RCU Forums - Futaba 6EXA

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- - Futaba 6EXA (https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/beginners-85/2310657-futaba-6exa.html)

Just wondering if the Futaba 6EXA computer is a good radio. I'm wanting to upgrade to a computer radio without spending a fortune on it.

I have one. It was my first radio. It is an awsome radio for the sunday sport flier. I will be getting a 7C or 9C soon as the radio doesnt do what I need it to do for pattern flying.

If your only going to be flying at the field, and not getting into contest flying, its a great radio.

Skip the EXA and go with a 7Cap, Eclipse, or Optic. It has limitations in the wierdest of places ... i.e. no dual-servo setup on elevator.

gus

Yes, it is a good, basic, computer radio. If you think you will be flying complicated planes, or competing, you may want to consider going to the next level, such as the Futaba 7C. If you are looking for features such as elevons, v-tail mixing, electronic trim, engine shutoff, dual and exponential rates, multiple model support, etc, the 6EXA will do just fine. Besides, when you add up the rebates and discounts from Tower, it's a great price.

I just bought my first radio last week, it was between the 6EXA and the 7C, I went ahead and bought the 7C because if I was going to get more into the hobby then I would not have to buy another radio later. Now I just need to learn to program it..hehe
___________________
Flyn' High, Real High

Quote:

ORIGINAL: gus

Skip the EXA and go with a 7Cap, Eclipse, or Optic. It has limitations in the wierdest of places ... i.e. no dual-servo setup on elevator.

Perhaps this is because only a VERY small percentage of R/C Flyers will ever use dual servos on an elevator, and if they do, they can just use a y-connector. Anyone with a plane that actually needs dual servos is probably way past buying an ENTRY level computer radio. The 6EXA is an entry level computer radio. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of radios costing hundreds more.

Perhaps I expressed myself wrong, perhaps you mis-understood... You can not have 1 servo per elevator half. YOu need a *reversing* "Y" harness, and then trimming is not possible short of mechanical adjustment of the control linkages. i.e. you may as well have purchased a 4YF.

gus

Someone posting questions in the "Beginner" forum is not likely to build a model with dual elevator for some time, and even then you can use the free mix to setup the second elevator on channel 5 or 6.

Of course, the 7C has more than the 6EXA, but comparing it to the 4YF is way off target. The functions a beginner/intermediate Pilot will need are model memory, EPA, Dual rate and Expo, the 6EXA gives you all of those plus a couple of mixes.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: mailman13

Someone posting questions in the "Beginner" forum is not likely to build a model with dual elevator for some time, and even then you can use the free mix to setup the second elevator on channel 5 or 6.
...

That is what I have been trying to say.... you *can't*. I was a beginner 18 months ago. I am on to my 4th plane. The EXA (6 monts old) is not able to adequately fly it.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=2056524

gus

Gus,
I've set-up a 6EXA to handle a UCD. It has Dual elevator servo's and Flaps.

The 6EXA is a great radio for the sport flier as long as you don't need to complex mixing, I love mine.. Superstar, Tiger 60, and soon Ultra Stick Lite.. Handles them fine.

Hi!
The Futaba radio is going to suit you fine for many years!
It will fly all planes on the market...from small electric models to sailplanes and pylonracers and scale airplanes.
As has been said before the only thing you (ever) need is: model memory, travel adjustment (EPA in Futaba lanquage??), sub trim and automatic trim memory...that's the most vital things to have in a radio.
I never use exponential, nearly ever use dual rates (but for 3D hovering) and never ever use mixing.....only been flying for 30 years.;) The last 25 using JR radios ( JR 388S since 1994).
Both Futaba and JR are the preferred radios among competition pilots round the world. They both have shown exceptional performance trough the years..I would avoid getting a Hitech radio as I have seen too many strange things happen to both Hitech transmitters and recievers during the years (servos good though).

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

Quote:

ORIGINAL: gus

Perhaps I expressed myself wrong, perhaps you mis-understood... You can not have 1 servo per elevator half. YOu need a *reversing* "Y" harness, and then trimming is not possible short of mechanical adjustment of the control linkages. i.e. you may as well have purchased a 4YF.

I understood. You only need a *reversing* Y harness if you can't get the linkages on the correct sides of the servo. In spite of not handling your situation, the 6EXA still provides all the functions that most sport fliers will ever need.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: jaka
I never use exponential, nearly ever use dual rates (but for 3D hovering) and never ever use mixing.....only been flying for 30 years.;)

I resisted exponential for quite a while. Once I used it I decided I really liked it. It lets me set high throws but keeps the center of the sticks from being too sensitive.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: CeeGee

Just wondering if the Futaba 6EXA computer is a good radio. I'm wanting to upgrade to a computer radio without spending a fortune on it.

I have yet to come across a bad radio, but that is not the point. The question is not if the 6EXA is a good radio the question is whether it is a good radio for what you want to do. What kind of flying ar you doing? What kind of planes?

Basic parkflyers? Simple Gliders? 4 channel Glow planes? - Fine

Full house sailplanes? 3D aerobats? Jets? - No it is not appropriate

Something between? Probably fine, but it depends!

Why are you buying a computer radio? Is there some need you are trying to fulfill? Some special features you need? Without this info, we can't say if this is a good radio for what you want to do. For some people the 6EXA will be all the radio they will ever need. For others it won't get the job done.

The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. Many of these radios have helicopter features but I don't review
them. I have researched these for myself or friends. You will have to read
the manuals to confirm how they apply to you. I include links to the
manufacturer's/distributor's product page, where available.

Prices shown are approximate value for radio alone either in a package, or the
radio purchased by itself including battery and charger. Groupings are based
on my estimation of radios with comparable levels of features. Your mileage
will vary. Ease of use is subjective so it is not included here. If you note
an error, please let me know.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates
and Exponential on Ch1&2; some include Ch 4. All include elevon and V-tail
mixes. In most cases, not all mixes or features are available at the same
time on the same model. Unless stated otherwise radios do not have support
for 4 wing servos or split elevator servos.

This article may be useful in understanding the features I mention here and
their value.

Radio Systems Part 2 - Computer Radios - The right choice for almost everyone
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65

Entry level Computer Radios 5/6 channel - approx $90-110
If your focus in on parkflyers, RES sailplanes, aileron sailplanes or glow
planes, these are very capable for the price. In addition to the basic 4
channels they have retract, flap and/or split aileron capabilities. These
make great first radios for the committed new pilot, providing features beyond
the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small incremental investment. For many
pilots, these may be all the radio they will need for years. They will fly
more advanced planes, like full house sailplanes or aerobatic planes, but may
not be able to bring out all the plane can offer.

Hitec Flash 5SX -
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Flash5.htm
5 Channel, 5 Model Memory, Ch 1/5 provide dual ailerons management for
Flapper, Flaps on 3 way switch or Throttle Stick. Aileron-Rudder mix. No
user defined mixes.

Futaba EXA -
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk55.html
6 channels, 6-model memory, Prop Flaps chi 6, Flapperon using 1/6, 1 user
defined mix. No timers.

Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels Approx $130-160 for the radio.
These radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer
radios, primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and switch
assignability. These radios can bring out more of the capabilities of more
advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry level computer radios
lack. If you have been flying a while on a 4 channel radio and now want to go
to more advanced planes but keep the price "reasonable", this might be the
group to consider. If you are a new flyer with a larger budget, these may be
a good fit. Some have limited split elevator features for larger or aerobatic
planes. Read the manual carefully on this. For example the 7C can operate
split elevator servos, but can not trim them in flight.

Hitec Optic 6
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/OPTIC.htm
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option, Change
channel module, shift select, Switch Assignability, flight modes, 2 user
programmable mixes, and a variety of standard mixes.

Futaba 7C
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight Modes,
3 user programmable mixes a selection of standard mixes.

JR 6102
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP6664**
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, Selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes,

Hitec Eclipse - The Eclipse is an older design but has some nice features and
is quite popular. It is distinguished from the group above in that it has
some support for a 4 servo wing and perhaps a mix or two more but still in an
under $200 radio. If you want to fly full house sailplanes, or aerobatic
planes with the flaps following the ailerons, take a look at the Eclipse.
Other than that, most of its features can be found in the previous group at
lower cost. While switches are not generally assignable, many people don't
feel this is all that important.

Hitec Eclipse 7 - $180- for the radio
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/eclipse.htm
7 channels - 7 model memory, Shift select, 3 conditional mixes per model,
Channel change
module and Spectra frequency synth, Five user programmable mixes, conditional
mixes, a variety of predefined mixes

The Futaba 9C - Unless you have a large budget, I would not consider this a
first radio. If you have outgrown your entry level or intermediate computer
radio and want a significant jump in capabilities, take a look at the Futaba
9C. The Futaba 9C is an advanced sport radio, or a budget competition radio,
that has virtually all of the features that advanced sport power and sailplane
pilots are likely to need. I would not call it a professional or serious
contest radio, but you can enter into those realms with the 9C. It has a very
strong following.

The 9C is the first radio in the evaluation group that has
full support for 4 servo wings, split elevators and a broad selection of
standard and user definable mixes that serve acrobatic and sailplane pilots.
It also has extensive Heli programming but I have not evaluated that.

Model memory is unlimited based on 8 internal supplemented with removable
CAMpacs with 6 or more models. Channels can be changed via removable a
module, and a channel synthesizer has just become available. You can move
programs from one 9C to another by swapping CAMpacs between radios.

As an instructors radio, the trainer feature allows the instructor tremendous
control over the student's flying experience. It has a large selection of
predefined and user definable surface mixes and is pretty easy to program.

Many call this the best bang for the buck on the market under $300. This is
the one I purchased after looking at all the ones above and below, so this is
the one I know best.

Futaba 9C 8 channels in FM, 9 with PCM - approx $280 for the Radio alone
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj85.html
9C has unlimited model memories via removable modules 7 User-programmable
Mixes + 6 defined mixes, 4 snap roll programs, two servo elevator support, 4
servo wing support, customizable trainer program.

$450+ for the radio alone

Royal Evo 9 - 9 Channel
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/royal-evo-9.htm

Airtronics stylus - 8 Channel
http://www.airtronics.net/stylus.htm

In my opinion, these are the top of the line of the consumer radios or perhaps
are the entry level professional grade equipment line. You name it, they
probably do it. They have completely different approaches to how they provide
their features. More than I can cover here. If you have the bucks, check
these out. More than I wanted to spend and more than I needed. Both are
awesome!

Um..how long did it take you to type all that. WOW

Longer than I should spend on it, but I like to help people. I had done the research to answer someone else's similar question so I saved it, knowing it would come up again, made a few changes for this thread and pasted it in.

People tend to ask the same questions, so I write up the answers and save them. I add to them over time, or update them as new info comes out.

Hopefully people find my posts useful and I learn a lot in the process.

Good deal! :)

Thanks to everyone, especially AEAJR. My main interest at this point to have a computer radio so that I can use the same radio for different models. Also I am planning to get a U Can Do 40 and it sounds like I'll need to be able to set it up different than I would be able to with my 6YG. I'm not planning to do any competition but I would think the 6exa would be able to handle the needs of a U Can Do 40 size. Maybe I need to do more research.

For years people flew airplanes and heli's with limited, compared to today's, radio features. I have seen a few spend too much for the "latest and greatest" with features they will never use. If you have unlimited pockets and want the best buy it, just don't confuse want with need. I'm going out on a limb here and I'm sure I will be blasted, but I would bet the 6EXA would fly ANY 6 channel plane on the market. Other radios will make it easier on the pilot, but I'm sure it could be done, and has in the past.

Byrdman

I have a 6EXA and it flies my 25% Patty just fine I would like to have more mixing capabilities but not essential..NOW would I like to have a 7C or 9C or even a 9Z? Hell yes I want to upgrade so bad I can taste it..do I really need it? NO but don't tell my wife... I want a new radio for christmas even if I don't really need it...:D

Actually Byrdman you have it right -- the 6EXA will indeed fly any 6-channel plane. I don't like mixing for normal (as opposed to V-tail & tailless) aircraft. I prefer to actually fly the plane myself. It is common practice in 3D flying to let the radio handle various "inconvenient" flight behaviours, but a good pilot can do it all.

BTW the 7CAP doesnt handle dual elevator servos either. You can set it up but wont be able to adjust trim on both channels.

With that said, I love my 7CAP, its a great deal.

Hi!
Agree with Birdman...the 6ch Futaba radio you mentioned can handle all airplanes on the market...from sailplanes to jets....Those expensive top-of-the-line JR and Futaba radios are just for show of.
JR 388S owner since 1994.

I bought one acouple months ago and it was an upgrade from my best TX which was a standered 4 ch. TX. I really dont think I will ever need much more then this, Infact, I don't even use half of the options it has. I mean, I used some just for fun (how many people need flaperons on a 4* 60?) And I don't think I will ever go into jets, because I couldn't put over 3 grand into an RC airplane which could crash for any number of reasons which are beyond my control. Also, I see no reason to spend an extra couple hundred dollars to buy a better TX just so you dont have to have a reversing y-harness

where can I download a Futaba 6exa manual from?

Pierre