Taking the PLUNGE! [Archive]

copterEddie

06-12-2006, 02:16 PM

Guys:

Odrering either a 14MZ or 12Z on Tuesday - please tell me difference between the two...

leaning toward the 14

Thanks Edwin :glasses2:

ClayK

06-12-2006, 02:53 PM

Both are about the same. 14 gives ya two extra channels and a touch color screen. I know the 12 has been having issues with swash detail that the 14 has not seen yet, but some either haven't experienced the issue or they are flying mechanical.

Don't get me wrong, I like my 14mz, wouldnt trade it, but if cost is a factor you get all the good stuff from the 14 in the 12. I'm a gadget freak, I'll spend money to have the best, whether or not I can use it or not. If cost isn't a factor.....

Rodney

06-12-2006, 06:12 PM

The 12 does all the heli programming the 14 does but with 2 less channels. The 14 had the bells and whistles of the Windows programming, color screen, loading pics of your models, and MP3 player. They both use the same battery, but because of Windows operating system the 14 sucks it up alot faster. I heard that some 14's had the same swash program issues as I have had with the 12. Dont know how true that is as I doen own one. But at a 6 to 7 hundred dollar diff. I chose the 12mz.

RCfan

06-12-2006, 10:36 PM

Edwin, if money isn't an problem, then definitely get the 14MZ. Both the 12Z and 14MZ are technically similar. You can do pretty much anything with the 12Z that you can do with 14MZ, except you'll probably have much more fun and easier time doing it with the 14MZ. Both radios are easy to use (once you learn where everything is at and how to operate it), but I found navigating the 14MZ menus much more simpler and intuitive with its touch screen than with the 12Z's wheel and thumbstick. EIther way you go, you'll still end-up with one of the greatest radios currently in existense.

DavidH

06-13-2006, 09:22 AM

Edwin,
I would suggest going with the 12Z. I know a few 14MZ owners that got a 12Z to use as a backup. The funny thing is they are now using the 12Z as a primary radio and have the 14MZ for a backup.

David

RCfan

06-13-2006, 09:59 AM

David, I'm curious, what rationale did these folks give for laying down the 14MZ in favor of the 12Z? Have you done this yourself? :dontknow I can understand the backup strategy (that's why I have two 14MZ's) and using the newer radio for a while (new kid on the block), but if it were me I'd definitely quickly go back to using the 14MZ as primary. Unless they're worried about wear-n-tear from using the 14MZ over the 12Z, I can't think of a logical reason for doing this. It certainly isn't a good enough reason for deciding on one radio over another!

Personally, I'm a technology junkie ... can't get enough of new tech. I actually have been thinking about getting a 12Z to fool around with, but I know it will never replace the 14MZ. Try flying at dusk or without much light, the 14MZ screen is perfect for those occasions, and works great in full sunlight too. That's one thing I definitely think the 12Z is missing, a backlit screen.

DavidH

06-13-2006, 10:45 AM

The reason they gave me is that the 12Z is easier to use. They like the Rotary dial and push button part of the radio. No I don't have a 14MZ or 12Z. I am waiting on the 12Z on 50mhz. I have played with both radios. I prefer the 12Z over the 14MZ. I don't need to play tunes or put pictures into the transmitter.
The 12Z was the radio that was shown to me about 4 years ago when it first was being developed. That is why the 14MZ software is labled 12Z.

David

RCfan

06-13-2006, 11:06 AM

Oh, I agree; no one needs to play tunes, put pictures or even need color to fly, but it is nice to have. I've used the 12Z as well and don't find it easier navigating around than the 14MZ. I didn't like the position of the cursor or rotary key (I would have switched them around). This may be due to me being left-handed, although I'm used to dealing with issues like that. I thought you had picked-up at 14MZ on 50 a while ago, guess I must have misread a post.

DavidH

06-13-2006, 11:14 AM

Nope no 14MZ on 50mhz. I knew something else was coming so I waited. Really in no hurry to get one. Just waiting for the 50mhz version. No way would I fly on 72mhz.

David

ClayK

06-13-2006, 11:51 AM

I believe the 12 is similar in menu/function to the 9z which everyone seems to love. The 14 is also similar, but not in the presentation of that data. The 14 is more GUI based and I think "computer people" seem to like it (at least in my case). Nothing wrong with the 12. If I was "raised" on the 9z, I'm sure I would feel more comfortable with the 12. I don't use the pictures/sounds/etc on the 14, but I do like the layout and presentation of the menus. When I look at a 12 with a 9z or 9c beside it, they look similar in menu presentation and layout. Of course, this is just a newbies perspective. Both seem to be excellent radios.

Rodney

06-13-2006, 03:58 PM

If I paid $2199 for a radio and felt I had to have a backup there is somthing really wrong there.

DavidH

06-13-2006, 04:36 PM

If you were flying in contests you would have a backup. Been to many events where something would happen to a pilots transmitter. Breaks a switch off, pulls out the antenna and half of it comes out not connected. I would think most of the contestants at the XFC this weekend will have two transmitters. I know at F3C events most of the pilots have at least 2 transmitters. At the World Championships they will have at least 3 transmitters.
If something happens to the transmitter when your ready to fly. You just grab the back up and fly.

David

Teodoro

06-13-2006, 09:12 PM

Nope no 14MZ on 50mhz. I knew something else was coming so I waited. Really in no hurry to get one. Just waiting for the 50mhz version. No way would I fly on 72mhz.

David

Is there a performance advantage in 50mhz over 72mhz?

Regards,

DavidH

06-14-2006, 08:55 AM

No performance advantage. But the chances of being shot down are just about 0%. With 72 mhz the chances of being shot down are about 50% or higher.
With 50mhz here in the USA you have to be a licensed amatuer radio operator to operate on 50 mhz.

David

copterEddie

06-22-2006, 10:03 AM

Cool guys - because of the deal gotta go with the 14... I could not get the same deal for a 12.

Rodney, I will get with you next week. Thanks to all for your comments.

After it comes in next week I WILL be asking programming questions...

Edwin :glasses2:

Rodney

06-22-2006, 06:49 PM

Never thought of it that way David, but hey I will never be at that level so one 12 is all I need.

COOKIEULT70

08-28-2006, 03:55 PM

So where is a good place to get a deal on a 12Z?

DavidH

08-28-2006, 05:10 PM

Rick's RC Helis, East Coast Heli Extreme, Rays Heli Resources, Hodges Hobbies.

All of those places should be able to sell a 12Z for about $1300.00

David

Finless

08-28-2006, 07:39 PM

My 2 cents and I had to help a guy with a 12mz that didnt bring his manual. The 12 is harder to navigate and program than the 14. The 14 is very intuative as does the 12 but some things on the 12 were more complicated to program and took me some time to "figure it out or find it in the menus".... Governor was one of them that is easy on the 14. Another was believe it or not setting up throttle hold and condition priorities. Took me some time to figure it out on the 12.
I also dont really like the full navigation layout and FAR prefer the 14 in this area.

Benifits of the 12.... Lighter and "feels" smaller. I dont know if it is smaller (I think it is) but it feels smaller.

Bob

R-4-L

08-29-2006, 12:41 AM