Help choosing a radio...

[dmechnic]

Yes, yet another "What radio should I get?" thread...my apologies. I want to go Spektrum, decades ago was a Futaba & JR user. Likely going to be going into a 30cc Ultra Stick so by my numbers am looking at a minimum of 8 channels:
1 = Throttle
2 = Tech Aero Ultra IBEC
3 = Rudder
4 = Elevator
5/6 = Ailerons
7/8 = Flaps
Manual choke

Going DSMX but which model? I don't suspect my crack addiction will have me going much bigger/faster/more expensive (aka giant scale, turbines, etc). At most MAYBE something with retracts?? So perhaps a 10ch Tx just to have a little head room. Also, does everyone agree to ONLY get new, no refurbed units? Possible option: Refurb SPMR10100SC @ $440 vs new SPMR10100 @ $550

Considering SPMR10100 Tx with AR10400T PowerSafe Rx...a little pricey at $700 but that puts the Rx at $150 vs Tx alone. Now, right now I can't see needing telemetry, but reading it seems many are all for it. I understand I could go with different Rx and save but I'm not sure how comfortable I am with that. Also, what is the story with redundant Rx with Spektrum systems? Is that old news and no longer an issue or still something I need to keep in mind?

PS. Looks like Futaba only has the 10JA for a 10ch option...cheaper at $430 but IDK

Thanks again!!

[Evan D]

For transmitter get the most channels you can reasonably afford. Then there are the "android" based iX series and the what I call normal NX line. They are very different and people have strong opinions about which way to go. I suggest finding someone at your field that has either and try programming a model from scratch with them. I was early Futaba am then fm then their computer radios until 2.4 came out, I tried various brands and a lot depended on price to convert. Hobby King had their DSM2 receivers that were very inexpensive $6-10 each and with about 60 flying planes at the time I decided on that protocol. JR made the first Spektrum radios and both used DSM2 (before DSMX). Then DSMX came out and JR with the 9503. The quality was better than the DX7 (old grey cased one) and I needed the extra channels so I got the 9503. I was also given a newer DX7 when it came out with DSMX. After that I've had four DX-18's and I have about 100 aircraft with receivers in them. I'd say 80% are Hobby King Orange, 10% are Spektrum brand and the rest some other brand.

The NX are basically a next gen DX, roller programming and no touch screen. iX is very different with everything on an app and touch screen. You really should try both.

Remember there are other brands of receivers that use Spek's protocol. You will have people say they don't trust them or you get what you pay for. I disagree as I said above. But the advantage with a Spek receiver is their SAFE and AS3X and other built in features. I don't use them and don't put gyros in my planes so the more low end tech of the Orange are great for me. I can also pick up a 12ch Orange for about $30-40, mostly on the RCG classifieds. Also, I almost always find I get a better range test result from Orange. I also have quite a few Redcon, especially satellites, and get awesome results from them.

Let me end by saying don't be afraid to buy a used Spek transmitter, even out of warranty or discontinued, as Horizon almost 100% will repair them for free once you ship it to them.

[dmechnic]

Ok, was doing more looking and now I see the Futaba 12KA 14-Channel T-FHSS S-FHSS Telemetry System at Tower (haven't looked for other sellers yet) and it is much less expensive than the Spektrum I listed while having 4 more channels. Is there a reason for this? I've seen the posts discussing the programming differences between the two manufacturers and the smartphone app functionality of the Spektrum that Futaba does not have. But at least for me, that kind of option is not worth $240 and losing 4 channels. Anybody with any kind of rebuttal that's more than just fandom please speak up. Not having been in the hobby for so long and the advent of OpenTX leaves me a bit lost. From the reading I've done so far, it seems that the functionality that is offered by the different systems are really more for very invested fliers. I don't see myself ever getting competitive or going with huge scale planes where I'm looking for minute features (one thread got into programming bay doors to activate in a way that would correlate to the hydraulic system of the actual plane and when it would be powered up). I have a funny feeling that speaking with people will generate the same sense of info overload. Team A will like theirs because of "this" and Team B will like theirs because of "that" and neither will apply to me now and I will not be able to envision how they might in the future. Even better, if/when I do get to a point where they will apply, the tech will have changed, and I'll be looking at something different yet again. So I guess I just have to buy for what I THINK I might need in the next 5 years and just pull the trigger.

I have been visiting the field daily hoping to catch somebody so I can get hands-on for feel but so far, no luck...planning on attending the next meeting in June. With luck the weather will be nice this weekend and some folks will be out.

[Reptielenfreak]

The more channels the better. I tought i a long time about it and decided to go with the 8channel. Now as im learning new things to add, i wished i would of gone with the nx10 but so far the NX8 doesnt dissapoint, just wish there where some more channels 😅

[kallend]

Kallend's Law of Channel Creep: You will always find something that requires more channels than you have.

[DCORSAIR]

Ok, was doing more looking and now I see the Futaba 12KA 14-Channel T-FHSS S-FHSS Telemetry System at Tower (haven't looked for other sellers yet) and it is much less expensive than the Spektrum I listed while having 4 more channels. Is there a reason for this? I've seen the posts discussing the programming differences between the two manufacturers and the smartphone app functionality of the Spektrum that Futaba does not have. But at least for me, that kind of option is not worth $240 and losing 4 channels. Anybody with any kind of rebuttal that's more than just fandom please speak up. Not having been in the hobby for so long and the advent of OpenTX leaves me a bit lost. From the reading I've done so far, it seems that the functionality that is offered by the different systems are really more for very invested fliers. I don't see myself ever getting competitive or going with huge scale planes where I'm looking for minute features (one thread got into programming bay doors to activate in a way that would correlate to the hydraulic system of the actual plane and when it would be powered up). I have a funny feeling that speaking with people will generate the same sense of info overload. Team A will like theirs because of "this" and Team B will like theirs because of "that" and neither will apply to me now and I will not be able to envision how they might in the future. Even better, if/when I do get to a point where they will apply, the tech will have changed, and I'll be looking at something different yet again. So I guess I just have to buy for what I THINK I might need in the next 5 years and just pull the trigger.

I have been visiting the field daily hoping to catch somebody so I can get hands-on for feel but so far, no luck...planning on attending the next meeting in June. With luck the weather will be nice this weekend and some folks will be out.

40 yrs I have been with Futaba and have to say that I've had nothing but great success with them, but anyway I bought the new Futaba 16IZ and I have been very happy with it so far, wasn't to sure about the touch screen but now I really like it, you get a lot of radio for the price and reliability, I bought my used for a great price and it has more channels than I will ever need, I did try the Futaba 12K radio, it is very nice and would be my second choice, very simple to use.

[dmechnic]

So the feedback I got at the field was pretty much what I’ve seen/read here and elsewhere…people invested in foamies/BNF’s are heavy Spectrum users, the rest are split between “classics” like Futaba/JR and the OpenTx platforms with FrSky being the one I see most. So, while I’m not sure how much I’ll love learning (gotta do it regardless with either programmable platform) I decided to try OpenTx and got myself a FrSky Horus X10 Express. Why not the X10S with the newest gimbals? Because the X10 was had at a screaming deal of $175 from AMain Hobbies.

[DCORSAIR]

So the feedback I got at the field was pretty much what I’ve seen/read here and elsewhere…people invested in foamies/BNF’s are heavy Spectrum users, the rest are split between “classics” like Futaba/JR and the OpenTx platforms with FrSky being the one I see most. So, while I’m not sure how much I’ll love learning (gotta do it regardless with either programmable platform) I decided to try OpenTx and got myself a FrSky Horus X10 Express. Why not the X10S with the newest gimbals? Because the X10 was had at a screaming deal of $175 from AMain Hobbies.

Oh good choice too, my buddy loaned me his FrSky X10 with OpenTX to give it a try, I really liked it but that OpenTx was a bit complicated for my brain, I stayed with Futaba of course because I'm comfortable with them but if I ever change brands it will be FrSky.

[dmechnic]

Kallend's Law of Channel Creep: You will always find something that requires more channels than you have.

LOL...I like this. I don't think I'll ever need all 24 channels in that X10...plenty of head room. I did finally meet up with some folks at the field. Very happy to see 2 had Ultra Stick 30cc's and the other had an Ultra Stick 10cc. Once I'm back home and not looking for convenience I'm going gassers and the 30cc Ultra will be it for sure. The plane I'm going with to start is an FMS PA-18 Super Cub 1700mm.

[Fieldman]

I’ve been using the Spektrum DX9 Black Edition now for 3 years, nice radio. But lately I’ve noticed that -at our field- we’ve had at least two airplanes a month seeming loose all communications between TX and RX which ends up badly. All of these incidents are on Spektrum systems. Now I’m not bashing Spektrum in any way shape or form, I’m just posting what we’ve noticed. Now the guys using a Radiomaster TX have never encountered and mishap. Why?🤷♂️….no answer. So I ran across a steal of a deal on a brand new (unused) Radiomaster TX16S Mark II Max. I’m still learning this radio which there’s a TON to learn. It’s like going from Apple to Android. But this TX actually has 32 channels and each channel can be configured/programed in a vast number of settings and configurations. Brand new they’re $249.00. Just throwing that out there as something you might want to look at.

[kallend]

I’ve been using the Spektrum DX9 Black Edition now for 3 years, nice radio. But lately I’ve noticed that -at our field- we’ve had at least two airplanes a month seeming loose all communications between TX and RX which ends up badly. All of these incidents are on Spektrum systems. Now I’m not bashing Spektrum in any way shape or form, I’m just posting what we’ve noticed. Now the guys using a Radiomaster TX have never encountered and mishap. Why?

Well, more Toyotas are involved in crashes than Yugos. Same reason, I expect.

[serpentracer]

I’ve been using the Spektrum DX9 Black Edition now for 3 years, nice radio. But lately I’ve noticed that -at our field- we’ve had at least two airplanes a month seeming loose all communications between TX and RX which ends up badly. All of these incidents are on Spektrum systems. Now I’m not bashing Spektrum in any way shape or form, I’m just posting what we’ve noticed. Now the guys using a Radiomaster TX have never encountered and mishap. Why?🤷♂️….no answer. So I ran across a steal of a deal on a brand new (unused) Radiomaster TX16S Mark II Max. I’m still learning this radio which there’s a TON to learn. It’s like going from Apple to Android. But this TX actually has 32 channels and each channel can be configured/programed in a vast number of settings and configurations. Brand new they’re $249.00. Just throwing that out there as something you might want to look at.

this would be incorrect. I've asked people on youtube. they've all had crashes and radio falling apart. especially the springs on the gimbals. and not being able to start up after an upgrade issues. the open tx stuff will allow you to brick the radio.