Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I bought my plane a couple three or four years back. I bought RTF because I knew nothing about the hobby and didn't want to forget anything. It came with a JR Quattro radio outfit. I have since learned that most RTF's come with JR radios. (At least the ones Hangar 9 puts out, and Hobbico too I think)

Every time I go to the field EVERYONE uses Futaba, so Futaba is good I get it. But why is it they look at my old reliable 4CH JR and immediately tell me I should get a better radio, "Why don't you buy a Futaba?"

My plane flies well with the radio it has, and I don't have $150 or more to buy another radio with. I even have a buddy cord, and can get the adapter to make it work with Futaba..

So I ask you what in the name of whomever you believe in is wrong with JR radios?? If JR is so dag nabbed bad why do so many good RTF trainers come with them??

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Personally, I fly with Futaba, but that is only because when I started my instructor suggested either Futaba or JR and I found a good deal on a Futaba. I don't think there is anything wrong with JR.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Just who said JR is bad? Just because some people use Futaba does not make that the best on the market. Quite the contrary. I recently bought a Hobbico Super Star RTF as a club trainer and it had a Futaba. That does not make it best, it just makes it the radio that came with the plane.

I had a NexStar that I trained with several years ago. I removed the Futaba and sold it, and put my Airtronics RD6000 system in that plane and it flew just fine.

I have an Airtronics RD8000 and a Spektrum DX7. As far as I am concerned, there are no finer radio systems than the DX7, but that is my presonal opinion and may differ from what others think.

There are the big four systems out there and they are all basically the same, no matter what the Futaba groupies will tell you. Those are the Futaba, Airtronics, JR, and Hitec. Added to that fray, now, with the new DX6 and DX7 and soon the DX9 is the Spektrum. They all have their good and bad parts, and there are people that will fly with nothing BUT one or the other. You decide what you need and what meets your pocket book and go from there, no matter what anybody tells you.

JR's are a great radio system, as they all are.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Both JR and Futaba make good radios. I'm not overly convinced that one can make an argument that one is better than the other. (Now, there may be reasons why one is better than the other for a specific reasons, both radios have their strengths and weaknesses.) JR radios are going to come with RTF's that come from the Horizon family of products (and Hobbico is not one of them). Futaba (or sometimes Tower Hobby) radios are going to come with planes from the Hobbico family. They're not picking one because they're better, it's just going with the products in their own family of companies.

And if you're happy with the JR radio, and it suits your needs, there's no reason to change. But for most average fliers out there, the JR and Futaba argument is more of a religious argument than one with any real basis in reality.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I don't believe there's anything wrong with JR Radios. My experiance tells me they are an awesome and reliable piece of technology. I have seen some of the top competitors using JR Radios.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I agree, it's like Chevy vs Ford.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

It`s like the Ford and Chevy thing . If all your plane requires is a 4 channel radio , why change ?

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

There's nothing wrong with JR. You'll find a lot of brand loyalty in this hobby and sometimes people will "trash" the other brands. But in the long run the 4 big manufacturers of radios (Hitec, Futaba, JR, and Airtronics) are still around because they all produce good equipment. You'll be just fine using your JR radio.

If it means anything I recently started using a JR radio (X9303) after being an Airtronics guy for almost 11 years. I absolutely love this new radio and I'm in the process of changing over planes as I can get new receivers for them.

Ken

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Many of us go through that evolution process. We see what is out there, and when we are ready for a change, we just do it. I am in the process of removing the AIrtronics RX'sl in place of the DX7 receivers. And for the same reason. I don't dislike my Airtronics, I just saw something that I liked and went over to that. That's all. I started with Airtronics because that's what my instructor used. And for a good reason. He happened to like them. And that's a great reason. He has not written me off because I am now using the Spektrum. Quite the contrary. He happens to like my Spektrum.. but he has an awful lot invested in his Airtronics system, and I don't blame him for not changing. Those Airtronics Stylus radios are not cheap!!

But, one thing I have with my DX7 and those that are buying the 2.4GHz Spread Spectrum systems will also have, no matter who makes the radio, is the absence of inteference. That's something ALL of the 72 MHz systems cannot say no matter what the format is. That's not brand loyalty, that's just the way of the future.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I love JR, I'd never go for Futaba, it's generally a personal choice. My first Radio is JR XF421 EX came with P51 Mustang PTS of Hangar 9's combo. I'd buy XP7202 of Futaba and if I have money I would go for their 9 channel 2.4 GHz.


For me JR rules

Mody

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Ahhh.. so Imk not being dumb to stick with my JR.. I like the Quatro for a basic radio, and I had planned originally to pick up a JR 6 or more channel computer radio once Im ready for that step..

Kewl, I really figured it was a "Chevy, Ford" thing, but with so many around here on Futaba and only Futaba I had to wonder..

I am shopping tenatively for a second JR for a buddy box since most around here dont aave JR, but that will be dependent on funds when I find the deals. For now my plane will fly with the Quatro and I will be happy!

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Thats the spirit Adui:D

Keep it up and Good Luck. I also am having shortage of funds, as soon as I catch up, JR's XP7202 7 channel with synthesized Rx is my next radio.

Mody

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

there are trianer cords that will allow a futaba to buddy box with a JR....NO PROBLEM;):D we have a mix of both at are club.
the guys with the JRs think they are fine...but then they fly four strokes so I'm sure they're nuts ;);)

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I get it.. DUH!![:@]

They see my simple little 4 CH non computer single model Quattro and think [:'(] "This guy needs a computer radio with lots of gizmo's!" Then of course they recommend what they use, in most case in my area Futaba..

Its not so much that my radio is a JR, its that it is an old school basic digital proportional radio without any special gizmo's switches, readouts, or gadgets.[X(]

What they don't seem to understand is that is just the way I like it for now! I have something to learn, flying.. I will worry about new toys that I have to learn how to operate later..:eek:

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

here in aussie we have a old saying... why fix it if it is not broken. fly with your jr they are good radios I fly with a jr pcm9x series two I fly alsorts of planes prop jobs as well as jets.. I work in the mining industry so i can aford the exspensive gear but fly with your quotro it is a persons choice what they fly with

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

You are far better off learning using a non-computer radio system. The reason is that you really have to learn to fly the plane not let the radio system do it for you.

Once you get some time on your plane and with your radio, and you decide to move up, then you will have to decide if you want to move that radio system (no model memory on a non-computer radio) over to a new plane or upgrade your system. This is so you keep your non-computer radio on your trainer and fly that whenever you wish and move up to a computer radio with bells and whistles, including model memory. Then you can use the same transmitter with different aircraft (and just buy receiver packs for your new planes.

Choose the system you favor, if it is JR, then so be it. That's what's good for you. If you decide to move over to, say a Futaba, or a Spektrum, then go for it. If people shun you for that decision, they just give them this look... [sm=bananahead.gif] and walk away. ;)

CGr

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

How many fields do you go to? One?

I fly at 3 different ones. JRs are flown at all 3. At one of them, mostly JRs, but those guys are mostly competition flyers. At the city park, you see a lot of Futabas.


Why? Lack of experience. And the need to remove any threats to their self esteem.


Hey, we don't need to call on the gods for an answer. And you're asking an invalid question anyway.

And you've not seen, nor had it proven to you that anything is "dag nabbed bad", so why do you seem to believe it?

Futaba, JR, and Hitec are all good and reliable.

Try to sit back and enjoy what works great for you and don't make up tempests in teapots that don't exist.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I don't think any radio manufacturer puts out a bad radio anymore. They all seem to be quite reliably. There are always exceptions to that, but overall you can't go wrong in selecting a new radio.

The Ford Vs Chevy thing is very much true. People tend to be brand loyal and unfortunately some will bash what THEY aren't flying. I suggest that you buy what you find appealing to you. Look at the programming features, ergonomics, styling and flexibility of the systems. You ultimately have to live with what you purchase. So, my advise.....buy what YOU want, not what someone else wants you to have! Whatever system you end up with, it's a win/win situation!

Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but go with what floats your boat....unless they are paying for the new radio. :D

Happy flyin'

Rod ;)

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Nothing wrong with JR.

Now that you have a JR you can get yourself an AirPac or two (comes with servos and receiver) and put it into another plane. Then all you do is use the same transmitter on different planes without having to swap your servos and receiver. If you start buying multiple radios from different manufacturers you cant do that.

tks1

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I flew Kraft till their demise in 84,then switched to Futaba ,After aquirring some Kraft systems on fm I bought some used JR tx's as they are on the same shift as Kraft.The Futaba and JR sticks feel the same but the Kraft 7Z and Signiture series sticks have a different feel.As said before these days there are no bad radios but the choice is somewhat limmitted.we used to have,Kraft,EK,PCS,Controllaire,Orbit,Citizenship,M RC,Futaba,World,Cannon,Heathkit,Airtonics and others I probably have forgotten about.Back then it was a matter of what radio your instructor flew if you wanted to use a buddy box and with about a month's pay in the air you were minimizing your chances of a mishap by doing so.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Monkey see, Monkey do! Many areas just go with what everyone else uses. Many inmy area equally use JR and Futaba. You don't see many Airtronics or Hitec

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

My club is predominantly Futaba as well. However, from what I've seen, the jet turbine guys seem to favor JR. I started out with a Futaba 9C, but recently I bought a Spektrum DX7, which is basically a JR spread spectrum radio. I got tired of waiting for Futaba to come out with their 2.4GHz systems. The Futaba 2.4GHz 6EX is not very impressive to me, and I don't like the anntenna sticking out of the back on the Futaba 9C 2.4GHz modules. If Futaba comes out with a 9 channel radio with 2.4GHz built in, I might consider it, but my DX7 is working great for me right now!

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Absolutely nothing wrong with JR radio systems. I happen to fly with Futaba radios, but I know a ton of folks who fly JR. Both excellent brands.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

Honestly, I think you should go with whatever most people have at your field. This has NOTHING to do with quality, but rather the help you can get. I've seen a Futaba 9C manual and its a handful. I'm sure the JR radio is the same. Everyone at my field uses Futaba and probably once a week, I see someone helping someone else program their radio. I have yet to see a JR X9303, so if I buy that radio, and I need help adjusting my flaperons or whatever, I either have to read the manual (Not to bad, but i hear they can be very confusing) or wait and ask here. If I buy a Futaba 9C, I can get instant help at the field, or I home I can call someone up. Its just alot easier. Now if we are taking non-computer radios, it doesn't matter, because there self-explanatory. But as far as quality, theres no reasons to choice one radio over another. If you dont mind reading manuals over again to understand what they are saying or wait and ask here, then go with whatever radio you like, but since each brand has similar radios, why not just go with the one you can get instant help with.

RE: Whats wrong with JR radios??
 

I don't agree that you should get what everybody else is using. I think you should fly what you have regardless. If you're shopping for a new radio system, research the features and buy what works best for YOU. You should learn how to work your own radio and not rely on others to bail you out. It's nice to get help from others, but it's also nice to learn things that others may not know so YOU can help others in the future.

I bought a Spektrum DX7 system. As far as I know very few people in either of the two clubs I belong to have Spektrums. I'm looked at a bit strangely but I make do. As they become more popular, I'll be able to help other newcomers to that type of radio.

One other thing I found out about buddy boxing with JR. JR sells a buddy box system for 39.99 that will plug directly into a JR or Spektrum radio and let you buddy box it. I just picked one up this weekend at HobbyTown and it works great. It's basically a 4-channel non-computer FM radio without a crystal. You could theoretically crystal it and have another transmitter.