how to choose a new tx radio for current heli and beyond

[pmbou]

I need to buy a better tx radio but it's very confusing to me, so I would appreciate your help please... I would like a <$250 model that will run my blade cp pro as well as a fomie plank that I bought (I only bought it to make use of spare heli parts, so don't be too hard on me). I have three receivers: the 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 that came with the cp and cp pro that both use the ccpm transmitters, and also an electron 6 Hitec 72 mhz 6 channel rx. I need no servos.

I know what ccpm is, but I don't understand how ccpm electronics transmit and receive. Can I get a radio that works with the 3-in-1 and also works with a standard 6 ch receiver, or does the tx create the ccpm so is incompatible? Or, what if I get a 7ch tx and use a 6 ch rx in my foamie, will that work? Is there just one type of 72mhz tx or are there incompatible types to watch out for? Should I forget about using the 3-in-1 crap since I have a gyro and esc that I want to install in my heli anyways? Spektrum, Futaba, 72, 2.4, ppm, dual frequency, I dunno the difference.

I want to fly 3D heli and 3D fomie with same radio system, want full range (not park), want programmable mixing features for heli throttle/rotor pitch/tail pitch, and the less glitching the better. I may move on to trex in a year or so with same radio. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Paul

[Pinecone]

Your 3 in 1 (actually the receiver that drives the 3 in 1) is negative shift, meaning to use directly with it requires a Futaba or Hitec transmitter. If you go JR, you just swap the receiver to a positive shift one or a shift select one. Your Electron 6 is probably negative shift also, but they are made in both versions. Your 4 in 1 is really a 3 in 1 and a receiver taped together. I went JR, so for my Blade CP, I just got a receiver and a 3 in 1 for the CPP.

If you go Spektrum or other 2.4GHz setup, you will have to change all your receivers anyway. If you go JR same thing. But your current receivers are sellable. I sold all my negative shift only receivers when I switced to JR.

With the Blades the Tx (transmitter) does the CCPM mixing, so you have to buy a transmitter that does CCPM mixing.

If you have a 6 ch receiver and a 7 channel transmitter, no problem. I even run 4 channel receivers with my 9 channel JR transmitter.

IMO, you should buy the best Tx you can afford, and even saving a bit more and buying a really good Tx up front. It will last you for years and be used with all your models.

The things to look for are:

Module based (unless you buy 2.4GHz now) so you can go to 2.4 GHz later if you want.

Programming features - you may not need or use them now, but you never know where this hobby will take you.

Enough channels - right now 6 may be enough, but later you may need more. And the high chennal number radios tend to have more features, better programming and are much better radios.

Proper features - The Futaba 6 channel doesn't have subtrims, and this is not good for setting up a CCPM heli.

Choices. IMO go for at least a 7 channel setup. Spektrum DX7 is a nice system. The Futaba 7 channel is not module based, so single frequency only. The JR 7202 is not module based, but is frequency synthesized so you can dial i nany frequency. BTW the JR 7202 and DX& are basically the same transmitter except for the RF section.

In 9 channel you have the Futaba 9C and 9C Super and the JR 9303. They are all module based and nnice radios. I wnet with JR because it felt better in my hands. Also mobody has found a need to write or buy an aftermarket book on programming JR radios. :) JR has annouced the X9303, which is the 9303 with Spektrum RF section. Futaba will likely do the same with teh 9C. Or you can use the currently available XPS modules or the upcoming Spektrum or Futaba modules to go to 2.4.

The 9 channel radios are a good bit more expensive, but in the long run it will save you money as you won't need a new radio for a long time.

[pmbou]

I went ahead and picked up a dx7 for $280, no servos. Sure gets great reviews. Thanks for the advice.