Tx Choices

[shaitan]

I've been searching around, but having no luck finding much info on the DX6 being used with helis. I'm thinking about getting into the hobby, and have narrowed the radio choice down to a JR 8103 and a Spektrum DX6. If anyone has experience with these two radios (esp. the DX6), good links to either of them as associated with helis, or a suggestion on why I should look at a different radio, please post. Thanks much.

Oh, btw, nice community y'all got goin here.

[D-REX]

JR 8103 is not available any more, so If you can get your hands on one you better! Even a "air" edition, it is the same radio, just some of the switches on the top are diffrent. The 8103 is the best most universal and easy to set up radio out right now. IMO. As for the Spektrum, it hasn't been out that long but I think any info you need can be found from on Horizon Hobbies web site. Good Luck !!!

[WayneBrown]

Spend a bit more than you can afford on the radio is the best advice I can offer.
The DX6 is based on the 6102 radio platform, and it had limited features. It can be flown, and flown well, but it makes the setup more mechanically critical.
The 8103 is discontinued, but still a popular radio. If you could find one new in box, I would consider it...Used however I'd probably pass unless you can risk the few dollars to send it to service for a thorough checking over.
The 9303 is also a good radio, although more pricey it has a lot more features, and holds 30 models in memory.
Futaba gear is a little less expensive, and many folks including my self use JR transmitter and reciever and Futaba peripherals, ie: servos, gyros, and governers..

[shaitan]

Actually, I can get my hands on a nib 8103. It doesn't say anything on the box about it being for Helis (just planes). It'd run me about $180 more than a nib DX6. It's the kit box, so has the Rx, and servos. I haven't checked the prices of the 9303...

[shaitan]

Which leads to another question: is it worth getting the flight pack (Tx, Rx, and servos), or should I just get a TX and buy the servox/Rx seperately?

[Hyde]

i fly the DX6 for my T-Rex SE and the 9303 with my JR GSR260... i like both :)

[WayneBrown]

Which leads to another question: is it worth getting the flight pack (Tx, Rx, and servos), or should I just get a TX and buy the servox/Rx seperately?
That depends on what servos, and what you are flying. Some of the lower ended servos are not suited for helis at all, and the high end ones may put you out of your price range.

[BlakeMcBrayer]

I started out with a 8103 and it was a darn fine radio. It will do and fly about what ever you need it to. The airplane version you can get will fly helis and has all of the heli set up already in it. The main difference between the air version and heli version is the right stick. The air version will have a ratchet feeling collective stick, where as the heli version will have smooth stick travel. Keep in mind that the ratchet feeling can be removed if so desired.

If you can afford it (make yourself if need be), go ahead and bump up to the 9303. I'm currently flying my 2 Raptor 90's, Trex 450SE and Blade CP with my 9303 and have no plans of replacing it. It has a few more useful features that will come in handy as your piloting skills progress.

As for flight packs or getting the transmitter with Rx and servos. If you are going to be starting out with a heli that will accept standard size servos, your about as well off to get it the 8103 or 9303 with the PCM Rx and DS8311 servos. The final price will be a little less than if you pick up everything seperate. The 8311's might be a little over kill for a 30 size nitro machine, but they are designed for heli use and they hold up will in a crash. They will also carry you all of the way to a 90 size heli. Even if you don't go the 8311 servo route, make sure you get GOOD digital servos. It has been my experience that cheap servos cost you more in the long run for MANY reasons.

As for the Spektrum radio system, I'd stay way from it right now. Like Wayne said, it has limited heli features, like only a 3 point throttle and pitch curve.

If you plan on ONLY flying small micro helis that would be no larger than a Trex, then it might be fine. The limitations of the radio won't show them selves or matter as much on a small micro heli.

The biggest reason I say too stay away from the Spektrum system is the fact it has a VERY LIMITED range! This is why they refer to it as a park flyier radio system. It's not intended for models that can be flown very far away. We have had 2 modelers at or field loss there aircraft with the system because they flew out of range.

[BlakeMcBrayer]

BTW, don't rule out Futaba stuff! I'm a die hard JR buff and won't fly anything else. I do always tell people who are looking to get into the hobby the the Futaba stuff is as good and seems to be, pound for pound, and spec for spec a little less $$.

[teeroy]

My advice would be to buy what everyone else in your area is using. It would be a benefit to get something that your friends know and are real familiar with as far as programming goes.

[BarracudaHockey]

Nobody has asked what he's going to be flying?

The DX6 is designed for trex and park flyer sized models, may not want to consider that if he's after a 50 sized nitro.

[shaitan]

I'm into 400 sized, electric helis (T-rex, mx400/450, etc.).

As it is, I went with the DX6. Major considerations were cost, coolness factor, size of antenna, and no worries about channels. Range was not a (major) consideration for two reasons: 90% of my flying is in my back yard, other users I see throughout the day report the range being much more than what is advertised or believed.