Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / July 2004

I'm looking for my first transmitter...something in the 4-channel line.
Right now I'm currently looking at the JR XF421EX, but I'm also wondering
about other brands of transmitters.  In regards to quality and reliability
how do this compare?

Hitec
JR
Futaba
Airtronics

Do all these transmitters work ok with other brands of receivers?
Also, should I buy the complete kits or a stand-alone transmitter and other
electronics to the airplane such as GWS or ?

I'm leaning toward electrics with gliders and parkflyers being my
foreseeable planes.  I noticed that the JR XF421EX has two different setups
that you can buy...one with four standard servos and one with two micro
servos.  Looks like both of these setups comes with the 610M micro receiver.

Looking for advice here (or someone springing the bucks for a transmitter
would be fine<g>),
Thanks,
Ed
===================================
Everyone has preferences but they're all good.
I have, and like, a Futaba 6XAS.

Hitec and Futaba transmitters are negative shift. They can control any brand
of negative shift receiver. Hitec and Futaba typically can be connected to
each other with a trainer cord.
JR and Airtronics are positive shift. They can control any brand of positive
shift receiver. JR and Airtronics have proprietary trainer systems.

If you can buy a full system with the receiver, servos, and battery you need
for your plane; it is "usually" cheaper to buy the system versus piecing it
together.  The JR XF421EX has two model memory.  Depending on how many
planes you want to control with one transmitter, model memory can be
important.

We have guys in the club with 10 or more planes programmed in one radio;
others have 1 transmitter per plane.  Neither method is 'better', just
different.

Carrell

Radios were discovered over 50 years ago. They are all The same now. I'd
say buy a Hitec Eclipse 7. Biggest bang for the buck.

On 7/18/2004 5:53 PM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these
great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

Hitec and Futaba are negative shift.  Either can control negative shift
receivers.

JR and Airtronics are positive shift.  Either of them can control
positive shift receivers.

Buddy box cords are compatible between Futaba and Hitec.  JR and
Airtronics have proprietary systems for buddy boxes.

Unless you can get a REALLY GOOD deal, the package price is USUALLY cheaper.

Since you are going to be primarily flying electrics and gliders, I
would suggest going with a "micro" setup/package.  This will provide the
smaller/lighter battery, servos and receiver normally used in these planes.

The brands you mentioned are all good brands and very reliable.

I will make a few suggestions that may be helpful to you:

1.  See what brand the MAJORITY of the people at your flying field/area
are using and get that brand.  If you have a question/problem, manuals
are good, but a live person who has knowledge of the radio is better.

2.  Find out which channels are the LEAST USED at the field/area you
will be flying at and get your radio on one of these channels.  There is
less chance of you accidentally being "shot down" or shooting someone
else down.

3.  Try to get a computer type radio.  They will allow you to store
multiple models in memory and allow you to easily "mix" some functions
which you may need/want for the gliders.

If you want to try putting a system together yourself, some of these
hobby shops may have prices you will like:

Balsa products  http://www.balsapr.com/
Servo Hut  http://servohut.com/
Servo City  http://servocity.com/

Hope this helps.

Take a look at the Multiplex EVO range - nothing beats them on spec and
quality!

Gordon.