Ok, I am getting back into the hobby. I will be getting G2 (again) to get and keep my thumbs up to par while not at the field. Also, I am thinking about speding more money on my radio up front even if it keeps me out of the air for a while (saving more money on plane and engine).

Here is where I want your advice/opinion. I have been considering a twist for my next plane and I have considered a Jr6202 radio or the new Jr7202(I think it's the 7202, it's not released just yet but suposed to be out soon). I have seen a used JR8103 with two recievers for $200. I can get a new "Twist Plug and Play" at my LHS for $150(plus tax). This would put me 'in the air' for $350 (not including tax and my field equipment.)

This sounds like the way to go for me. I am pretty sure about buying the plane no matter what radio I am getting. Im just curious if it is worth it to me to get the 8103 vs the 6202 or the new 7 channel about to come out (the 6 and 7 channel would have servo's and everything).

Let me hear your opinions.

If you have the ability, purchase a new JR 9303. I've been the 6 then 8 channel route wih the earlier JR 652, then the 8103. Had the 9303 been available when I purchased the 8103 I would have done so and never regretted it. If you can't part with the cash, take the 8103.

I'm not a pro, though.

I'll concur with Silversurfer. If you forsee any need for more complex set ups (i.e. dual servos on ail or ele, or mixing) the 9303 is a great radio. (and I was a non-computer Futaba radio type of guy up until last year!!) Oh, and I'm not a pro either.

Get the BEST radio you can afford!!!!! I was told this a dozen times when I was getting into the hobby. BUT... Keep in mind. More channels does NOT indicate a BETTER radio. Just a higher price. I fly a Hitec Prism which at the time I got into this hobby was Hitecs best. 7 channels and after about 7 or 8 years I still have only used 5. I think that out of about the 35 guys in my club only 2 use more than 5 channels. A good 6 channel computer radio will function just as good as a 9 channel and there are alot of choices in the six channel realm for less money. If you know any history of the used JR it may be a way to go. It sounds like an OK deal with the 2 recievers but there are things to consider. Does it have servos? About $15 each. Does the used radio come with rx batteries. Those are $10 to $20 each. Crystals for both recievers? those are abou $8 each. Switch harnesses? I think about $8. Add all that up and compare to the price of new. If you get within about $75 of the new radio I would go with new.

I've got an 8103 and it's only real value over my 6102 is it's ability to take the synthesizer module. There are a couple of little details that are better, but not really of major value.

The 7202 already comes synthesized. If I were you, I'd wait for that. But keep in mind that to use that function, you're either going to have to have extra crystals for your RXs, or you're going to need the brand new 790 RX that doesn't require crystals.

I fly FM (not PCM) with my 8103 and have a couple of the new R720 RXs. Whenever my chosen channel winds up with a conflict, I simply look at the frequency board and pick an unused channel. I dial the TX to that one and then push the button on the R720 and I'm good to go. No waiting for the pin. Less chance of getting shot down.

BTW, I've found that there is an inherent value in the JR line of radios over other brands in the 7202/6102 price range. When I want to change for example, the aileron direction for my new model, I simply find the NAME of the new model and choose that, then find AILERON and change the direction. When I flew Futabas, I'd have to look up which number the new model was and then look up what the aileron function is for Futaba and that was a real pain. I figure the computer in the TX ought to be able to talk in english, not numbers and figure for what I'm paying for them, ought to make those very simple tasks easier. I think you'll like the JRs for those minor little details as much as for the major ones.

And I've flown for over 50 years and never once wanted more than 6 functions in an airplane. Wouldn't have bought the 8103 except at the time it was the cheapest JR that would take a synthesizer module.

darock,

I have two of the Futaba 9CAP transmitters and you do not program them like you say. Very easy to program and will do anything that I require. BTW, I have been flying for over 30 years...everything from 1/2a to giant scale gas & now giant scale electric. Mostly I have had Futaba over the years, but have also had Airtronics and Ace Micropro 2000 transmitters. Never a JR...

Jake

Unless you personally know the present owner and get some sort of guarantee, I recommend avoid used radio equipment, unless the price is so good (cheap) you can afford to have it completely gone over by a competent technician and still come out OK, financially.

I currently run a JR 6102, and I think it is an excellent value. If I were in the market today, I would look hard at JR's 7 ch synthesizer radio. I don't have any current need for a synthesizer radio, but I think it is a valuable feature for future needs. I have used JR's 388 (8 channels) for about 15 years, and as much as I liked that transmitter, I never had need for more than 6 channels.

I also fly the Twist. I wouldn't ordinarily recommend it as a "coming Back" entry, but if you can get the PNP Twist for $150, snap it up!. Set it up with with reduced throws, 50% expo on ailerons and elevator and a low pitch, (4) prop.

Welcome back, and best of luck!

Airtronics also have very user friendly radios the RD6000 and RD8000 are on par with the Hitec Optic 6 or Eclipse 7 (older) and the Futabas 7C or 6C
Hitecs can have the synthesizer module ...don't know JR but they are good radios...

A little known gem is the tower hobbies 6XM tower's radios are rebadged Futabas this ones costs 150 dollars with receiver and servos and can handle 6 planes in memory.. best deal for the money!!!

Thanks for your input guys.

I know that the twist isnt the best "Getting back into the sport" plane but I grew up in the 'video game' generation and was soloing after my 'buddy' at the airfield took my plane up and trimed it out for me (my first flight). It was a Hanger 9 ultra stick. Keep in mind that I spent a month on the simulator. Anyway, this has been usefull information and I really appreciate it guys. Thanks


also, I can get the twist P&P for $250 not $150. It was late last night when I was posting that. But that is still the direction im thinking about going.

Ok, I ended up getting a Jr XP6102. I know it's not as nice as the other we have talked about but it's an entire system brand new and I couldnt pas up the deal. It was cheep enough that I could afford to not get the 'raido for the future', i'll just get that raido in the future. However, now I have the servo's and reciever and battery..... with my new raido setup. Would it be a good financial decision to go ahead and buy the twist plug and play and use the servo's and reciever that came with the raido in another plane?

Thanks in advance.

Good call, enjoy your re-entry into the hobby

Yes. Your 6102 will hold 10 programs. May as well start filling them up. Way to go!

Thanks again guys. I do plan on enjoying my return to the hobby. This time I am getting into it with more of a 'long term' mindset. meaning that I am going to buy the right stuff right now even if it keeps me out of the air for a while.

also, I just bought a thunder tiger pro .46 for $60.00. It had one flight on it. Im working on finding a sim. Now I just have to decide which plane I actually want. Im still considering the twist, just not sure on the p&p or the ARF. I really dont NEED the P&P, but If I get that I am only an airplane away from having two complete systems. Hmmmmmm.