Which radio is best for new/intermediate learning?

[Augman37]

I can not find a thread comparing heli Radios. I am interested in starting the hobby and want to get a radio that is good enough to grow with but also easy to use (seems like some of the more expensive ones are diffficult to setup and program). I would like to pay as little as possible but am willing to go up to around $500. Any suggestions or a link to a thread discussing this?

I am planning on getting the radio and Phoenix sim for the first 4 months to get a feel for it before I go to a real heli like a TRex 450 or Hurricane 550

Thanks for the help

[hamslice]

go with a dx7. the better the radio doesnt necessarily mean that it is harder to program, you just have more options and can fine tune things more.

[TheBum]

go with a dx7. the better the radio doesnt necessarily mean that it is harder to program, you just have more options and can fine tune things more.
+1. It's well within your price range and it should last you for many years to come. Another option is the DX6i, but if you ever plan to go nitro or add a separate governor to an electric, you'll wish you had that seventh channel.

[tad]

Don't get anything less than a 12 ch.

[Jim T]

I say go with the DX7 as well. I have a JR 9303, but have fooled around with a friends DX7 as was quite impressed.

Jim

[Skarn]

Don't get anything less than a 12 ch.

LOL! I'm hoping this is a joke!

The DX7 is a great radio...you won't need anything more for quite a long time if ever.

Skarn

[felborn]

Chimming in here as well, DX7 is incredible value in my opinion.

[Skiddz]

DX7. Inexpensive and has nice features. Has memory for 20 models, can do helis, airplanes and sailplanes and is pretty easy to program as well.

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

DX7 Rocks! You can find them used for around $175

[Augman37]

DX7 Rocks! You can find them used for around $175

Thank everyone who answered for their advice.....DX7 it is!! Looks like a very versatile controller and price point is great. Thanks again! Hopefully soon I can contribute to helping others make decisions. I am excited to get into this hobby.

[Augman37]

Any suggestion on Mode 1 vs mode 2. I am just starting so I have not learned either mode yet.

[Augman37]

+1. It's well within your price range and it should last you for many years to come. Another option is the DX6i, but if you ever plan to go nitro or add a separate governor to an electric, you'll wish you had that seventh channel.
Would you suggest the mode 1 or mode 2? I have no experience with either so I am learning fresh. Thanks

[hamslice]

mode 2

[Old Sloppy]

Woodstock is not far from where I live. :)
But I am on the N.E. side of Atlanta.
Go with mode 2 as it is the most common and it actually is easier to make a banked turn with. (this is a fact) :thumbup:
I personaly have a Futaba 2.4 ghz 7CH, it has more features that make it easy for a newbie (or seminewbie like me) to fly with.
and the reciever has really cool antennas that tye-wrap to the landing gear.

Harry

[hamslice]

i didnt edit it fast enough. sorry man i fly mode 2 also i just forgot which was which and was searching for the answer. sorry.

[Augman37]

Woodstock is not far from where I live. :)
But I am on the N.E. side of Atlanta.
Go with mode 2 as it is the most common and it actually is easier to make a banked turn with. (this is a fact) :thumbup:
I personaly have a Futaba 2.4 ghz 7CH, it has more features that make it easy for a newbie (or seminewbie like me) to fly with.
and the reciever has really cool antennas that tye-wrap to the landing gear.

Harry

Where do you fly? I would love to come out and meet you and others in the area. It would also help to see these in action and be able to speak to someone in person about them. I have seen them before but from an observing stand at a show twice. What heli are you using?

Thanks for the advice, I can now go get my mode 2 radio and sim........near future, the real deal.

[beeflyer2]

I'm in Woodstock, so is HF member flyboy907. We fly together several times a week, you are welcome to come join us. PM me for details.

Oh yea, DX7 all the way!

[Old Sloppy]

Where do you fly? I would love to come out and meet you and others in the area. It would also help to see these in action and be able to speak to someone in person about them. I have seen them before but from an observing stand at a show twice. What heli are you using?

Thanks for the advice, I can now go get my mode 2 radio and sim........near future, the real deal.
I fly ( just basic flight and lots of hovering) around my house and at a friend's house near lake Lanier.
The type of flight that you saw at a show is beyond my present skill level.
I know, I have been to the shows myself and WOW are those pilots good.....
Anyway I have a Trex 600e, and then I allso have a Falcon 3D.
My friend has a Logo 600 (not in the air quite yet) and a Blade 400 ( the one that comes with a DX6i transmitter).
the DX6i is just a little too basic for my tastes.

Harry

[Augman37]

Anyway I have a Trex 600e,


Sounds awesome. I have Phoenix ordered and am trying to decide whether to get a Spectrum DX7 without servos and receiver for around $175 to use with the sim for 6 months and then buy a TRex 450SE V2 or 600 and new servos and receiver. It is a better deal if the servos that come with the Spektrum are good but if I should get different ones, it is better for me to just get the Radio alone for now. What do you think?

[ChasHeliCop]

..........and the reciever has really cool antennas that tye-wrap to the landing gear.
Harry

Be careful about straping your antenna to your landing gear. If you crash or land hard and break your landing gear, you can pull the antenna out of the Rx and ruin it. Most just let them hang out the back.

It is a better deal if the servos that come with the Spektrum are good but if I should get different ones, it is better for me to just get the Radio alone for now. What do you think?

If you are going to fly the SIM for 6 months (which I doubt will happen, you will get a heli), I would get the DX7 without the servos. Possibly get one with a receiver if you can find it without servos. Additionally, if you don't know which heli you will buy, the servos may or may not fit your heli. Get the MODE 2 HELI version. there is also an AIRPLANE version available. Hope this helps.

[Old Sloppy]

I think you should buy transmitter without servos.
DX7 transmitters come pacakaged with various recievers, the recievers have different properties, so you gotta decide what reciever you want ( for a DX7)

Decide what servo number is best and buy them to fit the heli's needs.

I bought a Futaba 2.4 ghz 7CH, I really like it however I allso hear a DX7 is good too.
My preference is for the Futaba.
P.M. me if you want to know why...
My servo choice is BLS451 and 9254 plus a 401 for the tail.

Harry ;)

[Augman37]

I am going to try and make it to the heli show on Sunday. let me know if you are going to be there so we can try and meet. Thanks for your help so far.

[Old Sloppy]

Be careful about straping your antenna to your landing gear. Most just let them hang out the back.



Chashelicop,
Do you have any pix of antennas hanging ?

Harry