Howdy,

I would like to get into RC choppers and thought it would be best to start with a sim. The Reflex seems like a good choice but you need your own TX. I like Futaba and would like to hear some suggestions on which model to get. Keep in mind I probably will start with a micro FP but in the end will go with a CP which I guess needs 6 channels – so a TX that can accommodate the stages I will be in. Thanks.

-roo

My suggestion would be to get a transmitter than can grow with you in the event you decide to progress to bigger helis such as the nitro birds or larger electrics. 7 channel will work, 9 channel is great. I have a JR XP9303 (a 9 channel) another popular one is the Futaba 9C series. There is also Spektrum which has 6 and 7 channel transmitter and are both in 2.4GHz. Now both Futaba and JR are putting out 2.4Ghz models. JR is releasing a 2.4Ghz version of the XP9303 this summer along with a 12 channel 2.4GHz radio. The 2.4GHz Futaba model escapes me at the moment. Two other major contributing factors would be, what the other pilots use in your area (if you what the use, they help you easier), and the other would be what feels best in your hands. Go to a hobby shop and hold several radios and see what feels the best to you. What is your budget like, the unfortunate contributing factor in this hobby

The following is my opinion only, and should be taken as such....

I see no reason to buy a real RC controller to use on a flight simulator. You will get all kinds of people telling you that you will be using your own transmitter, and you will get used to it, jada, jada, jada. I see no reason to rack up the hours of use on the transmitter gimbals and switches. Electronics appliances have come a long way, but they still wear out.

With the number of hours of operation that you are supposed to spend in the simulator, I WOULD NOT recommend a real TX for that purpose. Get a cheap TX, or better yet, get a sim that already comes with a "joystick"

In the long run, your TX is the single most important investment in this hobby. A TX purchase is an investment. It is the only part of your RC hobby that is not prone to crashes, and ultimately it is the only part of the system that you could pass from one aircraft to the other and not have to continue purchasing the equipment.

Would you buy a Ferrari to put a "Driver's Ed" sign over it?

Rafael

Thanks all and good point Rafael23cc, I did think about the number of hours I will put in. Heck I go through a computer mouse every six months. I will either get a cheapo or have it included with the sim.

-roo