12Z in the desert switch to 12X??

[Sevans16]

I have been flying my 6014's since Feb and now have two of them acting up with repeatable condition on the bench. It does get worse over 100 degrees. If Futaba has no "fix" other than oh gee bad luck lets replace it with another of the same model and potentional problem I am thinking of switching to a 12X. I do however really like my 12Z radio and would never consider switching if my RX's were reliable.

So should I switch?? Has anyone made the switch??? I seem to be one of the only non Specktrum/JR users around here at my local field!!

[rking]

i would. even if i were given a 12ch futaba 2.4 for free, i don't think i would ever use it. not until futaba makes updates to their fasst receivers to be able to work in warmer weather. i know i might get flamed for this but reality for me is that i could not afford receivers to shut down on me on my big birds.

[mjws00]

I still don't think of myself as a JR guy. But lots have made this switch. The 12X is nice, not like guys swapping out 14MZs for DX7's that blew my mind.

Pretty clear cut, imho, if you are having issues. You can't run gear you don't trust.

Mike

[ben_beyer]

I've always flown Futaba for the most part. I had a JR 9303 at one point and I really liked it. Needless to say, if Futaba went under, I wouldn't have any hesitations to switching to JR.

[bodywerks]

Unfortunately, you will lose a ton of programmability, but it will get you by. No doubt that the Spektrum stuff is FAR superior. Even if FASST did fix the heat issues, they still don't have data logging, powersafe receivers, heli receivers with built in voltage regulation and rev limiting, or sub-micro receivers. Not to mention that a ton of people don't like the idea of a plug in module over a fully integrated 2.4 native system.
I would need at least data logging and no more heat issues before I would consider FASST. Sucks, too, because I REALLY like their 12Z - best radio for your dollar available, IMO.

[dick hanson]

	Quote: Originally Posted by mjws00
	I still don't think of myself as a JR guy. But lots have made this switch. The 12X is nice, not like guys swapping out 14MZs for DX7's that blew my mind. Pretty clear cut, imho, if you are having issues. You can't run gear you don't trust. Mike

That observation may sound redickulas- BUT I saw it - first hand. also of the few guys here, using the 14 - only ONE would use their 2.4 - The other two said :
1." No way I would use it as it is "
2. " I will just get the JR "
Both good friends . both were very irked by the teething problems they found with the system.
3. Uses the Futaba 2.4 but is still unhappy with how the system has no small simple inexpensive rx for the little foam toys.

[bigredav2002]

I had a 12Z on 72mhz. I flew Futaba for over 25 years, I now have a 9303 2.4. I think that Futaba has lost touch of the average modeler and for that matter Great Planes also. I see and and read about Horizon and JR standing behind their product ALOT more that Futaba/Great Planes/Hobbico. It seems that if their is a problem with a product that Horizon will get the word out and do whatever they can to make it right while Great Planes will deny any problem and attempt to cover it up. I will give an example so others reading this dont think I'm just bashing. If you go to jrradios.com you will see a message for 9303 2.4 users about the pinched wires on the other hand you can search futabarc.com for any mention of heat issues and find nothing. IMO it seems that one distributor is all about the bottom line and the other is about service to their customers.
Just my .02
Wes Ryman

[Sevans16]

that is my issue. If there a a fix or update I would be all over it. But since there is no problem just that the rx went bad!! I give up. I have 8-607's, 2-617's, 3-608's, and 4-6014's.

I am only using 2 of 4 6014's right now. I had one quit working with no drama during plane set up. It was my first one from Jan release. I have a second I bought around June(thinking there may have been a secret update), it worked fine for almost three months now it is doing the same thing. The led goes from green to red really fast. The led is a flickering blur! So I am 0/2 with the 6014's. The last one cost me an AW 75cc Extra. Lost it right after a snap roll during straight and level flight. It was a long slow death, it was very sad to watch.

[Zeeb]

Sevans,

I posted a couple of things over on your RCU thread/question for you, I think you can guess which way I voted in your poll?????

[Sevans16]

I have had no issues with my other rx's. My 6014's were in a Smart-Fly setup. After they went bad the act up after being powered up for 10-15 mins even inside on the bench but outside 100 degree weather in shade they will act up 0-5 mins. So there seems to be some relation to heat?? But it has worked the last three months in much warmer weather.

[Sevans16]

Duplicate!! Oops.

[ben_beyer]

See, I'm a little different. I like new technology, but the reason why I like my 12FG so much is because I get the 2048 resolution with a 72 mhz system. I'm actually comforted by the fact that if something happens like I get too low on the voltage to my RX, it'll come back as soon as it has power. 2.4Ghz takes a few seconds to reboot. Now, that doesn't mean it's not good technology (I think it is good technology!), but there's downsides to everything really. I can still get shot down for example, but what if the RX comes unbound?

My best example is when I got my JR 9303. I liked that radio a lot more than my Futaba 9C, but there were still drawbacks. It's just how it is and you have to pick what works for you. I like how the smaller Spektrum 2.4 RX's are $50. The cheapest one for an airplane from Futaba is $100! There's pros and cons. I may one day decide I'd rather have a JR 12X than my Futaba 12FG...

I say go with the 12X if you're a diehard 2.4 guy. If not, maybe still with the 12Z and try some 5114DPS RX's in your bigger stuff. Just some thoughts...