which 2.4ghz system?

[xahhax]

I have a 7C 72mhz and 3 helis. A 450, a 500 and a 600N.
I am happy with the 7C so far. It is JUUUUST enough for what I need (in terms of # of channels as I have a governor on the nitro).
I have seen however somebody yesterday almost crashing a brand new 600N because of a radio glitch (35mhz) and I have myself crashed my 450 (it did not like the 500 program for some 'odd' reason :roll:)...
So, all together, I would like to move to 2.4ghz.
I also would like something less plasticky than the 7C.
So, I am considering the JR X9303 or DSX9 whatever it's called, or Futaba upcoming 10C or 12C (which is a bit more than what I would like to pay for).
Is the 10C worth the wait or should I go with JR?
I do not plan to fly planes, but I cannot commit to my wife or to the members of this forum that my heli collection is NOT going to grow :YeaBaby:
Many thanks for your feedback!

[oteskate]

You're in the same "boat" as I, xahhax. I am currently flying the 9303 PCM and have both my planes and helis on FM. I have been contemplating the move to 2.4 for awhile now, but just haven't made the jump. Then with the announcement of the JR 12X, I was really psyched about getting that and not having to worry about another radio purchase for many, many years.

However, after speaking with a friend... I am going to forgo the 12X and save myself about $800+ along with it. I am going to make my move to the X9303 2.4. I personally feel that the 9303 is the best "bang for the buck". You get the fastest processor, the easy programming and a good feeling radio. Will the 10 and 12 channel radios feel better?? Sure. They're top of the line, but since they use more channels, they are inherently slower in data transmission and really don't offer alot more for us heli guys. The high end radios are more geared towards increasing the mixing and abilities of plane and jet guys that are flying complex setups. The most channels we heli guys use are what??? 7 at max??

Only from experience, I would suggest the X9303 as it has been a fantastic radio for as long as I have been flying it. I think it will take you as far as you'd like to go in the hobby, unless of course, you get into crazy setups requiring 10 or more channels.

[sparky]

I am extreamly happy with my DSX9 (9303) and would recomend it hands down! It feels good in your hands too, unlike the DX7 that just feels cheap! I have always believed that you get what you pay for!

[marchambault]

Thumbs up for the JR X9303.

It's a little more comfortable to hold than the DX7 and maybe it's because it's new but the sticks seem to have a better feel as well (and my DX7 had dual ball bearings all around!). It's built on a proven platform (XP9303) and it's been around for about a year so you won't feel like a beta tester. Horizon has been great with providing free firmware updates (and free return shipping) to deal with the few issues that have come up in earlier Spektrum receivers.

Generally speaking, the Spektrum / JR receivers are less expensive than the Futaba 2.4Ghz receivers and last I checked, there was a better selection.

The new Futaba 10C will have a backlit display which I don't think is an issue, do you fly in the dark? Plus it's MSRP may be a little less than the X9303, Tower Hobbies currently has it listed as available end of May for $600. The X9303 can be found for a lot less than that (thebarnfloor.com). The Futaba seems to have a few more helicopter swashplate options, but I've never seem any helicopter use those extra options...

Hopefully the Futaba 10C won't have the dual antennas as they are currently showing, that's pretty ugly and clumsy. The Futaba will come with a receiver battery pack, which the X9303 does not (if you get the package with no servos). One nice point for the Futaba is you can set the timer to start based on throttle movement, not so on the JR. The Futaba has a bit more graphics to show on the LCD than the JR does. The Futaba has 3 rotary dials on top of the 2 slide levers, the JR only has the 2 slide levers.

Anyway, not that it means anything butI have yet to see anyone fly a 2.4Ghz Futaba at our local flying field, everyone seems to go for JR / Spektrum.

JR has a 3 year warranty, don't know about the Futaba.

[xahhax]

Thanks all for the responses. I will go futaba 12FG or the 10C. Rational is I can keep the 7C as a trainer for friends... :YeaBaby:

[gmohr]

Another vote for the X9303. I have a DX7 that is my back up now.. the 9303 just feels right in my hands.

[sparky]

the DSX9 (9303) has many more swash functions than my old 9CHP Super and even supports 140 degree swash! My only con is the timer is not controlled by the throttle and i keep forgetting to start it!

[Pinecone]

Do the upcoming Futabas have something like Model Match?

If not, you will still lose ships due to the wrong model memory beign selected. All the JR/Spektrum DSM2 radios (everythign except DX6) have Model Match, you you CANNOT try to fly with the wrong model selected.