View Full Version : Help with a Tx decision
Cmayer31
03-13-2008, 02:50 AM
I've searched on both of these transmitters and still can't make up my mind. I'm new to heli's with more than 4 channels and have recently assembled a Trex 450S. I've been saving for a Tx, servos, and gyro, and would like to ask for opinions and reasons.
If you could buy one of these radio combos which would it be (They're all in the same ballpark price range)?
Spektrum DX7 Heli Radio, AR7000, w/4-DS821 Servos.
Spektrum DX7 Heli Radio, AR6100, w/ 3-S285 Servos.
Futaba 7C Heli Radio, R617FS, w/4 S3152 Servos
I'm mostly looking to get off the ground and practice hovering in different orientations and progress from there. I'm also very open to gyro thoughts/comments, but I'm pretty set on saving some more for the Futaba GY401, but wouldn't mind saving money if it's something that I should step up to.
I also know with the 3 S285 Servos that I will have to add a tail servo, and am not sure which one I would end up going with. With the other two radio combos, would the 4th servo work all right as a tail servo?
Thank you for any help and opinions! I'm off to re-watch the videos again. :)
3dhelidude
03-13-2008, 06:20 AM
Hey Cmayer31,
If this is for the T-rex 450s then the Spektrum DX7 Heli Radio, AR6100, w/ 3-S285 Servos is the one to choose from what you've listed. Go for the 401 if it's in your budget otherwise the futaba GY240 will be ok for you to get off the ground and start learning. You will want a tail servo that is will provide fast response anything up to .14 should be fine for a beginner but the faster the better. A good servo at a reasonable price is the Hitec HS56HB
Cmayer31
03-15-2008, 02:58 PM
Thanks for the advice 3dhelidude! I ended up going with the DX7 with the 3 S285 servos. I picked up a Futaba S3153mg for the tail and will add a GY401 next. After watching all the videos I think I have the head set up pretty level with all of the arms at a 90 degree. Can't wait to get the gyro and get the bird in the air :).
One thing that I did notice is that the DX7 manual isn't the easiest for people that are new to the hobby, and it was even less friendly for binding and working with the AR6100, but thanks to these great sites it was easy to reference electronically.
TheBum
03-15-2008, 05:38 PM
One thing that I did notice is that the DX7 manual isn't the easiest for people that are new to the hobby, and it was even less friendly for binding and working with the AR6100, but thanks to these great sites it was easy to reference electronically.
Agreed. The December 2007 issue of RC Heli had a very good article on programming the DX7.
fiveoboy01
03-15-2008, 05:58 PM
No argument here. The DX7 manual is definitely lacking.
Good thing is that there are a lot of people here who have it figured out, so it's easy to get help.
shaggybirdman
03-16-2008, 01:23 AM
Agreed. The December 2007 issue of RC Heli had a very good article on programming the DX7.
i need that back issue!
BarracudaHockey
03-16-2008, 08:42 AM
Its very easy, what do you have a question about?
shaggybirdman
03-16-2008, 11:21 AM
basically everything. i have never setup a radio short of a 4 chan. well a computer radio is a bit frustrating with all the menus, and not really knowing what to do. misplaced the manual also. not lost, but not sure where i set it down.
fiveoboy01
03-16-2008, 01:52 PM
basically everything. i have never setup a radio short of a 4 chan. well a computer radio is a bit frustrating with all the menus, and not really knowing what to do. misplaced the manual also. not lost, but not sure where i set it down.
Then head for the video forum and watch bob's videos on CCPM setup. This will give you a good idea of how to get your radio setup for your heli.
GreenCello
03-16-2008, 05:24 PM
This will help with the DX7 as well. It's in Finless Bob's Helifreak Tech Room.
Jermo's DX7 Setup Video
i need that back issue!
It's available on their website:
http://www.rchelimag.com/pages/store.php