newbie here question about radios

[helihebert]

I am looking to get a radio but don't know how many channels to get. I hear a 7 channel radio is really all one needs. Why have a 9 or 10 or more channel radio? What is the purpose of having a 8 or more channel radio? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

[BarracudaHockey]

Depends on what you want to do but they can fill up fast.

7 is the minimum I'd buy. You also need to realize that the 9 channel radios like the 9c offer bigger screens, and more advanced programming than their 7 channel counterparts, not just the extra channel or 2.

Aside from the basic pitch, roll, yaw, throttle and collective pitch any good gyro uses a channel for remote gain, a governor will use a channel and if you decide to get into scale you have lights, retracts etc. There's lots of things and its better to buy a good radio up front than to have to sell a used one and upgrade later, its actually cheaper over the long run and a good radio will last you many years.

[Bayou Talker]

I agree with Barracuda. I started with a 7CHP and quickly upgraded to a 9C and then to a 12Z. The more you learn about helis, the more you realize what a benefit the extra channels and programming options are. You will save money in the long run to buy as much radio as you can afford.

BTW...Where are you from? With that handle we could be kin.

[helihebert]

Hey Guys

Thanks for the info. I will go to a better radio like the 9c. And Bayou Talker, I am from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Thanks again guys.
Jeff

[savage]

helihebert do you ever go to LARKS.

[Bayou Talker]

Hey Guys

And Bayou Talker, I am from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Jeff

I knew you had to be from down home someplace. I was born and raised in Houma, La and now live in NE Alabama. Maybe we can get together at a funfly or something. If you haven't ever been to one yet, make sure you find some close to you and go. They are the best place to meet other heli pilots and see and learn a lot of stuff. You will also get to see a vast assortment of equipment and be able to get info on it.

[helihebert]

Hey Savage,
I do go to Larks. They had their heli fun fly last weekend but could not go. had to work. I was wondering what all the guys in the larks club are using for their radios, Jr or Futuba? Helps me if I get the same type radio as them, as to set up and etc.