Need some advice - radio equipment

[AndyKay]

Hi guys,
Im looking to get back into RC heli flying - its been tucked away for a few years.
I tried earlier this year but had a problem with my SANWA radio equipment - it just wouldnt work - the heli wouldnt even twitch when switching power on etc (even though batt was fully charged - light was on gyro).
So im looking to get a decent new TX/RX

What are your recommendations - budget is around £150 - 200.

Do I get another SANWA - but then maybe have this same problem?
Or do I get FUTABA? I hear they're pretty good but not as easy to setup as SANWA (I am nearly a beginner again as its been a few years!) If I do get FUTABA Tx/Rx, do I need to change my SANWA servo's?

PS. I have a Raptor 30

[SparkleBee]

Spektrum DX6i or DX7.

[sacko]

Spektrum DX7 with Ar7000rx

[AndyKay]

OK how much are the DX7's and will it work with my existing Sanwa servo's?

[sacko]

Take a look over on the BMFA classifieds for a secondhand one. They normally go for £130-£150, and the Ar7000 goes for around £45-£50.

[SadSack]

Dx7 even though pootaba is better...love my 12fg.
Guy on here can drive dx7 very well so get Dx7 rather than dx6i

[Butuz]

Dx6i is amazing value for money really.

I love my DX7se.

At the budget end of the market - Futaba lose IMHO.

Butuz

[Steve]

Is your Sanwa radio set to the wrong type of frequency - PCM instead of PPM etc?

[AndyKay]

Thanks for all of the advice

I think the DX7 is out of my price range as I cant get any 2nd hand ones for less than £200, then theres the additional cost of the Rx.

DX6i it is then - off to pick one up tomorrow

Is your Sanwa radio set to the wrong type of frequency - PCM instead of PPM etc?

hmmm, im not 100% sure. I did try every setting on the Tx, and its intermittent problem (i.e. one min it works, then for the next few days it doesnt...) I've given up on it as if it happens mid-flight it could be rather disastrous!

[lex7919]

The DX6i is a great radio for an entry level, if you plan to stick with it though youd be better getting the DX7 imho, second hand there are loads under 200, and the rxs are fairly cheap compared to other brands.

[Disc]

Futaba 7cap is my recommendation find one on BMFA for the right money

[Mike W]

same as Mark on this one ... look for a FF7 ... tbh spekky make cheaper Rx's and alot more of them which futaba loses on .... go to your local club and see what they use ... At my club its a split between futaba and spekky ....

[Disc]

I always tell people to stay away from the DX6i and Futaba 6exa because in 3-6 months people tend to upgrade so why buy something that you won't even keep for any real amount of time. Plus both trannys are limiting and for not a lot more you can get far better trannys.

[Andy from Sandy]

My recommendation is if you can't afford a decent radio then keep saving until you can!

If you rush now you may regret it later.

I would have to say when it comes to programming features the most cost effective radio today is the Futaba 8FG. Most of what it can do will not be apparent to you now but will be of interest to the purists who like to get rid of all interaction in their eCCPM setups.

[Leebert]

Instead of spending the cash, is there a local club you can pop to and ask for help with your current tx/rx? It might be something simple and no outlay at all If there is a problem, then look at replacement.

As for recommendations, I think either a Spektrum DX7 with an AR6200 or AR7000 rx would be fine or a Futaba T7C and 617 rx. Both are easy to use and programme. You can get the T7C set (tx and rx only) for less than £200 at Midland and there may be other deals to be had. Inwood models, Model Shop Leeds and AVA usually have a deal or two.
The only down side is if you want to expand your fleet later on the Futaba 617 receivers tend to be more expensive. You may be able to pick up an older 607 rx secondhand though.

One thing I would advise is if you get your Sanwa set working is to replace your original tx and rx batteries or at least cycle them on a charger/discharger. If they have been standing for a long time they may be well past their best.

Hope that helps

EDIT: just noticed your Sanwa set is intermittiantly faulty. Don't risk it!