2.4 GHz questions

[cbass]

Hi,
I Have been flying on 72mhz for the last year and I now also want to jump to 2.4. I have a part time job at my LHS, and I have saved up some money and I am ready to spend it . I have a couple of futaba 7C on 72 mhz but I thinking of going Jr/Spektrum. I wanted to get the 12X but I am going to wait until I hear more about it. I saw that there is the Spektrum/JR giveaway. I am thinking of getting a DX7 with a couple of receivers: 3 AR7000 and 2 9 ch RX. Since if I buy two RX and a radio system I will get another 2 receivers free. I know there are 3 different 9 ch rx made by JR and Spektrum, which one do you think I should get? Is there a difference between the JR DSM2 9ch and the Spektrum DSM2 9ch? Is the power safe AR9100 receiver have any advantages/disadvantages over the other 9ch receivers besides being able to handle more currents Also I have been hearing about software updates on the spektrum receivers, if I wear to buy spektrum receivers now have they already been updated? How can I tell they have been updated? Are there any good tips on mounting the rx besides what the Manual says, I will be flying larger models soon and I don't want to loose one due to a bad receiver configuration. I have heard that you should do a 360 degree range test to see if you get a bad reception at a specific direction? Are there any other tests I can do to make sure my system is bullet proof? And any other tips I need to know to make my Spektrum experience a good one. Thank you very much for looking

Sebastian

[50%plane]

Sebastian,

I just switched from a Futaba 9C to a 9303, so I can't really answer all of your questions. However, I wouldn't get the DX7. I'd jump to the 9303, or Futaba's 12FG. Both of those seem to be great radios. I bought my radio from Donalds-hobby.com for less than you can find it anywhere. (add to cart for the real price ) As far as range check, I always do a 360 degree range check on a new model.


Hope this helps!
50%

[johnyrcu]

until a true jr man can give some input ,,, it seems from what i've heard is the 9303 has better throttle options and trims. and i'd get the r921 rx for the true 2048 resolution. and the logger would really be an addition i'd buy.

[cbass]

Thank you very much for the advice. I have heard from a couple of guys to jump staright to the 2.4 9303. Is it that much better than the DX7? Also I wont be flying anything larger than a nitro model on the DX7, when I do get a giant scale I will buy the 12X. Should I still get the 9303 for the extra $300?

[johnyrcu]

i know some guys that are flying giant gassers with the dx7. i personally don't know any imac guys that would or are flying with dx7, i think it just comes down to what you want out of the hobby. the 9303 with r921 will take you as far as you want to go and i would considerate worth the extra money. i would think if you skipped the dx7 and the 12 the 9303 is a very capible and competitive radio. the more you learn about the systems the more you'll know what to get

[Zeeb]

Well it looks like you need to do a bit more research on some of your questions as there are lots of ways to answer some of them, and lots of opinions as to which might be best so I'll not go there right now.

To answer your question about the DX7 vs the X9303; IMHO it's ALWAYS better to buy more radio than you think you'll need right now. If you anticipate a move up to GS stuff, the DX7 will fly it, but there are many more options available by going with the X9303 and the nine channel rx's and it's cheaper to get the X9303 up front rather than the DX7 and then sell it for the X9303. As mentioned, the nine channel and above rx's have 2048 resolution vs 1024 on the seven channel and below rx's. They also have the capability of running two satellite rx's giving you better signal path diversity. All the new AR7000's can use the data logger too so that's not so much of a difference now.

The 12X isn't here yet and while it's supposed to be available mid May, I'm not holding my breath till mine gets here...

Also, it's twice the price of the X9303.

The AR9000/R921's are the same except for the color.

The AR9100/R922's are the same with slightly different labeling on them and are designed to replace systems where a power box is necessary to handle the extra current of lots of big servos. To some extent they will do that, but still have the problem of only one servo plug per channel, so they are still current limited for big stuff like 40% but should serve pretty well for some 35% and most smaller models. They also do not have any rx's inside the main unit and that's why they come with three satellite rx's with a provision for being able to run a fourth satellite rx. The battery inputs on the AR9100/R922 rx's consist of two HD 16g. wires where the AR9000/R921 rx's use the more common dual servo connector size battery inputs.