Transmitter?
 

What is a good begginer transmitter? Can someone tell me more about these 2 models: Futaba Skysport T4YBF and Airtronics VG400. Would they make decent begginer transmitters? Which one is better? Can someone tell me if you buy a transmitter w/o servos and a reciever can you use any type of servo/reciever with it? I would appreciate it if someone could explain how that works.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Well I have experience with the futaba skysport and yes its a great 4 channel transmitter. On some bigger planes 4 channels could be a limited factors but, for all trainers, which i hope your flying, couldn't be better. Check with your local club and see what brands everyone is using. To be buddy boxed with an intructor they have to have the same radio.
All servos will work with any kind of Reciever. Some of the older airtronic servos had there wiring reversed but, that has changed with their servos now. Futaba servos has this notch on one of the ends of the connector which interfers with some extentions / recievers but, most people cut the notches out.
As for recievers with transmitters they are different. Futaba transmitters wont work with JR recievers etc but airtronics i dont know. Can someone chime in for me for that one. Some companys like BERG or FMA direct make recievers that will work with any transmitters since they can sense what the transmitter is using.

RE: Transmitter?
 

In the USA, Hitec and Futaba use negative shift while JR and Airtronics use positive shift. Many of the most modern digital transmitters can be set to use either shift (programable shift) so they can be used with most any ppm receiver. A very good transmitter for someone who is quite sure they will be continuing in the hobby is the Hitec Optic6 with the spectra module, very little more money than the cheapest 4 channel units yet is 6 channel, can hold setting for up to 8 models , shift selectable and has many other bells and whistles you will like using and can be used with all current ppm receivers on any of the 72 MHZ channels.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Either would make a good beginner's radio.

Servos do not care what brand of receiver they are plugged into. Servos will work with any receiver.

As for receivers, HiTec and Futaba will work with each other's transmitter. I am not sure about JR and Airtronics receivers.

I strongly suggest the following:

1. Go to your local flying field and see which BRAND of radio the MAJORITY of the people are using, then get that brand. Manuals are good, but when (not if, but when ) a question or problem arises, a live person with knowledge of your brand of radio is much better.

2. For a few dollars more I would suggest a 6 channel COMPUTER radio. The Futaba 6EXA is a very good radio. Other manufacturers have similarly priced radios. Computer radios allow you to store multiple models in memory among other things. Usually by a person's 3rd or 4th plane they are wanting retracts or flaps. By getting the 6 channel initially you save by not having to go and buy a second radio.

3. If you do not know how to fly, GET AN INSTRUCTOR. While people have taught themselves how to fly, it is a VERY STEEP learning curve and usually quite expensive. The average person trying to teach themselves how to fly typically has an initial 1st flight of less than 30 seconds and usually results in damage to the plane. Clubs provide instructors at no charge.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I second the suggestion of going out to your local flying field before you go drop the money for your radio. See what the other guys you will be flying with the most are using. If the majority of the pilots at your field are using JR, you dont want to go and buy a Futaba (or the other way around), because you wont be able to buddy box between the two. It's just my opinion, but I would not limit myself by purchasing only a 4 channel radio system. True, there are some good ones, but I can guarantee you will be wanting to upgrade it as soon as you are done with your trainer. It's almost a sure bet you will need more channels for your second plane unless you are going a very basic route. The main thing I've found about radio equipment is this; dont just take one persons opinion about what is the best. Radios are just like everything else in the R/C world, everyone has their brand loyalties, and they will swear on a stack of bibles that their favorite brand is the best, and all others are crap. Think about where you want to go as far as what type of R/C flying you wish to do after you learn the basics, then start looking at the features of the different radios in your price range. I think you will find there are several choices out there that will give you more channels and more growth capacity than the models you've mentioned, with probably less than $50 more of an investment.:D

RE: Transmitter?
 

Get the best transmitter you can afford. I recemod the JR 6102 (which I have), The Futaba 7C, or the Hitec Optic 6. These will allow you to use them on more advanced models in the future.

RE: Transmitter?
 

hi i have the airtronics vg 6000 and its exellent for a beginner and it will last a few yrs and a few models too.if i were you id get a 6 channel radio so you can use it as you progress onto othere more advanced planes its well worth the extra money and in the long run will save you a few quid!(dollars);).

RE: Transmitter?
 

STANDARD vs. COMPUTER RADIOS

I think you will find the economics of computer radios have changed in the
last 2-3 years. This is partially due to the advance in electronics and
partly because people are buying that second, third plane much sooner. We
have flyers in our club who have been flying less than 6 months who have 3
planes already. The cost has dropped so much, and the availability of ARFs
and high quality kits have made it cheaper and simpler to get the next plane.
There is little to hold them back.

I recommend new pilots go directly to the computer radios, If they start with
an RTF, then they use that radio to fly that plane. When they buy the second
plane, they get the computer radio and put the standard radio in the box
forever. The standard radio that came with my RTF sailplane has been given to
a friend for his son, to help him get started. I had no use for it.

A quality electric ARF parkflyer or simple to build kit, with the motor, can
cost as little as $40. A flight pack for that plane can be as low as $70.
You can put it in the air over a weekend.

An ARF 2 meter sailplane can be $90. The electronics to put that in the air
can be around $70 and can be completed in a couple of evenings.

In the glow and gas powered world these low costs and rapid adoption of second
and third planes might be different. I can't say.

BACK TO RADIOS

Just as computers have wiped out the typewriter, so the computer radio is
making the standard radio obsolete. Nobody buys a kid a typewriter any more
to type their papers.

For someone new to flying and looking at buying your first radio, this article
on entry level standard radios might be of value. It describes a lot about
the components of a radio system and their function.

Entry Level Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44

When I wrote that article I did a bunch of research. I then started on the
research for the follow up article on computer radios that can be found here:

Computer Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65

I have come to the conclusion that the only reason to buy
a standard radio is lack of confidence that you plan to go forward, or
the standard radio came as part of an RTF package.

Here is a quick look at some key points.

Economics - Let's compare - Tower Hobbies catalogue

Hitec Laser 4, receiver and 4 HS-322 standard servos - $120
Hitec Flash 5SX computer radio, receiver, HS-325 servos - $156

Difference is $36

You get 5 model memories so you can instantly switch to any of 5 models
without having to reset anything. If we ignore servos and receiver, the
Flash covers your next four planes for about $9 each. With the standard radio
you need to reset for each plane, carefully keep all planes tuned identically,
or buy a radio for each plane so you can tune it to the plane and keep the
settings. That would cost about $60 per plane for each standard radio, or an
additional $240. And with the flash you only have to charge one radio and
bring one radio regardless of which plane, or how many different planes you
wish to fly.

$36 for one radio that handles 5 planes or an added 240 to have each plane's
settings retained with a standard radio. And the Flash 5SX does a whole lot
more than just provide model memories. This is an excellent first radio.

Big savings and convenience with the computer radio!

In the Tower hobbies catalogue:
Futaba Skysport 4 with 4 S304 servos and receiver for $129
Futaba SkySport 6 with 4 S304 servos and receiver for $149
Futaba 6EXA 6 Ch computer radio-same servos and receiver $179

For $30-$50 the 6EXAS gives you 6 model memories and a whole pile of features
the SkySport Standard radios can't touch.

What else can these entry level computer radios do?

Split Ailerons/flapperons: -

You can install two aileron servos and connect each to a separate channel on
the computer radio. This makes it very easy to trim each servo to get each
aileron just right.

You can set up aileron differential, if you wish, to improve effectiveness
while reducing drag. Very popular on sailplanes.

Or let's say you have a plane with ailerons but no flaps. You fly the plane
normally. Then flip a switch and turn the ailerons into flapperons. Now you
can use your ailerons as flaps during landings. Flaps on a 4 channel plane
that doesn't have flaps. You can just as easily set them up as spoilers, which
are commonly used on sailplanes during landings.

Cool!

Coordinated turns - Mix rudder into your ailerons so you have a coordinated
turn. On a standard radio you have to do this manually. With the computer
radio you can do it manually too, or you can focus on the plane while the
radio handles the coordination for you. You can override the mix and add or
reduce rudder at any time.

Exponential, dual rates, model memories, channel mixing, digital trims and
lots more. Some of these features can be very helpful in getting new pilots
in the air.

Are computer radio hard to use?

No! In fact if you want, you can just use it as a standard 2, 3 or 4 channel
radio until you want to use the other features.

Take a look at this thread, starting at post 49. This guy talks about using
flaps as ailerons for flying and flaps for landing on a R/E/F sailplane.
Pretty cool idea. Can't do that with a standard radio!
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...6&page=4&pp=15

So, for an extra $30-50 over a standard 4 channel or 6 channel radio, you get
a radio that handles multiple models and lets you do things that the standard
radios can't do. Go up a another $25-50 to the Hitec Optic 6 or Futaba 7C and
it is amazing what you can do.

Will you need this on the first plane?

ATV/EPA will make set-up easier. Dual rates will help to calm down a jittery
plane. Differential can be very helpful to a new pilot. Most radios that
come with RTF packages, and most standard radios don't have all these
features. You don't have to use them right away, but it is great to know that
you don't have to buy ANOTHER radio when you realize you would like to have
them. The price difference over a standard radio is now so small that for
all but the very few, the computer radio is now the economic entry level radio
of choice.

If you get into even semi serious aerobatics or sailplanes, a computer radio
is a huge benefit and for some things, almost a requirement to bring the plane
to its full potential. Even the pilot of a 3-4 channel parkflyer, or someone
flying a simple R/E sailplane
with spoilers or flaps benefits from a computer radio.

There is only one reason to buy a standard radio these days. "I don't know if
I will like RC flying so I want to spend as little as possible". Or the
standard radio came in an RTF package like an Multiplex Easy Star RTF, a Great
Planes Spirit Select RTF or a NextStar Glow RTF.

I have used Hitec and Futaba as examples here because I know those lines best,
but JR, Airtronics, Polk and others have entry level computer radios that are
a much
better value than any standard radio. In many cases these entry level
computer radios will serve the needs of the pilot for many years to come.

Get a computer radio, save a bundle of money, get a bundle
of features and really have fun with your RC flying.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I appreciate everyones input, it has helped a lot. I wish I could afford to spend more on a better transmitter, but I am limited to the money I have at my disposal. I am deciding between the Futaba 4VF and the Airtronics VG400. Could someone tell me the pros and cons of each and which one in their opinion would be better?

RE: Transmitter?
 

dus10lee,
If i were you, I would save up just a little bit longer and get one of the better radios. I know you want it now, but if you bite the bullet now, it saves you from biting it again. Please do this, I know once you get everything you will thank you. I am 15 and make my oney from mowing 1 yard, so i too have to be careful. But i wish i would have gotten a good radio in the begginning.

RE: Transmitter?
 

A radio does not have to be computer type or expensive to be a good radio. I have several radios, one of which is an old Futaba Conquest and it is still a good functional radio. All of my planes are .40 size, 4 - channel and I have never needed a computer type radio. The best radio I have is an Airtronics 6 - channel single stick. Since I am nothing but a common run oif the mill sport flyer, I seriously doubt that I will ever need anything more.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Tell us why you have settled between these two. What draws you to them? Price? Features? Support?

Apparently you can get them without servos and receiver, so what price have you been quoted?

Have you looked at the Hitec Laser IV?

What kind of planes do you plan to fly?

Do you have any current equipment? Futaba will not work with most Airtroncis receivers and Airtronics won't work with most Futaba receivers.

We need to understand what you are trying to do. There are cheaper 3 channel radios. Why not one of these?

RE: Transmitter?
 

dus10lee,
Well, I'm going to be the one that has something to say that will sound ok to you. I totally understand your situation. The radios that you have listed are fine radios. I own 3 Airtronics computer radios (RD6000, Radiant, Quasar) and 6 Airtronics 6-channel Vanguards (they are the VG400 and VG600) and they are all fine radios. My main throw around plane is controlled with a "plain jane" 6 channel, no frills, no puter, no mixing, no expo, radio and it does just fine. Buy the radio that you can afford now and fly. When you can afford better later you can buy a new computer radio. You can buy a computer radio on the same channel as the first one and use that to control both planes. What I didn't see pointed out above is that in a lot of cases the flight packs (battery, switch, receiver, and servos) cost almost as much as a non-computer radio.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: Transmitter?
 

Lightfoot, you are right. I agree that very few people NEED a computer radio and you can fly most planes with a 4 channel radio.

However computer radios can make flying so much more convenient. And, in the case of a new flyer, can also make it easy through the application of multi rates AND exponential.

No one needs an automatic transmission in their car either. But they do make them so much easier and more convenient to drive.

Now, if you are going to get into full house sailplanes, 3D flying, pattern flying or other advanced flying, a computer radio can really enhance the experience. And, in some cases you NEED the comptuer radio to really get the full effect these planes have to offer.

Does a beginner need that now? No! But if you can afford only a few dollars more you can get so much more value for your money.

But I do agree. You don't NEED a comptuer radio, especially as a beginner.

RE: Transmitter?
 

aeajr,
I totally understand the economics of why some people buy a computer radio, and that they will buy a computer radio for uses down the road. But as an instructor I feel that a beginners especially does not need a computer radio. The convenience that a computer radio provides can cause a lot of frustration for a new pilot, and in some ways it can teach very bad flying habits. I feel that when a student is learning they need to learn how to control the airplane, and for my students I won't let them rely on crutches (computer radios and co-pilots such as the AFS in the Nexstar trainer). If a student uses these aids while learning they will never learn how to completely control the plane, which will cause more problems as the pilot progresses to other planes. The trainer is the time to learn these skills, not when the planes are bigger, faster, and stronger. In addition, I have watched new pilots spending hours trying to set up mixes and expo curves because "the book said so" but not understanding what or why they are doing it, and in the end all the do is frustrate themselves over something that they could have avoided.

That's my 2¢ worth

Ken

RE: Transmitter?
 

Points well taken.

Any computer radio, except maybe a Multiplex Evo, can be used as a standard 4 channel radio right out of the box, so with a little guidance from you, the instructor, the student can be told to leave the fancy stuff alone. Just fly it as a 4 channel radio for now and leave the rest for later.

It is all just a point of view. For me, I went quickly from 3 channel parkflyers to 6 and 7 servo full house sailplanes, so the computer radio brought a lot of value right away. You can fly these planes on a standard radio, of course, but mixing is the order of the day on sailplanes.

And, by the end of my first full year, I was up to 5 flyable planes with 3 sitting in the rack waiting for set-up, so model memories made it simple to have the right radio with me all the time.

Either way, whatever works is good. The standard radios don't go bad, make great keep in the car radios as well as great buddy boxes to help the next guy come along. No money is wasted in the long run.

And, for some people, they like to shift their cars so who needs an automtic anyway! :)

Clear skies and safe flying.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Aeajr and Mr. Issaac both have some great views. And this will probably help you. The main reason i changed from a regular radio to computer is because of the fact that i can have model memory, and the biggest reason was the digitital trims. The trims on non computer radios easily get knocked around and you can be flying an out of trim airplane. That's why i wanted a computer radio as soon as possible. Besides that, My radio is 4 channel for the most part, I have triple rates, but i don't use anything but high rates on most models.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Chad,
If you are going to use my last name here I would really appreciate it if you would spell it correctly. If you don't know how to spell it correctly then please don't put it here.

As far as getting trims "knocked" out of place. You can adjust the control throws so that all the trims are set in the center neutral position. After your trim flight use the clevis on the control arms to adjust the throw so that the trim tab is set at center when you fly. You may have to make a click or two adjustment because of different weather and wind, but this is normal when you fly anyway. If you make these adjustment to the plane you won't ever have to worry about the trim tabs getting moved on the radio, you can always put them back to center and they should be right where they are.

Ken

RE: Transmitter?
 

Yes you do have to trim for different flights, but wouldn't it be alot safer and easier for a begginer to just have the trims where they are and then not have to adjust clevises?

In my opinion. Computer radios are good for digital trims, and model memory. Then again that is my opinion

RE: Transmitter?
 

What is unsafe about adjusting the clevises on the plane? Easier to not adjust? When do you suggest that a beginner learns to adjust they plane? What is the instructor's role in this? This is part of what an instructor teaches students. We teach them how to safely make adjustments to the plane. If we don't teach them how are they supposed to learn to do it? When I teach a student I tell them what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, how it should be done, and then I help them do it. I let them do it themselves so that they learn to do it, but I am right there with them as they do it so that it is done correctly. And after they are finished I will inspect it to make sure it's correctly done. Instructing a student is more than just standing with them on the buddy box as they fly. It also includes things (but definitely not limited to) like teaching them to properly adjust and trim their plane. There is nothing unsafe about that all.

Ken

RE: Transmitter?
 

I only use my trims during the first few flights. I set the trims for straight and level then when I get it back on the ground I adjust the clevises so that my trims are in the neutral position. Once the plane is trimmed properly with the clevises, I do not have to worry about adjusting the trims. I just check to see that the trims are set in the neutral position.

No, they are not easily knocked out of position. The are located near enough to the sticks to be convenient but in a way that they are not touched while I am flying. In the years that I have been flying, the only trim that gets moved is the throttle trim and that is deliberate. None have ever been moved by accident during a flight.

RE: Transmitter?
 

I have digital trims and when I was taught to fly I did not and got into the habit of adjusting the clevises to remove any radio trim. Now it's so much a habit that I still do it. I agree with both Ken and Lightfoot, I also fail to see where it's unsafe.

RE: Transmitter?
 

This trim discussion is good. Let me add.

I agree with RCKen that we should learn to adjust our planes mechanically first, and use the radio trims for fine adjustments only.

However I think Pilot Chad is talking about the fact that digital trims can not be accidentally knocked over during a flight or while handling the radio. I have bumped the mechancial trims on my non-digital trim radios many times causing the plane to go out of balance. This often happens when I am flying with gloves in cold weather. I can't feel that I am hitting the trims and all of a sudden the planes gets "strange". I have learned to look at the trims to see if I bumped them.

So, for that reason I really like digital trims.

RE: Transmitter?
 

Ok, maybe I should give some more info. I can only afford to spend about $30 on a transmitter. These 2 are in that range. Im not looking for feature filled transmitters, just something that will work. I know buying a more advanced transmitter will benefit me in the future, but by then money wont be a problem (Im about to graduate college this month). But right now I am on a very limited budget. I just want something that I can use. Doesnt have to be fancy. Just something I can use for my r/c simulators instead of my crappy logitec gamepad and possibly as a trainer, but also be a decent transmitter to use when I get enough knowledge to build my first plane. I have a RTF so there was not knowledge needed to build, but the transmitter can only be used with my plane.

RE: Transmitter?
 

dus10,
Have you thought about perhaps the pay it forward thread for your need, Use a standard 4 channel for a while, and then once you get the funds and such perhaps get computer radio, and give that radio that you got in the pay it forward thread to someone else. I think this would be good for you and i am sure someone will have a box they can give you for 30$.

Ken,
I have always thought about doing it that way, and it would be smarter, but i never knew exactly how to do it and get it right. How do you? PM me if this is off topic. I was wrong about what i said above. I was mainly saying that a new flyer with mechanical trims could bump one mistakenly right before flight, and not know it. I know if you have mechanical trims it should be part of your checklist, but thats one more thing to have to worry about and check. I already have to many (ANTENNA![:@])