what transmiter

[terry1956]

Hi there, just beeen given a trainer high wing, its fitted with servos etc and a Futaba receiver, I am in need of a transmitter for this plane, but do not ish just to buy one that will just fly this plane only. Can anyone tell me what would be a good transmitter for a start and also one that will be able to deal with larger planes later on, I don,t wish to have the all singing wonder model just one that will take me from trainer stage to larger planes, I an based in the uk, so please remember that this is rip off britain and that prices our very high here, thanks terry.
Also can anyone please tell me what MHZ the french fly on, thanks

[outfitter540]

well i would get a Futaba 7c. They are very versitile and cheap. plus you could fly helis later on if you so choose. I think out side the us they are called the FF7. im not sure though. they can be had for around $150 usd new.

[terry1956]

thanks for that, will take a look

[aeajr]

The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. The entry level radios do not include helicopter functions but the
midrange and radios above that generally do. However I don't review them.
I include links to the manufacturer's/distributor's product page, where
available.

No one ever bought a radio with too much
capability. However, if you are like the rest of use and budget is a
factor, I make some special remarks about how each group would satisfy the
needs of various groups of flyers. These are my own personal value
judgements and do not represent a rigerous evaluation. If you are a serious
competitor, consult those who know your particular field best. I am only
trying to provide some thought points for your consideration.

Sites where you can buy just a radio include:
www.servocity.com
www.allerc.com
www.brucknerhobbies.com

Prices - read the descriptions as prices vary by what is included in the
package.

Radio packages can vary greatly depending on what is included.
Most radios come packaged with standard size servos and receivers. These
packages may not be suitable for electric flyers or some gliders. If I see
a package
with small servos and receiver, I note the link for the benefit of these
flyers.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on Ch ailerons and
elevator. Some include rudder too, which is valuable if you are into 3D
flying.
All include elevon and V-tail mixes. Unless stated otherwise
radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or split elevator servos.


Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel -

In addition to the basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split
aileron capabilities. These make great first radios for the committed new
pilot, providing features beyond the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small
incremental investment. For many pilots, these may be all the radio they
will need for years. They will fly more advanced planes but may not be
able to bring out all the plane can offer. For most flyers, these radios
will provide all they are likely to ever need.

If you are flying 4 channel planes and might like to add landing gear or
flaps for casual/sport flying, these radios will get the job done. They are
also great for R/E/S or R/E/A sailplanes or e-gliders or hand/discus
launched gliders or slope planes. These radios have enough capability to
meet the casual sport flyer's needs in most cases.

Futaba EXAS - $160 for this package
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk54.html
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUV7**&P=ML
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=556
See it being programmed
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/futk52-58-deluxe.mpg
6 channels, 6-model memory, Proportional Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6,
and 1 user definable mix. Expo rudder, elevator and ailerons. The
particular package I have listed at tower comes with 3 micro servos
and a micro receiver suitable for parkflyers but not larger planes.
Other packages are available

Airtronics VG 6000 $175 package
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with
two small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories. In
addition to four prefefined surface mixes. expon on elevator and ailerons
only.

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 pursuit is electric planes, parkflyers, hand launched gliders
and other smaller aircraft, under 60 inch wing span , this might be your
best choice. Practical field reports, as documented in the threads below
are that this radio/receiver has a useful range of about 1500-2000 feet,
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 model memories, dual rates, exponential, 6 channels, 8 standard mixes and
three programmable mixes. No crystals needed and no channel conflict
control needed. Not suitable for glow planes, large electrics or larger
gliders.
May have problems with metal or carbon fiber fuselages.

DX6 Flight experience thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452817&page=2&pp=15
What does the AMA think?
http://www.modelaircraft.org/spreadspec.asp



Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels
These radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer
radios, primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and some switch
assignability. These radios also add helicopter programming, though we are
not looking at those functions here. These radios can bring out more of the
capabilities of more advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry
level computer radios lack.

If you intend to actively pursue aerobatic or pattern flying on a sport
basis I would suggest these as your starting point, though most do not
include a snap roll feature. They are not competition class aerobatic
radios but they have enough to satisfy most weekend flyers looking for some
extra features. However they do not allow you to control each flap servo
on an individual channel. Aerobatic planes, like the Ultra Stick, make use
of the flaps as second ailerons. These radios can not do this.

If you are interested in full house thermal duration sailplanes, e-gliders,
hand launched gliders or slope gliders, I would consider these your minimum
starting point. These are not "real" sailplane radios, but they have enough
capability that the casual sport flyer enjoying themaling a full house
glider can fly the plane with a nice mix of options to meet sport flying
requirements. You also have enough for casual aerotowing where a tow
release will be needed. As noted above they do not provide 4 servo wing
support.

Midrange Radio Comparison Chart -( provided by Hitec )
The reference to two wing flap programming refers to flapperons - The
ability to turn ailerons into flaps.
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic%206%20comparison%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6 - $220
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hitec.htm
http://www.servocity.com/html/6-ch_optic_6_systems.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=42&products_id=1399
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?t=article&cat=281&id=4451
Optic 6 Tutorial - Goes beyond the manual
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manuals/Radio/OpticTutorial.pdf
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option,
Change channel module, shift select, glider features, switch assignability,
flight modes, ailevators, 2 user programmable mixes, and a variety of
standard mixes. Does not include a snap roll feature. This package at
the link above has micro servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers.
Hitec is also coming out with a 2.4 GHz module for their radios
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm


Futaba 7C - $260
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=42&products_id=753
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, the 6XAS and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight
Modes, 3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes. Does
not include aileron differential which might be done with a user
programmable mix. Does include Snap Roll

JR 6102 - $270
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=JRP6664**
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=305
This is a futaba 7C review, but the author compares it to the JR near the
end of the article. May be helpful if you are trying to compare the two.
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes. Does not include a time. Missing mixes of note are snap roll,
aileron diff, crow/butterfly. Some of these may be able to be created with
the user programmable mixes.

Airtronics RD6000 Super - $260
http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWC35**&P=7
6 channel, 8 model memory, shift select, 4 timers, selection of standard
mixes and 5 user definable mixes. Also provides select. No Snap Roll.
Note that his package has large servos and receiver that are not suitable
for smaller planes/parkflyers.

Multiplex Royal Evo 7 - $250-$440 depending on packaging
Prices seem to range widely.
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/royal-evo-7.htm
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/RoyalevoChart.htm
http://www.hobbyhorse.com/multiplex_radios.shtml
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/Reviews/Evo-RCM.pdf
http://www.multiplexusa.com/Radios/Reviews/Evo%20Review%20-%20RC%20Report.pdf
http://www.rc-soar.com/multiplex/mpxevo/evo.htm
7-Channel FM, 15 Model Memory, Heli, Sailplane, Fixed wing programming,
3 flight condition Mixes per Model, Programmable Mixes, Data Transfer
*DSC (Direct Servo Control), Model Naming, other features
Multiplex uses a different type of programming model. Reputed to be
more flexible than the typical menu systems of the radios above.

JR 7202 Synthesized Radio - $319
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=JRP7632
20 model memories, 7 Channel, Fully Synthesized Transmitter on 72 MHz, 3
DS285 Digital Hi-Speed Sub-Micro servos, R790 Scan Select S-PCM receiver,


Spektrum DX7- $379
2.4 GHz full range 7 channel radio
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2712
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Articles/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1624
20-Model memory, 2.4 GHz full range receiver and 3 micro servos
limited switch assignment, user mixes, 3-axis dual rate & expo, 3-position
flap

[Ken Cz]

Please explain why a highly rated radio like the Spektrum DX6 is not suitable for glow engines?
Thank You (newbie)
Ken

[aeajr]

Because the MFG says so.

The nature of the signal and the receiver system creates an opportunity for the motor and fuel tank to blank out hte signal.

The new DX7 has a modified receiver/antenna system, among other improvements that removes this restriction. Now it is full range and any plane. The DX6 is still for smaller electric palnes and small gliders.

[Ken Cz]

AERJR,
Thanks for helping with 'newbie' questions. This sport sure seems to have alot more helpful folks than other sports I have engaged in.
Thanks!

[aeajr]

I would tend to agree. Lots of friendly folks flying planes. ;)