looking at a new radio
12-03-2009, 01:22 PM
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looking at a new radio
I have been flying with a 7CAP for about 5 years and have really been happy with it. I wouldn't even be looking at another radio right now but I need to make the switch over to 2.4
My first thought was to get the same radio in 2.4 but looking around the airtronics RDS8000 really peaked my interest because of the price. I am not needing servos, just the radio and a rx. Are there any other radios at a good price that I should consider? It looks like http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp is going to be hard to beat price wise if this is a good radio. I'm not sure that I can justify spending $130 more just for the Futaba.
Any reason I should stay away from the RDS8000?
My first thought was to get the same radio in 2.4 but looking around the airtronics RDS8000 really peaked my interest because of the price. I am not needing servos, just the radio and a rx. Are there any other radios at a good price that I should consider? It looks like http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp is going to be hard to beat price wise if this is a good radio. I'm not sure that I can justify spending $130 more just for the Futaba.
Any reason I should stay away from the RDS8000?
12-03-2009, 01:56 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
The RDS8000 is an excellent radio. I was a JR flyer for 30+ years and now fly Airtronics exclusively. Check out the manual on line. You won't be disappointed.
Travis
Travis
12-03-2009, 02:17 PM
#3
RE: looking at a new radio
There is no reason to stay away, but lots of reason to join us. It is a great radio. If you have the time there is a very long thread on it. It has every thing about it. If you do get one, you will be very happy with it.
Dru.
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12-03-2009, 03:04 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
Another option would be the Hitec Optic 6 w/(2) 7Ch RX's for $199.99 http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/755500.asp
Or convert your 7C with a module. You can get the Hitec Spectra 2.4 w/(2) 7Channels RX's for $129.99.
Mike.
Or convert your 7C with a module. You can get the Hitec Spectra 2.4 w/(2) 7Channels RX's for $129.99.
Mike.
12-03-2009, 04:20 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
I've seen the Hitec with 2 rxs and thats a great deal and one I am looking at. My first tx was a hitec.
If I buy the airtronics radio and add a rx it is basically a $40 difference. Is the airtronics worth $40 more than the Hitec?
If I buy the airtronics radio and add a rx it is basically a $40 difference. Is the airtronics worth $40 more than the Hitec?
12-03-2009, 05:52 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
You're not taking much of a step up over the 7C with either radio... If you like it and just want 2.4Ghz, I'd opt for the module conversion.
Mike.
Mike.
12-03-2009, 11:33 PM
#8
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RE: looking at a new radio
well I say something negative about the RDS 8000 but its personal to feeling of me only.
what I didnt like about the RDS 8000 compare to futaba 7C is that the RDS is feeling like a toy and the throttle doesn't click - no ratchet.
what I didnt like about the RDS 8000 compare to futaba 7C is that the RDS is feeling like a toy and the throttle doesn't click - no ratchet.
12-03-2009, 11:53 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
ORIGINAL: HavinFun
I do'nt think the 7CAP uses a module.
I do'nt think the 7CAP uses a module.
It seems a shame to move sideways just for 2.4ghz. The 7C is a very capable radio.
However, the Optic will work with the Futaba 72Mhz FM receivers (w/72mhz module) but not PCM. The RD8000 will not work with anything other than Air't 2.4. So, if you get the Optic you could sell the 7C TX and use any FM stuff you still have.
If you really want to move up, I'd save your money for an Aurora 9 ($429.99 w/2 7ch RX's +$40 for additional 7ch = $469.99 w/3 7chRX's,) or to be fair, an Airtronics SD-10G ($499.99 w/ 2 10ch RX's.) Either of these would be a huge step up from the 7C. Consider the Futaba 8FG ($479.99 w/ 1 RX) if you want to stay with Futaba.
Note: The Aurora 9 is also compatible with your Futaba FM RX's with the Spectra Pro synthesized module when available. All others are not 72mhz compatible, if that is a factor.
Mike.
12-04-2009, 06:22 AM
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RE: looking at a new radio
ORIGINAL: MikeMayberry
Ahhh... you're right, I was thinking of the 7UAP.
It seems a shame to move sideways just for 2.4ghz. The 7C is a very capable radio.
However, the Optic will work with the Futaba 72Mhz FM receivers (w/72mhz module) but not PCM. The RD8000 will not work with anything other than Air't 2.4. So, if you get the Optic you could sell the 7C TX and use any FM stuff you still have.
If you really want to move up, I'd save your money for an Aurora 9 ($429.99 w/2 7ch RX's +$40 for additional 7ch = $469.99 w/3 7chRX's,) or to be fair, an Airtronics SD-10G ($499.99 w/ 2 10ch RX's.) Either of these would be a huge step up from the 7C. Consider the Futaba 8FG ($479.99 w/ 1 RX) if you want to stay with Futaba.
Note: The Aurora 9 is also compatible with your Futaba FM RX's with the Spectra Pro synthesized module when available. All others are not 72mhz compatible, if that is a factor.
Mike.
ORIGINAL: HavinFun
I do'nt think the 7CAP uses a module.
I do'nt think the 7CAP uses a module.
It seems a shame to move sideways just for 2.4ghz. The 7C is a very capable radio.
However, the Optic will work with the Futaba 72Mhz FM receivers (w/72mhz module) but not PCM. The RD8000 will not work with anything other than Air't 2.4. So, if you get the Optic you could sell the 7C TX and use any FM stuff you still have.
If you really want to move up, I'd save your money for an Aurora 9 ($429.99 w/2 7ch RX's +$40 for additional 7ch = $469.99 w/3 7chRX's,) or to be fair, an Airtronics SD-10G ($499.99 w/ 2 10ch RX's.) Either of these would be a huge step up from the 7C. Consider the Futaba 8FG ($479.99 w/ 1 RX) if you want to stay with Futaba.
Note: The Aurora 9 is also compatible with your Futaba FM RX's with the Spectra Pro synthesized module when available. All others are not 72mhz compatible, if that is a factor.
Mike.
I have a question about the Optic, which appears to be a 6 channel radio. Does it have the ailevator function?
Also where is a good place to find reviews for this radio?
Ed
12-04-2009, 07:07 AM
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RE: looking at a new radio
ORIGINAL: MikeMayberry
Ahhh... you're right, I was thinking of the 7UAP.
It seems a shame to move sideways just for 2.4ghz. The 7C is a very capable radio.
However, the Optic will work with the Futaba 72Mhz FM receivers (w/72mhz module) but not PCM. The RD8000 will not work with anything other than Air't 2.4. So, if you get the Optic you could sell the 7C TX and use any FM stuff you still have.
If you really want to move up, I'd save your money for an Aurora 9 ($429.99 w/2 7ch RX's +$40 for additional 7ch = $469.99 w/3 7chRX's,) or to be fair, an Airtronics SD-10G ($499.99 w/ 2 10ch RX's.) Either of these would be a huge step up from the 7C. Consider the Futaba 8FG ($479.99 w/ 1 RX) if you want to stay with Futaba.
Note: The Aurora 9 is also compatible with your Futaba FM RX's with the Spectra Pro synthesized module when available. All others are not 72mhz compatible, if that is a factor.
Mike.
ORIGINAL: HavinFun
I do'nt think the 7CAP uses a module.
I do'nt think the 7CAP uses a module.
It seems a shame to move sideways just for 2.4ghz. The 7C is a very capable radio.
However, the Optic will work with the Futaba 72Mhz FM receivers (w/72mhz module) but not PCM. The RD8000 will not work with anything other than Air't 2.4. So, if you get the Optic you could sell the 7C TX and use any FM stuff you still have.
If you really want to move up, I'd save your money for an Aurora 9 ($429.99 w/2 7ch RX's +$40 for additional 7ch = $469.99 w/3 7chRX's,) or to be fair, an Airtronics SD-10G ($499.99 w/ 2 10ch RX's.) Either of these would be a huge step up from the 7C. Consider the Futaba 8FG ($479.99 w/ 1 RX) if you want to stay with Futaba.
Note: The Aurora 9 is also compatible with your Futaba FM RX's with the Spectra Pro synthesized module when available. All others are not 72mhz compatible, if that is a factor.
Mike.
12-04-2009, 11:49 AM
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RE: looking at a new radio
rc34074 - Ailervator: Yes.
Here's some other good info:
Comparison chart: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product/comp...adio_Chart.pdf
Tutorial: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product_file...icTutorial.pdf
Gringo Flyer: $429.99 is the street price for the Aurora 9 w/ 7Ch RX, $459.99 is w/9Ch RX. Sorry, I didn't pay attention to your location because the free 2nd RX and additional (3rd) for $39.99 is only available for radios sold in North America in the form of a coupon included in the radio. For you to take advantage of that, you would have to purchase the radio from a US dealer and then send in the coupon, but you would have to have the additional RX'(s) shipped to a North American address.
Mike.
Here's some other good info:
Comparison chart: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product/comp...adio_Chart.pdf
Tutorial: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product_file...icTutorial.pdf
Gringo Flyer: $429.99 is the street price for the Aurora 9 w/ 7Ch RX, $459.99 is w/9Ch RX. Sorry, I didn't pay attention to your location because the free 2nd RX and additional (3rd) for $39.99 is only available for radios sold in North America in the form of a coupon included in the radio. For you to take advantage of that, you would have to purchase the radio from a US dealer and then send in the coupon, but you would have to have the additional RX'(s) shipped to a North American address.
Mike.
12-12-2009, 03:01 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
ORIGINAL: MikeMayberry
rc34074 - Ailervator: Yes.
Here's some other good info:
Comparison chart: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product/comp...adio_Chart.pdf
Tutorial: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product_file...icTutorial.pdf
Gringo Flyer: $429.99 is the street price for the Aurora 9 w/ 7Ch RX, $459.99 is w/9Ch RX. Sorry, I didn't pay attention to your location because the free 2nd RX and additional (3rd) for $39.99 is only available for radios sold in North America in the form of a coupon included in the radio. For you to take advantage of that, you would have to purchase the radio from a US dealer and then send in the coupon, but you would have to have the additional RX'(s) shipped to a North American address.
Mike.
rc34074 - Ailervator: Yes.
Here's some other good info:
Comparison chart: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product/comp...adio_Chart.pdf
Tutorial: http://www.hitecrcd.com/product_file...icTutorial.pdf
Gringo Flyer: $429.99 is the street price for the Aurora 9 w/ 7Ch RX, $459.99 is w/9Ch RX. Sorry, I didn't pay attention to your location because the free 2nd RX and additional (3rd) for $39.99 is only available for radios sold in North America in the form of a coupon included in the radio. For you to take advantage of that, you would have to purchase the radio from a US dealer and then send in the coupon, but you would have to have the additional RX'(s) shipped to a North American address.
Mike.
12-12-2009, 09:36 PM
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RE: looking at a new radio
ORIGINAL: Gringo Flyer
I have been flying with a 7CAP for about 5 years and have really been happy with it. I wouldn't even be looking at another radio right now but I need to make the switch over to 2.4
My first thought was to get the same radio in 2.4 but looking around the airtronics RDS8000 really peaked my interest because of the price. I am not needing servos, just the radio and a rx. Are there any other radios at a good price that I should consider? It looks like http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp is going to be hard to beat price wise if this is a good radio. I'm not sure that I can justify spending $130 more just for the Futaba.
Any reason I should stay away from the RDS8000?
I have been flying with a 7CAP for about 5 years and have really been happy with it. I wouldn't even be looking at another radio right now but I need to make the switch over to 2.4
My first thought was to get the same radio in 2.4 but looking around the airtronics RDS8000 really peaked my interest because of the price. I am not needing servos, just the radio and a rx. Are there any other radios at a good price that I should consider? It looks like http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751700.asp is going to be hard to beat price wise if this is a good radio. I'm not sure that I can justify spending $130 more just for the Futaba.
Any reason I should stay away from the RDS8000?
I opted for the RDS8000, and I liked it so much that I now own two of them along with an Airtronics buddy box chord. It's a fantastic radio system with a nice selection of 2.4Ghz FHSS receivers available for all kinds of different applications. I have no regrets and I have no intention of shopping for Futaba or JR/Spektrum radio gear at any point in the foreseeable future.
The new Hitec Optic 6 and Aurora 9 radio systems that Mike Mayberry mentioned previously are also outstanding values, however. The Aurora 9 represents a new high water mark for computer radios with regard to user friendliness and ease of programmability. The Optic 6 2.4Ghz radio system is high quality choice that also represents an outstanding value. If I didn't already own a pair of RDS8000 radios and 8 or 9 Airtronics receivers, I'd be very seriously shopping the new Hitec 2.4Ghz offerings.
Hitec and Airtronics simply offer more innovative radio systems and better value than JR/Spektrum or Futaba at this time.
12-13-2009, 07:32 AM
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RE: looking at a new radio
I agree, while there are a few things the 7c doesn't do that I would like I have been very happy with it over the past 5 years. With the 2.4 version they just put the radio out of sight price wise. I really like their new 8 channel radio as well, but I could go with the nicer hitec or airtronics radio and get several rx for the same price as just the futaba tx and 1 rx.
I have just about decided to go with the aurora 9 and have the green light from the boss. I'm just trying to find out about the rx coupon. I want to make sure I order from somewhere that will have the coupon.
I have just about decided to go with the aurora 9 and have the green light from the boss. I'm just trying to find out about the rx coupon. I want to make sure I order from somewhere that will have the coupon.
