A good solid Tx
 

Im looking at some nice transmitters and I am curious about what ones may be good. Now I dont mind spending $200-$300 for a solid transmitter that will support multiple planes, be pretty universal/flexable, and last a long time not to mention have support for 6-7 channels. Ihave been realy looking at Futaba and Spektrum. Ihave heard great things about Futaba but Ilike the look of the Spektrums. Are Spektrums pretty good (the appear to be). Are there any other afordable/robust transmitters available that I may not be aware of other then the two I have mentioned?

Thanks for the help.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

you may want to check out the airtronics rds 8000.
paul

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have used both Futaba and Spektrum. I like my Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST the best- mine is a 7C. In my opinion it is much easier to set up and use than the other brands. Just my opinion though. The 7C retails for arouns $350.00.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

If you don't mind going to $399 take a look at the new Airtronics SD-10G here . It's on sale now for $399 with one 10 channel receiver. IMHO this is one of the best radios on hte market right now. It'll store 20 models which can be expanded with memory cards to hold as many planes as you want by simply swapping cards. All switches are triple throws and there is triple rates on everything. Also, I think that Airtronics currently has the best prices on their line of receivers for 2.4. 5 channel - $49, 6 channel full range - $59, 6 channel park flyer - $49, 7 Channel - $76, 8 - channel $99, 10- channel $129.

While I have both JR and Futaba 2.4 radios the Airtronics is my radio of choice and the radio I have all of my planes on.

Ken

RE: A good solid Tx
 

It is a tough decision, a little like Ford vs Chevy vs the other cars ;). I think Futaba's are probably the best, but I think they are too expensive for the recievers and the transmitters for that matter. You should look at how many planes you may have and what type of planes you may want to have.

Spectrum/JR (both use the same type of RX) great selection of bind and fly planes, the radios are afforadable, and you can use the rx from spextrum if you get a bigger jr TX, a 7 channel rx is $99, a 5 channel is $59

Futaba, great lines of product but their 7 channel rx are $99, 6 are $69 and I don't know if hte 4 channel will work with the higher radios, but they are $54.

Airtronics, I think there 8 channel radio is the best deal, and you can get a 10 channel with RX for $400 or so, their 10 channel RX is $149, their 6 is $59.

Hitec has a new Aurora with telemetry (that can tell you real time information about your plane) a 9 channel for $440 with 3 recievers (until end of March) there recievers are $69 for a 7 channel, and $49 for a 6 channel.


It is a hard choice, but for me, I look at the number of RX that I want or would want, and the other features. I currently have about 12 planes in various states and the number of RX price adds up. BUT..... there are a lot of people that get into the hobby and don't last long.

Just my 2 cents

Jon

RE: A good solid Tx
 

WOW thank you all for the input I greatly appreciate it. $399 just MIGHT be out of my price range but it is a nice radio so we will see what happens when the time comes. I dont even see myself having 10 planes so maybe ill start off with something a little "smaller". Who knows maybe some day ill have 20 planes...lol. Thank you all again for the suggestions. I now have other brands/models to consider now.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I understand, I am on a 7 channel radio that I got from the auction 3 or 4 years ago, but it is showing its age. I think that the airtronics 8 channel is aobut hte best buy out there. [link=http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp]airtronics rds8000[/link] and I would highly recommend it (I have not used one, but I know a lot of people that used them and enjoyed them)

Jon

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I agree that the RDS 8000 is a great radio if your on a budget. I had one that I used for a long time until I got the SD-10G. I highly recommend it as well. You'll be able to use all of the Airtronics receivers I listed above with the exception of the 10 channel receiver. The Airtronics 2.4 receivers are just about the lowest priced receivers right now, so they are very easy on the pocket book.

Ken

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I'm happy with my Futaba 6 ch. 2.4 it's
$219.00

Bob

RE: A good solid Tx
 

If you decide on Futaba....They are running a promo....you get a second 7channel receiever for $10 bucks. Not sure if its only at tower or all retailers.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I went to Spektrum when 2.4GHz came along but I recently switched back to a Futaba 8FG. The Spektrum is a good radio but I personally think the Futaba is simpler to bind/link and easier to program. It just somehow "feels" better to me as well if that makes any sense. With Futaba offering the $10 receiver with a radio purchase it is a good time to buy one.

I have never personally used the Airtronics radios but I see a lot of good feedback about them as well.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Chuck,
 I've been using Airtronics since I started flying, so I'm a bit partial. But, the Airtronics 2.4 technology is the same as Futaba in that it's FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum), and binding receivers done in the same way as Futaba's are. It's very simple and easy to use.

Ken</p>

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have the Spectrum DX7 transmitter, have owned it brand new from Horizon, for 1 year. It has performed flawless.
I recently switched to the JR 9503 Transmitter, that way I can still use the Spectrum RX's.
Remember, when buying a transmitter, you are more comitting to that brand of receiver, IE: Futaba, Airtronics, and others.
Receivers are not cheap especially in the 2.4 MGZ area. Look at the radio, hold it, use it's functions, then decide.
I am knocking any radio, but it's your decision. Personally I like the JR radios, many more features like model match, and model memory than Futaba.
I am going to list my Spectrum DX7 on RCU for a great price, because I bought the JR 9503. I also am listing some Spectrum RX's , AR7000's about 5.
Anyway good luck with you decision.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have all three, Futaba, Airtronics and Spectrum. For my money, the Airtronics is the best all around choice if you consider both reliability and receiver costs. IMHO, the FASST system is much more reliable than Spectrum and many of the others when it comes to batteries, drop out limits etc. However, any one of the current brands perform very well and can make you a satisfied user.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Ken,

Does the Airtronics only use one receiver like Futaba? That's what I liked about the Futaba FAAST is that it only uses one receiver where Spectrum and Jr use two satelite receivers so with every installation you need two receivers. All the guys here in Bend, Oregon started out with Spectrum and when the time out thing happened and a couple of guys lost their planes, the local hobby shop took all receivers back and gave credit. I guess they worked out the kinks on that problem but still require two receivers. Now all in our club have switched to Futaba. I've never used Airtronics but have heard a lot of good things about them. The only reason I still stick to Futaba is that is what I started with in 1980 so I just stayed..........too much equipment to change now!!! Although I almost exclusively use Hitec servos.

Cheers,
Andy

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Had to correct myself from my last post..........not all in our club have switched to Futaba but the lyin' share have including the owner of the hobby shop.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Oldtyme,
The Airtronics receivers are just like the Futaba receivers. They have the receivers with two short antenna leads coming out of them.

Here are 4 of the 6 current Airtronics receivers. From top to bottom are the 10 channel, 8 channel, 7 channel, and the 6 channel park flyer receiver. Not shown are the 6 channel full range and the 5 channel full range. The second picture shows you the size of the 10 channel receiver, you can judge the size of rest from that one.

Ken

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Sure is good to read all the good stuff about Airtronics.  I have the RDS8000 in my new Tiger 60.  All I have been doing is playin around setting the throws and learning the radio.  The plane is a few (6-8) weeks from maiden.   Nice to see a company can make a quality product and not price it too high.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have flown the DX7 now since it first came out. I fly anything from micro indoors to 46% with it, including heli's. Never had an issue. The best part is what some of these guys are talking about, the receivers. Spektrum and JR make a receiver for anything, and they are reasonable in price. I use to be a Futaba guy all the way but once I switched to Spektrum/JR there will be no going back. The 2 transmitters deffinately feel different, it doesn't take long to get use to the opposite one you have been flying though. Definately look at how many receivers you need and what type you are going to need (micro, giant, heli, etc.) There is alot of good stuff out there.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I've flown with Futaba, Airtronics, Spektrum, and Polk. The only one I've missed on is any of the JR's.

They all do the same basic thing... fly the plane remotely, and that's what it's all about.

The Futaba was a 72 MHz entry level radio (I had three of those that came with RTF's), the Airtronics are RD6000, RD8000, and RDS8000. The Spektrum is the DX7 and DX6i. And, the Polk, well, it was a 72 MHz with a synthesized frequency selector.. fondly known as "Dial-a-Crash" :D . As I said, I flew with them all and prefer the Airtronics and Spektrums for personal reasons. But, as I said, they all do the same basic thing... and equally as good. It just comes down to a personal preference.

CGr.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have had BOTH, JR and FUTABA! The 2.4 spectrum is OLD Tecnology! I also don't know if you are going over seas anytime soon but, JR and Futaba are BOTH ILLEGAL in the Europe and UK. I have switched to the Hitec Aurora 9 Radio. I find that it is faster then the other two. It has a really good feel to it. It is a really a good radio and I have had ZERO problems with it. I fly electrics, Nitro's, Gas, and Jets and have had no problems. It is Very easy to program and has more than enough features than I need!! It is something to look at!

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have been leaning towards spektrum but haven't decided yet.....CGRetired, that avatar looks a lot like a 47 MLB....

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Ithink with all this talk going on it looks like there are high marks for Airtronics but Im thinking at least for now Imay go for Futaba or Spektrum myself.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Maybe this will help you decide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnRefjqPuf8

As said, they all do what they are intended to do. It just comes down to the differences in each and how that fits into what you prefer.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Priceless :D


Way to go Chuck,

Bob

RE: A good solid Tx
 

You also Have this...... http://www.troybuiltmodels.com/ns/ma...ison_Chart.pdf

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Man you all have submitted far more information then I ever thought I would see. Thank you all for everything and if anyone else feels like speaking up with what Tx they like most or recommend feel free to add  your two cents. :D

RE: A good solid Tx
 

You are probably more confussed now then before ;). In short there is no right answer for the right one now versus in the future.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

If you haven't read about this much, I find there are a couple of important points to make about the technology.
1. If you are going to be using 2.4Ghz, all systems are proprietary, meaning if you buy a Futaba Transmitter with an integrated transmission stage (like most transmitters), then you will need to buy a Futaba receiver to go with it. Airtronics, Hitec, Jr/Spektrum, etc. will not work with Futaba systems and vice versa.
2. Jr/Spektrum are interchangeable 2.4 Ghz wise.(Correct me if I am wrong on this point)
3. Receiver cost can be one of the most important factors in choosing a system as the big 4 are on par with each other in terms of quality/dependability.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I liked my Futaba 7c 2.4 that I bought a 2nd one! no problems and right now you can get a 2nd reciever for $10.00 bucks!

RE: A good solid Tx
 

beau0090 99

Has something changed And this is really in the form of educating me.........I have used Futaba and Hitec receivers in my planes with my Futaba transmitter. I have also used Hitec modules in my Futaba transmitter. That was with 72mhz.........did something change with 2.4g?
I have a Futaba 10C which is capable of 72mhz and 2.4g and haven't used Hitec gear with that but I assumed it would be the same as my Futaba 9C radio, which I still have.

Thanks,
Andy

RE: A good solid Tx
 

It is confusing with the modular type radios like the 9C.

Whatever module you have in the back of the 9C is what is going to be transmitted. If you have a Futaba 2.4Ghz module in the back, it will be transmitting 2.4Ghz FASST which is proprietary to Futaba, so it will not talk to a Hitec 2.4 Ghz receiver like the Optima 7. However, if you have, say a channel 52 - 72 Mhz FM module in it, like I do, then it will transmit both PPM or PCM on 72 Mhz on Channel 52, and since it is Futaba, it will be negative shift. This means you can use the Futaba 72 Mhz receivers provided you have the right crystal, or you could use Hitec's shift selectable, or negative shift Rx's or Berg... But, you probably could not use the JR receivers as they are positive shift.

Going back to 2.4 - There are a lot of modules for these types of transmitters, but they will only allow you to use their receivers. i.e. Corona, Assan, Hitec, Futaba, Frisky, WFly, Graupner - they all make them, but they only control their own Rx's.

I have a 9C and will be converting, but am awaiting the findings of a test on RCModelReviews.com to see which Chinese comapny I want to take my buisness to as paying $60 for a receiver seems to be a little crazy.

Best Regards,
Curtis

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Order an Aurora 9 from Hitec before March 31st, they are $399.00 with one 7-channel reciever at Tower, plust you get a FREE 7-channel receiver fnad for $20.00 get another. That's a state of the art 9-channel 2.4 Ghz, 5.1" touch screen, 2-way telemetry from the airplane, and 3 7-channel receivers for $399.00. Join Tower's super saver club, and get a coupon for $60.00 off that..!! Additional receivers are $49.95 for a 6-channel, $69.95 for a 7-channel, and $99.95 for a 9-channel. Mine is on order, and those thousands of backorders are about to be filled soon. I sold off all of my Spektrum (It's a good radio), and have stayed away from Futaba, their receivers cost way too much...so the Aurora 9 looks real good with excellent reviews, and phenominal range. Hey I even purchased the Hitec AFHSS 2.4 module for my Hitec Eclipse, with 2 7-channel receivers from Tower for $109.95, used a $20.00 Super Saver Coupon...I can use the Eclipse as an emergency backup, plus it's a great price with the two 7-channel receivers.

Any radio you buy will perform well, additional receiver prices are a consideration, and programing ease. The Aurora 9 IMHO comes out on top of that battle. I hate holding down this switch with that finger, then hold down that switch with this finger, do a back flip so you can turn on the Power Switch while holding down the two buttons, then stand on one leg for the hell of it just to change the model you are flying. Touch screen for me all the way....!!

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I have a Futaba 9C with a Spectrum 2.4 module, it is great not to have to reprogram all the the planes into a new radio. I also have a Futaba 7C that I uses on my electrics none that are on 2.4. I did pick up a spectrum 6 and find it more difficult to bind and program..

Happy landing
BR

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Right... :eek:

RE: A good solid Tx
 

<span style="font-size: medium">Fasst</span>

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Airtronics RDS8000 you can get one for $160-$170. Save the extra you spend on the others for recievers-BW

RE: A good solid Tx
 

Still like that Airttonics. I'm having trouble with Futaba 6EX TX that I bought 2 years ago, and it's got no time on it.
I do have a 7C that I like
What should I get now. Is the Airtronics Easy to program? I found the 6EX a little difficult, the 7C a little easier, but still not user friendly for mixing and doing that fancier stuff.

RE: A good solid Tx
 

I can't say that the RDS8000 is easier but the programming menu's are different from the 6EX. It also has a lot more programming features including a timer which really comes in handy.-BW