Should I jump ship from Spektrum for 8FG?

Lompma · 10-22-2011, 10:52 AM

I have had 2 crashed related to Spektrum Tx/Rx issues. I have many helis and 3 of them are over $1000 each. Not in the mood for any more crashes (unless pilot error of course). Expensive and very dangerous with the larger helis. I am looking at the 8FG. I know I will have to upgrade to all Futaba Rx. I was looking at the DX8 but wayyyy too many recalls and issues. If an auto company had as many recalls they would be shut down for safety reasons. Absolutely ridiculous!

1.) I fly only helis would 8FG be a good choice?
2.) How do I know I am getting the latest version?
3.) For the Rx it states I need a regulated power source from an ESC. Now on a Spektrum Rx the power comes from the ESC itself (no extra Rx battery) or from an external BEC for the larger/FBL power hungry helis. It also states 3.7v - 7.4v power? Can I set up the Rx just like a Spektrum and use the juice from the ESC. I dont really want an extra Rx battery for each Rx on all my helis. Just confused on this issue.
Thanks to any and all comments

gravydrive · 10-22-2011, 11:26 AM

1.) Absolutely!
2.) The Latest version is the "Super" and is labeled as such on the front of the transmitter.
3.) Same exact setup as far as Rx power. You can use your ESC's BEC or use a Rx battery. Doesn't matter.

I switch to the 8FG after using the DX8 for a few months. Honestly I could not be more satisfied.

ClubCRASH · 10-22-2011, 01:22 PM

One word....YES

povern · 10-22-2011, 01:24 PM

Just remember that the 8fg does not have model match.

Heard of more then one heli going in due to this.....

AusAnt · 10-22-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by povern

Just remember that the 8fg does not have model match.

Heard of more then one heli going in due to this.....

I switched from Spek to the 8FG a few months ago. I was worried about the lack of model match too. But the latest firmware update gives you the option that every time you turn the Tx on, it asks you to select the model you want to fly. To me this is almost as good as model match because it makes me consciously think about it and make sure it's right. It's just a simple double tap on return to fly the same model as last time. So I'm now not paranoid about flying on the wrong model.

Overall I'm really happy with the radio. Any 8FG or 8FG super can be updated by the user to the latest firmware, so they can all be the latest version.

olemil · 10-22-2011, 10:40 PM

/\ Ditto /\. I've owned my DX8 for about 8 months, never had any problems with it other than a recall. Then I started researching Futaba and bought the 8FG super about 6 weeks ago and love it. Granted the programming will take some head scratching at first but once you catch on it's just as easy as a Spektrum. One of the things I like about the 8FG is switch selection, you can pretty much assign any function to any switch unlike the DX8. One small negative I have with the 8FG is only being able to set the throttle position in the fail safe set up using the 7ch frequency mode, wish you could set the servo positions. You won't be sorry with a 8FG for sure, now if you are rich the 18mz would be the way for me........

.

Forgot: as mentioned below, yes the timer alarm is a very big negative!! Not sure why they made it so dim because it is very hard to hear. I can live with it but not very happy about it for the money.

Phaedrus · 10-22-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClubCRASH

One word....YES

Two words:

Absofreakinlutely YES!!

Steve Evans · 10-22-2011, 02:13 PM

"latest" isn't an issue as they are functionally identical if running the same firmware. This is a free download of course; you just need an SD card, an excellent use for those old 32Mbyte cards you may have got with a camera and never used.

Steve

scotte · 11-06-2011, 05:01 AM

Another deserter from DX7 had it for 4 years and was happy with it till the rf output board went. I was considering the dx8 till it had the issues So for me 8fg was a no brainer and I'm more than happy with it. Love the firmware updates and smooth Guyana gimbles

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

heliguychris · 11-06-2011, 05:21 AM

do it, i love my 8fg,

nick779 · 11-07-2011, 07:41 PM

im in this exact situation but its between sticking with the dx8, or getting a x9503 or a 8FGS

and im leaning towards the futaba...

flyalan · 11-07-2011, 08:15 PM

UfcGuy39 · 11-08-2011, 12:22 AM

Excellent radio. Moved on from Spektrum about 4 years ago to the Fut. 7C, which is now my
sim radio. Love them both, but the 8fgh has been great.

nick779 · 11-08-2011, 11:49 AM

Is the large lever on the right side of the 8fg really a momentary switch? Because im used to my TH being there...

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

flyalan · 11-08-2011, 11:59 AM

The larger one on the right I believe is momentary. Will check that for you when I get home. I put TH on the smaller switch that is in front of it. It is a three way but I put hold on two of the three positions... that is why I had someone comment on the TH being a tight fit since you must get your finger between the larger toggle in the back and the smaller in the front. Hope that makes sense...

stevec · 11-08-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick779

Is the large lever on the right side of the 8fg really a momentary switch? Because im used to my TH being there...

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Same here but you are right it is a momentary switch... I will just have to get used to it, a small price to pay for a radio that isn't going to randomly destroy my fleet...

/Steve

olemil · 11-08-2011, 01:08 PM

I too used the smaller switch (SG) for TH. I also set it up on SF (large switch left side rear UI3) and am training myself to use the large SF switch. Having SG for a back up in case I forget and grab the wrong switch. Shame they made the back right switch a momentary, but I use that to re-set my timer..lol. Anyway, love the 8FG Super, you won't be disappointed!!

frypan · 11-08-2011, 01:54 PM

8FG is the only thing I will fly,
I REFUSE to fly a spek, due to I like my helis and dont want them to
die, from a radio issue. Futaba ive been flying it for about 10 years with airplanks,
never one glitch, lockout. anything, just solid.
If you care about your helis make the right choice and go futaba

nick779 · 11-08-2011, 05:51 PM

is there any way to mod a 2 position switch to that one? or even switch the left long lever and the right side long lever switch?

if you cant, is there a way to make the momentary, an on/off momentary, like 1 back and fourth is TH, another foreward and back is TH off?

flyalan · 11-09-2011, 05:13 AM

Agree on that weak alarm! That will me my mext mod.
Will snap a pic of two later today.

10-22-2011, 10:52 AM	#1
Lompma Registered Users Join Date: May 2010 Location: U.S.	Should I jump ship from Spektrum for 8FG? I have had 2 crashed related to Spektrum Tx/Rx issues. I have many helis and 3 of them are over $1000 each. Not in the mood for any more crashes (unless pilot error of course). Expensive and very dangerous with the larger helis. I am looking at the 8FG. I know I will have to upgrade to all Futaba Rx. I was looking at the DX8 but wayyyy too many recalls and issues. If an auto company had as many recalls they would be shut down for safety reasons. Absolutely ridiculous! 1.) I fly only helis would 8FG be a good choice? 2.) How do I know I am getting the latest version? 3.) For the Rx it states I need a regulated power source from an ESC. Now on a Spektrum Rx the power comes from the ESC itself (no extra Rx battery) or from an external BEC for the larger/FBL power hungry helis. It also states 3.7v - 7.4v power? Can I set up the Rx just like a Spektrum and use the juice from the ESC. I dont really want an extra Rx battery for each Rx on all my helis. Just confused on this issue. Thanks to any and all comments __________________ Mini Protos 4S MKS servos Mini V-Bar Blade 130X HP08 Protos 500 Kony60LV(awesome heli!!) Logo 600SX and Logo 500

10-22-2011, 01:22 PM	#3
ClubCRASH Registered Users Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada	One word....YES __________________ Team Synergy, Canada Team Scorpion motors Team Pulse batteries

10-22-2011, 01:24 PM	#4
povern Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Little Falls, MN	Just remember that the 8fg does not have model match. Heard of more then one heli going in due to this..... __________________ Screw It, I'm gonna fly. Logo 6003d and 600se: BLS all around, Pyro and HeliJive

10-22-2011, 10:40 PM	#6
olemil Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Michigan	/\ Ditto /\. I've owned my DX8 for about 8 months, never had any problems with it other than a recall. Then I started researching Futaba and bought the 8FG super about 6 weeks ago and love it. Granted the programming will take some head scratching at first but once you catch on it's just as easy as a Spektrum. One of the things I like about the 8FG is switch selection, you can pretty much assign any function to any switch unlike the DX8. One small negative I have with the 8FG is only being able to set the throttle position in the fail safe set up using the 7ch frequency mode, wish you could set the servo positions. You won't be sorry with a 8FG for sure, now if you are rich the 18mz would be the way for me......... *Forgot: as mentioned below, yes the timer alarm is a very big negative!! Not sure why they made it so dim because it is very hard to hear. I can live with it but not very happy about it for the money. __________________ Beam E4-(Scorpion HK-2221-6,11T pinion, Phoenix 60, HS65MG cyclics, GY520),120SR, Trex 250SE (stock) MH bottom plate,GY-520,Futaba R6106,* MCPx,DX7se,Futaba 8FG Super, DJI Flamewheel F450 w/Naza/GPS, HPI Vorza on Futaba 4PL. Last edited by olemil; 10-23-2011 at 09:38 AM..

10-22-2011, 02:13 PM	#8
Steve Evans Registered Users Join Date: May 2007 Location: Leighton Buzzard UK	"latest" isn't an issue as they are functionally identical if running the same firmware. This is a free download of course; you just need an SD card, an excellent use for those old 32Mbyte cards you may have got with a camera and never used. Steve __________________ Trex 450SEv2/HS65-MGs cyclic/Spartan Quark/DS520 tail Trex 450ProV2 DFC/CGY750 FBL/DS410s cyclic/DS520 tail Trex 500ESP DFC/CGY750 FBL/YGE-120LV ESC/DS510s cyclic/DS650 tail Futaba 8FG 2.4GHz

10-22-2011, 11:26 AM	#2
gravydrive Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL	1.) Absolutely! 2.) The Latest version is the "Super" and is labeled as such on the front of the transmitter. 3.) Same exact setup as far as Rx power. You can use your ESC's BEC or use a Rx battery. Doesn't matter. I switch to the 8FG after using the DX8 for a few months. Honestly I could not be more satisfied.

11-06-2011, 05:01 AM	#9
scotte Registered Users Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kempsey , Australia	Another deserter from DX7 had it for 4 years and was happy with it till the rf output board went. I was considering the dx8 till it had the issues So for me 8fg was a no brainer and I'm more than happy with it. Love the firmware updates and smooth Guyana gimbles Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Srimok FAI-FA Vbar \| Logo400 SE Vbar

11-06-2011, 05:21 AM	#10
heliguychris Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2007	do it, i love my 8fg,

11-07-2011, 07:41 PM	#11
nick779 Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	im in this exact situation but its between sticking with the dx8, or getting a x9503 or a 8FGS and im leaning towards the futaba... __________________ DX8i, 8FGS, Phoenix, icharger Trex 450 pro V2, µBeast, HS-5065's, Ice Lite 50, GensAce, Exi FG 325's 450MX Prôtos 500 6s 16T µBeast, 9650s H6080, Ice Lite 75, WR 5A BEC, SAB

11-07-2011, 08:15 PM	#12
flyalan Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Nashville, TN	8FG __________________ TEAM SYNERGY-TEAM SCORPION

11-08-2011, 12:22 AM	#13
UfcGuy39 Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Burlington, WI.	Excellent radio. Moved on from Spektrum about 4 years ago to the Fut. 7C, which is now my sim radio. Love them both, but the 8fgh has been great. __________________ T-Rex 600NSP - Spartan SOLD T-Rex 600EFL PRO μBeast T-Rex 550E μBeast Futaba 8FG - Bls251 - 8900G

11-08-2011, 11:49 AM	#14
nick779 Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	Is the large lever on the right side of the 8fg really a momentary switch? Because im used to my TH being there... Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk __________________ DX8i, 8FGS, Phoenix, icharger Trex 450 pro V2, µBeast, HS-5065's, Ice Lite 50, GensAce, Exi FG 325's 450MX Prôtos 500 6s 16T µBeast, 9650s H6080, Ice Lite 75, WR 5A BEC, SAB

11-08-2011, 11:59 AM	#15
flyalan Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Nashville, TN	8FG The larger one on the right I believe is momentary. Will check that for you when I get home. I put TH on the smaller switch that is in front of it. It is a three way but I put hold on two of the three positions... that is why I had someone comment on the TH being a tight fit since you must get your finger between the larger toggle in the back and the smaller in the front. Hope that makes sense... __________________ TEAM SYNERGY-TEAM SCORPION

11-08-2011, 01:08 PM	#17
olemil Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Michigan	I too used the smaller switch (SG) for TH. I also set it up on SF (large switch left side rear UI3) and am training myself to use the large SF switch. Having SG for a back up in case I forget and grab the wrong switch. Shame they made the back right switch a momentary, but I use that to re-set my timer..lol. Anyway, love the 8FG Super, you won't be disappointed!! __________________ Beam E4-(Scorpion HK-2221-6,11T pinion, Phoenix 60, HS65MG cyclics, GY520),120SR, Trex 250SE (stock) MH bottom plate,GY-520,Futaba R6106, MCPx,DX7se,Futaba 8FG Super, DJI Flamewheel F450 w/Naza/GPS, HPI Vorza on Futaba 4PL.

11-08-2011, 01:54 PM	#18
frypan Registered Users ):> Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Midwestern Florida.	8FG is the only thing I will fly, I REFUSE to fly a spek, due to I like my helis and dont want them to die, from a radio issue. Futaba ive been flying it for about 10 years with airplanks, never one glitch, lockout. anything, just solid. If you care about your helis make the right choice and go futaba __________________ 700n To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Dan }:>

11-08-2011, 05:51 PM	#19
nick779 Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	is there any way to mod a 2 position switch to that one? or even switch the left long lever and the right side long lever switch? if you cant, is there a way to make the momentary, an on/off momentary, like 1 back and fourth is TH, another foreward and back is TH off? __________________ DX8i, 8FGS, Phoenix, icharger Trex 450 pro V2, µBeast, HS-5065's, Ice Lite 50, GensAce, Exi FG 325's 450MX Prôtos 500 6s 16T µBeast, 9650s H6080, Ice Lite 75, WR 5A BEC, SAB

11-09-2011, 05:13 AM	#20
flyalan Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Nashville, TN	Agree on that weak alarm! That will me my mext mod. Will snap a pic of two later today. __________________ TEAM SYNERGY-TEAM SCORPION

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