Which transmitter manufacturer?

[Just hovering]

Hi all,

I currently have a Futaba T6EX, it works fine and I have no reason to buy new, but.
I keep seeing second hand transmitters for sale and I keep getting tempted to upgrade.
As I am fairly new to this and only have one helicopter, I thought it was worth investigating a long term choice of transmitter with more channels and features.
So my question, are transmitter manufacturers like Futaba and Spektrum well matched or is there a clear winner when it comes down to it?
I seem to keep spotting Spektrum issues on the forum but not so much about Futaba.
Could people out there make recommendations as to there choice, that will give a direction to investigate further.

Thanks in advance for the usual great advice, I hope

[NiceBlades]

Struggling myself to decide between 14sg or dx9. May just go and feel a 8j but like the voice capability of the dx9. Think if I just had one or 2 heli's I'd buy the dx9 as its easy to setup and has some nice features like the voice alarms and wireless buddying. I believe all the spektrum problems have now been resolved, I may be wrong. I fly with 2 guys that have Dx8's and they work great, they fly from ncpx's to Goblin 500's with no problems, I've even had a go myself and I got to say it feels a very comfortable transmitter. Best go and see and feel these in a shop if you have one local, the dx9 is a bit bigger than the dx8 but then again you may have big hands! Ian.

[kroozing]

It may well be worth considering the Graupner transmitters as they do everything the DX9 does and have done for a while now.

[SGD]

I have both the 14SG and the DX9 and personally I much prefer the feel of the 14SG in my hands but both are comfortable to use

Programing and telemetry wise they both offer a great deal more than I need and both are logical to program and use, but as with all these things, if you are coming from one brand to another it will take time to learn the system.

One thing you may want to consider is if you intend to buy any of the Blade BNF models then the DX9 is the one to go for as they are designed to work together (that's why I bought one... well that's what I keep telling myself anyway!)
Plus the Voice alarms I find useful on the DX9. The 14SG has it but you need to plug in earphones to use but I've never tried it at the field.

A few other things to consider besides the transmitter itself will be the range and cost of receivers and their connection options. The Spektrum range of receivers is much greater than Futaba and generally cost a little less. But on the cost saving side Futaba don't use the satellite system and has the S-Bus system that uses just a single lead to connect to most of the latest FBL controllers.

Both great reliable systems and both have their fan base that will advise you on one or the other but at the end of the day it's down to personal choice regarding feel and ultimately cost. So before you decide try and get hands with both and see what you think

[Sheldrake]

I recently changed to a JR 14! In our club there is a mix of JR and Spectrum both systems work well. In the end it comes down to what feels right in your hands. There is no point buying something because everyone else says it's great to then find you are not comfortable holding it and able to operate the sticks switches etc.
It is also worth checking what other flyers local to you are using to get help when you need it with setting up and maybe being able to buddy?
I would recommend not rushing, the transmitter you have will last long enough to get you going and as your skill progresses you will have a better idea of the features you would like in a replacement.
Hope this helps?

doh SGD beat me to it! I type too slow.

[Just hovering]

I have not considered Graupner, mainly because I have never come across that name before.
Thank you , I will check them out.

[Just hovering]

There is a dx18 for sale on the forum, I keep looking and then I think, why would I ever need 18 channels.
Thanks for the advice.

[cjcj1949]

Spektrum tend to be first to market and Futaba tend to be more conservative. The DX6 has lots of high end features including telemetry and voice announcements. I haven't found a manual yet. Multiplex and Hitec are good as well. I have Spektrum, Futaba and Multiplex transmitters. All have their advantages.

[Just hovering]

Thanks Sheldrake, its a good point about the buddy feature, as I am a beginner that will be important.
I would probably rule out Graupner mentioned earlier, they do not seem widely available in the UK.
I joined the SEMAS flying club today, I will see what is popular and go from there.
Stupid newbie question coming!
How do you use 14 channels?

[Just hovering]

cjcj1949, I was already leaning towards Spektrum, if I were to buy new/second hand I would look at more than 6 channels.

[Just hovering]

Struggling myself to decide between 14sg or dx9. May just go and feel a 8j but like the voice capability of the dx9. Think if I just had one or 2 heli's I'd buy the dx9 as its easy to setup and has some nice features like the voice alarms and wireless buddying. I believe all the spektrum problems have now been resolved, I may be wrong. I fly with 2 guys that have Dx8's and they work great, they fly from ncpx's to Goblin 500's with no problems, I've even had a go myself and I got to say it feels a very comfortable transmitter. Best go and see and feel these in a shop if you have one local, the dx9 is a bit bigger than the dx8 but then again you may have big hands! Ian.

Just watched a video review of the dx9, looks very good.
I'll keep a grip on my money at the moment and wait to see what is popular and the flying club I have just joined.
Trouble is, I am not usually patient so it will be a struggle!

[Planehazza]

Here's another option for you:

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/sale/1...oods-only.html

[Just hovering]

Here's another option for you:

http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/sale/1...oods-only.html

Probably not for me but thank you for the link.
How do you get the signature at the bottom of your post's?