FLYMAD

Hi,
I have a new H-9 Funtana 125. It is my first large plane and I want to upgrade from my old 72 mhz futaba 7c.
I want a raido that will last me a long time that I can grow into. My choices are either the Futaba 8j or the Spektrum DX7s. I like the extra channel and backlit screen of the futaba 8j. The Spektrum DX7s has telementary and software updates that I don't know much about or if they are important. I am concerned about some peoples findings of the DX7s having signal issues.
Has anyone had experience with either of these radios?
Thanks.

JCINTEXAS

I have been flying Futaba FASST for 5 years. I have had and flown the 6 channel FASST, the 7C channel FASST,....am now flying the 12 FGA FASST. All of these have been absolutely flawless....PERFECT. No glitches...no problems....they just work. I just purchases a new 8FG and have not used it yet. I expect it will be excellent. The RF link seems to be Bullet Proof.
PS I also have the Hangar 9 Funtana 125 with a Saito 1.25

FLYMAD

Thanks JCINTEXAS.
The 8j is not FASST but S-FHSS and I have read some people opinions that the 8j is more of a parkflyer radio.
My Funtana has a CRRCpro 26cc gaser. I have not flown it yet.

ronwc

My Feedback: (404)

I retired my Futaba 8UAF after 15 years and bought the new Futaba 8J about 6 months ago. I keep about 20 planes RTF, so not only needed dependability but be able to buy rx's reasonable. The 8J has been perfect in the 100's of flight so far. Very good price at $239 with 2 rx's (Tower w/$50 off coupon), 2006GS rx's for $35, easy programming, no antenna, backlit screen, ect. As mention earlier, I don't fly the cheap foam planes, so had to have a radio that worked 100% of the time. Not to knock Spektrum, but have seen way too many planes go in with the DX8 for whatever reason. I'm very happy with the 8J.

AndyKunz

The DX7S and DX8 are both rock-solid. The updates are mostly to add new features (new telemetry sensors are usually the driving force there). I have almost all my planes on both my DX8 and DX18, so I can easily switch back and forth for testing purposes.

Andy

falcon_56

I have the Futaba 8J and all Ican say it is a great radio. It is a full range radio (not a parkflier only). I got it to replace my trusty 25 year old AMFutaba radio (which still works) and so far I am quite impressed. Nice screen, easy to program and lots of features seen in high end radios.

It does not have online software update capability or telemetry, but if you need up to 8 channels and programming it pretty much has most of what you would ever need. An upgrade path for this radio will be the 14SG to be released soon.

I would suggest to look into the features you need and see which radio fits your bill.

cubkadet

i have a dx-7s and a dx-6 and several friends who have spectrums and none of us ever had a problem. never had any newer futabas but sure they are a great radio.

deadstickdan

My Feedback: (3)

Well, I just came out of the dark ages from using 72 mhz and bought my first 2.4 radio with the Futaba 8J. I looked at the Spektrum and JR radios and liked them as well but I went for this 8J because of price, functions and the receivers for FHSS are much less than Fasst receivers. The things I wish the Futaba radios had was model match and I wish the 8J came with a rechargeable battery and charger instead of having to buy those things additionally. I also like the fact that there is no antennae on the outside of the transmitter and when I have the radio on my neckstrap it sits just about flat level. The programming seems to be fairly uncomplicated, the screen is easy to read and I was able to have a new plane setup on the radio in quick fashion.

I think most of the new radios today are good. I primarily went with Futaba because of my past experiences with the brand, the look, feel and excellent value you get with this 8J.

Dan

TimBle

8J,

Warbird40

My Feedback: (24)

I also have the 8J....flawless!