Best TX and Receiver for a beginner!

[canaryjam]

Hi There I have just taken up IC flying at my local club, I have a 35Mhz transmitter and am looking at getting a digital Tx, any advice on make model and where is best to aquire one would be great. I was looking at sub £100 with receiver and the Spektrum 6 calibre!

Please help
Thanks a greatful newbie!

[plummet]

What is popular in your club? It can be useful it you have the same or similar kit to others. Then they can help you with any problems.

Also, it may be an advantage if you have similar kit for buddy-boxing.

Cheers,

Plummet

[solentlife]

As a 'returnee' to the fold - I must say that one thing annoys me ... each manufacturer / box pusher going off on their road and reducing compatibility between brands.
With 2.4Ghz ... this really takes it's toll, where there are different frequency sampling regimes meaning very few Rx's will work with other brand Tx's ....
There's no use relying on one brand to stay 'in-tune' with it's previous offerings either ! Despite some claims of "upmarket" gear.

I studied this long and hard ......... I have the Rolls Royce of 35Mhz sets ... JR Propo of the 80's before Computer sets came about ... and wanted something that performed similar ... I bought FlySky cheap chinese ... 29 quid for the TX + Rx ... + about 35 quid P&P ......... I have 8 / 9 ch capability depends if I choose PPM or PCM ... mixing, dual rates, expo etc. Extra Rx's at less than a tenner a piece ... no crystal worries ...

I can even run Tx as my PC Simulator controller via a standard PC audio cable in its trainer socket ...........

I do not deny that Spektrum, Futaba, JR etc. gives high quality product, but so far I cannot justify a cost increase that nudges 5x what I paid ! (I'm talking what I paid incl. P&P ! ). There are issues ... but on a standard type fixed wing model of 4ch. - I haven't found any yet ..

Just a note to say - that I still use my 35Mhz JR ... as well !

[giskard]

The buddy boxing comment is very valid, so ask around. I think you'll find that the most common kit in most UK clubs will be either JR, Spektrum or Futaba (maybe Sanwa).

These days I would not recommend spending money on anything other than a 2.4ghz system. In the clubs I fly at the majority of new radios bought are either Spektrum (or Spektrum compatible JR sets) or Futaba FASST. Personally I prefer the FASST stuff as I think its technically far superior - but it is more expensive and isn't compatible with the many "Bind n Fly" EFlight models that are particularly nice if you think you might want to fly indoors. You also get more choice with Spektrum both in terms of transmitters and receivers and in particular the receivers are cheaper.

As a beginner I would say on the Spektrum side look at the DX6i or if you can stretch it the new DX8 ( http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Products/airRadios.aspx ). For futaba it would be the 6EX(2.4) or the 7x(2.4). http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/radiosystems.html (be careful online, both these we also available in 35mhz previously).

[David]

Got to agree with giskard

Always had Futaba up to a FF9, but now an absolute Spektrum convert. Still a Futaba fan, but they have gone nutty with price, beyond actual value in my opinion (so you pay for the name which I am OK with but only up to a point) and Spektrum are a good solid brand (within the middle of the range market) with considerably more options especially with the Bind and Fly stuff.

However..high end.. maybe a different thing and would definitely re-look at Futaba as opposed to JR. Although JR are better looking these days I actually hate their menu format and always have done.

Upto £100 you take your choice and would simply go with a common known UK supplier with at least some sort of re-course and good supply of RX's.

I cant bring myself to even comment on the £20 stuff in respect of model flight.

[1958steveflying]

Spektrum all day long for good value and backup.

[steve honour]

got to aggree with the other guys go for spektrum

[solentlife]

People scoff at the FlySky radio gear and it's cheapness ... but the following is building fast ... where it's capable to have software changed, all sorts of bells and whistles added over and above the factory 8ch plus all the mixing you ever need.
Giantcod for one are selling the gear now and also the FrSky modules to fit ... plug in or hack.

I've fitted FrSky module to mine now and performance is excellent - I am happy to fly anything on it.

Lets be honest - the FlySky may not actually be a real true own design ... I don't believe it. It has similarities with a very UPMARKET radio system in terms of ch's and functions, albeit a different case. Just cheaper production with some QC issues IN THE PAST ... now very few complaints judging by the yahoo group I started for it. I'm always ready to hear FIRST HAND actual reports of the gears failure, not the second, third, fourth hand friend of a friend reports that get dragged out again and again !

I don't say it's a replacement for quality gear - but it certainly is less painful on the pocket ...

If I didn't have the FlySky ........ I would have plumped for Hitec or Spektrum, bearing in mind though the flimsy plastic clips that have been subject of Spektrum's failure to redesign .... letting third partys design better.
IF my budget allowed - then I am a die-hard JR man ... I had Futaba, in the M series days ... JR left them standing ... today I am sure that is not the case ... but JR is still my fav.

Now looking fwd to my old trusty 1980's JR coming home again from techn. service.