Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Is there a big difference in these two radios, besides and extra channel? I know the are both computerized.

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Yes, there is a big difference. Computerised is a relative term. 7C is way more sophisticated than 6EXA.

gus

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Get the 7C if you can afford it.
As a beginner you'll never know what you'd like to fly in the future and besides more mixing capabilities, the 7C can handle a helicopter.
The 6exa seem to be a great TX, and I've recomended it to a friend who's interested to start flying on a budget, but if it was me, I'd go for the 7C to get helicopter capabilities.
Changing TX later on will be more expensive than getting the 7C right away.

I have the 9C, the 7C has the same programming interface/buttons, it's very easy to learn and overview.

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

I have both. 7c is way more user friendly.
I only use my 6xa when the 7c's batterys are low.

Not question the 7c is FAR better.

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

I have the 7C.. If you can afford it go for it. Sooo many functions you'll love

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

What planes does the 6exa limit you to? Can you only fly trainers and second plane types?

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

I can afford the 7C.. is the only difference is flying helicopters...I do not care much for those..I just want a good beginner radio that is beginner friendly. Tower hobbies has a good deal on them. It is 249 and u get a 20 gift certificate and plus a 15 dollar rebate from Futaba. The 6EXA has the same money things.

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

The 6EXA will allow you to fly pretty much any plane out there that doesn't require more than 6 channels, except planes that you want to set up for some types of "Fun Fly" type functions, or high performance gliders.

In other words, it would be difficult to set up "crow" and "spoilerons", or to program in down elevator with up ailerons if you were also using flaperons.

The 6 EXA WOULD allow you to fly a scale warbird with the standard 4 channels plus flaps and retracts for example.

Hope that helps.
Dennis-

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

OK, now I am really confused by all that RC airPlane talk. I am sorry. What planes require more the 6 channels? Like big expensive ones that hover and stuff like that?

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Also is the 7C easy to program for a beginner or will it take a long time to learn to program it. I have to experiance at all

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

When you go to larger scale gasoline, or turbines, some require 2 servos for each aileron, 2 servos for each elevator half, thats already 6 not including rudder, or throttle. Most smaller planes dont need more than 6.

John

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Just because it has an additional servo doesn't necessarily mean it takes another channel. Two of my planes have a servo for each aileron, but are ran off the same channel.

I can't speak for the elevator or rudder but I would assume its the same.

I like to think of the number of channels you need as the number of "functions" the plane has. rudder, elevator, ailerons, throttle, flaps, landing gear, smoke system, camera, drop module etc.


I guess I misread your quote, you said two servos on each aileron, I only have one on each aileron. So I may be wrong, maybe it takes more than one channel, but I don't see why it would. Does it really?

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Your right I didnt think of y-harnesses and such, but I think you have better mixing capabilities when using a seperate channel instead of a y, not sure though.

John

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

The 7C just gives you more options even if you arent going to use the extra channel. It is super easy to program, I love mine.

Stone, you mentioned big expensive planes that hover. Cheap planes hover too. I have a profile that I paid $35 for the kit and it hovers. So its not just the big expensive birds that need the extra programing.

The 7C gives you lots of options and room to grow. I am always playing around with mixes and it is great all the options the 7C gives you.

For the money the 7C just gives you more for the dollar especially if you buy it with digital servos. Its a steal if you added up the individual components separately.

FYI if you buy one, do a search on it in the radio form there are a few things you should have a head up on!

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

I am really torn on what to get.......I am not sure how far I want to go in the hobby. I want to get a trainer and get good at that then then move on to alittle better one, but I doubt I get into it enough to buy a big gas plane. I dunno. I am just really confused..This sucks. but thanks for everybodys input. This stuff is making my brain hurt. I just don't want to spend an extra seventy dollars on a radio and I still have to buy the plane, engine, gas and all the other gagets u need to just get started
____________________________
Flyn' High, Real High

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Don't sweat it man. Its not a life descision.

If you are really strapped for cash buy the 6 exa. I have had one for a year and have had several planes and I am happy with mine. I just posted my post above to see if anyone would try to tell you that the 6exa would limit you as to what kinda of plane you want, because I have found that it basically don't. At least the planes I've had.

If you had the extra cash it sounds like the 7c would give you more options and may be a better choice. But the 6exa is completely fine. I know people at my club that have non computer radios and are some of the best pilots. The transmitter don't make the pilot.


Good luck with whatever you choose.

What if you decided you wanted to take up golf. Would you go out and buy a really expensive set of clubs? Or would you just buy some decent ones and see how you like to play golf before you spent your money on some nicer clubs?

Wings

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Don't sweat it Stonedeaf, we're here to help you :)
Everybody has their opinions and it's easy that your original question will be disected into many small discussion about details and personal preferences.

This is not such a big thing!
Eventough it might seem daunting at first, you'll get your head around all this equipment and tech-talk in no time!
What you need to do is to read lot's of info and draw your own conclusions, or make it simple and follow my guide here :)

Radio
-----
Futaba 6EXA, perfect beginner radio with everything you need to fly your normal trainer, second plane and any standard, fixed wing aircraft.
It won't do helicopters, complex multichannel gliders or big scale warbirds, as a beginner/sunday flier, neither will you!
The radio should come with all electronics you need; 4 standard servos, reciver, chrystal (that's the thing that determines your channel #), Transmitter and reciver battery + battery charger.

Plane
-------
Any standard ARF .40 size trainer will be fine.
I saw in another thread that you have looked at the Hobbico Avistar, fine, it's a popular model and it'll be perfect.


Engine
-----
Get a good .46 ballbearing engine such as the TT46-pro or the OS 46-ax. This engine has the same casing size as a .40 and will fit perfect in the trainer.
The extra power will come handy in a tricky situation and it'll have enough power to be transfered to your second plane (Perhaps a low-wing sport plane such as the SIG 4*40 or Tiger 2)
You can always trottle back, but in the long run, you'll appreaciate the extra power!

Stuff
----
Glow heater, to start the engine
Chicken stick, to flip the prop (you'll get an electrical starter later on, but a chicken stick will do in the beginning)
Glow plugs, OS#8 is very good to this engine
Fuel, any standard glow engine fuel will do, perhaps coolpower 10% or Powermaster 15% or whatever brand your hobbyshop carries.
Hand-crank fuel pump, simple system to get fuel from the jug into your plane
Assortment of tools, small wrench, screwdrivers, some allenwrenches, glue, knife, DUCTAPE :) etc...

Most importantly
-------------------
Join your local flying club and get an instructor.
He or she will check over your plane, help you with the radio set-up, testfly the plane and finally hook you up on a buddybox and let you have a go at it.


...See it's easy!
I should know, I've been a beginner twice (Learned, then had a 5 year break, learned again)

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Wow Test and WIngs...you guys are great. Thanks for the info..I am think I am going to go with the 6EXA for right now. It would just make sense. If I find out I really like the hobby in like a year or to I will move up like u said u might Wings. I feel better, The Golf club thing was a good way to think about it.
Thanks Test for the info on what all I need. THat was really cool.
_________________________
Flyn' High, Real High

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Buy the 9C right away! You will end up like me and have radios lying around that are not used, that i would not have spent wasted money on if i would have bought the 9C the first time. I now only use 1 radio for all 6 of my planes!

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Quicksand: On the other hand, if you'd find the hobby boring, you won't stand with an expencive unused radio if you choose something more entry level.

The 9c is great (got one myself) but hardly a n entry level radio, especially if you're on a budget!

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

A 9C will sell no problem used a lesser radio are a dime a dozen!

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Does the 6 channel have end point servo ajustments if not get the 4 channel to start with if money is an issue! $130.00 with servos and receiver combo great for a trainer and then you can move all that gear into a Balsa USA Stingray 40 or a Sig 4 star 40 for the second plane. The next step would be to buy the 9C and get a OMP edge 540 profile to add expo. on the control surfaces to learn and refine your flying ability and will make you a great all around flyer in a short time frame.

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

Did anybody start out with a 7C and fly there trainer with it? Was it easy to learn to use?
________________________________
Flyn' High, Real High

RE: Futaba 6EXA and 7C, big difference?
 

All radios perform the same functions and the differences are being able to program in end point servo adjustments that are used to adjust control linkage with out making mechanical adjustment to servos and control horns(which is great saves time)and other functions that you will not use on a trainer or second plane! The radio will not make you a better flyer or aid in the learning process on a trainer or second plane! I use the programming on my 3-d planes to set endpoints, set expo. on the control surfaces, and mixing different control surfaces for flying more complex manuvers such as rolling circles.