What radio(s) do you use? and other questions

[Cryofix]

I am currently looking into a 7, 8, or 9 channel radio, currently I own a JR6102. I am looking for a large range of features I think. I currently have a 450 SE with askman pro mount which requires a 7th channel to use the extra servo, I am also looking at getting into larger mounts for my 600 and rap 50.

Do I... use my 6 channel to fly and get another radio to control my camera mounts?

How do you use a 7,8, or 9 channel to control your tilts, i know you cant use your sticks, are there sliders or knobs to use?

How many channels do you need for the DJ mount?

Before I open my business for business how much equipment should I have, here is a list of what I think I need:
DJ mount for raptor, for video
Sony HC-3
8 or 9 channel radio
AP200I system with sensor
What else?????

Software I have or have access to:
Adobe Photoshop CS2
Macromedia Studio
Adobe Production Suite
What else????



any help would be appreciated, thanks

[Nitrospazzz]

I am using a Futaba 9CHPS to control everything while I work as a one man op. I have pan and tilt on the sliders located on each side of the controler. I have the shutter on what was the throttle kill switch because its spring loaded so I don't have to switch it back. This works pretty good, I think 9 is the minimum I would go with.

[Cryofix]

Thanks Nitro can anyone chime in on the whats better for AP/V the 9303 or the 9CHPS as far as switch configuration and such

I really like the JR as thats the only radios I have used but I am looking for the best for this situation.

[dreslism]

That is gonna be personal preference. I think you get a few more knob dials on the futaba. I think just sliders on the JR.

I use the trainer switch on the futaba as the shutter trigger as it is extra big, and spring loaded, since it is so big, you can just lean your hand or any finger up against it and pull it to take picts.

The JR trainer is a pushbutton so you need a finger up top pushing down.

This is a ford/chevy type question though, you need to go see both side by side and decide yourself. I am pretty sure you will find it is split in here on who like what.

[Cryofix]

I like the switch over the button, Im not really interested in getting the old debate of Futaba VS JR, like I said this is a situation call and switch sound better than sliders or buttons. I can get used to the difference.

I think I will head to LHS and try both.

as far as the AP2000I should this be very high on my priorty list, I am assuming the radio is the very first thing I should go after then the AP2000I?

[skeletor]

I have an AP t-rex with askman mount and I use a Multiplex royal Evo-9 radio.. there is a slide next the the left stick I use for tilt and buttons on the side I use for shutter trigger. it's not the most popular radio out there but it is very functional and feels so nice to hold and fly with.

rich.

[dreslism]

I think I will head to LHS and try both.

as far as the AP2000I should this be very high on my priorty list, I am assuming the radio is the very first thing I should go after then the AP2000I?

Without the radio, no pictures. :)

If you're flying AP solo with downlink, I would highly recommend the ap2000i as it allows you to take your eyes of the heli to look at the downlink.

[Cryofix]

only problem with that is my LHS wont carry it.

Thanks for all the input so far, keep it coming!

[dreslism]

only problem with that is my LHS wont carry it.

You mean the ap2000i?

So what?

I don't have an lhs to buy anything from, so all my stuff is bought online, there is a great group of vendors that provide excellent support.

Mark on here carry's them in the states. I think he is waiting on new shipment right now.

[LoopBaCK]

Here are my observations and experiences with radio size (channels) since I started using an RC helicopter for aerial photography. By the way I'm currently using a Futaba 9CHP and have been able to do all the programming needed. I probably will forget an item so please add anything I forgot:

A 9 channel radio (or larger) is really nice to have. Starting out you'll strap a camera to the heli and take a few pics (or video) and only need an extra channel to run the shutter (7ch radio - although if you don't use the gyro gain a 6ch will work). If you decide to get deeper into aerial imaging a definite need for more channels can occur.

These are based on my ideal (or optimum) configurations - most all of this is mix-and-match...

Average single person operation: about 8 or 9 channels
Normal heli control - 5 channels (6 with gyro gain)
Camera shutter - 1 channel
Camera tilt - 1 channel
Flight stabilizer - 1 channel (optional on AP2000i but highly recommended)
Average two person operation (1 radio for pilot, 1 radio for camera operator)
Pilot... about 8 channels
Normal heli control - 5 channels (6 with gyro gain)
Flight stabilizer - 1 channel (optional on AP2000i but highly recommended)
Retractable landing gear - 1 channel (optional on some mounts)

Camera Operator... about 6 channels
Camera shutter - 1 channel
Camera tilt - 1 channel
Camera pan - 1 channel
Camera roll - 1 channel (optional on some mounts)
Camera zoom - 1 channel (optional)
Gyro stabilized camera heading hold - 1 channel (optional per manufacturer - could take 1 to 3 plugs on receiver)
As stated - I may be missing a feature...

[Cryofix]

only problem with that is my LHS wont carry it.

You mean the ap2000i?

So what?

I don't have an lhs to buy anything from, so all my stuff is bought online, there is a great group of vendors that provide excellent support.

Mark on here carry's them in the states. I think he is waiting on new shipment right now.

Sorry was repling to Skeletors post

[MLaBoyteaux]

I would suggest you focus on photography and then give video a try. I've been working on developing the skills and tools to shoot GOOD video for a year and a half and I'm still not satisfied with my results.

Video can be extremely frustrating and there is a really small, niche market for it. There is nothing wrong with using a small video recorder to help isolate vibrations and tune your AP platform, but producing video you'd be proud to sell to a client is on a whole different level. (Maybe I'm too critical on myself, but I want it to be smoooooth) Of course, none of this matters if you're just doing it for a hobby :D

The market for aerial photography is much larger. You can always add video services later after you master the tools and marketing for photography.

Get a 9 channel radio of your choice. You'll want the extra channels sooner or later. Get the AP-2000. Practice, practice, practice. Oh yeah, HAVE FUN!

[Nate Dogg]

get the futaba 9chp. I had a jr, but you cannot reassign channels to sliders. I use the 9chp and have the pan and tilt on the side sliders and the photo shutter on a toggle switch. If you want one man ease of use, you should go with futaba.

[Cryofix]

What about the 9C Super? seems like the LHS has a very good deal on it

[Nate Dogg]

there are some slight differences in the super, I didn't think I'd need the extra options and I found a great deal on the chp. It works good for me for AP. One thing I found out the hard way: if you get 360 degree servos for your pan and tilt, your sliders will only control what direction the servos move, not how far they move. I had to set my end points to 5 to get a slow smooth transition. The mount will go 360 degrees if you let it. I'm trying to figure out what servos I can use to get fixed end points and still have the travel I need for the shots. So that the highest point on my slider is the highest point in the pan and so forth....

[dreslism]

there are some slight differences in the super, I didn't think I'd need the extra options and I found a great deal on the chp. It works good for me for AP. One thing I found out the hard way: if you get 360 degree servos for your pan and tilt, your sliders will only control what direction the servos move, not how far they move. I had to set my end points to 5 to get a slow smooth transition. The mount will go 360 degrees if you let it. I'm trying to figure out what servos I can use to get fixed end points and still have the travel I need for the shots. So that the highest point on my slider is the highest point in the pan and so forth....

Yeah, I hear ya Nate. I have 360's on my tilt as sometimes I use a cameraman with a second Tx, and it is easier for them as I put it on a stick for them.

Mostly I fly solo and my tilt is on a slider, and if I don't get that slider exactly back where it needs to be, it will keep on creeping right past where I wanted to go. Drives me nuts flying solo and trying to tilt, fly, and look at the downlink to get the shot without letting the tilt run away from me.

[Nate Dogg]

my 9chp beeps when the slider is in the center position, i haven't had any problems of creeping as of yet. my epa is at 5 or 3 or something. Waaay down. When I hear the beep, the mount stops...

[Xcellgasman101]

Well I fly with JR, 9303 on the heli, and a 8103 on the camera,, JR works just fine for me,, :hug: