Can I setup a Futaba CH7 as a buddy box?

[Rudderless]

Hi,

I wish to teach my son to fly. I have never used a buddy box before. Heres the question. I have a good Futaba CH7. Can I connect this to my DX7 as a dumbed down buddy box? If so how and were do I get the cable? If not what can I connect to the DX7?

Thanks

Tony

[capebob]

This cable is available from Horizon Hobby that will allow you to use a Futaba radio as a buddy box. Unfortunately it has the old round Futaba connector so if you Futaba has the new square connector you're out of luck. http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN173
Bob

[jeffk]

DOH! I just went out this weekend and bought the JR buddy box for 40 bucks. It's basically a 4 channel JR FM Transmitter without a crystal, and comes with the standard buddy box cord.

I have to say that it works awesomely though. This cable referenced in the above post wouldn't work for me anyway though, since the only Futabas I own have the square connector and I'd need to get another adapter. Too much BS IMO.

[Rudderless]

Thanks for the info. My Futaba 7C does have a square connection. However there is a square to round adapter that Horizon does sell. OK what do I need to set on each radio to make this work?

[jeffk]

I believe you'll be okay if you switch the TRAINER option for your model from INH to P.Link (NOT P.Link-Slave!) in the DX7. Then plug the radios in. The DX7 will automatically power on when you plug the cable in, but I don't think the transmitter is enabled at this point. You'll need to make sure the main power switch on the DX7 is on as well. Set all the trims on the Futaba to center. You may or may not have to turn on the Trainee radio, I don't know. I suspect not, but you'll have to try it out.

The instructor pilot gets the DX7 and the trainee gets the Futaba. There's a little switch on the upper left marked "Trainer". When you hold that switch up, the Trainee has control. Release it and the DX7 takes over.

The beauty of this system is that the trims and expo and all the other settings are still always controlled by the DX7, even when the Trainee is flying. The only thing the buddy box supplies is stick position.