Need Radio Equipment
 

Just bought my first RC airplane. It is a Sig Senior Kadet with 80" wingspan. I am trying to make a good decision on the radio equipment. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Need Radio Equipment
 

Get the best you can afford. I prefer Futaba, but most of the brands are good. Check with your instructor and see what he uses. That way you can buddy box with him and learn easier and without breaking a plane. I really like the 9C. It is way more than you need, but you will grow into it an it will last you 15 to 20 years easy. I used my last radio 16 years before I replaced it with the 9C

Need Radio Equipment
 

Yep that 9c is the way to go. :D

Need Radio Equipment
 

What ever you decide to buy, whether Futaba, JR, Airtronics, etc., if you can afford it, spend the extra bucks to get a good computer radio, 6 channels if you can. Then when you move up to a more complex plane, your radio system can grow with you instead of you having to replace it.

Need Radio Equipment
 

Thanks for the info. Is it best to buy everything together? Tx, Rx, servos? Or is it a good idea to piece mill and buy used parts?

Need Radio Equipment
 

Buy it all together, new. When starting out, you're not experienced enough to know good equipment from bad. Get your instructor's advice on brand, what he's using, before you buy.

Once you've learned more you can think about buying used for your next flight pack. (Rx and servos.)
Dennis-

Need Radio Equipment
 

Its usually cheaper to buy all at one time. I would not recommend buying used electronics, it can be fatal to your plane. You never know what you'll get. The price of some of the packages out there make it actually cheaper to buy new. I bought a cheap radio package awhile back just for the receiver and servos, gave the transmitter away. It was cheaper than receiver and battery alone! The 9c from futaba is a great radio, although it might be a little overwhelming for someone new. Lots of bells and whistles. Just gets someone at your local club to help with setup and keep it simple.

Need Radio Equipment
 

Yes, definitely by your first equipment new, and by a complete package with transmitter, reciever, servos, and battery packs. The added assurance that your radio equipment is in top notch condition is worth its weight in gold, especially to a beginner who is just getting their plane in the air for the first time. You will have enough running through your mind without worrying whether or not your radio equipment is going to work right or not. If you purchase a good quality radio with multi model memory (I think most of the computer radios have that now, even the entry level ones), all you will have to do later on is buy a flight pack with reciever and servos for you next plane. As far as used equipment goes, I stay away from used transmitters and recievers, but I will occasionally pick up used servos. A servo is a bit easier to check out and see if it is in good condition than a transmitter or reciever. But, with this being your first radio gear, I would definitely buy new.

Need Radio Equipment
 

Thanks for all the help. I will go with a new Futaba 9C.