Spektrum to Futaba

[cupracing]

Really thinking of crossing over to Futaba, and since the 14sg has been released it got me wanting one.

Anyone done the same? Good/bad decision? What do you aspects do you prefer and what do you miss?

[dani_r]

Spektrum to Futaba

Do it! you won't regret it.

[Rotorhead]

What he ^ said.

The only time you will "Brown out" with Futaba is when you nearly crash due to what you're doing on the sticks.

[PKNEC]

Just do it!!!
It's not crossing over,it's going home!

[Jamin_00]

As you prob know Im going through the same thing now but I guess Im lucky as I got the use of a 14SG to see if I get on with. The 14SG is the only Futaba radio I would get. It does not have the quality of the DSX11 IMO having both here now and not the looks either. The screen is cluttered and the graphics do not look as good but these are all minor things really as the main reason, well the only reason is I dont want to have a heli crash due to Spektrum. EVERY time I look at a Vbar log its got at least one error due to Spektrum and after the events of last weekend that may or may not be caused by that but its a HUGE coincidence if it is, then I would kick myself because I chose not to change because it does not look as nice.

But I obviously have to feel comfortable with the radio in my hands and thats why Im going fly this radio for a few weeks to make sure Im happy with it and then make my decision but I have to say everywhere Im looking and reading now Im taking it seriously its almost like why the hell has it taken me so long to do. I suspect I know where I will end up!

[SGD]

There is a recent thread on this theme

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/main-d...new-radio.html

[Si_B]

The biggest issue was the cost of genuine receivers, but as the 14sg will run all the 2.4 rx's that Futaba offer, it keeps the cost down. To be honest my NX4 has been running fine with a Frsky sbus receiver.

After the hassle with my DX8 I would never buy another Spektrum product to run my main machines. No regrets making the switch to my 8fg, now I have the 18mz I'm a very happy chap.

[panosg]

Do it! It's very easy........actually it's damn easy
No regrets what so ever. All makes more sense to my with Futaba.......programming it's a dodle ones you get your head around it!

[Varelco]

I did it few weeks ago.

Glad I did, I got an 8FG and love it, the quality is pretty good and it sits really nice in my hands. Only thing thats been a negative is getting rid of the ratchet feel on the throttle gimbal.

Programming isnt any more difficult just different. Ive got used to the menus and terminology pretty much already. I like S.bus more than Spektrum satellites, just one servo patch lead and thats it. The receiver whiskers are long and are a bit of challenge to fit neatly but thats trivial, Linking the receiver to the Tx is very simple too, the S.Bus receivers are more expensive than a spektrum layout but not by much (£15 more?) when you take into account the cost of 2 DSMX sats with leads.

The only thing that i would of liked to of seen it telemetry on the 8FG, but if your looking at the 14SG (was out of my budget range)then thats not issue as it has it.

The other thing I noticed which was noted on another thread was the accuracy of the pots, this was taken from another thread

"1.Calibration:
When you measure any new radio's output, it should be calibrated to center and end points with respect to pulse width. Easy way to check this is with a vbar when you calibrate your Tx to the vbar. I have helped many, many people setup their vbar's and every spektrum Tx needs loads and loads of sub trim to get center stick to center PWM, and the same goes for end points. The trouble is that they are not consistently out, but rather all over the place. Futaba is not. You may need a click here or a click there, but they are all as they should be."

My Response:

This is one thing i noticed after I recently set up my logo on my new 8FG. Vbar Tx calibration was absolutely bang on, no changes to centre or endpoints needed. My DX6i took 20 minutes to adjust the trims to get the calibration correct and none of the values where anywhere similar to each other, bit unfair to compare it to a DX6i but you cant argue with the results.

[Andy from Sandy]

A genuine full range Futaba 7 channel rx costs £50 and has done for maybe 3 years or more. I have no interest in looking but how does that compare with a Spektrum 7 channel rx and one satellite or maybe 2 if required for full range capability?

[cupracing]

What's the deal with pheonix sim, do I buy another USB lead?

[Varelco]

You buy an adaptor lead. I bought one off ebay for £2.50. Couldnt tell you how well it works as im still bloody waiting for it Would post a link but work has blocked ebay.

[heathy]

Spektrum to Futaba

What's the deal with pheonix sim, do I buy another USB lead?

Keep the spektrum toy for the sim. That's what I did with my dx7.

Do it Andy you will not regret it.

[cupracing]

Keep the spektrum toy for the sim. That's what I did with my dx7.

Do it Andy you will not regret it.

Sounds like an idea but not sure i fancy getting used to a different tx again after being on the sim.

[debrooker]

Is there not the 3rd option, JR, don't they use their own spread spectrum technology.