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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / March 2008JR 9XII or Futaba 9C Super?
I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what I want, but which one do I choose? I understand there won't be many who have tried both, so my questions go to those who have either one: - What do you like about it? - What do you not like about it? - Would you recommend it?  SignatureRoRo I use the JR PCM 9X (not the 9XII), I have not used the futaba so am not qualified to give an oppinion on how well it works, but I have held both and find the JR set to be better ballanced and somehow more 'solid'. I really like the intuative way in which JR set is programed and hardly ever have to refer to the manual. In the end I think you need to go to a store (or you club) and have a good look (and feel) of both sets side by side and make a personal choice. >I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what > I want, but which one do I choose? [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > - Would you recommend it? >I use the JR PCM 9X (not the 9XII), I have not used the futaba so am not >qualified to give an oppinion on how well it works, but I have held both and [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >In the end I think you need to go to a store (or you club) and have a good >look (and feel) of both sets side by side and make a personal choice. IMO, you'd be better off with the JR. I'm a LONG time Futaba guy and I own a 9CHP, but it's soon to go bye bye and will be replaced with a JR X9303 rig. I love my 9C, but the CCPM mixing is notoriously slow when compared to the JRs and even the DX7 (Which is basically a JR 7202 if memory serves) radio. My DX7 equipped helis seem more "connected" to the radio and I don't have the odd CCPM interactions I see with the 9C sometimes. Programming the 9C is a bit quirky and the manual SUCKS. The JR programming seems a bit more straightforward (I've only played with the XP9303 my neighbor owns) as well. Just posted my 9C and a TON of stuff for it (5 receivers etc..)for sale in rec.models.rc.helicopter > Programming the 9C is a bit quirky and the manual SUCKS. I can't agree about the programming, but yes, the manual sucks. I have AnnMarie Cross's manual for it, and would say that it's a "must have" for 9C users. She explains everything properly, so you understand how the radio works, and then the programming becomes simple and intuitive. Download it from <http://www.futaba-rc.com/manuals/manual-9c.html>. See also <http://www.crosswindseqresq.org/rc-support.html> for information about the book she went on to write about this radio, which was published by Traplet. I haven't read it, so I can't comment on it. -tih Signature"I think I understand, but I'm sure I don't." --Schmendrick the Magician Thanks for the link. Been meaning to look this up for too long a time. SignatureDan AMA605992 KE6ERB http://www.fubar1.net "I've heard the screams of the vegetables..." Take out the "trash" to reply > >> Programming the 9C is a bit quirky and the manual SUCKS. [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > -tih > Download it from <http://www.futaba-rc.com/manuals/manual-9c.html>. Thanks for the link, I've downloaded it for my customers. Good stuff! Dave eastrc.org >IMO, you'd be better off with the JR. I am starting to lean that way. >I'm a LONG time Futaba guy and >I own a 9CHP, but it's soon to go bye bye and will be replaced with a >JR X9303 rig. That raises another big question: Wait for 2.4GHz? The Euro version of the X9303 (named DSX9) is due in Feb./March. I can borrow a working radio until then, so waiting is possible if it is worth it. I've been googling a bit, and I have (of course) found a lot of conflicting information. Some say the Euro version will have very low power, so effective range may be poor. Some say Futaba's 2.4 system is better, because it can switch frequencies "in flight" and has much better range. The Australians already have the DSX9 available, but they have different regulations and therefore different power levels than the Europeans. Any Australians who have tried one? I'd think the balance of the radio would be upset, since the long, heavy antenna has basically been removed, but the hook has not been moved. I could get a 9XII now (with a synthesizer module), and then buy a 2.4GHz module when I decide I want or need one, but then I'd be stuck with the antenna out the back of the transmitter, which I think I wouldn't like. I understand everyone is different, and it essentially boils down to a matter of personal preference, but I still feel other people's opinions are valuable, so please comment if you have any thoughts. SignatureRoRo >> IMO, you'd be better off with the JR. > [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > heavy antenna has basically been removed, but the hook has not been > moved. heavy antenna? I would have though the 2.4 is heavier but shorter > I could get a 9XII now (with a synthesizer module), and then buy a > 2.4GHz module when I decide I want or need one, but then I'd be stuck > with the antenna out the back of the transmitter, which I think I > wouldn't like. > I understand everyone is different, and it essentially boils down to a > matter of personal preference, but I still feel other people's > opinions are valuable, so please comment if you have any thoughts. >> I'd think the balance of the radio would be upset, since the long, >> heavy antenna has basically been removed, but the hook has not been >> moved. >> >heavy antenna? I would have though the 2.4 is heavier but shorter I don't know how heavy the 2.4 is, but length makes a big difference on the balance. XPS actually sell a product that solves the problem: http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/proddetail.php?prod=XPS-BALANCER&cat=12 SignatureRoRo Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their products. IMHO, they are hands down way better quality than what is put out by JR, Futaba, etc. http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/index.php >>IMO, you'd be better off with the JR. > [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > matter of personal preference, but I still feel other people's > opinions are valuable, so please comment if you have any thoughts. > Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. If > you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their > products. IMHO, they are hands down way better quality than what is put out > by JR, Futaba, etc. the only thing that puts me off any of these 2.4ghz systems is being tied to their brand of RX, and I dont think we will see sub $20 RX's for any of them >> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. >> If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > to their brand of RX, and I dont think we will see sub $20 RX's for any of > them But who'd actually trust a helicopter to a sub $20 rx? SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 >>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. >>> If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > But who'd actually trust a helicopter to a sub $20 rx? I dont but then again I dont want a £60 receiver in a 3D park flyer that bits the dust quite often SignatureKevin R Reply address works >>>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers >>>> combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I dont but then again I dont want a £60 receiver in a 3D park flyer that > bits the dust quite often If it's a park flyer, I'd want the BEST if only to reduce the chances or removing the head of some poor f.cker who's using park as the same time I was. Mind you, some of the other park users NEED their heads removing. SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 >>>>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers >>>>> combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > removing the head of some poor f.cker who's using park as the same time I > was. now where's the fun in that > Mind you, some of the other park users NEED their heads removing. I have a Zagi with a £12 Synthesized receiver that weighs 10g or so and never had a glitch at a range that's more than uncomfortable to fly at, and I use the same in a 300g depron Pitts special at my local field and I dont see the point of swapping over to 2.4ghz and spending a fortune changing all my receivers to 2.4ghz to a system that after the Futaba fiasco is still new and over priced technology ,and if the overall take up is anything to go by 35mhz can only get better :-) SignatureKevin R Reply address works >>>>>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers >>>>>> combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > fiasco is still new and over priced technology ,and if the overall take up > is anything to go by 35mhz can only get better :-) But Kev, at 300g, it's not a plane, it's an insect :-) SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 Ha Ha The perfect squelch!! ( I wish I had said that :-) ) Trefor > But Kev, at 300g, it's not a plane, it's an insect :-) >>>>>>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers >>>>>>> combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > But Kev, at 300g, it's not a plane, it's an insect :-) thats why I dont to throw £60 receivers in it its been chase by quite a few dogs in the past and if you don't get enough height quickly it gets chomped SignatureKevin R Reply address works >>>>>>>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers >>>>>>>> combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > few dogs in the past and if you don't get enough height quickly it gets > chomped Yeah, but when you were talking about cheap rx's and helicopters, I thought you meant helicopters. Personally, I think I'd use thought control on one of those things. (and it's "chaseD" YDC). SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 >>>>>>>>> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers >>>>>>>>> combos. If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > (and it's "chaseD" YDC). true but its been cross posted to air as well I must admit not tried any cheap rx in any of my helicopters the thought of an out of control helicopter feet away frightens me, an out of control 300gram insect made from depron is not going to maim you in quite the same way SignatureKevin R Reply address works >> Yeah, but when you were talking about cheap rx's and helicopters, I >> thought you meant helicopters. Personally, I think I'd use thought [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > 300gram insect made from depron is not going to maim you in quite the same > way In another place, I would claim a "whoosh" there, but I'll let you off in favour of a long winded explanation. I agree with you on the maiming thing though. SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 > Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. > If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their > products. IMHO, they are hands down way better quality than what is put > out by JR, Futaba, etc. > > http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/index.php If a transmitter is converted to 2.4Ghz with a module (from any supplier), what is the downside relative to buying a dedicated system that will only operate on 2.4Ghz? Both my Hitec Eclipse and my Futaba 9C accept modules. Is there something I should know before buying a 2.4Ghz module for either? Harlan Harlan, My feelings exactly. A dedicated 2.4Ghz radio is just that. BUT, I can buy an XPS module/receiver combo for $189 and I have 2.4Ghz. If I want to go back to 72Mhz, I just put the 72 module back in the transmitter and use a regular receiver. Best of both worlds. The XPS is available for a bunch of different brands of radios. >> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. >> If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Harlan Yes, Jim, it seems to me that a guy who has "invested" significant bucks in decent radio equipment, including transmitters, receivers, single channel modules, synth modules and whatever else would be wise to stay with the equipment he has and simply add the 2.4Ghz module and receiver for additional planes. I would hate like heck to buy new receivers for all my planes when I can still play them on channel 44, for instance, or nay other channel I've been using with the synth module. I would think it would make good economic sense. Harlan > Harlan, > My feelings exactly. A dedicated 2.4Ghz radio is just that. BUT, I can buy [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >> >> Harlan >> Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. >> If you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Harlan if you convert a Futaba set with the Spektrum module you loose some of the unique Spektrum features, but apart from the aerial in the wrong place it should be more or less the same as a new 2.4ghz set,and it saves reprogramming the new set, and the 9C 2.4 is not out yet (not sure if its planned) >If a transmitter is converted to 2.4Ghz with a module (from any supplier), >what is the downside relative to buying a dedicated system that will only >operate on 2.4Ghz? As far as I understand from my googling, there can be a difference in the delay between stick input and servo response. Whether or not this actually makes a practical difference, I don't know. In a conventional radio, the computer produces a pulse train (each channel is one pulse, and they have to be separated by a certain amount of time) that it sends to the RF module. If you swap the RF module for a 2.4 one, the new module has to wait for that slow pulse train before it sends data off in digital packets. In a native 2.4 system, the computer does not have to create the slow pulse train at all. It can simply send a fast data stream to the RF module. This allows for faster response between stick and servo. The question, of course, is if the manufacturers make use of this potential advantage. Spektrum claim to do so, but nobody knows if JR's DSX9 will simply be a 9X with a 2.4 module glued in the back. Since their marketing does not mention anything about improved speed and response, that's probably exactly what they have done. And if that is the case, then the only advantage is, as Kevin says, that you get the antenna in the right place. Having it stick out the back of the transmitter cannot possibly be practical. SignatureRoRo These guys do it right! They have taken all of the downsides in question into consideration when developing their products. They rock! http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/index.php >>If a transmitter is converted to 2.4Ghz with a module (from any supplier), >>what is the downside relative to buying a dedicated system that will only [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > that you get the antenna in the right place. Having it stick out the > back of the transmitter cannot possibly be practical. | The question, of course, is if the manufacturers make use of this | potential advantage. Spektrum claim to do so, but nobody knows if JR's | DSX9 will simply be a 9X with a 2.4 module glued in the back. Since | their marketing does not mention anything about improved speed and | response, that's probably exactly what they have done. The X9303 has the same `digital data path' internally as the DX7 so it should have the same low latency (and no, I doubt I could tell the difference) and it supports ModelMatch and such, so I'd expect any new radios to from JR to work the same way. http://www.jrradios.com/Articles/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1667 SignatureDoug McLaren, dougmc@frenzied.us Happiness is just an illusion, filled with sadness and confusion. | If a transmitter is converted to 2.4Ghz with a module (from any supplier), | what is the downside relative to buying a dedicated system that will only | operate on 2.4Ghz? The DX7 and X9303 have a `model match' feature that lets you tie a RX to a specific model number in your TX (perhaps I have the specifics on how they do it wrong, but the end result is correct) so that your plane won't turn on unless you've chosen the correct model number on the transmitter. The circuitry isn't there to let you do this with an add-on module. The 2.4 GHz stuff could be more carefully integrated than this in the future (for example, two way communication, having some telemetry display on your TX display), but for now I think that's the only thing missing. SignatureDoug McLaren, dougmc@frenzied.us Happiness is just an illusion, filled with sadness and confusion. Yeah, Doug, that is a significant downside to the add-ons. But we deal with that currently, and, so far, successfully. However, that would be the one thing that might move me to a dedicated 2.4 GHz system. Harlan > The DX7 and X9303 have a `model match' feature that lets you tie a RX > to a specific model number in your TX (perhaps I have the specifics on [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > display on your TX display), but for now I think that's the only thing > missing. >Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. Thanks. I have browsed a little on their pages now, but I cannot find any information about anything that deals with the world outside USA. No dealers and no information about where in the world their products are legal to use. They seem to only care about the American market. The lifetime warranty is confidence inspiring, but when they decide to copyright the use of blue circuit boards and blinking LEDs, they have obviously lost grip on reality. >If >you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their >products. I need a new radio anyway, but I am still considering the option to get a synthesized conventional radio, and then possibly add 2.4 later if I want to. In that case, XPS gives me an alternative (provided they are legal here) to the factory system, which is nice to know. SignatureRoRo Graupner is the XPS distributor in Europe. I'm sure Jim Drew (XPS) will respond to an email concerning availability in other parts of the world. >>Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > if I want to. In that case, XPS gives me an alternative (provided they > are legal here) to the factory system, which is nice to know. I'm sure Jim will take care of it. > Graupner is the XPS distributor in Europe. I'm sure Jim Drew (XPS) will > respond to an email concerning availability in other parts of the world. [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] >> if I want to. In that case, XPS gives me an alternative (provided they >> are legal here) to the factory system, which is nice to know. I've owned both and still do, and they both are very good sets for the money. The main reason I've swopped to the JR set are as follows. Both are easy to program once you get used to how they do it. Jr has 7 point pitch and throttle curves. Futaba only 5. The ability to have seperate trims on Throttle Hold on JR. (Futaba defaults to "Normal Curve" settings when in Throttle hold. Things I miss from the Futaba Throttle Governors were a doddle to set up especially the GV1. It was possible to set the tranny up so 40% = 1400rpm, 50% = 1500, 60% = 1600, 65% = 1650 etc etc. The timers were more flexible on Futaba. ie. it could start the timer above a certain throttle position. There were other things but I cant remember them right now. | Take a look at the Extreme Power Systmes 2.4Ghz modules/receivers combos. If | you love your existing radio, you can upgrade it to 2.4Ghz with their | products. IMHO, they are hands down way better quality than what is put out | by JR, Futaba, etc. Why do you say their quality is better? SignatureDoug McLaren, dougmc@frenzied.us Darn Tootin'! >That raises another big question: Wait for 2.4GHz? > >The Euro version of the X9303 (named DSX9) is due in Feb./March. I can >borrow a working radio until then, so waiting is possible if it is >worth it. I think it's going to be the way to go which is why I've switched. I got my X9303 a week or so before Christmas. Nice radio and the resolution made for some interesting test hops. Subtrim resolution is double that of both my 9C and my DX7. Programming is very straightforward for anyone with a bit of computer Tx time under their belt and the scroll gizmo is very fast so dialing up values takes no time at all. >I've been googling a bit, and I have (of course) found a lot of >conflicting information. Some say the Euro version will have very low >power, so effective range may be poor. Some say Futaba's 2.4 system is >better, because it can switch frequencies "in flight" and has much >better range. I've heard Euro power levels will be less than those here in the States as well. I received my X9303 a few days before Christmas and go a couple helis set up on it already. Nice radio, pretty easy to program, but it's got a few TINY issues that JR could have addressed better, but nothing show stopping. (Mainly the fact that you can't use the GYRO SENS features with a 6ch Rx as the Tx only recognizes AUX2 for the gain control and not GEAR *and* AUX2 like the DX7 does - easy enough to work around by using end points to set the gain) >I'd think the balance of the radio would be upset, since the long, >heavy antenna has basically been removed, but the hook has not been >moved. Yes, the balance, like the DX7, sucks. It's "Bottom Heavy" and when using a neckstrap, I find myself having to hold the radio "flat" when I fly. G-force makes a bracket you can buy to move the strap attachment point below the power switch to get the balance point correct again, but a couple Helifreak.com users (Fireup and machinegun) make them too. I like fireup's because it doesn't interfere with the power switch. >I could get a 9XII now (with a synthesizer module), and then buy a >2.4GHz module when I decide I want or need one, but then I'd be stuck >with the antenna out the back of the transmitter, which I think I >wouldn't like. I was going to go that way with my 9C, but had the same concerns. My 9C and all it's accessories/receivers are now for sale. > I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what > I want, but which one do I choose? [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > -- > RoRo I have had both Futaba and JR. I just plain don't like JR. I have the Super 9C and love it. It does everything I could ask for. I don't do Heli's so can't comment on other postings. If the 9C has one fault its in the number of mixes. It only has five and I have a twin engine where I needed six. No matter, I worked around it and only used three. I have the model with 18 memories and that is overkill as I only have about six or seven flyable planes at one time. If you go with the 9C I recommend you buy Harry Quiqley's book on programming. You can get it on Amazon. It is idiot proof and much easier to understand than the manual. Don't know if there are any other books like for the JR. JMHO. Ted I expect you mean Harry Higley ? Trefor If you go with the 9C I > recommend you buy Harry Quiqley's book on programming. You can get it > on Amazon. It is idiot proof and much easier to understand than the > manual. Don't know if there are any other books like for the JR. JMHO. > > Ted Hi Ted, Both JR and Futaba make excellent radios but I'm curious as to why you "...just plain don't like JR." Could you give us some reasons? BTW, I'm a JR fan because I prefer the way my JR radios feel in my hands and the comparative ease of programming. Currently using a JR 9303. >> I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what >> I want, but which one do I choose? [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > Ted Ed: I would guess that for the same reasons you like the JR, Ted likes the Futaba. People sense things differently and see things differently. What you feel makes the JR easy to program for you may be the very things that Ted doesn't like about it. Besides, once you get comfortable with apiece of equipment, its sometimes difficult to get comfortable with another similar piece of equipment. Harlan > Hi Ted, > Both JR and Futaba make excellent radios but I'm curious as to why you [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] >> >> Ted > Hi Ted, > Both JR and Futaba make excellent radios but I'm curious as to why you > "...just plain don't like JR." Could you give us some reasons? BTW, I'm a > JR fan because I prefer the way my JR radios feel in my hands and the > comparative ease of programming. Currently using a JR 9303. And after years (and I mean YEARS) of using both JR and Futaba, (along with every other make that's been available) I prefer the reliability of JR, the feel of JR and the programmability of JR. I only ever use my Futaba gear on sims these days. SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 >> I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what >> I want, but which one do I choose? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> >> - What do you like about it? JR = reliability, easy programming and stick feel. Futaba don't even come close in ANY of the above. Well not anymore. They USED to, but they lost the plot somewhere. >> - What do you not like about it? Futaba.. Too "fiddly" and totally unintuitive on the programming front. The sticks have more "spring" the further you go away from the centre position and they lack reliability. >> - Would you recommend it? I'd recommend JR every time. SignatureBeav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19 Just a couple of comments to express the other side of the coin (IE: my opinion!) with no intent to put down or insult anyone else........ >>> I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what >>> I want, but which one do I choose? [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > close in ANY of the above. Well not anymore. They USED to, but they lost > the plot somewhere. With over 25 years of RC under my belt, flying helicopters "almost" exclusively, I've not found that either JR or Futaba have any significant reliability advantages over the other. I've met "many" people through the years that have deserted JR for Futaba because of perceived reliability issues. I've also seen "many" go from Futaba to JR for the same reasons. Overall, I can't see that either one has an issue. Both have had problems with receivers and/or servos when they were relatively new to the market. Both took steps to correct these issues. Long story short, you can't really go wrong with either one. On the programming side, I don't have a lot of experience with the 9303, although I do have some, but I do have quite a bit of experience with the 9C so I can't really comment on how they stack up against each other. I have had quite a bit of experience with the 10 series JR radios vs the Futaba 9Z. Based on that, I'd have to agree that the JR is more intuative to program in the beginning than the Futaba is. The opposite side of that coin is that, once learned, the Futaba is a much more capable system, offering a lot more flexibility than the JR program offered. Whether or not that applies to the radios at the 9303/9C level, I can't say from personal experience. I only bring it up because JR fans "always" use the "ease of programming" argument against Futaba and my experience has me believing it's not as big an issue as some claim. Again, JMO! :-) > Futaba.. The sticks have more "spring" the further you go away from the > centre position and they lack reliability. I can't argue with the spring pressure point. Futaba does tend to spring their control sticks a bit tighter than JR does. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. It's just a matter of personal preference. I've flown Futaba equipment almost exclusively since I've been flying RC and I'm used to how their radios feel. To me, JR offers very little feel or feed back to my control inputs. In other words, they're sprung too light! I bought a new 12Z last spring and love it but I thought the sticks were sprung too lightly out of the box on that radio too. I tightened them up a bit. As I said, it's a matter of personal preference. I curious Beav, that reliability issues have you had with Futaba that would make you say they have a reliability problem? As I said, I've been flying them almost exclusively for over 25 years and yes, I've had an occasional servo failure and maybe a receiver failure (unable to confirm that as an absolute but suspected) through the years. I know a number of devout JR pilots and they haven't done any better as far as I can tell. I don't care what system you fly, sooner or later you'll have a failure one way or the other. Just wondering! :-) >>> - Would you recommend it? > > I'd recommend JR every time. I fly Futaba and as such, tend to recommend Futaba over other brands but I've never discouraged anyone from buying JR equipement if they were seriously looking at them. Both are first class radio systems as far as I'm concerned! In fact, these are the only two manufacturers I will recommend. I simply haven't seen enough of anyone elses radio (Airtronics comes to mind) to even consider them in the running! Fly Safe, Steve R. > Just a couple of comments to express the other side of the coin (IE: my > opinion!) with no intent to put down or insult anyone else........ [quoted text clipped - 54 lines] > what system you fly, sooner or later you'll have a failure one way or the > other. Just wondering! :-) I dont remember a Futaba failure in any of my crashes, brain failure yes and two times I have lost a model due to radio failure both were possibly due to crystal failure but hard to prove but the crystals never worked after the crash >>>> - Would you recommend it? >> I'd recommend JR every time. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Fly Safe, > Steve R. >> I curious Beav, that reliability issues have you had with Futaba that >> would make you say they have a reliability problem? As I said, I've been [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > due to crystal failure but hard to prove but the crystals never worked > after the crash. Interesting! It's certainly possible for a crystal to be damaged in a crash which would make it impossible to know if it failed before that. Back when I flew fixed frequency systems, I don't remember Futaba routinely replacing the crystals during an inspect and repair when I sent the radio system in. That doesn't mean they didn't, it's just that it's been so long, I don't really remember. I bought my original 9Z back around 1994 or 1995. I bought the synthesized version and to my knowledge, have never had a problem with the transmitter or receiver. I did have one crash with it during the 12 years I flew it before buying my 12Z this year that might have been a receiver failure but I can't know for sure. It may have been a legitimate interferrance and the system simply went into hold mode. I'll never know for sure as most of the flight control systems were toast after the impact and replaced with new equipment. FWIW! :-) Fly Safe, Steve R. >>> I curious Beav, that reliability issues have you had with Futaba that >>> would make you say they have a reliability problem? As I said, I've been [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > Fly Safe, > Steve R. I have crashed a few models but those two where I lost control the gear never worked afterwards until the crystals were replaced and I flew the gear again after wards, but I could have been shot down or I damaged them on previous "arrivals" I have never had a TX break apart from me snapping switches/aerials off and never had a RX fail apart from some really hard arrivals that re-kitted the models There is very little difference between the two makes. Both have there good and bad points and both sets of manuals leave something to be desired. The only downside of the JR radio is the lack of a timer operated by the throttle stick, but most people would not use that anyway. I have the opportunity to fly both regularly and have no preference. SignaturePhil Olson Model Technics Ltd Http://www.modeltechnics.com | The only downside of the JR radio is the lack of a timer operated by the | throttle stick, but most people would not use that anyway. It's more commonly used than you might think. For example, it's useful on an electric glider to have an idea of how much battery you've used (and therefore how much you have left.) Or comparing it to your flight timer gives you an idea of how good you've been at finding lift, as opposed to cheating and using the motor. Or if it's a standard helicopter/plane, it tells you how long you've actually been flying, as opposed to fiddling around on the ground. You could get around this by just tying the second timer to a button that you hit when you start flying, of course. (I don't know anything about the 9XII having or not having this capability, I'm just saying that it's not that uncommonly to use it.) SignatureDoug McLaren, dougmc@frenzied.us "Can of worms? The can is open... the worms are everywhere." Although I prefer Futaba, I had a run of bad luck with their 127DF receivers a few years back. Switched to Hitec receivers and never had another problem. The 'entry level' 127DF, I agree, is NOT very reliable. > Just a couple of comments to express the other side of the coin (IE: my > opinion!) with no intent to put down or insult anyone else........ [quoted text clipped - 69 lines] > Fly Safe, > Steve R. Funny about preferences. I had a JR a while back. Couldn't stand it. The programming was so much more difficult that my Futaba 9C. >>> I am about to buy a new radio. These two models seem to be about what >>> I want, but which one do I choose? [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > I'd recommend JR every time. |
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