For EDFs and Fpv are 10ch Tx's better than 9ch?

[SanExup]

I'm in the market for a transmitter upgrade. I see myself getting into FPV in the near future and was wondering if having a 10 channel would be better than a 9 channel for any reason? Maybe I will get into heli's but not anytime soon. I definitely will get into FPV once I can wrap my mind around the many options and components of FPV equipment. But I definitely need a new transmitter just for line of sight currently and don't want to be bummed later that I didn't spring for that extra channel. Any and all advice welcomed. Thanks

[Evan D]

I use a minimum of 7 for most planes, the regular 6 plus independent nose wheel steering. Add 2 for pan and tilt FPV. If you use a gyro you also may need an additional 1 or 2.

On many of mine I have ailerons, flaps and or elevators on separate channels to make them easier to sub trim. I also like to bypass the BB's when possible. I have quite a few that use 11 or 12ch because of this.

If I'm ever asked I always say buy the best radio you can afford, this is both channels and functionality. I have two DX-18's. One, a G2 I use all the time and a like new G1 for back up.

[SanExup]

Thanks! I think. It looks like I need to raise the bar on what I am considering. With your input I have somewhat of a better understanding of what I need.

Two Dx18's!!? Did you exceed the number of models!?

[Evan D]

The newer Speks all have a lot of model memory and also SD card slots. I do have about 100 current, ready to fly planes on my G2. The G1 is solely for back up. Since they were discontinued and I really like the radio I bought a nice G1 when it came up years ago.

FYI, the first DX-18 I bought I bought off RCG used, G1 for about $275 if I remember right. I sold it to a friend when I bought the G2 I'm using now, also used from a fiend at the field that was using a helo specific TX and then the second G1 again off RCG for $300 shipped. A good thing is HH will repair these and usually for free or a very reasonable amount.

[bandetx]

More channels are always better.

[mshagg]

Most in the FPV community are using open source radios with 16 channels. Taranis, Horus, jumper, radiomaster etc.

Horizon's ethos is largely at odds with the open source nature of a lot of fpv hardware (why would you pay extra for additional channels, when it's purely a software limitation?). But geez they flocked to dji like ducks to water so...

[SanExup]

Thanks for the info.

Well, if we've learned anything in recent years "branding" is a thing, sometimes backed by substance sometimes not, but still begs for all the enthusiasm.

I do like Spektrum radio's but I also have an open source TX still in its case. At least right now, I'm eager to fly. Programming, I'm a little less enthusiastic about but maybe this winter. I might be over blowing the difficulties of an open source system before trying. And I know I will probably learn a thing or three in the process. But as bad as it sounds, I will probably spend my way into an easy to setup transmitter.