Ready to upgrade Tx/Rx

[killioughtta]

So I'm ready to upgrade to a 6Ch transmitter and receiver for my Cub and wanted to inform myself before I buy. With a $100 budget, I had the DX5e in mind. Since this forum is (to me, at least) the Super Cub authority, I read all about what others are saying here and found out it's not such a good idea to use that radio. I kept looking around...

TowerHobbies has good radios but none at the price I want. I didn't even bother with Horizon Hobby. I went to HobbyCity and saw they have cheap radios and ended up on the HobbyKing HK-T6A 6CH Tx/Rx option. It's computer programmable and at only $32.95 seems too good to be true.

I also found the Exceed RC 6CH Tx/Rx at HibbyPartz.com for 59.95 which is also a great deal for a better product.

I also saw some Esky transmitters and others. What's good/no good?

I was wondering what you all think of these models. If anyone has used or seen these radios in person, can you tell me if they're any good?

Additional Questions:

• Do I need to buy an ESC too?
  
• Will the Super Cub's stock servos work with other Rx?
  
• If these Tx/Rx is no good, what's a good one (under $100)?
  

The SC is my first and only model plane and I have never owned any hobby-grade RC models so I'm still learning.

www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9042&Product_Name=Hobby_King_2.4Ghz_6Ch_Tx_&_Rx_(Mode_2)

[flydiver]

Read this about the HC and make your own conclusions:
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1051701

My own opinion is that if it's new, under $100, it's likely mostly very limited if it's any good.
If it's under $100 and has all kinds of features it's likely crap.

The only safe way I know of to get a decent TX under $100 is to buy a 72MHz system someone moving to 2.4 is selling.

Edit: Here you go, basic, decent, and dirt cheap
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1056146

The RX goes for more than that. Hell, JR Xtals go for $12-15.

Also read this:
www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4454

The ONLY thing you can save with a Cub mod is the motor. Everything else has to go.

DX5 is a fine TX. It's limitation is ONE model memory, no extra (desireable) features, and you are stuck with Spectrum RX ONLY. Cheap TX, expensive RX.
FWIW these are sold all the time for $40-50 in the groups, brand new. People get them as part of a package and already have a DX-something.

I find it interesting that folks go for the cheap DX6i, a kind of clunky TX IMO that is starting to show some flaws, and end up having to buy expensive RX.

With TX, save a buck, regret it later.

If you are only upgrading the TX/RX and NOT the batteries and/or motor, don't think I'd bother. You won't get a remarkably better flying experience. That's the fatal flaw with the Cub, a REAL upgrade is expensive. The cheapest part is the chunk of foam that is the airplane.

The best reason to upgrade TX is you realize you are into the sport, plan to stay with it, and recognize the limitations of the stock electrics. If they are working for you, well, they fly the plane, and the plane doesn't fly remarkably better with JUST new TX/RX/servos.

[killioughtta]

Jun 4, 2009 19:26:02 GMT 1 flydiver said:

With TX, save a buck, regret it later.

If you are only upgrading the TX/RX and NOT the batteries and/or motor, don't think I'd bother. You won't get a remarkably better flying experience.

I appreciate your input. I think I agree with you, after reading those posts on RCG. I think the HK radio (and the Exceed RC, both copies of eachother) is still a good deal for the price; even if it only lasts a year and I can't use it on another model.

I do think a 6 Channel radio system will make the SC much more fun since I can add ailerons and other mods like flaps and bay door, etc. A better radio system can come later, when I buy another model. I like JR, it might be my next choice.

Either way, I think for now the best upgrade I can do to the Cub is adding LiPo power and a new prop.

[flydiver]

You want ailerons, you pretty much have to upgrade. And if you want those features it's got to be more fully featured.

Personally I think flaps on a small plane are primarily an exercise in TX programming. If using 4 servos (you have to with flaps) You DO know this means you SHOULD go to a UBEC or high amp SWITCHING ESC don't you? This has been discussed at some length. More cost.

I constantly see people saying, 'I want this, and this, and this, and I want it cheap too". Kind of tough to have it all.

[admiralev]

JR makes some great radios. I lost a plane with a Dx6i that fell under those that needed to be recalled....too late for me. was able to pick up a JR 6102 on ebay clearance brand new for $90 with shipping. it was an absolute steal. this particular seller was dumping off 72 mhz to sell 2.4 like nobody's business. flew around with the JR in 3 models but then bought a great planes venus II arf and needed more than 6 channels for mixes. JR is only selling their 2.4 radios now and the next size up above 7 ch is their 9 ch 2.4 system...a $600 investment. I havent finished the venus yet but when i do im going to need 7 ch system and might as well go 2.4 at this point.

ive been looking at futaba and they seem to have a really good reputation. needless to say you dont need 2.4 to fly a plane. they 72 JR i have has never given me any problems and like fly said RX are cheap and you can use multiple brands on one tx.

if you can get off of the need for 2.4 tower makes some 6 ch computer radios that are built with futaba guts. read my sales pitch here: supercubclub.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=w&action=display&thread=2280&page=1. i wouldnt be afraid to fly a tower. i know many who have used them without a hitch.

good luck researching

admiral