Futaba or Spektrum

[Smoothound]

I've just stuck a Spektrum module in the back of my PCM9X.

Works fine so far, only issue I may have had was in a high powered plank that just either went out of range as I was using a 6100e Rx or the ESC BEC dipped it's voltage. all works fine now the wreckage has been sorted through

I've been JR since I started, like I guess I'd be Futaba now if I'd bought that when I started.

Only observation I'd make is that the cheaper Futaba sets look and feel cheap and I'd not be prepared to put £500+ into a new Tx(Id like a DSX9 so I could lose my trailing wire but I'd rather spend money on other stuff). I've not even picked up a DX7 so not sure how they feel.

Some people seem to just have money to burn...

[David Drew]

Some people seem to just have money to burn...

Ain't that just this hobby? Just when you think you've got to where you want to go something else gets you opening the wallet up again.

Pretty well decided to stick to Futaba........



.......unless you know different

David

[Leebert]

Played with a DX6i, DX7 and a Futaba 6 ch 2.4 tx (all over this weekend) and I must admit to prefering the DX7. Menus aren't really an issue - you get used to them and they aren't that different.
On Futaba's side it has a good menu and a throttle cut but the tx feels a bit cheap.
On the spektrum, I like the pitch and throttle curve menu and servo position screen and the feel of the tx. I don't like the lack of throttle cut though but you can put it on a switch using a programmable mix.

[Made2Fade]

David did you go for the DX7 then?
Cheers
Lee

[robgt]

I don't like the lack of throttle cut though but you can put it on a switch using a programmable mix.

Or activate "Throttle Recovery" in first menu and then use throttle trim to cut the engine... followed by a single click up to put the trim back where it was, ready to start it up next time

Cheers,
Rob

[Aidi]

One big advantage with Spektrum over Futaba is Model Memory. Futaba dosent have this, and Pete from DMHC has had a couple of close calls with not setting the correct model memory to model using Futaba.

Just something to bear in mind when weighing up the pros and cons

Rgds
Aidi

[Mike W]

You cant compare the 2.4ghz 6exa with the FF7 2.4 as its a whole diff Tx ... Out of all the 6's and 7's I like the look and the feel of the FF7 over the DX7 but thats just my perosnal preference . .Yes if you want a nice Tx then go spend it on a DX9 or 12FG but I would rather have something that cost me £150 than £500+ break anyday of the week... As for the model match for spekky yup good idea .. but it makes you lazy for checking you got the right model selected for use at the start ... Tx on first ... check right model and then Rx on .. just like 35mhz .. all these new fangled bits make us lazy .... Go with what you feel comfy with and like you said if you already own a FF7 then the switch is even easier ... Thing I like with futaba is the fact the frequency jumps so many times a millisecond ...

[David Drew]

One big advantage with Spektrum over Futaba is Model Memory. Futaba dosent have this, and Pete from DMHC has had a couple of close calls with not setting the correct model memory to model using Futaba.

Just something to bear in mind when weighing up the pros and cons

Rgds
Aidi

Fortunately I'm used to checking model in use - and that's a good discipline. Having said that, any extra failsafe is useful.

Anyway. Done it. Swapped the order to an FF7 2.4. Just seems more instinctive to use something I'm used to.

Thanks for all the input everyone. Really appreciated.

David

[t-rex pedro]

One big advantage with Spektrum over Futaba is Model Memory. Futaba dosent have this, and Pete from DMHC has had a couple of close calls with not setting the correct model memory to model using Futaba.

Just something to bear in mind when weighing up the pros and cons

Rgds
Aidi

Big mouth!!!! True though!!

I really like Futaba and it has some excellent features that Spectrum doesn't have but model match would be great. Regardless whether we used to check on 35mhz or not the technology exists so I hope Futaba introduce it.

My opinion - stick with what you know. They all work fine.

[David Drew]

Converted

Three of my helis now on Futaba 2.4ghz. No more aerial leads or dodgy connections on base loaded aerials.

I'll probably be worrrying about the little antennas falling off though

Funny not having an antenna sticking out front.

I just transfered the settings from my FF7 35mhz to the 2.4 but noticed that I still had to adjust certain settings as they didn't match Tx to Tx.

Still, done now so 35Mhz kit going up for sale soon.

Thanks for all the advice guys

David

[Thomas]

You'll be ok, the Futaba aerials have a rubber grommet where they come out of the case and the wire is also much better quality.