First time buyer

[BRKNARW]

I'm trying to decide best purchase of first radio. New to the hobby. All previous planes have been RTF complete kits. During the winter months I want to do some indoor flying and want a radio versitile enough to last a long time. I'm considering the spektrum DX6 six channel 10 model memory with the park flyer pack. Love to hear any feed back about the spektrum or suggestions for other brands.

Thanks

[aeajr]

I presume you have read this thread on the DX6
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=207991

[maniaclives]

I'm in the same boat as BRKNARW - I'm brand new to the hobby and I'm looking to buy my first radio. Right now I'm just looking to fly a Slow Stick (http://www.gws.com.tw/english/product/airfly/slow%20stick.htm), but I could see getting into piloting bigger/more complex aircraft (including helicopters, etc.).

So... while the DX6 sounds great and is definitely in my budget, I'm wondering if I would be better off going with a transmitter with more channels like the Futaba 9C. I used to run RC cars years ago so I trust the Futaba brand and am under the impression that more channels equals more flexibility in choosing planes.

What other pitfalls are out there for a newbie? The DX6 comes with servos and crystal, right? Any advice is appreciated - I just flew a Slow Stick last week with some friends and realized getting into RC planes might be MUCH easier than I thought. Thanks for your help!

EDIT: One thing I was wondering--I guess you have to get special servos/receivers with the 2.4Ghz DX6? That is, if I bought a Slow Stick and a flight pack off ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/A-GWS-SLOW-STICK-AND-FLIGHT-PACK-COMBO_W0QQitemZ6028180994QQcategoryZ2563QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), I'd need an FM transmitter, right? Thanks!

[aeajr]

I will try to address your questions.

Channels

More is always better but how many you need depends on what you are flying. I have one scale sailplane that uses 7 channels and may end up using all 9 on my Futaba 9C.


DX6 -

comes with 4 micro servos but can use same servos as other radios

No crystals needed EVER

Not appropriate for large aircraft - Does not have enough range. While the mfg does not specify, field reports indicate a reliable range of 2500+ feet. I estimate that should be plenty for electrics and gliders up to about 60" wing span. They do not recommend it for glow planes.

Spektrum DX 6 - $199
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2460
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=623
If your main pursuite is electric planes, parkflyers, hand launched gliders
and other smaller aircraft (under 55 inch wing span) , this might be your best
choice. Practical field reports, as documented in the threads below are that
this radio/reciever have a useful range of about 1/2 mile+, which is more then
enough for these plane and further than most people will fly them. Never
worry about channel conflict again. This promises to be the RC technology of
the future.
Digital DSMT Spread Spectrum Modulation
10 moel memories, dual rates, exponential, 6 channels, 8 standard mixes and
three programmable mixes

DX6 Flight experience thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452817&page=2&pp=15
More information on DX6 - Spektrum
http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Better/DX6.html

Futaba 9C Super - about $290
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk75.html
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4600
http://www.servocity.com/html/9ca_super_systems.html

Futaba transmitter feature chart
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/feature-compare.html


Futaba 9C Super has replaced the 9C that I own 9C Super has unlimited model memories via removable modules, 7
User-programmable Mixes + 8 defined mixes, 4 snap roll programs, two servo
elevator support, 4 servo wing support, customizable trainer program and
switch assignability. This is a very flexible radio.

Unless you have a large budget, I would not consider this a first radio. If
you have outgrown your entry level or intermediate computer radio and want a
significant jump in capabilities, take a look at the Futaba 9C Super.
This is an advanced sport radio, or a budget competition radio, that has
virtually all of the features that advanced sport power and sailplane
pilots are likely to need. It has a very strong following.

Channel Synth module for the 9C and 9C Super
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=542

[maniaclives]

I will try to address your questions.
Thanks! It's not that I have a large budget, per-se, but wonder if I'm saving money in the long run by buying the better radio in the first place, rather than spending $200 now on the DX6 and then $400 later on on a Futaba. ($600 total, vs. $400 now).

You mention that the DX6 will use regular servos. How is this possible if it is a 2.4 Ghz SS radio instead of a FM band radio?

[Sorcerer001]

If you're sticking with park flyers and don't plan to fly with a club that requires an AMA membership, get the DX6. The DX6 will insure that you won't have frequency conflicts with other modelers that may be out flying in the local schoolyard, as well as protect you agains other types of interference.
The frequency the radio transmits on has nothing to do with servo operation, so yes, standard servos will work.
If you'll be flying nitro and gas models and/or will be flying with a club with a structured frequency-use setup, by all means, go with the more feature-packed radio.

[aeajr]

Sorcerer001 has it right. That doesn't mean you can't use the DX6 at a club field. YOu certainly can, and the AMA is encouraging clubs to welcome it.

Unless you plan to get into full house sailplanes or very large planes 6 channels will probably serve you well.

[maniaclives]

Thanks again for your help and input. I think you've successfully swayed me to the DX6, but I'm still just a tiny bit confused about how to get started. The DX6 package at Horizon Hobby (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2460) includes "AR6000 Receiver and S75 Servos" -- this means that I won't need a flight pack to go along with my Slow Stick (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWS1040)?

They recommend that I purchase the this flight-pack (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=GWSCB667AJ). I don't need it right?