Good radio system?

[inline300]

Gonna offer some history, let ya'll base your responses on that.

After getting a nephew an rc plane for christmas, I realized I enjoyed it as much as he did.

I get a 30 dollar "toy" rc, which happens to fly very well, only down side, propulsion steering (sp?) and brief flight times.

I observe, research, come across two beginner planes that folks modify and seem to love. One being super cub, two being wild hawk (or megatech easy star ((knock off))).

Now for the budget, Im set on something around 100 US. The wild hawk is 70 brand new, the super cub pops up in refurbished or light damage new on ebay for 100, just a matter of it being my turn to win the bidding battle.

Then I begin to read about radio systems and how they are more desirable the deeper into the hobby you get, then realize, much like car stereo equipment, what can cost a few 100 new, can be had for 1/8 the price used.

Given the prices Im seeing, I begin to think, maybe I could get one of these kits, convert this "toy" plane I have (which is insanely strong for its size and glides well) to a 3 ch operation, learn the ins and outs, then when that gets old, I can get an ARF, which happen to be rather inexpensive in many cases, and go from there.

This leads me to what is considered a good radio system new. Seems 2.4ghz is the new wonder boy but there are many 72MHz's floating around and I have to assume, if these were considered state of the art at one time, then they should meet my needs fine, plus they are more inexpensive. I dont fly in a club nor know anyone else into rc, other than my nehews but they are young and other than fly their toy planes, they will hopefully, learn what I know and advance quicker than I.

Im sure I could get a super cub, fly the hell out of it and be tickled indefinitely, but Id also be pretty pumped about modifying the existing plane I have and fly it..........or if the wild hawk is as good as the super cub, I could go that route too.

But now, Id like suggestions on which radio system 72mhz would be ideal for my needs, how much to expect to pay used, and more importantly, why this system is desirable, as Id like to learn, why certain features are desirable. I know the DX* 2.4GHz is considered more desirable and rather inexpensive, so input on those would work, think the downside with those, is not being compatible with certain receivers??

I have searched and I have read some brief input on radio systems, as outlined by the hobbylobby data pages.

Long post I know, but there should be little question as to my perspective and how to respond.

Basically, I could go either way and be happy right now, im just waiting for some sign that makes me feel good about the decision im making.

[flydiver]

I went the 72MHz route for the 'cheapskate' reason. In addition you can get good receivers for about 1/2 of Spectrum (Futaba FAAST is even worse). Somehow the RC community managed with these for a few decades.

Within that sphere there are multiple levels of TX. You would do well to start by reading this:
Don't buy a standard radio!
www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4454

If you DO go Spectrum DON'T buy a DX6 or DX5-too limited.

[mrmugen]

I too went with 72mhz. Not because of cheaper reasons yet proven reasons. I have flown 72mhz for years without issues. Our local club is small enough to allow all of us to fly at once. We all have our own channels. No need for me to go 2.4 on my big radios. I bought a 12FG a few months back and it is on 72mhz for those same reasons. I don't care what anyone says....for me proven systems are my choice. At our field it was rare to see a crash...maybe one every couple months. Once 2.4 radios came out crashes seem to happen weekly. I am not sure why this is but I know for sure I am not adding to the list.

Remember this is only my opinion and not that of this site or anyone else.

I have recommended the same radio to probably 100 people to date and always got a good response from them. I have 3 myself. The Futaba 7c is a solid proven radio with user friendly pc and simple design. I cannot say enough good about them. I got all mine on ebay new in package with no servo's or rx for 100 dollars. I have ordered about 15 of them total between myself and guys in the club. I get to see them in action all the time and have yet to have a issue with any of them.

Just my .02......for what it's worth,
Kevin

P.S. I have a 2.4ghz 7c for my super stryker. I have no plans to use it for anything else for a while. Besides 90 bucks for a rx v/s 25 bucks is a no brainer for me.

Kevin

[SCC]

I'm on the 35mhz in the UK and I have no intention of going over to 2.4.

I started with a Futaba 7 and then went over to the JR 9X (9303 in the US). Fortunately with a lot of flyers getting on the 2.4 spektrauma band wagon means they are letting go of there perfectly working Tx and Rx's ;D

[inline300]

do you three have any opinions on the following (Im looking for the suggested systems but these were found at a reasonable price):

FUTABA-SKYSPORT-6-CHANNEL-FP-T6VA-FP-R127DF-RECEIVER

or

FUTABA CONQUEST 6 CHANNEL FP-T6NLK & FP-R117H RECEIVER

or
this one is used and 55 US shipped
JR-Sport-S400-Reciever-and-Charger-FM-radio-Transmitter

whats the deal with these dynam systems, brand new they cost less than 60 bucks?
cgi.ebay.com/NEW-4-CH-RC-RADIO-PACKAGE-RC-HELICOPTER-AIRPLANE-CAR-JR_W0QQitemZ330300203491QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_Control_Parts_Accessories?hash=item330300203491&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3A1318


thanks

[inline300]

I came across this in my endless search, almost seems too good to be true?

r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61206_61411

[flydiver]

The Dynam >>>>S**T!. Avoid! Truly garbage.
Buddy got one as part of a cheap RTF package that sucks new fliers in. Has had less than 2 hours of use and the R stick already will not return to center.

The JR-S400 - 4 channel, limited future options, limited current options. You WILL actually WANT those features you don't understand and know what they are.
Did you read the link I sent? It helps explain a lot.

Can't comment on Futaba, no experience with those.

[mrmugen]

Those futaba radio's are entry level radios and will not allow you to set up your plane properly. You can fly with them but it is like the old days....no endpoints, no expo, no mixing, just sticks and switches and your at the mercy of your servo's full travel. A pc radio is the best way to get into it nowaday.

Kevin

[flydiver]

Jan 21, 2009 0:52:39 GMT 1 inline300 said:

I came across this in my endless search, almost seems too good to be true?

r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61206_61411

I appreciate your efforts to get a quality product at a dirt cheap price. The only way to do this is to buy a QUALITY KNOWN TX used from someone (I've bought 3 as have 2 of my buddies) off of the RC group and been quite happy. For a really decent 6-10 channel computer TX expect to pay $75-100. If you find something for less be VERY suspicious. Good products hold their value for a reason.

Here's a good example (found this in less than 5"):
Futaba 6EXAP (aircraft) - New no Rx, no servos. CH 23. Includes charger and flags. Still has plastic on face. $78 Shipped
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=985761

This is exactly like one my buddy got. Fine TX. Main limitation is 6 model memory. He, like most people could not figure what he wanted with Expo, dual rated, servo trim, etc. or why he would need more than 3 models. He ran out of memory within 6 months and bought a JR7202, also off the groups for $100. I got one too.

That 2.4 TX just HAS to be another pile of electronic garbage. If it's NOT mainstream, it's not worth having. Hobby City has a similar one also. It comes with ONE RX. No other RX available. Might as well get the PZ TX with a Cub since it will end up being disposable anyway.

[inline300]

Jan 21, 2009 0:57:35 GMT 1 flydiver said:

Did you read the link I sent? It helps explain a lot.

yes, I couldnt really find specific info, I did however read it stressed 2.4ghz where you were touting 72, it kinda puzzled me.

He, like most people could not figure what he wanted with Expo, dual rated, servo trim, etc. or why he would need more than 3 models.

Cant these things be done with the turbonix? I get you can only save the model memory to your PC but I fly in the backyard/field, so thats not an issue.

Thanks


After much searching, Im thinking I might opt for a cox EP trainer, since Im wanting to use an aftermarket radio system, hard to beat the price. Worse case scenario, I trash it, I buy another, still be ahead of the game. Unless the HZ super cub can be obtained off ebay in the near future.

[mrmugen]

Why not build one? Cub tarts are cheap. Easy and fun to build up. Nothing to it and you will have saved a few bucks in the process.

Kevin

[inline300]

the cox EP trainer is only 29 dollars, has ailerons and motor, glue the wing together along with the wing hinge, thats it.

just needs tx rx and 3 mini servos (which they are selling for $3)

is that not a good deal, I thought it was, maybe not?



after a little more research, seem I can live without proportional function, dual rate seems like a good idea though.

off the top of your heads, which tx's offer dual rate but not proportional, if I can save a buck or two?

thanks

[mrmugen]

I say do just that....save a buck or 2. Then once you have enough buy some decent equipment. No sense in starting out with junk.

1. you have to pay for the junk to get started.
2. you toss the junk (which is the same as tossing money in the garbage)
3. you end up buying a decent radio anyway (because you got hooked on R/C)
4. your new radio will allow you to grow into the hobby one step at a time.
5. you are so happy with your new radio you end up buying other planes or building your own since your new radio has room for 9 more planes.

A good deal is different from person to person. If your looking for cheap there are plenty of options out there. If your looking for quality and cheap your gonna look for a while.

Kevin