Views on Eclipse 7 Radio gear

[wazzer]

Hi all

I was hoping that someone here might be able to give me thier views on the Hitec Eclipse 7 Radio set.

I am Currently living in Borneo (check out my restaurant i am the new manager!! www.englishteahouse.org) and every one in the local club seem to use the same set up, probably because localy there is little else available.

I have read mixed reviews about this Radio and am not sure if i should not try and get a diferent set from else where.

What is the suitablity of the eclipse 7 for beginners and realisticly how long will it be before i might out grow what it can offer???


Also can some one tell me the operating frequency used in the UK as most are available out here. There seem to be no rules and regulations about what frequency you should use out here so i thought i may as well get the same frequncy as the uk for when i return in a few years time.
This info is from the local modelshop and i insisted that he must be wrong but he assured me that there are no regs.
This sounds a little strange but if you have spent any time out here you could easily see how nothing has been done about it.

Thanks for any advice given

Cheers

Wazzer
(Ben Warren)

[Dedcalm]

There was a review of this radio a while back in RCMH magazine and I seem to remember it being very positive. Certainly had a decent throttle and pitch curve setting (7 points I seem to remember). I did recommend it to someone a while back as a low cost option but he did not go for it in the end, therefore I have no hands on experience. I have always flown Futaba, recently upgrading from the FF6 (6XS) to the FF9 (9CP).

I would spend as much as you can afford (within reason of course) and get a radio that may initially appear to be beyond what you would ever need. I thought this with the FF6 but grew out of it within a year or so as my experience grew and needs increased.

In the UK we fly on 35MHz, this is the legal frequency for aircraft.

hope this helps

Rob

[chappers]

get rid of it and buy futaba

[wazzer]

Hi Guys thanks for your replys

After i posted that last message i have done a little more research into Radio Gear available in this area.

I have found a Model shop in Singapore which is not to far from where i live (1.5 hour flight or cheap shipping)

The web address is www.rotor.com.sg

They sell both Futaba and JR so tell me what you think of thease prices i think you might like them!!

Quoting rotor.com.sg
Futaba FF9, (9CAP/9CHP) PCM model only.
9CHP set included Tx, Rx R149DP, Tx Rx-1000mah battery, 220V charger, servo S3001 x4, crystal.
@S$787.00,
available in 35Mhz, 40Mhz & 72Mhz,
Sorry, we only supply is in a whole set, do not email us to ask for only want to buy TX and RX only.

Take that price and divide by 3 to give you a UK price of 262 Pounds!!!
When compared to the prices from Skyline this seem not too bad!!

Also they have the PCM 9X from JR

With R-900S spcm receiver, 539 x4, Tx Nicd 8N-600S, Rx Nicd 1100mah & 220V /or 110V charger. (with Japanese manual only, LED display it is in english! )
Available:29/35/36/40/72mhz,
( We do not sell only Transmitter please!)
PCM -9X heli with ES-539 x4, R900 receiver, Tx Rx nicd w/charger, Supply in 29/35/36/40/72mhz.
S$955.00Singapore Dollars
PCM -9X heli with ES-539 x4, Nes-8700G x1 R900 receiver, Tx Rx nicd w/charger, Supply in 29/35/36/40/72mhz.
S$1,105.00Singapore

That works out at 318 pounds and 368 pounds

So i think i will go for the Futaba 9CHP but for the sake of 50 quid or so i may go for the PCM 9X
How do you guys think the 9CHP and the PCM9X compare
I am under the impression that the JR is the better radio but there probably is not much between them.

I think that if i went for either of these units it would be a while before i out grow it!!!

Its a bit strange but when you compare the prices of the flagship models 9Z and PCM10X ther is not such a big diference from uk prices

Also the Gyros are a simular price

But i think you will agree that the cost savings are worth the risk involved with purchasing from abroad especially since you can choose the correct frequncey for your country.


Cheers all

Wazzer

(Ben Warren)

[G-DAVE]

Wasser
Good choice - Pay as much as you can't afford - then you won't be dissappointed later - FUTABA tops.
Dave

[Stuart]

I bought the JR9X over the 9C, as I felt it had better overall functions, a good tip is too download the manuals (on this site under downloads) for each and read them both over and make your decision based on what you feel offers you the best configuration, also be mindful of replacement gearset etc, know that your local store stocks what you might need, for quick repairs for the servo's if you decided to go with the one brand.

[wazzer]

Stuart

Great idea i didnt know you had the manuals on line

will download them immediatley

Many thanks for such an informative website the other members are really helpful

I bet its a thankless job maintaining a site such as this

so

Thanks!!


Cheers
Ben