confused about radio
 

Hi, I just signed up a few days ago and posted one thrd and found out there is help for a beginner out here in the Boonies! I am going to buy my first radio soon and been reading what has said here on R/C unieverse ,but still would like advice on brands.channels 4 or 6 and such. The first plane it will be going in is Topflite pt 40 arf trainer. Thanks Mel.

confused about radio
 

My advice is that there are two directions you can go in.

If you are not too sure about r/c and can't afford too much, then a simple 4 channel system from either Futaba or Sanwa will be fine for you. It will get you through your first 2-3 models. At that stage, you may then want to consider a computer radio, which basically lets you mix two channels with one movement of the joystick. By then you will have a clearer idea of what you want to follow, and whether you need a top-range Tx or can get away with a simpler one.

Alternatively, if you know what you want to do (Heli, Glider...) and can afford a little more then check out the manuals for the Futaba FF6 and Hitec Eclipse 7, (www.futaba-rc.com, www.hitecrcd.com) which will help you understand the differences between different sets, and whether either of these sets is what you want.

If you've got 500 quid burning a whole in your pocket, then any of the top end Futaba or JR sets will be fine, IMHO. You just may end up paying for things you never use....

For what it's worth, I'm into gliders and looking at my first computer set, and the Eclipse 7 is probably the best value in the UK

confused about radio
 

If someone is going to help you learn to fly, it is helpful to use the same brand of radio. Then you can use a buddy cord.

The major brands are all competive in price. Futaba, Hitec, JR, Airtronics are the ones I see the most.

I bought an 8 channel radio in the beginning and have never had to replace it. Six channels is plenty for most planes. Four is the bare minimum.

Tom