JR X378 or futaba ff9

[markyboy]

Hi i have been waiting for the local shop to get the jr x378 in,and they have not yet managed this.Because of the wait i have a bit more money and was wondering wether to buy the ff9 by futaba instead.It is about 90 more is it worth the extra cash,or is there something else for about 450 maximum i should get instead.If not should i stick with the first plan to get the jr x378 thanks.

mark

[Raptorite]

Hi Mark,

I cant give you a fair and biased view as I am only familiar with the futaba radio, maybe someone else could give you a rundown of the JR set.

The FF9 CHP is a good radio and well worth the money, its easy to understand and programming it is a breeze.

Im sure you wont be disappointed if you get one, make sure you get the CHP instead of the CAP as the difference between the heli and airplane version is the ratchet on the throttle stick and the default setting of heli or airplane.

All FF9 sets can be programmed for either heli, airplane or sailplane so from that point of view it doesnt matter which set you get.

If you do get one with a ratchet then it can easily be removed by taking the back off the set and simply removing the ratchet spring from the throttle gimble.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Stuart]

Having been a Futaba fan for sometime with a FF6 then a FF8 then deciding to change to a JR9X I though would feak me out, but in reality I'm over the moon with my 9X other than a few minor issues.

I suspect I'll check out the manuals later, but the 9C will give you more flexability, plus I think you need to decide with you want PPM or PCM.

The 9X can switch between PCM and PPM at the push of a few buttons.

Both I would say are very good models.....I'll come back to you once I've read through the manuals..

[raptorist]

As a total beginner i'm afraid i can't help you but i was wondering if the ratchet can be removed from my ff6 in the same way as mentioned above? Am I better doing this? Will it aid my learning?

Cheers Chris

P.S sorry for heading off at a tangent!!

[Stuart]

You can remove the ratchet, but what would be better is too open the TX and either flatten out the ratchet so that you get a smooth feel but still with some resistance so that if you where holding the TX upright the stick won't just drop but stay where its positioned.

I remember with my FF8 you got two pieces, one that would give you the ratchet feel or one that would give you a smooth yet controlled feel.

[Raptorite]

The FF9C is modulation selectable within the set, so you can select either PPM or PCM, the difference in the package is just the receiver thats included, the PCM pakage has the 149DP 9 channel PCM and the PPM package has the 148DF 8 channel PPM reciever.

You are right about the ratchet mechanism, there are 2 types, one with the ratchet on and the other with a smooth feel, when I had my 9CHP I juts took the ratchet out and flew without anything there, the stick will stay put on its own, but as Stuart says, it is a nicer feel with one in.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Stuart]

It seems to me that both are good systems, you gonna get more features from the FF9 plus its a newer model and should you upgrade to a Zap this will be appealing to potential buyers too.

[markyboy]

Hi thanks everyone for your help ive just gone and bought the futaba ff9 its real smart looking in it.I was wondering wether i could use the radio on my realflight g2 as i got some leads for futaba with the sim.Or should i wait to use it untill i learn to fly a bit as i am waiting to join the club,to set it up and dont now were the switches should go thanks again.

mark

[Stuart]

Provided you've got the right leads for the FF9 then get it system setup with all your curves plug it in and calibrate it with the software and get flying. The more you can learn on the sim the better.

You'll need to setup in the Tx.

Aircraft Type i.e. Heli
Throttle Curves
Pitch Curves
Throttle Hold
Gyro for Heading Hold

Once you setup the Tx and calibrate it, select a Heli the one with the stick and balls.

Goto that Heli Preferences and save as a new model then select your Tx as the controller.

If you get stuck just shout.

I can see if the wind carries on, I'm gonna have too turn on my G2 soon , once I get some leads for the 9X.

[markyboy]

Hi stuart thanks for the reply i will try and do that the manual looks very complicated though but ill give it ago thanks again.

mark

[philiphenderson]

Stuart,

I recall it being a lot easier to get setup and flying on G2.

Using the configuration wizard all I did was use a default plane model and select the desired switches for idle up, hold, etc.

Select the heli I wanted and away I went.

Phil.

[markyboy]

Hi phil cheers for the reply i will try that

Mark