Which Transmitter ?

[WacUK]

Hello all,

I'm new here so let me introduce myself, my name is Adam and I've been flying a Century Lama IV for a few weeks now and been bitten by the heli bug big time. I've been using the free FMS sim with an esky usb dummy transmitter for over a month now, and I'm getting pretty confident with it.

At the end of January I'm hoping to purchase the Phoenix RC Sim, and also a transmitter that is going to go on the RC journey with me. My question is which transmitter to get ?

I originally was going to get the Futaba FF7, but then decided it may be worth getting the newer FF9. Then I paid a visit to the forums here and discovered the Spektrum DX7, which does look very interesting.

Basically I'm looking for a transmitter that will last me a few years.

Any help would be appreciated.

Adam.

[Smoothound]

Get the best you can afford any one of those 3 will be fine. You can never have too many channels also the DX7 bypasses any glitching problems you may encounter.

[WacUK]

Phil,

Would you reccommend the DX7 over the Futaba transmitters ?

Adam.

[G-DAVE]

The DX7 -- for a newby it must be the answere -- not a huge investment and real value for money.
Dave

[WacUK]

Thanks guys,

I think I'll pick up the Spektrum DX7 and a copy of the Phoenix RC Sim, one question ... What connection would I need to connect the DX7 to the sim, will the default cable that comes with the sim do ?

Oh, and would it be possible to configure the DX7 to fly my Century Lama IV ?

Adam.

[robgt]

I believe the DX7 is based on a JR radio (menu's etc are supposed to be the same), so the default Phoenix connection should do the job.
Someone may correct me on this...

Cheers,
Rob

[WacUK]

Thanks Rob.

Once I get my DX7, what will I have to do to link it to an RC Heli ?

I currently have a small Century Lama IV and I was gonna link to that while I wait until the end of February to get a proper heli, is it even possible ?

Also, what would you reccommend as my first proper heli ?

Your help is very much appreciated.

Adam.

[David Drew]

Hi,

I bought a Futaba FF7 Tx about 8 months ago, before the Dx7 came out....S**t, wish I'd waited. I am seriously tempted to go for a Dx7, no electrical interference, no channel worries, def the way to go with an electric heli.

It will come with a receiver, so for one heli that's all you need . To fly two helis just add another receiver, about £65.

1st heli. If you want to go nitro, then the Raptor 30 is very very popular, and upgradable to a 50 size. In my view, the best nitro starter. (From experience)

If electric, the the Swift 16 or Trex 600, but they can be dearer to buy/build/get ready to fly than a nitro. I coudn't decide so I got a Raptor & a Swift. Best of both worlds.

Enjoy,

David

[ChrisB]

Standard Jr plug fits the Dx7

[WacUK]

Thanks all.

David, I hadn't really considered going nitro ?! Is that wise for someone who is new, I thought I might have to stick with electric until my skill vastly improves.

Anybody else here start with nitro ?

Adam.

[David Drew]

In my very humble opinon, go nitro.

They are easier to set up, less expensive in a real crash - LiPo batteries cost a fortune & are easily damaged.

There is something about a nitro machine that's just more involving. A Raptor is as easy to fly as it can get in an outdoor heli.

Indoor, then no real choice other than a small electric. No good outdoors. Outdoors, def nitro.

I bought my Swift because it is quicker to get flying than a nitro once you are at the field, but it's twitchier, smaller to see, (keep your eye on), and you have to wait for the lipos to recharge unless you have invested a fortune on spares. A nitro, re-fuel & up you go again. Subject to Rx & Tx battery life, but they are quite cheap to buy spares.

I am still learning, and have been since last spring, but would not swap my Raptor to learn on. Crash parts are plentiful & cheap too.

Depends on where you want to fly too. Back garden - small electric, club field or private field - nitro

David

[WacUK]

Thanks David, you've got me thinking about nitro's now.

One question, to fly a nitro do you need to be in a club or is it fine to goto your local field and fly there, I'm just curious about the legal side.

I know being in a club is a very good idea anyway, but to be honest I don't know of any in my area.

Thanks again,

Adam.

[simon_s]

All of the heli flyers in our club started with nitro. Are you a member of a club or will you be joining one? If you are, I would go nitro and get a raptor 30 or 50, with an OS engine. Most clubs have members to help with engine tuning. I haven’t looked into it but I would expect that the set up cost of nitro would be cheaper than electric.

[simon_s]

Have a look on the BMFA site for local clubs

[Thomas]

Have a lok at http://www.bmfa.org/clubs/clist.php

Joining a club is the only way to go, especially if you go with a nitro heli - will be costly and possibly dangerous otherwise.

You will also need to join the BMFA, they provide third party insurance and all clubs will insist on it.