beginner radio question
 

What does "digital proportional" mean in reference to radios. Also, in looking at auctions of OLDER (this model is discontinued according to the Futaba website) 4 channel radios on ebay (for example the Futaba Conquest 4NBF), I have noticed them going for around the 100.00 range and this does not include shipping. Just an older (outdated?) radio new in box complete set. But you can get a BRAND SPANKING NEW modern Futaba 4 channel for around 130.00! Now why would someone pay almost as much for a 10-15 year old model that will be difficult locating parts for when they could get the newer one for not much more. Am I missing something here? Just trying to figure this radio thing out...there are so many choices and so many different models to choose from. I've read lots of posts on beginning radios and have about decided I just need your basic good quality 4 or 5 channel model for the best price I can get.

auto5man

RE: beginner radio question
 

Proportional radio systems is a standard feature these days. It means that if say you move the the rudder stick halfway to the left then the rudder will move halfway to the left. The same being if you move it a 1/4 of the way to the right etc.
hope this helps

RE: beginner radio question
 

some of the old radios won't be legal to use also, so you got to watch when you use eeeeebbay

RE: beginner radio question
 

Chances are, if the Ebay radio is new-in-box, and gold sticker legal, then it will work just as good as any "modern" radio. Also, there isn't much that's user-serviceable on any radio, except replacing a crystal or battery pack. So, if either the older or your new radio starts to act up, you'll still have to send it in to Futaba, or whoever, for service. Not much has really changed in the lower-price range radios over the years. Futaba can still repair the older sets using newer parts, and sometimes those older radio sets are actually more durable than the newer, plastic radios of today. All in all, the prices that the older radio sets command aren't that bad, considering the quality that is there. Once you get into the more expensive computer radios, then you're talking newer technology. The 4 channel jobs haven't changed much in the last 20 years, except maybe cosmetics.

Jesse

RE: beginner radio question
 

Zimbo, that makes perfect sense...thanks.

Pilotsmoe, do you mean the older am radios with wider frequencies? I think I remember reading that if its FM, its okay. I downloaded the info about that from the Futaba website. They go through a checklist outlining which models were legal and which aren't. Yet ANOTHER confusing issue to learn about radios!

auto5man

RE: beginner radio question
 

No, there are older FM radios that are illegal as well, but they would have been made prior to 1991. As long as it was made after 1991, or it's "gold stickered" (meaning that it was "narrow banded"), it will be fine.

While some of the older radios DID have a slightly more sturdy "box", I still don't think it justifies paying nearly the cost of a new one. Well, maybe if it's "new in box", but I don't think I'd buy one. It's still older technology, old circuits, old solder joints, old wires, old batteries....

But it's amazing what people will pay for stuff, especially on eBay. :eek:
Dennis-

RE: beginner radio question
 

There is absolutely NO good reason to pay $100 for a used 4-channel system.

You can go to the Tower website and order a Tower System 3000 4-channel system on sale (they are almost always on sale...) for $99. What that radio is:::: A relabeled Futaba 4 channel of last year's model. IT IS IDENTICAL to the Futaba! (the circuit board inside has the same Futaba part number...) You get a 1 year warrantee... brand new batteries... (vs looking at probably needing to pay another $45 to replace the batteries in the used system.... and no warrantee.)

Buying a used 4 channel system is essentially a bad idea for over $40.

RE: beginner radio question
 

I agree with FHHuber...I just started flying recently my self.. i recommend you buy the radio you can grow it hurts at first ..... i purchased the futaba 6EXA $179.00 6 model memory.I like it allot it takes some getting used to due to the digital trim but im growing used to it.....