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What were they thinking?

Old 06-24-2010, 10:56 AM
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allanflowers
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Default What were they thinking?

Have you seen the new JR radio with the "transformers" look? If you are 13 you may like it.
I think that someone at the company has made a terrible design choice and it makes JR look stupid.
Old 06-24-2010, 12:20 PM
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R/C Art
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Don't hold back.......tell us what you really think!
Old 06-24-2010, 01:17 PM
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Walt Thyng
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Actually the 11X was targeted for the younger flier who's ready to move up from his/her first radio. Kids at out Lid's day went bonkers ovr it.
Walt
Old 06-24-2010, 03:26 PM
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HarryJ
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

I think they have been watching too many "Star Wars" flicks. My old 8103 has lasted for nearly 20 years and I doubt if I would ever have need to update it. If it isn't broke, don't fix it.
Old 06-24-2010, 03:39 PM
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Steve Percifield
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

And their Ad campaign with the tarnsmitter "talking to you" just confirms the "Transformer" thing. I thought I might be the only one thinking this was silly.
Old 06-24-2010, 03:56 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

My thoughts EXACTLY! This is one UGLY radio! But unfortunately, I think it's the design look that we'll see all the companies adopting. Remember, that it's REALLY important that our radios be aerodynamic! [sm=75_75.gif]

Luckily, since I don't use top-of-the-line radios it'll be a while before the trickle-down effect gets to me.
Old 06-24-2010, 04:44 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Apparently, heli and 3-D guys like the new design (and the new advertising). Scale, not so much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZoDJ8rT5dA
Old 06-24-2010, 05:39 PM
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allanflowers
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

First of all, it isn’t well done, even within the parameters of that genre. It's more of a Buck Rogers/Ming the Mercilous look rather than the latest Gundam.
Second, why would a company want its top product line to aim at an audience of people with a one minute attention span?
Design is a language, albeit a visual one. A product can communicate the values and qualities that a company wants it to. If you are JR, make a list of those qualities you want your new design to communicate - precision, quality, latest technology, service, ergonomics, etc. Make another list of what you don’t want it to say – cheap, trendy, flimsy, unreliable, etc. Then design an elegant and APPROPRIATE solution to hit the mark. It doesn’t have to look conservative to hit the target.
I suspect the serious 3-D and heli guys will find it embarrassing to show up at the field with this thing, just as I would.
Of course JR makes good products and that can carry them far. It will just be a little difficult moving ahead with a bullet hole in their foot.
Old 06-24-2010, 05:51 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Here are my prediction for the future of radio design:

1. Silver is the new black. Only "grampa" uses black electronic products.

2. Curvy is better.

3. Primary development will be in the area of bells and whistles. Look for bluetooth compatibility.
Old 06-24-2010, 06:00 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

How about these design innovations:

1. Offer radios with built-in MP3 players.

2. 9-channels PLUS cable TV.

3. Built-in digital camera.

4. "one-hand" flight mode, for cell phone users.

5. Auto-pilot mode in case you get tired.

6. Voice-recognition trim tabs.
Old 06-24-2010, 07:24 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

mabey they'll come out with one that has a boom box built in so you can rap with fidy cent, or listen to ozzie while you fly.

it seems like companys today frown on just a good , functional , basic design.
Old 06-24-2010, 09:35 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

ORIGINAL: allanflowers
Second, why would a company want its top product line to aim at an audience of people with a one minute attention span?
Actually, this isn't JR's top-of-the-line. It's the "next down from the top" offering. And I suspect that part of the marketing plan involved getting "serious fliers" (even if they only fly on Sunday) to spring for the more expensive radio (with more traditional design), even though the 11X almost certainly offers everything they would ever want.

http://www.jrradios.com/Products/Radios-Air.aspx

On the other hand, if the 11X sells well (and I expect it will) expect a Cylon-version of the 12X to be next.
Old 06-25-2010, 02:26 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

They were thinking if we make a radio ugly enough & with enough gimmicks as well as a 2.4 system that needs a heap of extra recievers, a 5 cell pack & a lot of luck, people who have used our gear for 20 years will switch to Futaba.

They were right. - John.
Old 06-25-2010, 03:40 AM
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bogbeagle
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

At the end of the day, it's an enclosure for a bunch of electronics.

Call me cynical, but I've yet to meet the transmitter that makes me a better pilot.
Old 06-25-2010, 06:13 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

ORIGINAL: bogbeagle
Call me cynical, but I've yet to meet the transmitter that makes me a better pilot.
Yes, but this one will report you to the mothership, if you make a mistake.
Old 06-25-2010, 09:32 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

I can't stand the looks of it. But I don't think many like the looks of the Profi 4000 either, just a simole plain box, form followed function.
Old 06-25-2010, 09:38 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

I like it! Can't afford it. 35 y/o.
Old 06-25-2010, 09:42 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

"Hello, I am Mister Owl, and I am going to teach you RC."
Old 06-25-2010, 09:52 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Graupner also makes some of the world's ugliest radios:

http://www.modelflight.com.au/graupner_radio.htm
Old 06-25-2010, 10:03 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Here's the way that I think about radios. I've got a $200 radio. This radio is better than 95% of all the radios that have ever existed. It's better than the radios used by any of the world champion flyers prior to, say, 2005. And my radio allows full mixing on ALL the controls in any proportion I want and in any combination I want. I can even use quadruple mixing (for example, rudder, elevator, throttle, and ailerons). And it couldn't be simpler. All I need to do is move the sticks.

So until I become a better flier than 95% of the fliers out there, I'll just stick to my "simple" radio.
Old 06-25-2010, 10:21 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

the reason the Tx is aerodynamic, is so that it flies further when you throw it after losing the link to your model and crashing
Old 06-25-2010, 11:26 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?


ORIGINAL: joizeex

the reason the Tx is aerodynamic, is so that it flies further when you throw it after losing the link to your model and crashing
Hahahahahaha! This thread is fun-knee! Joizeex- brilliant explanation! Absolutely brilliant! Makes me want to try one (at JR's demo booth of course!)
Old 06-25-2010, 11:37 AM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Well it is much better looking than the new Spektrum line, and I did notice that the neck strap hanger is in a position that it might actually balance without adding on a piece to move the CG.

I'm happy with my 9303 for now, and a good thing too, I probably can't afford the 11X anymore.
Old 06-25-2010, 12:18 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

GEEEEEZZZZZ......quityour*****en.................. ...if you don't like it.....don't buy it!!!!! Haven't you guys got anything better to do???????????
Old 06-25-2010, 12:54 PM
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Default RE: What were they thinking?

Frankly, I don't care for the new look. Reminds me of those 'streamlined' steam locomotives from the 1930's. However, the proof of the pudding is in how it feels in your hands and how accessible the switches and knobs are. Not having gotten to actually hold one, I'll reserve my judgement for now.

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