Thinking of switching from Spektrum to Aurora

[GT86]

I've been using my trusty DX7 for most of my flying, but find myself wishing for telemetry, the ability to change switch assignments, etc. that some of the newer radios have. I don't trust the DX8 yet (not looking to start a war, just my own opinion), and have come across a good deal on an Aurora 9.

Before I pull the trigger and jump to a new system, are there issues I should be aware of when coming from the Spektrum side? I don't want to go to the time and expense of converting the fleet over only to find out there's a problem. Anything from Spektrum that I'll miss going to Aurora? Hard to learn the new system? Any setup problems?

The Aurora looks like a great unit, has everything I wanted and more it seems. Any Spektrum switchers care to give their feedback?

Thanks!

[nick.m]

well im not a spektrum user but im sure youll love the aurora 9, its so easy to use and every thing has a very easy to use menu,been using mine since day 1 with no problems at all and wouldnt swap it for anything else

[minititinflyer]

the touch screen is the best part eazy to use i love my hitec 9 simple and very flexible to ok seting more then most radios

[speedyboy9]

i switched from dx7 to the aurora 9 and have enjoyed every glitch free moment with it,
however if you intend to go fbl, setups are better/easier with either spek or futaba on most fbl units that require sats

[minititinflyer]

and fbl system should work with the radio im going to use beastx with it

[Bubba Gump]

I have been running this radio for almost 4 years now just fine no glitches what so ever. I have it running with the beastx just fine.

[mte1970]

I have switched from a Spektrum DX8 to a Hitec Aurora 9. Soooo glad I did! Nothing but problems with my DX8. Lost 3 planes because of it losing link for no apparent reason. Changed my TX and ALL my 15 spektrum receivers to Hitec. Havent looked back. Not so much as a glitch in countless flights. Aurora 9 feels much more solidly built too. The DX8 feels "fragile" to me. Cant recommend the Hitec gear enough.

Cheers Matt

[Bubba Gump]

good to see some people on the other side of the pond using this radio. Yea the dx8 feels alot better then the other spektrum radios but not as solid as the A9.

[]{iller3d]

I used to fly spektrum/JR sold all my stuff and went the A9. I am very happy I did, the only down side is, every time i buy a used heli i have to sell the spektrum junk that comes with it.

I have been flying planes and helis with the A9 and love it!

[Adventurer]

I just jumped from a DX6I to the A9.

Surprises that I got were:
1. On the A9, the trainer switch is where my throttle hold was on the DX6I. Takes some getting used to.
2. Only the 9 channel receiver has any form of antenna diversity. Below that - single antenna only. Also the 7ch receiver has connections on both ends of the receiver, which you need to take into account when planning the instalation.

Also DO watch the Finless A9 videos. There are some gotya's in the programming like Seperate and Combined curves that will throw you.

Craig

[A.T.]

Originally Posted by Adventurer

I just jumped from a DX6I to the A9.
Surprises that I got were:
1. On the A9, the trainer switch is where my throttle hold was on the DX6I. Takes some getting used to.
2. Only the 9 channel receiver has any form of antenna diversity. Below that - single antenna only. Also the 7ch receiver has connections on both ends of the receiver, which you need to take into account when planning the instalation.
Also DO watch the Finless A9 videos. There are some gotya's in the programming like Seperate and Combined curves that will throw you. CraigI

All switches are re-assignable and if really needed, the toggle switch is easily relocated or changed to a push button:
Aurora 9 - Switches Re-assign/Swap Switches and or Functions. "F" & "H" - DIY notes.
Aurora 9 - Switch Replace with Push Buttons pictorial.

ex Hitec USA Support Forum Sticky:
Aurora 9, AFHSS Spectra Modules, Optima Transceivers, Minima Receivers & Telemetry - FAQ & Undocumented Features
- Mixes, Setups, Tips. {Individual Links often updated}

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

[Adventurer]

Originally Posted by A.T.

All switches are re-assignable and if really needed, the toggle switch is easily relocated or changed to a push button:
Aurora 9 - Switches Re-assign/Swap Switches and or Functions. "F" & "H" - DIY notes.
Aurora 9 - Switch Replace with Push Buttons pictorial.

ex Hitec USA Support Forum Sticky:
Aurora 9, AFHSS Spectra Modules, Optima Transceivers, Minima Receivers & Telemetry - FAQ & Undocumented Features
- Mixes, Setups, Tips. {Individual Links often updated}

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

I don't think that I'll attacking my 6 flight-old A9 with a soldering iron just yet. I must admit that the push-button mod did get my attention - as a bail-out switch for Co-Pilot-II.

[povern]

No model match on the A9, right?

[Adventurer]

Originally Posted by povern

No model match on the A9, right?

Yes - 'fraid so. This one has me a bit worried as MM has very recently saved me from trying to fly my 450 with the Phoenix model selected.

If we had more channels, then we could just use a different channel for the throttle on each model. I don't think that there's an answer for this - except mindfulness.

[minititinflyer]

model match is not needed if you are watching what your doing all the time

[Sambonator]

I've only had experience with my Spektrum DX6i... but I'm not sure how "model match" is working for me.
If I power up the radio with the wrong model, it won't allow me to connect to the receiver.

Does no MM on the A9 mean that ANY model I choose on the Aurora will operate ALL of the receivers, whether that "model" setting was bound to the receiver in question or not?

Thank you!
Sam

[Full Montee]

Yep Sam you got it.

[Gaz From Brum]

Model Match is not needed if you are carring out your safety checks as you should be.

2.4 is a marked step forward in model safety, this does not mean we should start not bothering with our safety checks. Model flying can be a dangerous hobby when abused or taken for granted.

You should be checking your selected model EVERY time you switch on your TX, do this and you'll never miss model match.

As for switching, don't hestiate the A9 is an awesome radio that will blow your old Spektrum out of the water, instead of Model match you have RX battery voltage, far more important.

[Adventurer]

Originally Posted by Gaz From Brum

Model Match is not needed if you are carring out your safety checks as you should be.

Yes yes, we all know this. However, brain-farts still do happen.

[Adventurer]

I just had another surprise.

I'm busy converting my fleet to the A9 from Spectrum.

Those Optima 6 and 7 receivers are realy big. I was planning on unplugging the Spectrum receiver and replacing them with Optima 7s in the same location. However, there's simply no way to get an Optima 7 inside a 450 Pro, My Spectrum receivers are all inside, but the Optima 7 will not fit, so I need to re-route the wiring outside the frame.

I now notice that I should probably have used Minima receivers, but the LHS remained silent about the existence of these, so I have Optima 7's.