X9303 vs. 10C -- which one for christmas?

[CyprusJoe]

Guys:

I have currently a Futaba 6EXA series one radio. It is absolutely driving me nuts as there is no dual rates or exponential for the rudder (they fixed this in later editions) and no sophisticated mixing capablitiy. I have come close a few times to getting a new radio, but now see it as pretty essential. I was going to get a DX7 about a year ago, but thought to wait a bit, plus my budget was not in the best shape. Now, I am looking at one of these radios for christmas this year. I would like to get either the x9303 or the 10C, but really don't know how to begin to compare the two. So far, I have the following:

Futaba 10C: Likes:
10 channels vs 9
backlit screen and bigger than JR
Newer programming (x9303 is same as previous edition 9303)
Seems to have slightly more sophisticated prgramming than JR (logic switches and number of mixes available

Dislikes:
receiver compatibility -- JR has more receivers and has IMHO better receivers for the ultra-light stuff like foamies and park fliers
Issues regarding the heat (although I have heard somewhere that they intend to fix this)
Two of the channels are only on/off and not proportional (I can not for my life figure out how I could use non-proportional channels as everything -- even landing gear will need end point adjustments, etc)
Stupid 700 mah battery will need replacing with at least 1500 mah battery adding to the cost

JR 9303 Likes:
I haven't heard anyone say anything negative about the 9303 (except the wire chaffing)
People say that the programming is easier (but they fly JR, so maybe that is just because they are used to it
It is slightly cheaper
The 2.4 gig link system seems to have less issues (not a big deal to me as I believe both products are essentially sound)
I like the "feel" of the radio

Dislikes:

Smaller screen, no back light
Not 10 channels (although see above)


Guys, I need some help as I really don't know the shortcomings of either of these radios as relates to using for IMAC type flying, pattern flying, and some 3d stuff. I am moving into giant aerobats, but will occasionally fly a foamie, profile, scale-ish job, and maybe even a Jet as long as my wife doesn't find out.

Which one should go on the christmas list?

[Dan767]

I have a 10C, so I'm biased. It's easy to program, but I'm coming from a 9C to this radio. I can fly my PCM/PPM airplanes by using the RF Module from my 9C, and I don't need to change every receiver. I only need a single receiver for each airplane, and don't have to figure out where to put the satellites. The Futaba 616FFM works for park flyers. $59.99. A new Hitec Electron 6 is $43.99 plus $7.99 for the crystal. You might be able to use your transmitter module from your 6EXA, I would ask Futaba on this.

The 700mah battery has never been a problem for me. I can get a half dozen or more flights in before a recharge. I stop flying between 9.9 to 9.8 volts.

The radio is well balanced and I like the screen. The joystick is a nice change from the buttons on the 9C for programming.

Futaba has it's heat issue, JR has it's wiring issue with the X9303. JR has had problems with brown outs. Futaba has had problems with older digital servos and the lower output voltages. My understanding is the newer digitals don't have this problem, but I'm not sure. I'm using an EQ-10 with JR servos and it seems to be fine.

[brandonduley]

My choice would be the X9303, have seen/flown on a 9303 and really like the feel. Plus like you said in your comments, JR has much more to choose from as far as Rx's for every size aircraft/heli. I fly with JR/Spektrum and have had no issues whatsoever and would recommend them to anyone looking to buy a radio.
__________________

[diviatix]

Same answer as other thread.

Both great radios. Used them both. Like them both. However, I prefer the 10c...for these reasons.

1>Modular.
a> I run the Futaba 14ch 2.4 rec on giantscale gasser with power exapnder. awesome speed never a twitch.
b> My hitec spectra module plugs right in for using berg PPM receivers with DLGs. Very handy.
c> The Futaba SPEKTRUM module plugs in for the little foamy and parkfliers. (very inexpensive right now for Futaba version at Horizon, $109 with an AR7000)

2> The switch assignability on the 10c is VERY flexible.

As I say, both great radios, but I feel the 10c covers all the bases at this price point. (IMO naturally)

Cheers,

Andrew.

[Spdstr280Z]

Do you plan to keep your old radio for your 72 mhz stuff, or do you plan to convert everything ? You might really benefit from the modular setup of the 10C if you are keeping anything 72. Plus if you are used to Futaba and like Futaba, I think that would be another plus.

For me, I haven't been in the hobby that long and don't have anything on 72. Because of that, I actually don't like that the radio is modular. Something doesn't seem right about buying a new "2.4" radio that feels like a conversion out of the box.

Personally I like the feel of the 9303 better, that's the main reason I moved from a DX7. The 10C doesn't feel as solid and well balanced to me.

JR does have a lot more receiver options, a big plus to me.

I can't comment on the 10C programming, but the 9303 is easy.

Wouldn't mind having a backlit display though....

Pick whichever one fits your needs best, I doubt you will go wrong with either.

Jason

[CyprusJoe]

Really great advice guys. I had sort of planned on keeping my 6exa while slowly converting my planes to 2.4 -- both of them at the moment. I had not even realized that you could put a spektrum module in the futaba and use the spektrum receivers -- smart.

Is there anything that the Futaba can/can't do vs. JR?

[cap 232g]

I voted for the JR X9303 because I absolutely love mine. I like the feel of it a lot more than my old 9C. The 9C just didn't feel right. The programming is very straight forward and complete. The flight modes are also very nice. Plus the DSM2 technology is now very proven and JR has many reciever options. I doubt you could go wrong with the 10C, but I prefer the X9303.

[Vic3D]

Both TX's are easy to program. 10C uses the same software as the 9c so it's pretty easy to navigate.

Both radios will do you well. Can't go wrong, but I highly recommend the 9303.

[DEVZAK9]

Dont own one but i love the 9303 a few guys at the field have them and they look great and seem to work flawlessly

[en1]

9303... I love mine too!!!

[50%plane]

10C if you can get over the FASST issues, and reciever options.

9303 if you want the best customer service, and reciever options.

I had a similar choice to make, and I went with the 9303. Programming took a little while to get used to, but I'm happy with my choice. I went from a 9C though, so programming was a little bit better than the 6EXA. With this being said, I flew Futaba for 10 years. I made the jump, and at this time, I don't regret it.

You should be happy with either one.

FWIW, I hated the programming so much on my 9303 that I was about to sell it. When I mentioned it to a couple folks, they immediately wanted to buy it. So, if you ever want to sell a 9303, there is a market.


Hope this helps,
Chris

[Spdstr280Z]

Wow, an absolutely helpful, honest, straightforward, non-antagonistic post.... Who are you and what have you done with 50% ?