Transmitter - Question = Futaba 7-Channel 2.4GHz FASST

[merlin703]

Hello,
I'm planning on looking around for a good transmitter. I don't plan on buying it any time soon but hopefully before too late. My knowledge of transmitters is very poor. All I know is that I want a 2.4 GHz transmitter but I have many many question that I hope you guys can help me with.

1) 7 channel vs. 9 channel. What does a 9 channel does that a 7 channel can't?

2) Can all transmitters that work with helis also work with planes or it HAS to say so on the box? How would I know?

3) Can I add more receivers to most transmitters? If I buy the 7 channel futaba, can I use with my my plane and other helis?

4) Can a transmitter be upgraded? Are all be upgraded or it has to say so on the box?

If you can think of anything else, please feel free to share. Also, can anyone give me a basic short explaination of what the following options actually do? cuz I have to clue http://www.electric-rc-helicopter.com/phpbb/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif

10-model memory
6-character model naming
Digital trims, trim memory, EPA, sub trims and servo reversing on all channels
Dual or triple rates* (aileron/elevator/rudder)
*with 3-position switch use
Exponential (aileron/elevator/rudder/throttle)
Adjustable throttle cut
Fail-safe
Trainer system (cord required)
Flap switch
Retract switch
Variable rate knob (channel 6)
Tx and Rx NiCds w/dual output charger
Adjustable stick length and tension
Software for Mode 1-4 control setups
Count up/countdown timer

Thanks in advance for all your help.
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/futaba/futk7000m.html (http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/futaba/futk7000m.html)

I don't want to out grow the receiver. I won't do this for competition but I like going for the best thing I can afford.

[Pinecone]

1) 9 ch opertes two more things over a 7 ch. Youneed 6 channels minimum for a CCPM heli (3 x cyclic, Throttle, Gyro, Gyro gain), for nitro you can add a 7th for a governor. Other things you might want to run, landing gear (for scale), lights, camera controls (aerial photography). But typically the 9 ch also has more programming options, better screen, easier to use.

2) Most will, about the only one that is pretty much limited to one form of aircraft is the JR 10X line. But the advertisements will say that it has heli and aircraft (and possibly glider) programming.

3) Yes and Yes. Realize that with 2.4 GHz, you HAVE to (at least for now) buy receivers from the same company that made the radio. SO look at long term costs if you start buying Rxes.

4) Typically not. The top line Futabas can upgrade the firmware, but most radios youjust get another one.

10-model memory - Allows storing the setup for 10 aircraft, so you don't have to reprogram every time you want tofly something different (some have more or less)

6-character model naming - Allows you to give eac memory a name, with up to 6 characters, like Trex, or Blade (some have more or less, 6 is kind of short)

Digital trims, trim memory, EPA, sub trims and servo reversing on all channels - Digital trims mean tha the trim levers don't slide,r they are switches the click in the amont of trim you request, and they allows the trim to be stored for each model memory so you don't have tot remebmer the trim settings for each model. EPA is end point adjustment, allows you to adjust the maximum travel of the servo in each direction. Sub trims are sort of like a hidden trim, used to get teh servo arms exactly 90 degrees to the links. Servo reversing means you can reverse the direction the servo moves when you push the stick.

Dual or triple rates* (aileron/elevator/rudder) - Rates allow you to set different throws that can be selected by the flip of a switch. Say you have a 3D plane, you needs lots of throw to fly 3D, but for takeoff and landing it is too twitchy, so you set lower trates that you switch to for takeoff and landing. Not used much in helis.

Exponential (aileron/elevator/rudder/throttle) - Changes the servo motion to stick movement to make the response slower in the center of the stick travel but keeping the same overall throw at full stick. Used with dual rates to fine tune response. Many use it on helis to make them less twitchy.

Adjustable throttle cut - Used to shut off the engine in a nitro of gasser.

Fail-safe - Does something specific when the signal is lost onthe aircraft, like go to low throttle.

Trainer system (cord required) - ALlows you to connect two Txes together and have a master and slave. When a switch it activated (normally button or spring loaded) the slave Tx controls, when the switch is released the Master controls. Used for a dual control setup for student and instructor. AKA Buddy Box.

Flap switch - Switch to activate flaps, versus a slider or knob. Slider or knob allows you to set any amount of flaps, the switch only allows 2 or 3 settings.

Retract switch - Switch ot operate retractable landing gear.

Variable rate knob (channel 6) - Chan6 has a knob instead of a switch.

Tx and Rx NiCds w/dual output charger - Batteries with charger

Adjustable stick length and tension - The sticks can get adjusted how long they are are, and you can adjust the spring tension that centeres the sticks.

Software for Mode 1-4 control setups - Different control setups. Most people in the US fly Mode 2. Not something you will be switching around.

Count up/countdown timer - Timer for timing how long you fly. Very important with helis because they don't glide very well.

Most of these functions are found on virtually ALL computer radios (except the 6EX doesn't have subtrims). JR doesn't have a throttle cut, but uses an analog trim on teh throttle to handle this. Mode changes are nice if you fly some oddball mode, but otherwise, just bling.

[BarracudaHockey]

Yep.

If you are going to be flying helicopters get a helicopter radio they work fine with planes. You can use most modern plane radios with helicopters but at times the switches are awkward and the throttle ratchet has to be modified for smooth operation.

[merlin703]

OK, thanks Pinecone and Barracuda for the replies. This will help me to make a decision in a few months. In the meantime, I will keep reading posts regarding transmitters. I know I can't go over too much money for a transmitter. I see the 7 channel Futaba has isses that are being resolved right now. I like this features of the 9channel JR trasmitter but to pay over $700 is just too much for me. I should probably try not to go over $500 so I have money to buy the TRex 450. :dontknow

[DavidH]

Merlin,
The new Futaba 10C will be out in couple of months. Tower has it for $599. I would think some of the hobby shops would have it for around $550 maybe less.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUEW7&P=0

Seems to have a lot of features. At least that is what some people told me that got to handle one this past weekend at the E Fest.

David

[merlin703]

Dave,
This is about $200.00 more of what I would pay for the 7channel...... I guess I will compare them side by side. I don't want to outgrow my transmitter so.... do you think this is so much better than the 7 Channel? Does it have better graphics or easier to use? Besides the 3 additional features, what do you think of the rest? Man, this is going to be some serious investment.

[worldofmaya]

The 7c doesn't have a servo monitor if you want something like that. T10 will have it with some nice curve graphics from what I've heard... some other nice feature will be in there too. It will not have build-in 2G4 but the modul will get it's commands digitally. So it will be at least as fast as a 7c. You'll have the option to use 35mhz or whatever because it has a modul system. You will not be able to change the modul when using a 7c. If you don't need all this stuff take the 7c. Has everything you will need...
-klaus

[DavidH]

Dave,
This is about $200.00 more of what I would pay for the 7channel...... I guess I will compare them side by side. I don't want to outgrow my transmitter so.... do you think this is so much better than the 7 Channel? Does it have better graphics or easier to use? Besides the 3 additional features, what do you think of the rest? Man, this is going to be some serious investment.

Yes a radio is a serious investment. My philosphy is buy the most radio you can afford. Radios are not as upgradeable as helis. You can't just buy a new part and bolt it on. Even if you won't use all the features on a radio. It is nice to have them when you need them. But still buy what is within your budget.

David

[BarracudaHockey]

Your radio will also last a lot longer than most helis, well it easily outlives my helicopters :D

[merlin703]

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up buying the JR9303. I'm assembling my 500 heli and just have to make sure I don't mess things up with the assembling part.