Buying My First Radio - Spread Spectrum - What to Buy?!

[Aly]

Hi, I’m just starting RC flying and looking to buy a spread spectrum system as my first radio. I’m considering Futaba’s 7C FASST (when it becomes available) and Spektrum’s DX7. Let me know what you all think.

Aly

[Bunky F. Knuckle]

Either systems are equally as good. Buy what you want!!!!!! The DX 7 is available now. I would buy the DX 7 if you are in a hurry to fly. Or you can wait for the FASST............................

[Aly]

I knew I'd see that one! Thanks anyway. Here's the thing, since I'm new to the hobby I haven't developed preferences yet. So I want to know the differences in features between the radios (I don't get everything I read on the specs) and how they affect me in terms of what and how I fly.

Aly

[toprudder]

What are your flying interests? What are you likely to be flying, besides a trainer?

The reason I ask, I consider the 6 channel radios to be good starter systems. I have several higher end radios, but just bought a Futaba 6EX 2.4g radio. I would not want to use it in a competition pattern or IMAC plane because it does not have some of the programming features of a high end radio. But, it is a full range system with a reliable link, has all the features needed for trainers and sport planes (and helicopters) and the price is good (around $200, without servos) and it is available now.

The DX7 has more features, but does cost more.

Get a simple system now, fly the heck out of it, then consider getting something more advanced after you have some experience.

JMHO.

Bob R.

[Aly]

I'd much prefer buying a 'better' radio from the onset. Everything here in Egypt costs relatively more due to the currency conversion rates and the hobby isn't at all popular, so selling a second hand radio won't be easy. This is why I'm looking at the 7C and DX7 and I can wait a bit for 7C to come out. And what of the 9C? They're putting out a 2.4GHz module for it and it's within my budget. Or is not as a neat a setup or as current a system as a built in 2.4GHz? Finally, I'm looking to fly everything, literally. I mean aerobatic planes (including giants), gliders, helis, turbine powered planes and helis...the whole works. Of course all is in due time and I expect on the long term I'll have to upgrade from whatever radio I get now. But for now I'd like to have something that can fly aerobatic planes and helis and has some decent features.


Aly

[toprudder]

Generally speaking, the systems that were designed as 2.4ghz systems will have better latency -- the controls will respond quicker. The older systems with a module upgrade will be no better in terms of latency as they were before the new module is installed. The reason is that the older systems can only transmit in PPM or PCM modes, and I think most of the module upgrades will require the transmitter to be in PPM mode to communicate with the module. I believe (someone correct me if I am wrong) this is not the case with the Futaba modules in the 12z and 14mz.

If Futaba comes out with a new 7C system just for 2.4ghz, it might have the higher update rate. From what I hear, the DX7 is great in this respect.

Would the above information alone make me decide which system to purchase -- probably not. But, it is something to consider. I have a large investment in 7U, 8U, and 9Z radios and I will be slowly converting them to 2.4g. I may even buy a new system (the last new system I bought was in '95).

Regarding the 7C vs the 9C, the 9C is a much better radio, IMHO. You might outgrow the 7C, but I doubt you would outgrow the 9C.

Good luck on your purchasing decision!

Bob R.

[Aly]

O.K, thanks a lot. I'm sticking with the 2.4GHz radios...so, for now, back to 'DX7 or 7C?' Can anyone point out the major feature differences between the two? What can I do with one that I can't with the other? I'm taking an interest in Futaba's FASST with it's frequency hopping feature and custom developed hardware. Is their spread spectrum stuff really that better than the compition?

[DKjens]

Latency has become the word of the year. It is so over rated and misused, that it hurst. IMHO, the only time latency has been a problem is when flying a CCPM heli with a 9ZHP in SPCM mode. Apparently the 9Z radio has a style of programming, that makes for some delays in the servo inter action. When changing from a radio in SPCM mode to a radio in PPM mode and an SS module, latency goes down, that has been confirmed numerous times.
I don't think there is a really nice radio on the market at the moment, that is SS native. The DX7 supposedly is cumbersome to program and trim steps are huge.

If you want a radio that you're going to keep, look at a JR9303 or Futaba 9C Super. Or, with your location, a Graupner MX-22 would be even better. Then put an SS module in it, it will be plenty fast.

[thewrap]

The DX7 has more options but is a little harder to program but the DX7 is in my opinion is more reliable or better. Just ask anybody that owns one.

[porcupineace]

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[Izzy]

Get one of the newer JR 2.4s or wait for Futaba FAAST

[thewrap]

The JR's are very well built which is why I switched to them years ago. I have never had any trouble with either of mine. Yes Futaba has better prices but for the money Jr is off the charts better.