New Futaba 6EX 2.4 GHz

[wgregww]

Guys would this be a good radio for my T-REx that im getting I only fly forward flight, I really probably wont ever do 3D flying? How does this compare to Spektrum DX7?

Thanks for the help.

[kgfly]

The DX7 is far superior in lots of ways. Better features, better screen/UI, better performance by far, longer runtime. No comparison. Here is a summary from earlier:

Note this is not comprehensive but simply indicative of some of the major differences. The DX7 has many more features than either of the others and is included just for reference for those features mentioned.

Comparison of the new Futaba 6EX 2.4GHz spread spectrum radio to the Spektrum DX6 (and DX7)

Feature 6EX DX6 DX7
==================== ============== ============== ====================
Radio usage Full range Park Flyer Full range
Channels 6 6 7
Model memories 6 10 20
Model types plane/heli plane/heli plane/heli
-------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------------
Expo Ail/Ele/Rud Ail/Ele Ail/Ele/Rud
Heli p/t curves 5pt 3pt 5pt
P-mixes 2 3 6 (2 with linked trim)
Heli flight modes 2 + hold 2 + Hold 3 + Hold
-------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------------
Aileron->Rudder mix No Yes Yes
Aileron differential No Yes Yes
-------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------------
Timers
- Runtime per model No No Yes
- prgrmbl up/down No No 1
-------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------------
US Price $219 $199 $349
- servos 0 4 micro 4 digital
- Tx batt 700mAh NiCd 600mAh NiCd 1500mAh NiMH
- Rx batt no no 1100mAh NiCd
-------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------------

The Futaba 6EX and Spektrum DX6 are entry level sport systems.
The DX7 is mid-range not really the same ballpark.

[Raptor Rulezzz]

The DX7 is far superior in lots of ways.


Ofcourse it is.. it's 50% more expensive! You can get the Futaba 6 channel for under 200, it would be strange if there weren't any differences :mrgreen:

Anyway, I'm getting this futaba transmitter for usage during vacationis when I don't want to take my 14MZ with me... All in all, it seems like a "nice" transmitter to me, but you CAN NOT compare it to something much more expensive.

So to answer the question. Yes you CAN use it to fly your T-rex, even for 3D, but if you "compare" it to the DX-7 well.. the DX-7 has more features, but that has everything to do with the price :wink:

Cheers,

Richard

[kgfly]

Ofcourse it is.. it's 50% more expensive! You can get the Futaba 6 channel for under 200, it would be strange if there weren't any differences
Which always frustrated me when folks compared the DX7 to a 14mz :lol:

But Greg specifically asked about comparing the 6EX to the DX7.

Actually it's nowhere close to 50% more expensive, it's more like $70 more expensive if you shop around, here are the best prices I could find with a bit of hunting:

You can pre-order the exquisite new JR 9303-2.4G with 9ch Rx for ~$629.
You can get a DX7 + AR6100 (no servos) pkg for ~$269
You can pre-order a 6EX + Rx pkg for ~$199

Greg, I presume this is your entry point to R/C ? If so, it is frequently considered worthwhile buying more Tx than you think you initially need, many folks tend to regret the limitations of an entry level radio. It depends a bit on your personal style (prefer a bargain or prefer a treat) and expectations for the future. Both radios will do the job but the DX7 will do it better and for only $70 extra, to me it would be more than worth it.

[wgregww]

Ofcourse it is.. it's 50% more expensive! You can get the Futaba 6 channel for under 200, it would be strange if there weren't any differences
Which always frustrated me when folks compared the DX7 to a 14mz :lol:

But Greg specifically asked about comparing the 6EX to the DX7.

Actually it's nowhere close to 50% more expensive, it's more like $70 more expensive if you shop around, here are the best prices I could find with a bit of hunting:

You can pre-order the exquisite new JR 9303-2.4G with 9ch Rx for ~$629.
You can get a DX7 + AR6100 (no servos) pkg for ~$269
You can pre-order a 6EX + Rx pkg for ~$199

Greg, I presume this is your entry point to R/C ? If so, it is frequently considered worthwhile buying more Tx than you think you initially need, many folks tend to regret the limitations of an entry level radio. It depends a bit on your personal style (prefer a bargain or prefer a treat) and expectations for the future. Both radios will do the job but the DX7 will do it better and for only $70 extra, to me it would be more than worth it.

Ok, that make since. In the sport of RC heli it doesnt really make since to be cheap when buying equioment!

[DavidH]

Greg, I presume this is your entry point to R/C ? If so, it is frequently considered worthwhile buying more Tx than you think you initially need, many folks tend to regret the limitations of an entry level radio. It depends a bit on your personal style (prefer a bargain or prefer a treat) and expectations for the future. Both radios will do the job but the DX7 will do it better and for only $70 extra, to me it would be more than worth it.


With the above in mind. Also this is a great time in the hobby. Technology has increased dramatically in the last couple of months. The DX 7 is pretty much the low end radio now. For the money I would seriously consider looking at the new JR X 9303, or 12X. Futaba also has the 12FG, 12Z, 14MZ. All these radios will be available on 2.4 ghz. You will get radios that have more features and better construction. The price range will be $600- 800 for the 9303 and 12 FG.
The 12X, 12Z, 14MZ are going to be double the price range for those.
Buy the most radio you can afford, you won't regret it.
For comparsion go to a hobby shop and compare the feel and features of the radios against each other. It should become obvious when moving the sticks and switches which ones are constructed better. That being said, they all will transmit and fly the model.

David

[Raptor Rulezzz]

You can get a DX7 + AR6100 (no servos) pkg for ~$269
You can pre-order a 6EX + Rx pkg for ~$199


That's also comparing apples and oranges, the 6ex + rx is a full range system and the DX-7 with the ar6100 isnt... you need the 7100 for that, atleast that's what I was told. That makes the difference somewhat bigger, but the difference you show is already almost 30% :mrgreen:

Anyway, we agree that the DX-7 is better. I also agree with David, you should always try to buy the best radio you can afford!! Otherwise you will be buying another one lateron, spending twice the money :wink:

In Europe the DX-7 is appr. 400 dollars.... :arggg:

Cheers,

Richard

[wgregww]

Ofcourse it is.. it's 50% more expensive! You can get the Futaba 6 channel for under 200, it would be strange if there weren't any differences
Which always frustrated me when folks compared the DX7 to a 14mz :lol:

But Greg specifically asked about comparing the 6EX to the DX7.

Actually it's nowhere close to 50% more expensive, it's more like $70 more expensive if you shop around, here are the best prices I could find with a bit of hunting:

You can pre-order the exquisite new JR 9303-2.4G with 9ch Rx for ~$629.
You can get a DX7 + AR6100 (no servos) pkg for ~$269
You can pre-order a 6EX + Rx pkg for ~$199

Greg, I presume this is your entry point to R/C ? If so, it is frequently considered worthwhile buying more Tx than you think you initially need, many folks tend to regret the limitations of an entry level radio. It depends a bit on your personal style (prefer a bargain or prefer a treat) and expectations for the future. Both radios will do the job but the DX7 will do it better and for only $70 extra, to me it would be more than worth it.
But what is the 6ex missing for a beginner that I might wish I had down the road. And what about the reciever for the DX7 do you need the 7000? Is the reciever that comes with the 6EX a full range system?

[DavidH]

The Futaba 6EX is a full range system. I have seen it used flying a Hirobo 90 size heli. It was flown out as far as one could still see it and control it. Several of the Futaba Team pilots are using the 6EX in helicopters and large airplanes.


David

[kgfly]

It's not an issue of range, the AR6100 has been measured to over 6,000ft ground-to-air by end users. It is a matter of ensuring RF link security in models with large chunks of metal (eg big nitro motors), lots of solid CF (eg plane fuselages), big battery packs or any other RF opaque components that could shadow the Rx.

The AR6100 is ideal for an TRex-450 which falls entirely within the mfr's recommend use envelope. Many folk have flown them without problem in larger helis and aircraft although that is outside the mfr's recommendations and although I don't endorse it, it demonstrates how conservatively they have rated the Rx performance. So for larger models the full-range Rx currently available are the AR7000 (7ch) and AR9000 (9ch).

The 6EX will do everything you need and is cheaper. If that is the key issue then I think you could buy with confidence that it will fly your T450 well enough for anyone except high-end pilots used to something better. Personally I would be happier with the DX7 for all the reasons mentioned above (flexibility, performance, gymbal quality, runtime, ease of use) which for a T450 adds up to more than $70 for me.

Since technically either will definitely do the job for a T450 it comes down to the emotional factors, which would you feel better using, the entry-level unit or the mid-range unit ?

[xrbcoronalogoflyer]

just chiming in...i fly my logos and raptor with a 9c...however i just ordered a 6ex2.4 from tower (super saver club special $209.97)...plus there's a $30 promotional discount for orders over $224.90...i'll use the 6ex to fly my giant scale plank (almost got shot down last weekend, but the berg7's tsr feature probably saved me--that convinced me to get a 2.4)...

p.s. ordered the 6ex2.4 from tower on sun., received it on thurs., flew it in my giant super sportster today...demonstrated 'flick the stick' to my friends (flick the elevator stick so it bounces against the centering spring...the elevator bounces in rhythm)...very impressive lack of latency...futaba 2.4 ghz fasst full range air system rocks...ken :mrgreen:

[Jactor]

But what is the 6ex missing for a beginner that I might wish I had down the road. And what about the reciever for the DX7 do you need the 7000? Is the reciever that comes with the 6EX a full range system?[/quote]

I have a 6EXH 72mhz radio which looks like the same tx but without the 2.4GHz technology and for me it lacked three things which I found out I really wanted after flying for a while

1.) there is no separate throttle curve for the throttle hold mode. When the throttle hold switch is engaged the radio defaults to the 'normal' pitch curve even if the flight mode switch is in 'idle up'. This makes setup for learning autos a pain

2.) the radio has no subtrims - only the standard digital trims for ail,elev,rud, & throt (handy for setup)

3.) No model timers - I fly electric and user a timer to make sure I dont over discharge batteries (same for not running out of fuel in a nitro)

I ended up buying a 7C to get these features (I've kept the 6EXH as it is still a nice simple cheap radio that flies my heli) as mentioned above if you can afford the little bit extra to get a mid range radio do it as you get more features. You may not need them right now but its always easier to turn them on in a menu setting than to buy a new radio