getting ready to pull the trigger to 2.4: Module or Native???

[Jonathan Ott]

I want to go 2.4 (JR 9303) I have a 72mHz 9303, and want to know everyone's thoughts on either going native (buying a new X9303) or module system (supplement my current 9303).

I know the latency is just a touch off if I go module, but will "I" ever notice? (is the module based 2.4 any faster than my 72mHz?)

I know I won't have "Model Match" if I go module, but I've never had it before, and managed seven (7) aircraft on this one (remembering to change the model before flying).

So, should I go module based, sell off my 72 mHz receivers to fund new 2.4 receivers, or continue saving for a native system, and then have to continue saving for receivers?

[N726AC]

Kinda hard to sell off the 72 stuff,,,, the 72 guys are loving the bargains! Either way is OK,,,,I do prefer the native stuff !

[Kiva Flyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by N726AC
	Kinda hard to sell off the 72 stuff,,,, the 72 guys are loving the bargains! Either way is OK,,,,I do prefer the native stuff !

True words here. I think it's easier just to convert everything rather than screw around changing the module when you want to fly your FM rigs.

[sweetpea]

I look at it this way...........go module now as its cheaper. Start saving dough and selling off the 72mhz stuff. Eventually you will be able to afford a brand new native radio be it the 9303 the 12X or something else. Then you have 2 radios. 1 for the kids (if you have any) or as a back up radio.

[JoeAirPort]

The Spektrum tx/rx deals made this decision easy for me. I got two of them for my two 50cc gas planes. Then I got to keep my Futaba 9C. I also have a spare tx module. I love this system. Been using it all year.

[Pilotpete]

Make that one more vote for the module. The best 3D pilot at our field uses the XP9303 with DM9 conversion module for the past two seasons. I fly with the Futaba 9Cs with Futaba and Spektrum modules. Save the money for when JR comes out with a 9 channel $500 price point, from the ground up 2.4Ghz radio to meet the competition from brands A, F and H
Pete

[tadawson]

Myself, I would *NEVER* buy native - it's like the older radios on 27MHz etc. - why lock yourself in, when you can get the same performance *AND* future-proof yourself with a module? Granted, the limitation vary depending on the radio - the JR 12X, for instance, has the same identical feature set and specs module or not - the electronics are the same, only the plastic changes, versus module upgrades to older transmitters and not getting things like model match if that is actually important to you, and minor diffs. in latency.

Something like a 12X will be a viable platform for a very, very, long time, and if/when 900MHz comes out, which should be a *LOT* better than 2.4, I don't want to have to buy a new radio because my old one is "locked in" . . .

- Tim

[yakpilot]

One more vote for the module system. I finally converted my 10x this summer and I couldn't be happier. You can buy a module and receiver for like 10 bucks more than a receiver by itself. There is a very slight difference in latency between a native and module system, but for mere mortals like us we won't notice it . The modules stream in ppm which is faster than pcm so when you figure in the extra time it takes to convert to 2.4 it becomes a wash. The feel is the same as you are used to now. But one thing I noticed is that the servos don't seem to be noisy or jittery on 2.4 but that may be my imagination.

[E-MO]

I keep my fuel planes on 72mhz when the wind starts to blow I slap the 2.4 module in for my slope planes, no worries of shooting or getting shot on the hill. the only change is using this 2.4 antenna from www.sparkfun.com easy on off of module without the hassle of the cable/antenna
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...roducts_id=145

[2walla]

You are not going to be able to sell the 72mhz receivers for very much..And once you start using 2.4 you will not want to go back to 72mhz so the ability to swich back and forth may be minimal. Personally I would go native as the modelmatch feature is nice, and you can live without it but the fact that the antenna setup for the spektrum module system is a total POS. The cord and antenna is a crap setup that if even if you are careful with it you can break easily.. Why they didn't mold it all together (aka Futaba) is beyond me. That plug sticking out of the back of the module with the mini plug is a joke.. It works ok , but I have seen a couple of smoking holes caused by the wire coming loose/breaking on the module.

[BreadBowl]

I say go with whatever will be cheapest and easiest for you to use. The resolution on the DM9 is 1024, versus the 2048 available on the DX7SE, native 9303, and the 12X. However, not all receiveres are 2048, I think all of the 9 channel receivers and up, and any of the ones that are labeled as being high speed, like the Spektrum AR7600.

I will say, that if you go the module route, make sure the antenna is always tight to the module. What I reccomend doing is taking a wrench and tightening it up (but don't overtighten!) and always leave the antenna and module connected. It makes it easier to put the radio in your transmitter case if you don't have one specifically designed for 2.4 radios and prevents you from turning the radio on without the antenna attached to the module. I fried my first module like that because I was so used to being able to turn on my 10X on 72 with no antenna screwed on the transmitter. I turned on for a split second and by then it was too late.

On the flip side, I flew several times with a fried module in a composite pattern plane with no issues. There's nothing wrong with the modules, just take some extra precautions to make sure you don't lose an airplane.

Good luck!

[JoeAirPort]

I use that Sparkfun antenna too. I love 2.4.

[66stang]

I went with a new 9303, I did not care for the external antenna, it is too fragile!

[Zeeb]

ModelMatch, Servo Synch, 2048 resolution capable, no "mickey mouse" antenna sticking out the back of the radio to get broke or loose.....

Native system.....

[DC Gayhart]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Zeeb
	ModelMatch, Servo Synch, 2048 resolution capable, no "mickey mouse" antenna sticking out the back of the radio to get broke or loose..... Native system.....

I vote with Zeeb, I have both and model match IMHO is worth the extra cost of native.