Newbie Radio Advice

[martyjward]

Hi,

I'm new(ish) to RC Helicopters and after flying with 3ch for a couple of months I have decided to get a 4ch fixed pitch helicopter (probably the mSR x & Phoneix for practice). I am probably going to get a BNF version so I can buy a programmable transmitter, most likley a Spektrum model so I can use it as I grow.

I know I need at minimum a 6 channel TX and understand this will cover most requirements, but I would like to know if there is any advantage to getting a 7 or 8 channel TX.

[tomatwalden]

I started off with a 6-channel DX6i and that was fine for everything in my current fleet (up to and including my Trex 500). I only recently purchased a DX8, but not because I needed the extra channels ( I don't) - more because I wanted a backlit LCD screen and two flight modes. For me, the DX7 was a non-starter as it doesn't have a backlit LCD.

In short, whilst extra channels are useful - especially if you're interested in scale, and want to control retractable landing gear, onboard lights etc - they're not the driving factor I believe. It's the other little extras you get with the higher end radios that become a factor in my view (for me, the DX6i screen was difficult to read in anything but bright light).

Obviously, I only really know the Spektrum range (most of my helis are Blade), so Futaba, JR etc will have different pros/cons - but the fundamental principle is the same.

HTH. Tom

[David Drew]

7 channels will allow a bigger range of helis / gadgets to be flown.

The most popular are Spektrum because a wide range of smaller BNF models use that technology. I use a Futaba 7ch and that is fine too. Folks also swear by JR.

Pay your money & take your choice.

All the best

David

[tomatwalden]

David - why does 7 channels allow a bigger range?

1 - throttle
2 - rudder
3 - aileron
4 - elevator
5 - gyro gain
6 = ??
7 = ??

OK, I understand the 3GX flybarless unit normally assigns gain to chan.7, meaning you need a seperate RX to use a 6-channel TX, but not sure exactly how more channels offers you a wider range of helis (unless you mean the scale features like retracts etc?)

[David Drew]

David - why does 7 channels allow a bigger range?

(unless you mean the scale features like retracts etc?)

Yes, that. Should have made that clearer.

More electronics available now - so, why buy 6ch if 7ch likely to be needed at a later date?

I made the mistake early on of buying a radio that I soon outgrew. I didn't think about future-proofing it.

[JoeBailey]

Newbie Radio Advice

Governor, bank switching, etc.

More use on nitro and large electric helis.

[LipolyGone]

6/ govenor
7/ night flying lights on off

[heathy]

Newbie Radio Advice

Yes. 8 channel these days for fbl. I use all 8 on my futaba radio. Cyclic banks and tail banks.

[LipolyGone]

Somebody needs to create tree avoidance radar then all 8 are accounted for.
I have no need for bank switching that's all mixed onboard at the moment via thumbs.

[heathy]

Newbie Radio Advice

Martin. You not using it on your v bar machines? It's very good you know

[Bhujang]

I way prefer the dx8 over the dx6. It feels much more quality in the hands and the back lit LCD is essential. Also I find the programming easier as its laid out better as well...

[Andy from Sandy]

The problem for most is that of being impatient and so they rush out and purchase the first thing they can afford.

My advise is if you are going to hang about in this hobby for any length of time is to save a bit longer and get an 8 channel or more transmitter. It is not so much the number of channels but the extra features the manufacturers pack in.

At present when it comes to bang for your buck the Futaba 8FG from Inwood Models at £220 will not be beaten.

[450man]

I have a DX6i and a DX8...

The DX8 is a much better transmitter but you wouldn't need the facilities it offers as a beginner. The DX6i has all the features and facilities you might need until you start to fly much bigger helis.

If you have the money (over £200) and you were 110% certain that you would be sticking with the hobby, then the DX8 would be my choice but to be honest, the DX6i will do everything a beginner might want for under half the price. OK, it isn't backlit but that is easy to add if you are happy to do a bit of soldering (I have added a backlight to my DX6i) and as far as the feel goes... I can't tell a great deal of difference between them. At around £90 I think the DX6i is such great value for money it is by far the best choice for a beginner.

If you get a DX6i there is a good secondhand market... it would sell easily if it is in good nick.

EDIT: Just had Tom point out that you wanted something to grow with in which case yes, the DX8 is a great choice. I started with the DX6i but went to a DX8 within a couple of months once I knew I was sticking with the hobby. If you want to futureproof now then get the DX8.

[tomatwalden]

...

At present when it comes to bang for your buck the Futaba 8FG from Inwood Models at £220 will not be beaten.

So long as you're using mostly Futaba receivers in your helis. If you're using Blade products (eg. orig poster mentions mSR), then you need something that can "talk" DSM2 or DSMX. That means you'll need a Spektrum TX (eg. DX6i,DX8,etc.)

[450man]

So long as you're using mostly Futaba receivers in your helis. If you're using Blade products (eg. orig poster mentions mSR), then you need something that can "talk" DSM2 or DSMX. That means you'll need a Spektrum TX (eg. DX6i,DX8,etc.)

... or a JR or a number of other DSM2/DSMX compatible transmitters. Spektrum isn't the only one but it is by far the best IMHO.