DX7 air instead of heli

[Fyrfytr]

I rolled the dice and ended up buying a DX7 airplane version instead of the heli version I wanted. I haven't programmed it yet because I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it. I can live with the ratchet left stick but I'm not sure if the toggle switches are all that good for heli's. I plan on adding a few planes in time but for now I just fly an Align 600. I thought I'd ask and get some opinions if anyone has any good thoughts.
Thanks in advance.

[Steve_C]

With the exception of the switches being swapped and labeled differently, and the ratchet they are the same radio. You just open up the case and install the provided non-ratchet collective/throttle tentioner. The switches can be mapped so that's not a problem.

[1BADAIR]

i think the heli comes with the rachet optional but not the other way. I hae haerd that some just put some shrink tube over it

[Fyrfytr]

Well that makes me feel much better, thanks for the replies!

[JackdaWack]

The airplane version has the ratchet option, i know because my heli version didnt come with the ratchet part, you can easily remove it for the same "feel" as the heli version, i would do it. You can also easily swap switches as well. It's really no biggy, now if i ordered a mode 1 instead of 2 i might be inclined to worry.

[brian94066]

i'm using a DX7 airplane version, i did switch the ratchet out for the included smooth non ratchet part

throttle hold still the same, the only different thing is the gear switch and the idle up switch are switched

idle up on the front, it's the long switch, and gear is on top left

[kygreen229]

+1 im using the airplane version as well. same deal just put the non-ratchet tensioner in and its basically the same radio.

[PittJitsu]

I bought mine used and it was a plane with the ratchet. Then I bought a new one from Horizon, Heli Mod2, still came with the ratchet. All You need to do it open the cover, look at the mechanics of it. Its simply a metal bar with a sharp bend in it, shown below on the left. This rubs against ridges to make the ratchet effect. The simplest way is to take off that bar, reverse it, and reinstall it after hand bending it to relieve some tension. You no longer will have the ratcheting effect. For what it's worth, the Plane model is more practical to me switch wise, so when I do fly with one, I always go for the plane model. So much so that when I bought a 9303, I purposely went for the Plane model.

[marchambault]

Originally Posted by PittJitsu

The simplest way is to take off that bar, reverse it, and reinstall it after hand bending it to relieve some tension.

The simplest way, as mentioned earlier in the thread, is to use the parts provided with the radio: ie: the smooth tension spring.

[Fyrfytr]

Wow, thanks again! I think I'll keep the radio and leave it the way it is for now. I believe the ratchet might help with my throttle management. I tend to go a little overboard with my left thumb. I purchased the Tx used so I didn't get the extra smooth tension spring. If I feel like changin I'll hit Horizon Hobby up for a spring when I order from them again.

[PittJitsu]

Originally Posted by marchambault

The simplest way, as mentioned earlier in the thread, is to use the parts provided with the radio: ie: the smooth tension spring.

Your assuming it was bought new, retail and included the part which many early ones did not come supplied with. But yes, your way would in fact be simpererer.

[marchambault]

Horizon Hobby will ship it to you for a few dollars.

[Bob O]

I'm using the Air version with smooth throttle spring to fly my helis. It works just the same as the Heli version, just two switches are in different places.

[PittJitsu]

Originally Posted by Bob O

I'm using the Air version with smooth throttle spring to fly my helis. It works just the same as the Heli version, just two switches are in different places.

I don't know about you, but I like the switches in the Plane config.

[Bob O]

Originally Posted by PittJitsu

I don't know about you, but I like the switches in the Plane config.

I especially like where the flight mode switch is!

[stg099]

There's also just enough slack in the wiring of the switches to be able to change their locations so that the Idle up switch is in the "normal" heli position.
I bought mine as an airplane version, moved the switches, swtiched it to smooth throttle, and now it's no different that the heli version, works like a charm.