each step up the ladder has been easier if I stick with Futaba. Not because it's Futaba, but because it is what I have. I've only one plane on 2.4, but that is because I'm not willing to kick in another grand for the additional Futaba receivers to fly with my 10C.

As long as your TX has the range, and the ability to control the planes you want to fly,and has all the features you need, why change. A more expensive TX and maybe the additional cost of RX's to match, may give you a bit more ability, but look at it this way. $500 for a new TX, or $500 for five more plane. The key, especially with the 2.4 stuff is compatibly. It's one thing to lay out $500 for a new TX, but having to kick in another grand or more to change brands for all of you receivers so you can use the new Tx doesn't sound like a way to keep happy in the hobby. There are enough places to send your money as it is.

Don

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I decided to go Hitec 2.4 even though almost everyone else at the field uses Spektrum. It was cheaper for me.

I've never seen a Futaba 2.4 at the field

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

Friend of mine is an electrical designer and he chose Hitec 2.4, and he could buy any system he wants. Itrust his judgement.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

My advice is to go with Futaba 10c.

You can search for "FHSS VS DSSS Technology" in RCU and read on the difference and experiences people have with these two systems. There is no comparison.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I have Spektrum stuff but if i had to choose again i would go Hitec for all planes except for Dx6i for the BNF planes that come with Spektrum[8D]

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

G'day

I am currently using four different types of radios.

Older JR 2610 6 channel with the original FM (I have two of these and they work well and always have though I did have a problem at a fly in recently with some interference.

An old JR 2610 which has a very cheap Fly-Dream 2.4 Gig module in it. I have been flying it for a while with no problems. A friend uses this system for quite expensive models with no problems. It is certainly cost effective and seems to work well.

A Hitec Optic 6 2.4. I have used a number of Hitec FM systems over the years and I really had a good run from them. I bought the Optic 6 2.4 to use on my intermediate models that need more then 4 channels but which are not really complex or valuable. So far I am impressed with it. I have been using it for about a year.

A Spektrum DX7. I use this for my most expensive and complex models and also use it a lot with a couple of trainers which I use to teach other people. It has been bullet proof for 18 months but the receivers are nearly twice the price of the Hitec ones (but they do have an extra channel) and they are three times the price of the Fly-Dream receivers.

I think Spektrum is good value but it is a high end product and you pay for it. Spektrum also has the advantage of working with many Bind-and-Fly planes.

I do not discount Futaba radio gear and my local shop pushes it. Friends that have it find it works really well though they have had problems getting receivers recently. I think this is just the fact that the 2.4 system is new and the up take at the moment is high. I am sure it will settle in time. It is a quality product but like Spektrum is expensive.

I think Hitec is the best value for money and still a very good system. The new Aurora system seems to be extremely good value for a 9 channel radio and I think one day I will buy one. I am unlikely to buy a more expensive JR or Futaba radio though they are extremely good . They are just too expensive for my needs.

Mike in Oz.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

i have a 10x and love it so much i converted it to spektrum.....ive only had problems with the ar6200 ..i have 7 other receivers consisting of 5 ar7000s and 2 ar9000s and havent not had any problems yet(atleast 1000 flights) but if i were to have an unexplained catastrophe and lose one of my big investments, id go with the 10ch airtronics system

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

There is the guy from New Zealand doing reviews on all kinds of R/C stuff. He ask for donations as he tries to remain impartial (I trusted a mag review on an OS FL 70 - curse them. Mag reviews are the pits, totally biased IMHO).

He reckons the FHSS technology (Futaba & others) is technically better than the DSSS technology (Spektrum) but not to such an extent that you need to get rid of your Spektrum equipment. I therefore decided to keep mine, just ensure that the RX battery is 6V (use LiFePO).

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I have two Airtroics, one RD6000 and one RD8000. I also have two Spektrums, one DX6i and one DX7. I also have a Futaba that came with an RTF trainer model.

I use the Spectrums more than the others because they are 2.4GHz where the other three are 72 MHz systems.

You already have the DX6i, which is totally reliable and you are used to it. It has sufficient model memory and capabilities for everything you could build and fly so why spend extra money on a different radio system? Do you need 10 channels? The capabilities are certainly pretty much the same.

I would stick with what you have until you really need to upgrade. Then, I would consider several systems, not just Futaba. Each system has it's benefits but it comes down to personal preference as to what you fly with.

CGr.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I'm using a DX6i and it's a rock. Why spend money on something you don't need? There's tons of other goodies that you can spend your money on versus a new radio that you don't need.

But with that said....this is a hobby and we do this for fun. If you simply just want a new radio and think about it all the time, then do it.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I think the question depends are you at a point where you need more radio and have no choice but to upgrade? If that is the case then I would definitely consider one of the Futabas. I started with them, switched to a Spektrum DX-7 then went back to a Futaba 8FG after a few Spektrum receiver problems. I love my Futaba radio and I will never go back unless something changes drastically with them.

If you aren't at the point that you need the more sophisticated radio though, why switch? Don't spend the money until you have too in my opinion. While I had a couple bad Spektrum experiences that doe snot mean they are junk. There are plenty of planes flying with them as we speak and a lot of people love them.

You might also want to look at some of the Airtonics offerings when it is time to upgrade. I am very impressed with the ones I have seen.

All that being said, this is a hobby and it is all about having fun after all. If you really want that cool new radio and have the money to spend then go for it if that makes you happy.<br type="_moz" />

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

Is Spektrum reliable? I suggest you do some research on this via Google.

If you happy with what you read, then stick with the brand. If not then I'd highly recommend a FHSS system such as Futaba T8FG (actually a10 channel radio), Airtronics SD-10G or Hitec Aurora 9.

 personally prefer Futaba and fly the 8FG radio. Its simple to program and the FASST link is the best in the business.

I tend to trust people who design telemetry and industrial automation equipment for industrial machines
. They must surely know a thing or two about retaining reliable radio links in high EMI environments.

The Hitec A9 has some lovely features and toys which I personally can't see the point of since the added hardware more than doubles the price of the radio.

The Airtronics / Sanwa would be my next choice but I can;t figure out why the heck they have go and complicate my life with their own electrical connection convention.

Its Futaba for me.

If you want to upgrade (often need is not the only driver for change), I strongly recommend Futaba.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

GO WITH FUTABA (or Hitec)!!! I have had a 10C for several years and have not had a problem. Most of the guys at our field fly Futaba or have switched to Futaba 2.4 from other brands. If I had a plane that I was in love with....and I do....I would fly it with Futaba gear. Luckily, my 10C is one that will fly on 72mhz or 2.4 with the switch of a module. I like that because I still have a few models on 72 mhz. I've flown Futaba since 1979 and have never had a problem.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I was always a Futaba transmitter guy with Hitec receivers.

I wanted to change over to 2.4 because I started flying at the club field. I changed to Hitec and kept my Futaba 8UAFs transmitter but it has a Hitec RF unit.

But I help newbies at the field and they all have Spektrum because that's what the LHS sells. I've had to become very familiar with the different Spektrums. I do not have any problems with them but do not personally own any.

Futaba is priced too high.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

If you are about to buy a new radio seriously consider either the Hi-Tech Aurora 9 or the Spektrum DX8. One reason: telemetry. Your transmitter will tell you if your receiver battery or signal strength is in trouble.

I was flying with a friend who has just switched to the Hi-Tech, it started beeping like crazy with a distinctive 3 in a row beep and he could have saved his plane had he known what the beeps meant and had he responded more quickly. His receiver battery dropped a cell and his radio warned him with enough time to save it. He is thrilled with the technology and has now spent more time with his radio and will bring the model down quickly next time. I was standing beside him and he was asking me if I knew what those beeps were. I fly with a DX7 so wasn't much help. I'm happy with my DX7 but am looking forward to upgrading to one with telemetry in the future.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I started with the 6i. Have a number of planes on it and one kit built pattern ship from the 70's. I'm working on getting my 3rd giant scale together and I've upgraded to the 9503. Still have the 6i and the same planes that were loaded on it still are. I don't plan on changing them over right now because I like my 6i and it does what is needed. I'll switch them over sooner or later, but there isn't any real reason to right now.

That 6i will last you a while. If at some point you build something that needs more channels than it can reasonably handle, then maybe it's time to look at something else but if it's served you well in the past, there isn't any reason to think it won't now. If it were me, I'd stick with it provided it does what I needed it to.

Just my humble opinion.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

All of the Hitec's have the low receiver battery warning. Even my Futaba 8UAFs with the Hitec 2.4 RF module does it. Also my Hitec Eclipse with the 2.4 module in the rear does it.


Even the regular Optic six channel has the battery telementry function

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

Well I do need to upgrade and get atleast a 7 channel seeing as i want to put in a governor into it but that i can live without for a while, but i guess my major concern is that i am going to be building a 1/4 cub and putting in a DLE-30 gasser into it well from my understanding is that gassers cause the reciever to start blinking. If it starts blinking doesnt that mean it has binding issues? I may just being over paranoid but i just hate spend all that time building something just to take it up and watch it fall out of the sky on its maiden.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

I have not seen people with this problem at the field

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

That is a radio that I would like an answer for. I am thinking of going that route and just want to know are the switch's for the elevator, rudder, and alieron 2 way or 3 way?? I have a 10X and love that mine or 3 way.

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

Same here w8ye. I have never seen a Futaba 2.4. Everyone at our field that had Futaba 72mhz switched to Spektrums and Jrs. I was a Futaba 72mhz and have been flying with Spektrum DX7 and absolutely love it. It was easy to set up and tons of options. We also have some Airtronics. But between both, they have all been reliable and nothing has been reported at our field about any issues and they are being flown in Helis, IMAC, Turbines and everything else.

We had a lot of issues with the 72mhz at the end our runway with a few 72mhz channels beccause of a ham tower and cell tower (according to the flyers) and have not had an issue since. I suggest stay with what you know.


Joe

RE: Is Spektrum worth it?
 

Fortunately, all the major brands are quite good. I did do some tests (not on enough samples to be reliable) and they did show that the Futaba and Airtronics did withstand negative drop outs on the receiver bus a bit better by about a tenth of a volt which makes them marginally better than Spectrum from a possible brown out. How ever, if you make sure you have a stiff (low internal impedance) power source, heavy duty wire and heavy duty switch between the receiver and power source you should be good with any of the systems. This is one place where dual batteries connected to the receiver through switch from each battery will eventually pay off in reliability.