I am looking to upgrade from my old Futaba FP (non-computer) radio, to a computer radio. I have never used a cptr radio before, so am looking for advice from those of you who have.

I am looking primarily for a heli radio, but want one that will do planes as well, that way I can have 1 radio for everything. I want to stay with FM, since I have quite a few receivers already, so I don't want to have to replace them all.


I am looking for Tx only - not a complete system

I am thinking of either of these:

Hitec Eclipse 7 (in FM)
Futaba 7CHF (in FM)

or.... ?
I have a budget of $300

I need something that is easy to program, will do REVO and CCPM mixing, etc...

What would you suggest, and why?

Thanks a lot

Terry

Terry,

Having just $300.00, it's going to be hard. You can look at the classified's here and also on E-bay and maybe find one new. However, used radios are fine too! You might look at JR radio's as well. Any radio that has at least 6 channels and be designed for heli's that incorporate ccpm mixing and travel limits w/ exponential, sub trims and ease of programming. My suggestion would be to get on one of the websites and just read features. Once you've found one you like then you can go to the aforementioned web sites and try to get it cheap (new or used).

Hope this helps.

Get a futaba 9CHP radio you can get it new for around $300 and its the best bang for the buck. I have 2 and there great radios you might try servo city.com for just a TX, you can use FM or PCM with this radio. I would get the 9chp before i get the 7chp the 9 has a pitch curve graph and a throttle curve graph that helps a little when trying to setup your radio.

Futaba 9C Super.
All around fantastic radio

i agree with the above.... for $300 you will get a very good tranny, it will do all types of flying models and is adequate for most 3d or scale flyer's

With the 9C you can also purchase a synthesized module that will allow you to switch to any channel without changing xtals. That way you can fly all of your aircraft with the same transmitter even if they are not on the same channel. Just a turn of the screwdriver and you are ready to go. As said above, the 9C will transmit in either PCM or PPM (FM) modes. It will work with all of the receivers that you have now and if you decide to upgrade to PCM (which I recommend) in the future you just need to replace the receivers.

The 7C will be enough to fly with but you will want more capability as your skill level progresses and the 9C will allow you to do that without spending more money. The 7C is also usable with only 1 channel. It is a matter or pay now or pay later and I recommend that you spend a little more for the 9C now and not need to spend more later.

Nice fly-in you guys had a few weeks ago. Some very impressive flying going on there ...

Good Luck,
d.tipton

We always have a bunch of good flyers in attendance. Of course it helps to have Futaba based in town!!