grampi

I'm looking at getting into 3D electric flying and I will need a radio (4 channel, I think). Years ago when I flew RC, I used Airtronics radios exclusively. Do they still make good radios today, or could I do better?

vwtrey

My Feedback: (5)

I have a used six channel futaba i would be willing to send to you Jim. It isnt hi tech or anything, but It would get you by for now. I could get you the info on it if you want.

trey

grampi

This is cool hooking up with old friends again Trey. Does this radio have expo? I think I'll need that for electric 3D. And I also think Futabas are compatible with Hitec as far as the connectors go, unless it includes the micro receiver and servos, then it wouldn't matter. Thanks.

bpannier

Check out the Spectrum 6...$200.

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

You can get one at Harbor Freight for $29.95. It also includes an airplane ready to fly

vwtrey

My Feedback: (5)

i didnt think about it until this morning Jim. It doesnt have expo, and you would need that. Well, not need, but it would make life much easier. And I would imagine you would want some mixing at times too. It doesnt have that either, haha.

I'm using a Futaba 9cap super right now, and it is pretty good. Once you get past the initial cost of it i guess. If you plan on sticking with it for a while, I would recommend this radio.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. Some radios include helicopter functions however I don't review
these features. I include links to the manufacturer's/distributor's product
page, where available.

No one ever bought a radio with too much capability. However, if you are
like the rest of us and budget is a factor, I make some special remarks
about how each group would satisfy the needs of various groups of flyers.
These are my own personal value judgments and do not represent a rigorous
evaluation. If you are a serious competitor, consult those who know your
particular field best. I am only trying to provide some thought points for
your consideration.

Sites where you can buy just a radio include:
www.servocity.com
www.allerc.com
www.brucknerhobbies.com

Prices - read the descriptions as prices vary by what is included in the
package.

Radio packages can vary greatly depending on what is included.
Most radios come packaged with standard size servos and receivers. These
packages may not be suitable for electric flyers or some gliders. If I see
a package with small servos and receiver, I note the link for the benefit
of these flyers. Also note that some radio/receiver combos are not suitable
for larger planes due to range considerations. In many cases longer range
receivers are available for these larger planes.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on ailerons and
elevator. Some include rudder too, which is valuable if you are into 3D
flying. All include elevon and V-tail mixes and many include other mixes.
Unless stated otherwise radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or
split elevator ( ailevators) servos.


Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel -

In addition to the basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split
aileron/flapperon capabilities. These make great first radios for the
committed new pilot, providing features beyond the 4 channel "standard"
radios at a small incremental investment. For many pilots, these may be
all the radio they will need for years.

With these systems you can more advanced planes but may not be
able to bring out all the plane can offer. They will fly full house
sailplanes
but will not provide many of the surfaces mixes that competition sailplane
pilots want.

Futaba EXAS - $160 for this package
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk54.html
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJUV7**&P=ML
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=556
See it being programmed
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/futk52-58-deluxe.mpg
6 channels, 6-model memory, Proportional Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6,
and 1 user definable mix. Expo rudder, elevator and ailerons. The
particular package I have listed at tower comes with 3 micro servos
and a micro receiver suitable for parkflyers but not larger planes.
Other packages are available

JR Sport 600 - $159 for this package
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...dID=JSP16000**
10-model memory, DR for aileron and elevator. No mention of Expo
Flaperons, Delta/Elevon and V-tail mixing. Includes receiver and
4 standard sized servos which are not suitable for many small planes.


Airtronics VG 6000 $175 package
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with
two small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories. In
addition to four predefined surface mixes. expo on elevator and ailerons
only.

Spektrum DX 6 - $199
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=SPM2460
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=623
If your main pursuit is electric planes, parkflyers, hand launched gliders
and other smaller aircraft, under 66 inch wing span, this might be your
best choice. Practical field reports, as documented in the threads below
are that this radio/receiver has a useful range of about 1500-2000 feet,
which is more then enough for these plane and further than most people
will fly them. Never worry about channel conflict again. This promises
to be the RC technology of the future.

Digital DSMT Spread Spectrum Modulation
10 model memories, dual rates, exponential, 6 channels, 8 standard mixes and
three programmable mixes. No crystals needed and no channel conflict
control needed. Not suitable for glow planes, large electrics or larger
gliders. May have problems with metal or carbon fiber fuselages.

DX6 Flight experience thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...7&page=2&pp=15
What does the AMA think?
http://www.modelaircraft.org/spreadspec.asp



Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels
These radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer
radios, primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and some switch
assignability. These radios also add helicopter programming, though we are
not looking at those functions here. These radios can bring out more of the
capabilities of more advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry
level computer radios lack.

If you intend to actively pursue aerobatic or pattern flying on a sport
basis I would suggest these as your starting point, though most do not
include a snap roll feature. They are not competition class aerobatic
radios but they have enough to satisfy most weekend flyers looking for some
extra features. However they do not allow you to control each flap servo
on an individual channel. Aerobatic planes, like the Ultra Stick, make use
of the flaps as second ailerons. These radios can not do this.

If you are interested in full house thermal duration sailplanes, e-gliders,
hand launched gliders or slope gliders, I would consider these your minimum
starting point. These are not "real" sailplane radios, but they have enough
capability that the casual sport flyer enjoying themaling a full house
glider can fly the plane with a nice mix of options to meet sport flying
requirements. You also have enough for casual aerotowing where a tow
release will be needed. As noted above they do not provide 4 servo wing
support.

Midrange Radio Comparison Chart -( provided by Hitec )
The reference to two wing flap programming refers to flapperons - The
ability to turn ailerons into flaps.
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic...on%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6 - $220
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hitec.htm
http://www.servocity.com/html/6-ch_optic_6_systems.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=1399
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index....at=281&id=4451
Optic 6 Tutorial - Goes beyond the manual
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manu...icTutorial.pdf
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option,
Change channel module, shift select, glider features, switch assignability,
flight modes, ailevators, 2 user programmable mixes, and a variety of
standard mixes. Does not include a snap roll feature. This package at
the link above has micro servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers.
Hitec is also coming out with a 2.4 GHz module for their radios
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm

JR 6102 - $199
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...odID=JRP6654**
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=305
This is a futaba 7C review, but the author compares it to the JR near the
end of the article. May be helpful if you are trying to compare the two.
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes. Does not include a timer. Missing mixes of note are snap roll,
aileron diff, crow/butterfly. Some of these may be able to be created with
the user programmable mixes.

Airtronics RD6000 Super - $260
http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXWC35**&P=7
6 channel, 8 model memory, shift select, 4 timers, selection of standard
mixes and 5 user definable mixes. Also provides select. No Snap Roll.
Note that his package has large servos and receiver that are not suitable
for smaller planes/parkflyers.

Futaba 7C - $260
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...roducts_id=753
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, the 6XAS and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight
Modes, 3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes. Does
not include aileron differential which might be done with a user
programmable mix. Does include Snap Roll

Multiplex Royal Evo 7 - $250-$440 depending on packaging
Prices seem to range widely.
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/royal-evo-7.htm
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/RoyalevoChart.htm
http://www.hobbyhorse.com/multiplex_radios.shtml
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/Reviews/Evo-RCM.pdf
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/R...C%20Report.pdf
http://www.rc-soar.com/multiplex/mpxevo/evo.htm
7-Channel FM, 15 Model Memory, Heli, Sailplane, Fixed wing programming,
3 flight condition Mixes per Model, Programmable Mixes, Data Transfer
*DSC (Direct Servo Control), Model Naming, other features
Multiplex uses a different type of programming model. Reputed to be
more flexible than the typical menu systems of the radios above.

JR 7202 Synthesized Radio - $319
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=JRP7632
20 model memories, 7 Channel, Fully Synthesized Transmitter on 72 MHz, 3
DS285 Digital Hi-Speed Sub-Micro servos, R790 Scan Select S-PCM receiver,

Spektrum DX7- $379
2.4 GHz full range 7 channel radio
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM2712
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Articles/A...ArticleID=1624
20-Model memory, 2.4 GHz full range receiver and 3 micro servos
limited switch assignment, user mixes, 3-axis dual rate & expo, 3-position
flap

grampi

Thanks!