Futaba Transmitter Question...

[PaulH]

I recently picked up a second-hand helicopter setup from one of my co-workers. The radio that he had was an old JR X-347. It is certainly capable enough, but if I upgrade the helicopter at all to use CCPM or include a head-speed governor, it just doesn't have enough channels to do it all.

I have always used and liked Futaba radios, so I am debating between the 9C and the 9Z. I realize that the 9Z is a little more flexible in its switch function assignments and has a true proportional 9th channel instead of it just being a switch function on the 9C.

Given those two minor differences, is there any real benefit to spending 2x to 3x more on a 9Z than a 9C?

Thanks for your input!

Quick edit: I was just looking at the functionality of the JR 9303 transmitter on Horizon's web site. How does this compare to the 9C and 9Z? It's at the same price-point as the 9C.

[Hydro Junkie]

Not really, as both have programming for helo's. The Futaba radios can have the frequency changed by just changing a module and have synthesized receivers available. I didn't see this available on the JR system. I think this might be enough to have me buy the Futaba. Something to think about is the 9C can be used for surface models by puting in a 75MHZ module, making it a truly multi-use radio, where the JR is strictly a 72MHZ radio

[PaulH]

Another thing in favor of the 9C is that Futaba will make an updated version, dubbed the "9C Super", available next month. There will be a synthesized version of it as well. The Super includes, among other updated features, new programming for the various flavors of CCPM helicopters out there.

There is also a new version of the 9-channel PCM synthesized receiver coming out at the same time. It will work with the 9Z or the 9C.

[Hydro Junkie]

I hope they do the same for the 75 band. I would love to see synthesized 75 MHz modules and receivers. It would make boat racing so much easier :)

[PaulH]

How many channels do you need for boats? I was under the impression that it's usually two, one for throttle and one for rudder control. If so, you could get away with the new Futaba pistol grip 3-channel synthesized. Or, if you wait until November, you'll be able to get a synthesized module for the top-of-the-line 3PK.

[Hydro Junkie]

Depends on the boat, A simple one needs only two, being rudder and throttle. The more complicated boats have rudder/throttle/mixture/canard(on some hydros). Scale boats can have rudder/throttle/lights/sound effects/accessories and who knows what else. In my case, I'm building a four channel hydro, so I can reeally control the thing on the water. On the flipside, however, I'm also building a 5 channel ariplane, so having one radio to do both will save me a lot of money in radio gear

[PaulH]

On the flipside, however, I'm also building a 5 channel ariplane, so having one radio to do both will save me a lot of money in radio gear

I can't argue with that! LOL!