I have a DX8 currently, will this radio be able to work if I use y harnesses and such for servos even though I have more than 8 servos? Is it better to just bite the bullet and get like a 12X or can I be just fine with what I have now?

I used a DX7 on a Boomerang Elan with no problem. Make sure you use Y-harnesses and extensions that do not have chokes or amplifiers on them.

Bob

The DX8 will be fine, but if i can suggest you use match boxes instead of Y- harnesses it will make it alot easier to set-up and center the servo's that you where intending to use the Y-Harnesses on.

id love to upgrade from the 7 to the 8, will the DX 8 work with the DX7 rx's or will I have to buy all new rx's

i know i wont get telemetry info

GET THE 12X.

LOL,

You write that as though it's a foregone conclusion that everyone's got an extra $1500 lying around...

By carefully reading the first post, the original poster has that option open, I'll conclude the OP does have $1500 lying around.... YMMV

Think about brakes and how you operate them, I didn't notice slides on the 8.(will look when I get to the shop)
It is nice, light, and easy to program.
Kevin

Get the Futaba 8CH FG and download the software to upgrade it to 12Ch.

Yes, I could get the 12X, but that would mean a longer wait to get my jet, since I would have to expand the funds I alloted for this.  I see myself wanting to go scale and pretty advanced in the future, but since I already have a DX8 hopefully I can make it work.  Like someone said I will just use matchboxes and stay away from other unnecessary channels like lights and smoke.

Can I say tie brakes into the elevator? So that I could operate them on one channel so that brakes engage when I apply down elevator? That right there could save a channel.  Sorry if thats a terrible Idea I usually let my father handle all the setting up and such then I fly lol.

I like your thinking, the 8FG Super is the same money and it has 12 + 2 channels

Just keeping it simple [8D] [8D]

On my Elan with the DX7 I used brakes on my elevator and it worked great. The brakes only engaged with down elevator. It's tough taking off using up elevator if the brakes are working!!!

This device might help with your current setup:

http://www.electrodynam.com/rc/EDR-125/index.shtml

If you have a DX8, just use it and don't worry until you get stuck.
If you optimize your mechanical set up, use some matchboxes and reverse servos, I bet you can do 99.9% of available jets today on 7 to 8 channels

You can do:
1 Throttle
1 Aileron (Y, Matchbox, good geometry)
1 Elev (Y, Matchbox, reverse servo)
1 Rudder/steering (Y, Matchbox)
1 Flap (Y, Matchbox, reverse servo)
1 Retract
1 Brakes
1 Gyro

That's 8 Channels there...

if you need more, you can get creative
You can free up the brakes by mixing with elevator
or if you need airbrakes you can combine with flaps or brakes using a channel expander
You might not need a Gyro, or you might have a fixed rate one and also free a channel

My F100 was set up on 9 channels and it has flaps, slats, airbrakes, proportional brakes and a parachute!!!

So net net, if you have it, don't worry. It is doable.

But, it is soooo much easier with more channels

Hope this helps