Transmitter?
 

I have been in the hobby for a year now and I am ready for a transmitter upgrade. Right now I have a JR XP8103 Spektrum convert which I learned on. Being my first year in, I am thinking about upgrading. I would have to make a lateral move channel wise for the future, right now I have only used 5 channels but I plan on going to warbirds with flaps and retracts. The reason I want to upgrade now is because I need to replace my AR500s after reading about all of the problems they have caused so I figured it wasn't worth replacing if I was going to switch brands. My one hold to Spektrum is BNF, especially with the UMXs, although I will keep the 8103 for that anyway. Also, I will be training my dad so if I switch brands I will also need to have something to buddy (ex. how is the 6 channel to go with the Aurora 9). Telemetry isn't a big deal, although seems like something fun to experiment with. Being a 15 year old computer geek, ease of programming isn't as important as the features. Any help would be great. One reason I didn't include Futaba explicitly is the cost of rxs, although if you feel strong about it, tell me why.
Jacob
I know I wrote a lot but I am very specific :).
This is NOT a which brand is better contest.

RE: Transmitter?
 

One question I would ask before ever considering making a recommendation would be this, How big of model are you looking to get into? This is important because on the bigger planes, elevator HALVES are hooked to one servo each. Having a bigger radio(more CH) can allow you to get away from servo "Y" arrangements if they are something that you don't care for. It also will enable you to add features like a slider on your canopy or a set of Nav Lights, etc. So share with us what you plan on growing into size-wise and I am sure some fellas will have plenty of words to share.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Probably no bigger than 60 sized warbirds. I say probably because I don't fully know. Being in High School, my budget is extremely limited so that would be my max size. Thanks for the votes so far, but why the 9503 over DX8?

RE: Transmitter?
 

I just ask that anyone who votes, if they have the time, explain why.
But thank you for the votes all the same.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I fly mostly 60 size with a   9 ch. radio and I am so glad I did not settle for less.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I say the DX8 because most things JR sre overpriced. The DX8 is more affordable than the 9503 while it uses the same technology. I have never used an aurora so no comment on that.

RE: Transmitter?
 

If you like your Jr8103 and on a budget my suggestion would be replace the module with the Hitec[link=http://www.hitecrcd.com/products/aircraft-radios-receivers-and-accesories/2-4ghz/spectra24j.html]Spectra 2.4J, JR-Compatible 2.4GHz AFHSS Module [/link]and keep the Spektrum module for the bind and fly models.
The Hitec Optima 7&9 receivers are user updatable.
Real time telemetry can be linked to a laptop or a Voice Telemetry announcing system.
If you think that you may be interested in an Aurora 9 down the road then all you would have to is bind the optima Rx’s to the new Tx.
Tower sells the optima 7 for $69.99 and the optima 9 for $99.00

RE: Transmitter?
 

G'day

I use an Aurora 9 these days. I bought it because I already had an Optic 6 2.4 and the receivers work with the Aurora 9. I also like the price and the fact that the Hitec receivers are not too expensive.

Over the years I have had Hitec, JR, Futaba and even Sanwa radios. For a while I had quite a few JR 2610s and they were good radios but when 2.4 came along, I first bought a Spectrum DX7 (which I still use) but I found its receivers too expensive so then I used an Optic 6 for a while. I used it to buddy up with other people I was teaching and it was then that I discovered the low price and better availability of Hitec receivers here in Australia. When I was flying 36megs, I always used Hitec receivers as they worked well and were reasonably priced. None ever failed. I also mainly use Hitec servos and so do most people in my club - even those with JR and Futaba transmitters..

The Aurora is extremely versatile. All the switches are programable, there are extremely good pre-set mixes etc and the touch screen works a treat. The menu system is easy to understand and the radio fits well into my hand. When I opened the box I freaked out at the size of the manual but it turned out I only needed to look up the occasional thing. Mostly I was able to simply work through the menu system in the radio and work out what I needed to do for myself.

I still use my DX7 because I have it and a number of receivers, and I still use the old JR 2610s on 36 Megs (similar to your 72 megs system) but gradually I am converting most of my models over to the Aurora. At the moment I have about 40 models so with the 20 model memory of the DX7 and the 30 model memory of the Aurora, I am OK for a while yet.

Have fun choosing.

Cheers

Mike in Oz

RE: Transmitter?
 

I'm currently flyin with my first radio, an Airtronics RDS8000 8 channel radio, and have just recently added the Airtronics SD6G to my collection as well. Both of these radio's have been flawless in their performance for my sport and pattern flying planes. The receivers are affordable which was the main reason for choosing the Airtronics line of radios.

Since I noticed that no one has responded with Airtronics radios, I thought I would throw my hand in the mix for these radio systems.

Dax

RE: Transmitter?
 

I went with a Futaba 9CAP due to it's exchangable RF modules. I bought mine so I could use it for boats, planes or anything else by changing out the module. I"m also not a fan of the Spectrum system due to reflection issues when used for boating. Being in the US, I bought mine with a 75MHz module and will be ordering a synthesized 72 MHz module to fly with. When I can afford to upgrade, I'll be ordering a 2.4GHz FASST module and receivers as they're much less expensive than buying new radios:D

RE: Transmitter?
 

I only use 72mHz radios and my favorite brand is JR Sport. I will continue to use my 72mHz radios until the new mHz band come out on the market replacing the existing 2.4GHz.

Pete

RE: Transmitter?
 

I chose other,

Reason = Futaba.

Thr Rx may cost more but you only need one Rx per plane. No
satelite rx required. I have a 7C works great. If you need more
channels? Liik at the 10C.

JMO,

Bob

RE: Transmitter?
 

I can't find any information on this replacement that you have spoken of. If you had some stuff available that Icould read, I would be very interested in knowing what you know..

RE: Transmitter?
 

The name brand radios are all good...me I am a Futaba guy...went from the Sky Sport 4 channel to a 9 Cap then to the 10 CG 2.4....
There are good and not so good between the brands......But if it were me I'd stay with the brand you're used to....for the programming....My 9 Cap programmed the same as the 10 CG....Just my 2 cents

RE: Transmitter?
 

I would advise against taking this comment at full value.

As for the TX, I love my A9. The software is a breeze and when Hitec comes out with updates it is very simple to perform the updates. I have used my A9 in Pattern, IMAC, pylon and unlimited soaring airplanes and it has been bullitproof in all cases. The airplanes are split up between the 9 and 7 channel RX. I truly believe it is the best value in a high end TX.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I choose other also. Something to consider when picking a radio is to think about what you'll use it for, both now and in the future. Write down a list of what you want before you look at anything, then see what's on the market that matches your needs. Here's the new radios I recently purchased:

Airtronics SD-10G: When I decided to upgrade to a new 2.4GHz radio, after looking at all the available features and programming capability, I decided to go with the Airtronics SD-10G. IMO, when you moved beyond the basic computer programming features into the custom mixes and flight modes, it would be very hard to run out of programming capability of this radio (not to mention 20 model memory expandable to 40). I highly recommend this radio when moving up to a higher end radio. I choose this radio because of the features that I felt would work best with scale models and gliders. It's compatible with the SD-5G and SD-6G radios for buddy boxing. It's by far my favorite.

Futaba 6J: I picked up (2) of these radios on a fantastic sale at Tower with the intent of using them for flight training - they allow me to control what functions a student can use when flying a buddy box.

Hogflyer

RE: Transmitter?
 

Fuel u burn. Planes u crash .  but engines, and radios u keep a long time.<div>So, do not look at price,  and follow your heart.</div><div>
</div><div>Any thing under 8 ch. is going to be a disappointment .</div>

RE: Transmitter?
 

I agree, I was leaning towards the DX8 over the 9503, but was just curious if there was a large difference worth noting.

The aurora 9 I was looking at and I go back and forth. My Uncle, who taught me to fly, was a strong JR/Spektrum user, so that has brought me to also like it. Other than the touch screen, what are some differences between the Aurora 9 and DX8

Can you explain some of the programming benefits, I am looking through manuals but I also would like some user experience. Can anyone point me towards a review of this radio, I can't seem to find one.

So far, I have decided that it will not be Futaba. I just cannot justify spending the extra money for the receivers when I can get an equal spektrum for less. I have also decided to take out the 9503 and DX7s unless someone has a good reason why I shouldn't. The 9503 is just too expensive right now. It has gotten a lot of votes, but no one has said why. I will consider the SD-10G, but I could use some more info on it.

Telemetry:It seemed cool at first but I don't see a purpose. Could someone explain whey telemetry they use. Note, I am only nitro so electrics don't apply to me.

Thanks for all of the help and keep the posts coming!!!

RE: Transmitter?
 

Hello again.

As I said before, I have a DX7 and and Aurora 9. I like them both but the Aurora 9 is more versatile, easier to use AND the receivers are cheaper and work just as well. And they are always available which cannot be said for some of the other brands.

I also like the telemetry if only because it allows you to know the state of the battery in the plane as well as the one in the transmitter. This little feature would recently have saved a friend of mine about
$20,000. Bad batteries cost him two very expensive planes in a week. The receiver and transmitter battery voltages are shown on the screen. Excellent feature.

All the radios you are looking at are fine. Buy one. Use it. Which ever one you buy you will end up liking. The only radio I ever had that I did not like was my first radio. It was a very early Hitec Challenger 4 channel radio. The reason I did not like it was simply that it was large and the sticks were too long for my relatively small hands. All the other radios I have had I have liked.

Have fun and don't bet bogged down in the "which is best" problem. They are all good. Get flying, that is what it is all about.

Another thing to consider is what radio your instructor has. If you have the same or similar, this will make buddy box setups easier. This is probably more important when you are starting out. You can always buy a different radio later.

Mike in Oz

RE: Transmitter?
 

I also fly on 72mhz using a JR 10X. Please tell us more about 72mhz replacing 2.4ghz. I have heard rumors that this is not a myth but reality.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I voted Other - Futaba
I have been a Futaba guy since before dirt. My newest radio is an 8FG and I love it. I agree with most posts here, buy a brand you are comfortable with and get the best one you can afford. This way you will not be replacing it in a year or two. My advice go at least 7 or 8 channel.
I am not going to join in on the 72 vs 2.4 pissing contest, I fly with both and have no problems with either.

RE: Transmitter?
 

tactic 6,,,cheap and it works,,what more do you need ?

RE: Transmitter?
 

I have to admit the DX8 feels better. than my older Futaba 9c .  But for some reason I still like Futaba.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I voted Aurora 9, in my experience it is the best bang for the buck, easier than Futaba to program. You can program any switch to any function quite easily... I have never even needed to crack the manual open once. I thought the telemetry was merely window dressing, but it is quite useful in practice and VERY COMFORTING to be able to monitor your flight pack. Oh yeah, you can buy a 72 MHz module for the Aurora for around 60 bucks. I will buy a second one soon, as the trainer functions are totally awesome!

Had a DX7, never had an issue but didn't like the switch layout.

I am tempted however by the Futaba 8FG as it can go to 14 channels AND can be used easily for FPV flying.


They're all good, really, as others have said!

RE: Transmitter?
 

I voted Aurora 9, in my experience it is the best bang for the buck, easier than Futaba to program. You can program any switch to any function quite easily... I have never even needed to crack the manual open once. I thought the telemetry was merely window dressing, but it is quite useful in practice and VERY COMFORTING to be able to monitor your flight pack. Oh yeah, you can buy a 72 MHz module for the Aurora for around 60 bucks. I will buy a second one soon, as the trainer functions are totally awesome!

Had a DX7, never had an issue but didn't like the switch layout.

I am tempted however by the Futaba 8FG as it can go to 14 channels AND can be used easily for FPV flying.


They're all good, really, as others have said!