My question could be posted in the Radio equipment section, but I wanted to hear the opinions from the Pattern flying crowd.

I am looking to get a Radio and of course I know, get the greatest radio you can afford. Further, I also know that one can compete with a 4 channel radio. With that said, what are the opinions of the bare minimum a radio needs to be able to be Pattern flying worthy.

I am learning slowly but am overwelmed about such things as: Dual Conversion, Elevator to Flap, Flap to Elevator, V-Tail Mixing, Elevon Mixing, Aileron to Rudder. Are all of these functionalities a "must"? Or which is most important?

I also see some statements such as "My next Pattern plane I am getting a PCM receiver." This is a bit confusing of the actually reasons why.

Should there be a minimum number of channels for Pattern flying?


I am considering a Futaba 7CAF 7-Channel FM/4 S3004 Servos, and a Futaba 9CAFS, with a FM receiver and S3004 Servos.

Yes, I know I will hear get the 9CAFS if you can afford it, but what are the reasons why to get the 9CAFS vs the 7CAF for an emphasis on Pattern flying.



Thanks for tolerating my ignorance and any help.

Yes, I know I will hear get the 9CAFS if you can afford it, but what are the reasons why to get the 9CAFS vs the 7CAF for an emphasis on Pattern flying.


Get the 9CA"P"S. It gives you PCM and PPM modes while the 9CAFS is only PPM-FM. From what I have read, it gives you a bit more glitch protection.

Figure you are going to fly for a few years and who knows, you may need a couple extra chanels. If you buy the 9 vs 7, you have them avaiable at at around $75, but if you wait until you have bought the 7, and then need the extras, you are out a couple hundred more.

I just when through this decision process and ended up with the 9CAPS. That thing will do everything but keep the sun out of your eyes. Spend the extra bucks now and you will be happy.

Don

You don't need many Dedicated(fixed) mixes.
Flaperon is handy---it allows separate ail. servos (which in turn allows easy set-up of individual throws up and down, left and right). The actual flap function part of flaperon is usually disabled for pattern..
Dual elevator("Mate" in some sets) is also useful----but can be arranged as elevator-to-another (slave) channel if not available.
Aileron Differential is sometimes needed--if it's available as a function it can save a little time,but you can do the same thing with end-point adjust(travel adjust) if you have flaperon and separate aileron servos.
Go for as many "free" mixes as you can get (user defined)---You'll almost certainly need Rudder-to-aileron, and Rudder -to-elevator.
You might need throttle -to- elevator(Straight downlines), possibly throttle to aileron(to catch slight roll at low speed).
Other mixes are less common, but the more free mixes you have available, the more little fixes can be done.

In the more advanced classes, most flyers will require "flight condition"(s) .This means changing a few settings simultaneously on one switch e.g. more aileron,etc., for snaps, or more rudder for rolling loops or rolling circles for instance.
There are lots of reasons why PCM is used almost exclusively, but the most obvious one is that glitches and accurate manouevres don't go together.

Couple of biggies for the 9CS over the 7C...

first, 9C uses a module which is a big plus for frequency changes as well now you can go synthesized.

Second, 9C has better switch assignability....so you can customize your setup to how you like it

Third, more mixes and multipoint mixes. May not seem obvious at first or all that useful but down the road these mixes open up a lot of setup doors that otherwise you would not have.

Also, the "9C" is a PCM 1024 TX. The receiver you choose is what determines the 9CA"F" or 9CA"P" part, the TX will do both it just depends if you wanna pay a little more for the PCM RX like 149DP as opposed to the cheaper 127 if you get a combo.

I got my combo from Chief Aircraft a couple years ago and they had great deals and options!

I have used the JR 8103, and the JR 10X and I just assume use my 9C anyway---

Cheers!

If your pretty serious about flying/ competing, I'd get the 9C. I use one and it has been all I have needed. I looked at the 7C but figured I would have wished I bought the 9C.
Another possibile reason to go with the 9C is Spectrum or spectra may be the frequency of the future and Futaba may just sell a module for the 9C, to convert it?

Buy what your budget allows, Your TX is used on all your planes.

Food for thought:
I told a Masters pilot " I will never spend $1200-2200 on a radio", he said "thats what we all said".

TOEDWY, One problem that the 7C has that the 9C doesn't is if you are using duel elevator or aileron servos, the trims will only function on one servo. There is no way to link the servo trims together without using a Y-harness or a matchbox. The 9C doesn't have this problem.

Joe Dunnaway

Thanks Gentlemen for the thoughts...


Now, for the real challenge of cleverly embezzling funds so the wife does not notice the purchase of the 9c. [>:]


Thanks again.

I'd throw in the Multiplex Royal EVO9. It doesn't do PCM (putting on flak jacket now) but you can get the synth version that is shift selectable and use JR or Futaba shift receivers. Also, you can assign anything to anything and update the software yourself when the updates come out. Not to mention keeping all your models backed up on your computer.

The downside is that not many are seen at local fields and that causes you to learn it all on your own. I love mine...sold all my other radios including the 9CHP.

Where can the Multplex be bought in the US?

Richard

I bought mine from Hobby Horse.

http://www.hobbyhorse.com/multiplex_radios.shtml

Multiplex is imported by Hitec RCD. here a link to their list of retail outlets if your LHS can't get it in for you.

http://multiplexusa.com/WTB_files/wtb.htm

Ok here's a thought .... Instead of going for a top o'the line radio and entry-level servos
and I quote "I am considering a Futaba 7CAF 7-Channel FM/4 S3004 Servos, and a Futaba 9CAFS, with a FM receiver and S3004 Servos"

Why not buy a less pricier radio 6 or 7 channel and better servos?? After all... (and please correct me if I'm wrong) good servos can go a long way to improve the flying skills specially at the beginning....

So in this range we have:
Airtronics Rd6000 or RD 8000
Hitec Optico or Eclipse
Futaba 7 Cap or 6whatever XS

Ok, and the argument of Buy the radio .... you can always buy the servos later can be countered with buy the servos ..you can always upgrade your radio later