Should I get TM-8 module for 9CHPS or get a new DX7?

[bobavette]

I currently use a Futaba 9CHPS and PCM receivers for all my helis (T-Rex 450, T-Rex 600, Raptor 50, and Raptor E620). I use GY401's in the smaller helis and GY611's in the larger ones with a GV-1 gov in the Raptor 50 . I was looking at getting the TM-8 FASST module/receiver which Tower has listed for $320 (but they keep pushing the release date back). I can get a Complete DX7 with AR7000 and servos for just $10 more. I realize that I have to start programming from the beginning by going with the DX7 where going with the TM-8 would just be a drop in module . Am I better off going with one over the other? Is the technology better in one vs the other? Will the DX7 support the gyros/governor as well as the 9CHPS?

[DebianDog]

Getting a DX7 over a 9C
on the minus side
(to me) the DX7 "feels" like junk in your hand compared to the 9C
you only get 7 channels
Switch assignment is a pain (compared)
The servos you get are about worthless for a 3D helicopterOn the Plus side -
The DX7 is WAY faster than you 9C, in regards to latency, when it comes to the CCPM mixing. Even with a module your old 9C is s-l-o-w, 2.4 Ghz does not change that.More info on the JR compared to the DX7 here http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=57294
I spent a little bit more and got a JR 9CH X9303 to replace my 9C but... rumor has it Futaba is coming out with a new 9 CH 2.4 Ghz soon.

[bobavette]

How do JR's program compared to the 9C. Will there be any issues using Futaba Gyros and Governors.

[DebianDog]

How do JR's program compared to the 9C. Will there be any issues using Futaba Gyros and Governors.

I would say programming is a bit easier since the JR has just one big giant screen of settings as opposed to a Basic and Advanced settings like the 9C. I never used a JR radio before and had a helicopter set up in 10-15 minutes using the old settings from the 9C as a baseline. The JR roll drum selection button I like a lot. :thumbup:

You cant use the JR "Gyro" menu with Futaba Gyros but there are no issues that I know of.

My only "complaint" with the radio is no switched controlled timer. You have to hit the button to start or stop a timer. Finless did a video on this radio if you are interested. Video Link -> Jr X9303 Quickly Setup Overview (84 Megs) (http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/x9303&filename=x9303.wmv)

[DebianDog]

I picked up a TX, 9 Ch RX, and servos from RChover.com for $729 (http://www.rchover.com/jr_) and sold the servos. Plus you can use the less pricey Specktrum Rx too.

[Danal Estes]

Just confirming... lots of folks around flying JR or Spektrum radios with Futaba gyros. Me among them.

Also a big fan of the Logictech 6100 gyro on 50 and above sized birds.

Anyway, back to the radios: If you really like Futaba, consider one of their newer radios. If you're willing to switch, I find JR/Spektrum considerably easier to program (and I help lots of people, every day, with both Fut and JR/S radios).

As debian pointed out, there are lots of latency differences in radios. DX7 or x9303 or 12x will get you a really good, fast, radio at whatever feature level you desire to pay for.

[DebianDog]

To add, I have a (2) Logictech 6100 Gyros, (2) 401's, and a 611 gyro. I plan for them all to work once I buy all the new Rx's. I hear good things about the new JR gyro so I may pick one up for the new bird (when I get one)

[sparky]

sorry, Just thinking about the DSX9, But what is latency? I see it in several post, but dont know what it means! Old futaba hand.

[BarracudaHockey]

Servos get thier position information sequentially.

With futaba and 3 servo ccpm the aileron and elevator position information go out then it moves to the throttle, rudder, gyro sense, then the pitch servo. Latency is the time difference from when the first servo gets its update to the last servo.

Newer radios group channel functions so if you have a ccpm heli selected the three swash servos get thier position update at nearly the same time.

If you have an airplane with dual elevators the two servos get updated at the same time etc.

[BarracudaHockey]

To clarify, the 9C processes the channels this way, the new ones (12fg, 14, and probably the 12z) sequence the channel information according to the swash or wing type selected.

The "latency" that JKos was measuring (honestly I never looked at the data all that closely) is the time between when you move the stick and when the servo responds. Having flown the 9C and DX7 on the same exact model I can tell you that while I never would have thought the time increments we are dealing with would have a real world impact, the DX7 does feel "more connected" and I was behind the controls for a few minutes until I got used to it.

[sparky]

Thanks a bunch Andy. That was an extreamly clear answer!