[wymbly1971]

Oh Boy, one of these threads........

Have to agree; buy the best you can afford right off the hop. Anything less than 6 channels and you'll be shopping again before long. I'd really recommend 7 channels or more, pretty much the minimum if you get a fuel powered heli.

On that note, I'd HIGHLY recommend you get a radio capable of flying helis and airplanes; you just never know what your tastes will grow into. Personally I prefer a heli radio because of the smooth throttle ratchet. All computer Futabas have programming for all model types right out of the box. Some of the others don't.

Check out what the guys are using at your club. Ask them what problems and successes they've had. Many at my club swear by a popular brand, yet most admit that they've had to send THAT system back a short time after purchasing for service, repair, firmware, hardware updates, etc. At the same time they're so popular, everyone there knows how to program them off the tops of their heads.

If you can, hold a few different brands in your hands. They're basically all the "same", but it's how comfortable you are with a particular case that's really important. If you use a neck strap, how does it balance? Some LHS tend to stick with the brand that they can sell quickly. Try different hobby shops that might deal in something else.

Get a computerized radio. They all have exponential, dual rates, mixing, etc. Backlit screens are great. Throttle triggered timers are great. Switch assignability is great. Servo slowing is nice if you're into scale.

Technology and dependabilty? Google them. You'll see.

To be honest, you're going to have a hard time beating a Futaba 10J with anything in that price range ($350). I think a 14SG is probably the bang for the buck anywhere @ $550

Oh yeah, there is an alternative to Spektrum and BNF's.....Flyzone/Tactic.

Just because almost everyone has one doesn't mean it's the best. Just compare dependable Mac OS to Microsoft Wincrap!

............had to get that in there, sorry

Great time to buy, BTW. Now that JR has broken their affiliation with Spektrum and made the choice to use it's own technologies, Spektrum prices have dropped drastically.

[tporter416]

Originally Posted by Jsp

I've watched many aircraft go in using spektrum. All of them going into fail safe prior to the crash. Perfect example. Last august. Ali Machinchy lost a beautiful jet at wingham jets because of spektrum. That wasn't his first time losing one because of losing signal either. Look it up.

I looked it up, yes Spektrum occasionally does have signal loss, also looked up JR and Futaba and found similar stories. I have witnessed Spektrum losing signals with non Spektrum receivers, never personally seen a Spektrum, JR or Futaba radio lose signal with the same brand receiver installed. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen with any of those radios, however the occurrence rate is low.

Tom

[aeajr]

Originally Posted by POWER22

Hi, I am just getting back into the hobby and it appears I need a new radio.The one I have dates pre 1990 and the club I will be joining doesn't allow anything as old as that (understandable). I will be flying a trainer (Goldberg Eagle) and would like something suitable for this plane and future ones as well.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Power22,

Did you ever buy that radio? What did you get? How do you like it?

Or are you still looking for advice?

If you are still shopping you might find this helpful:
https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/showthread.php?t=272569