|
|
XtremeFlyer Member
Posts: 38
| To kinda get this great forum going, I thought we could add to the "What are you..." threads. Sorry if you guys get mad at all these threads, but I think it would be fun. Just choose what TX you are using.
sorry that the futabas and spektrum are really specific. Not sure if I can add more options. If you choose other or one of the broad topics, or just want to post, please post what TX and what you think about it.
Ill start.
Spektrum DX6i
Tactic 4ch
JR S400
I love my DX6i, the tactic is a nice "cheap" radio (same with my first RTF like 4 years ago) and the JR hasnt been tried out yet. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 416
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | Great thread! 
I've used a Futaba 7CAP and 9CAP the longest, but have recently gone back to Airtronics after starting out with an RD6000 years ago. When their new SD-10G came out last year, I had to get it! The 10G is a great radio with an excellent price tag...lots of features and amazingly fast!
Garret |
|
| |
|
XtremeFlyer Member
Posts: 12
| I had a DX7, but recently sold that and got a DX6i, which is more than enough for the type of planes that I fly. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 216
Location: Orlando, FL | I have the first version of Futaba 10C that comes with the 72mhz antenna installed + the 2.4Ghz 10ch module. I love it. |
|
| |
|
XtremeFlyer Member
Posts: 7
| I'm running an Hitec Optic 6 Sport transmitter that I have converted over to 2.4Gz using the Assan Hack Module. I am able to transmit on 36Mhz or 2.4Ghz at the flick of a switch. Saved me have to convert my 36Mhz plane over to 2.4Ghz and all new planes will be 2.4Ghz. |
|
| |
|
XtremeFlyer Member
Posts: 9
Location: Melbourne FL | Gleber - 4/20/2010 2:05 PM I have the first version of Futaba 10C that comes with the 72mhz antenna installed + the 2.4Ghz 10ch module. I love it. Same here, but the manual really sucks. I had to figure out switching from 7ch to 10c mode 2.4, and flaperon when the manual skipped steps in what really happens in the menus. But I got over it. Love the hobbycity $26 lipo battery upgrade. Stole my 10C from Tower on their scratch and dent page, $375. Aurora 9 telemetry will soon be a feature in all radios, so I'll wait for Futaba's version.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 216
Location: Orlando, FL | Futaba Rx prices are the killing factor for me now... with all those Spektrum for such a low price and Airtronics, thinking about sell my Futaba and go for the Airtronics SD-10G or Hitec Aurora 9 and use the Spektrum module on it! Any input about it? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 416
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | Go for the 10G, Gleber! You will love it! And, best of all, I can get you a good deal on one!  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 216
Location: Orlando, FL | Garret H - 5/23/2010 11:33 PM Go for the 10G, Gleber! You will love it! And, best of all, I can get you a good deal on one! Is that the radio you use Garret?
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 416
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | Yep! And I love it! The speed is simply amazing:
http://teamairtronics.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/fast-faster-fastest/
The low latency rate is very noticeable -- I was blown away when I first flew even my small electric Extra 260 with this radio vs. my Futaba 7CAP. I matched the throws and expo settings with that of the old setup. Right before takeoff, I said to myself, "are you crazy?"!! I dialed in a little more expo and am I very glad I did! The signal just feels so "locked in" -- the speed is a major selling point of this TX, plus Airtronics is a just a great company to deal with and truly stands behind their products.
The thicker feel of the TX takes some getting used to, but it is not bad. At first, I did not think I would like it much after seeing side photos showing the thickness (I usually prefer thinner radios). But, I actually like it!...especially with a neckstrap (it balances perfectly without the extender piece like JR radios require).
Garret |
|
| |
|
Posts: 216
Location: Orlando, FL | I've being flying w/ Futaba for many years (exactly 16 years) and I did try JR for couple years and gave up on it (to expensive on every aspect and complicated radio menu). I'm very familiar w/ Futaba and to be honest I'm scared about changes on that aspect. On my limited acknowledgment, Airtronics isn't very popular on airplane guys (seems to be popular for glider pilots) and I don't know why... maybe because the BIG companies have a better marketing. When I started on RC Futaba that was my only affordable option (in Brazil Futaba is the leader). Now Futaba is my pocket nightmare where the lowest price for a full range Rx is $98 bucks. I have many small planes that don't need more than 4 or 6 ch and I have to buy a $98 Rx just because that's the only one compatible (besides the 8 and 14 channel rx) So, maybe the SD10 is a good choice for me. How it feels in your hands? It’s a heavy radio? Does it feel like a solid radio or cheap made material one? Durability?
What about the switches? Are they easy to operate and locate on the radio while flying? Is the display easy to read? Programming menu? It’s an intuitive one or a complex one (remember I hate JR Program menu)? Thank you in advance for the info Garret Best regards Gleber |
|
| |
|
Posts: 416
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | Yep, same here -- up until last year I flew Futaba on everything (7CAP and 9CAP) -- I really can't stand JR and have seen too many planes crash because of their radio setups! A club around here actually has a "fly JR at your own risk" rule at their field because of issues with JR systems...
The price of the receivers is the main reason that I stayed away from Futaba FASST when I decided to upgrade. I really liked the looks and specs of the 10G, so I decided to go back to ATX (I used the RD6000 when I first started). The programming is quite simply and very similar to Futaba as far as the terminology. Actually, I like the initial setup process much better than with my 9CAP -- if you are setting up a plane with dual aileron servos, dual elevator servos, rudder servos, etc., you simply go into the "type" setup and select how many servos per channel. The radio automatically inputs a left and right aileron into the channel select, and you are done! No more enabling flaperon, inhibiting flap trim, etc., etc. Within in the channel select, you can then choose what channel you want to be what in the RX -- so, if you want elevator to be channel 1, rudder 3, etc, you can choose what will work best for your wire placement in the model. And, there is a custom menu where you can pick main menu items from the regular menus and have them ordered and easy to access.
As I said, the feel takes a little getting used to, but it actually is quite nice. The radio (especially the back) is "contoured" nicely for a firm grip. The weight is quite minimal, especially because it runs on a 6-cell NiMh pack rather than an 8-cell -- this was done so that you could use a 2s lipo without a major voltage jump.
The switches take a little getting used to also, mainly because there are so many of them! Everything is 3-position, including one spring-loaded switch in the upper left corner that can be used as an increase/decrease switch. Also, there are two sliders on each side and one (maybe two, I forget!) push buttons.
Garret
|
|
| |
|
XtremeFlyer Member
Posts: 18
Location: Joliet il. | I have flown all my planes for 35 years with futaba but i switched to 2.4 - dx7 abought 2 0r 3 years ago. It was a big move for me,got alot of planes. lol I have been buying new receivers as i go.I picked up a 2.4 futaba 6 channel trans for 5o bucks, i was happy that day till i found out like you guys the receivers are twice as much.I will sell it here soon, but i hope they see that they are loosing custermers and drop there price before they loose them all. I have had no problems with either brand except for price. joe
Edited by shadow01 5/24/2010 1:10 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 216
Location: Orlando, FL | I love my Futaba, Joe. But Garret convinced me on the Airtronics 10G. I'm tired to wait for Futaba to be smart to realize they are loosing customers. I'll put my 10CAF for sale tonight with all my Futaba Rx's and case for an unbeatable price to get funds for the Airtronics 10G.
|
|
| |
|
XtremeFlyer Member
Posts: 18
Location: Joliet il. | I am in a good place in my life now getting ready to retire soon, so i had a dad and son team i taught to fly last year and gave away some of my old radios and planes and another a 6 channel a week ago to a newbe that could not afford one. Futaba radios on 72mhg arent bringing big bucks any ways. lol I have bought out guys getting out of the hobby for long long time and never sold any thing. This hobby kept me out of jail when i was younger and it is my way of paying back. Besides when i kick the bucket i dont want to look down and see my kids have a garage sale with my stuff . Like i always say, sell all your toys 2 weeks before you die and then go to a good strip club and spend it all. lol joe |
|
| |
What Transmitter Are You Using?
