I'm thinking of getting a PnP airplane and a transmitter (getting the RTF that I'm thinking of - Parkzone T-28 - here in Australia is really expensive for some reason, but the PnP isn't as bad, so I figure I might as well get a transmitter that I'm going to enjoy/keep for a while). I'm also looking at Heli's, and although I am not planning to get everything at once at some point in the future I might get a TRex (I would guess a 450 SE V2).

If I get a DX6i now, will I be regretting not getting something "better" (DX7? Futaba? any suggestions?) if/when I eventually do get a TRex? Is there much call for the extra channel? How much other benefit would there be to getting something more expensive? Is range/power an issue?

Thanks in advance.

Range and power isn't an issue, the 6i is a full range system when used with a DSM2 reciever like the 6200

Its only real limitation in helis is if you plan to go nitro you won't have a spare channel for an rpm governor.

No problems with electrics, all mine have 6200 6 channel receivers, even though I use a 9303

The DX6i would be a good choice and its only about $240 here in Aus at *********.com.au . If you ever do get into nitro helis then the thought of having to pay for a new radio shouldnt bother you after you price up the heli. Theres no need for the extra channell on a 450 electric.

Thanks for the link - it's nice to have another Australian on-line option. They sell them at hstore.com.au for about the same price, but they're out of stock right now. Hstore is close enough for me to go into the shop, so in order to support my LHS I'll probably buy from them if I get one over here. Alternatively, I might order one from the US (and have visitors bring it over for me when they come)... I want a mode 2 and would rather not have to go through the process of moving the spring and ratchet (and figuring out how to select it electronically), and it's about $30 or $40 cheaper in the States anyway.

The DX6i is a great radio with subtrims and the whole 9 yards. I have setup and flown both where personally I like the feel of the DX7 better. Not to mention the little wheel for making changes on the DX6i drives me nutz.

I don't know why they had to change the feel + layout the DX6i came out after the DX7. The DX7 needs the strap balancer and honestly I have only setup and flown other peoples DX6i so I didn't even put a strap on it to know if that's true of it.

I use the extra channel on my 7ch receivers for a voltage monitor, I know I could use a y harness on any other channel but it's cleaner this way. I also use the 7th channel for lights on a couple of my helis. The switch makes it real nice to turn on and off.