NebulaDDS

I'm looking to buy a 6-channel radio, and I'm considering two (unless you folks can suggest something better).

the JR XP662, and the Futaba 6XAPS. Here are two links to their specs:

JR:

http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...prod=JRP6812**


Futaba:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXXD65**&P=K


The Futaba radio cannot be used with helis, BUT, unlike the JR, it is a PCM radio. How valuable is having a PCM over an FM radio?

Anyone have any recommendations regarding these two? I really don't want to spend more than $275 on a radio.

MikeMayberry

My Feedback: (1)

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXWB59**&P=7

Flyfalcons

The 6XA has heli programming. The 662 does not have proportional flaps.

specialk566

My Feedback: (3)

Both are pcm selectable. This means both will transmit in either pcm or fm. The basic futaba that costs around 220-230 comes with an fm only receiver, so you cant use the transmitter's built in pcm option without buying a pcm receiver. The 260$ futaba does come with a pcm receiver. PCM is only needed for very big expensive planes. For sport planes you wont ever need pcm. I'm flying with a 1980s futaba that is fm and it is trouble free, but i do have a t6aps on the way (fm version). The link for the jr radio you provided shows it listed as a six channel fm radio, so my bet is it only comes with an fm receiver, to take advantage of its pcm capabilities you would probably have to spend over 275. I'd go with the futaba.

MikeL

My Feedback: (3)

If you want to fly helis, they're both pretty limited. Their 3-point pitch/throttle curves will restrict your flying. I'd look at the Airtronics RD6000, which has 5-point pitch/throttle curves, plus trims for adjusting the curves while flying.

CP140

Another advantage to the Airtronics RD6000 is that you select which "shift" you transmit, so you can use JR, Futaba etc receivers.. somthing to consider if you already have some equipment you want to keep using.

noname-RCU

There is 1 rule I learned over time and unfortunately nobody told me about it when I started in RC.

ALWAYS ... Always get the best transmitter you can afford !!!

Having said that, I have seen places which sell the Futaba 9C (transmitter only) for around $260 ....

AFAIK, the Futaba 6X radios *can* be used by helis and planes.

If you're really into RC planes/helis, do what ever possible (even wait a couple of weeks/months) and get something better than a 6 channel radio; I suggest you get at least the Fut 9C.

BTW, I've had 4 ch, 6ch, 8ch and I'm now looking into getting a 9Z ... I should have bought the 9z to begin with ... it's not a matter of how many channels you'll be using; its about the flexibility a bigger/better radio provides (I.E dual rates for rudder, several mixes and conditions, switch assignability, etc)

FLYBOY

My Feedback: (11)

As stated, if you can, figure out how to get the 9CHP. It is by far the best radio I have used. It will do more than you will need, but down the road, will do anything you throw at it. I had just bought an 8UHP and when I programed the 9CHP, I dumped the 8UHP and ordered a 9CHP and got rid of all of my other radios. This one will do it all. The 9Z is nice, but you don't need to go that much. The 9CHP will do way more than the other radios you are looking at and it is well worth waiting for. You will wish you had gotten it if you get anything else.

locoworks

yes indeedy, 9 channel futaba. are there other radios?

ml3456

Nobody can beat the support you get form Horizon. All will fly a plane!!

Jacky

My Feedback: (17)

JR just came out a 9X radio, looks very like big brother 10X.

SwampFlier-RCU

If you don't mind looking at a good choice at a low price look at Hitec's Eclipse 7 channel.

avinut

My Feedback: (2)

Just do the hitec and be done with it. The specs are on mikes post

jschenck

My Feedback: (23)

Also, Airtronics should be shipping the RD-8000 soon. That looks to be a very feature rich 8ch radio with a nice price tag. I've flown Airtronics for years and like them.