Strange time for radios

[aviti]

I've been trying to be patient about the new 2.4 technology but it's difficult. I fly a 10X and of course I still like the features but it frosts me that I paid for a top end radio and now the guys with a 7 channel have the latest technology. I'm also confused why Futaba now has an offering but JR does not. Spektrum does JR does not. Will JR be coming out with 2.4 radios or will all offerings be Spektrum? Horizon has hinted that they will not come out with modules for the 9303 and 10X. That leaves a lot of us with expensive worthless boxes if 2.4 takes over like it seems.

The other question is whether 2.4 really is the answer. It seems strange and a little scary that you need 2 receivers and 4 antennas to get it to work on a gas plane. I've had good luck for 25 years on 72Mhz. Have had some glitches here and there but have never lost a plane to radio interference (knock on wood of course).

Right now, my thought process is to leave all my existing planes on 72 and going forward move to 2.4. Many of my planes are inexpensive park flyers and indoor planes where the chances of being shot down are minimal. I have 2 35% planes on 72 and although it would be nice to convert them, just the mere fact that probably 60 percent or more of the flyers will switch to 2.4 will help minimize the chance of a shoot down. Even better, I think tha majority of new flyers will go 2.4 and although anyone can shoot you down, I think the new flyers are a greater risk.

I guess most of this will be answered over the next few months but it's definitely an area of uncertainty right now....

[MattyMatt]

aviti,

I agree with you as I just bought a 9303 last year. Extremelink is an option if you want to go to 2.4 ghz.

Look at it this way... if a ton of people go to 2.4 ghz then it is less likely for you to have an issue with 72mhz !

[rc4flying]

	Quote: Originally Posted by aviti
	just the mere fact that probably 60 percent or more of the flyers will switch to 2.4 will help minimize the chance of a shoot down. Even better, I think tha majority of new flyers will go 2.4 and although anyone can shoot you down, I think the new flyers are a greater risk.....

The problem I see that could happen, is with guys switching to 2.4 systems, that they get lazy in the frequency pin use and accidently turn on a 72 System without thinking they need the pin.

Thin about how many guys will have both systems. It is bound to happen sooner or later. Hope I do not pay the price ( Knock on Wood ) As I plan on staying with the 72 systems for the time being.

Just my thought and concern.

[rc4flying]

	Quote: Originally Posted by MattyMatt;
	Look at it this way... if a ton of people go to 2.4 ghz then it is less likely for you to have an issue with 72mhz !

Only until that one individual forgets to grab the pin when he grabs his 72 MHz system and you are on that frequency.

[Cracky]

I'm never one to have the "latest and greatest" so I'll be sticking with my 9303 for a while. It works fine now, why switch? I could see in the fall getting a 2.4 system for foamy flying but not hard pressed to get it for giant scale.

[rc4flying]

I agree with you completely on this, dgfick

My present setups have served me very well.

[aviti]

Well I am definitely going to wait until there is a radio that has all the features I want. The last thing I want to do is get one only to find out a week later there is a different one I want. Not saying I need the most features, but I want at least the capability of my 10X. More channels would be nice though to eliminate matchboxes.

[jaguar bone]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rc4flying
	The problem I see that could happen, is with guys switching to 2.4 systems, that they get lazy in the frequency pin use and accidently turn on a 72 System without thinking they need the pin. Thin about how many guys will have both systems. It is bound to happen sooner or later. Hope I do not pay the price ( Knock on Wood ) As I plan on staying with the 72 systems for the time being. Just my thought and concern.

Lazy, or forgetful. You bet that will remain and become and growing concern.

For me, $100 to convert each plane is not allot of hobby numbers (my new term for hobby money after spending $100 for a single 3.5" black anodized spinner with DA drilling and Mejzlik cutouts!).

The added confidence level of idiot-proofing my investments and the elimination of a second radio to fool with - for me is worth it. - Though I currently only need to convert two other planes ( no redundant radio set ups) and my transmitter is 5 yrs old. I'm gonna have like four JR 700 and one 600 series receivers on CH 40 to toss to the "play it safe-ers" (??) when I'm done.

IMO, I think there is NO WAY JR will sit back for long and let this rising storm leave their equipment offerings in the dust. I personally think JR's "high number" customer's would be best served with a retro fit for their existing radios.

Unless ----- JR's marketing rationale smells something like: "If our high end customers bought 10X's before - they will find the juice to eventually pony up and upgrade!"

Tough call for you fliers!

[dick hanson]

one Spektrum 7000 RX is actually 2 rx - really
I flew my 10X (and the preceeding s/sx)for years - and my 9303 -terrific units!
My Spektrum is -in my book- better - and for pattern or any aerobatics, 7 channels covers all the controls I can think of .
I will grab the next JR /Spectrum upgrade tho -based on the DX7 performance.