2.4GHz Futaba 9C combo pack w/10 channel receiver

[juicesqueezer]

Anyone had any experience with Extreme Power Systems new radio upgrade? They are offering a 2.4 plug in and a 10 channel receiver for $209 complete. This setup is for a 9C Futaba radio, which is what I have. Would like to hear from those who either have one of these or know someone who does. Wanting to upgrade and this looks like a great deal!

Thanks

[Leseirf]

I've had good luck with XPS in my 9C in everything from small foamies to giant scale USRA racers. I've had no issues even with the older versions that caused problems for some others. I really feel the latest revision is as robust a link as any of the 2.4 systems out there. I'm aware that anyone saying positive things about XPS around here generally gets flamed but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

No point in the 10ch rx however as the 9C is only 8 channels in PPM mode. Buy the 8ch combo and use the savings to buy the XDP programmer. It makes failsafe and other setup functions infinitely easier and will allow for future firmware updates.

The only really annoying thing about XPS is that JD keeps promising all these great new products that will be released.....someday......maybe.....

Mike

[choppedlow3]

I'm in the same mutha F'n boat! I took a two year break from my favorite nerd sport, and now my antenna is waaayyyy longer than everyone else's! What the hell is up with Spektrum and 2.4? Is it the same? I'm willing to buy a new radio, but I also have a 9C and I love that thing. I was looking into buying the module as well, but will it be as good as it would if I were to just buy another radio? XDP programer? Is that to take care of any lacking software in the radio that has to do with 2.4? I'm sure I could buy a new Futaba, but for $200 I could have the new setup and have my radio I am very familiar with. All I know is that I need to get with it, because I feel like I'm not as cool with my long black wire hanging from my planes, and three foot extendable radio antenna!

[juicesqueezer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Leseirf
	I've had good luck with XPS in my 9C in everything from small foamies to giant scale USRA racers. I've had no issues even with the older versions that caused problems for some others. I really feel the latest revision is as robust a link as any of the 2.4 systems out there. I'm aware that anyone saying positive things about XPS around here generally gets flamed but that's my story and I'm sticking to it! No point in the 10ch rx however as the 9C is only 8 channels in PPM mode. Buy the 8ch combo and use the savings to buy the XDP programmer. It makes failsafe and other setup functions infinitely easier and will allow for future firmware updates. The only really annoying thing about XPS is that JD keeps promising all these great new products that will be released.....someday......maybe..... Mike

I did not know you could not use a 10 channel receiver with the 9C radio? I fly PCM with my planes and am working on getting a 27% in the air. I am using two servos for elevator and ailerons, one pull pull for rudder, kill switch, smoke, choke and throttle. Tower sells the 10 channel for the 9C. Not bashing, just asking a question. Since it is $189 for the receiver on Tower and my new issue of Model Aviation had the XPS system advertised, I went on their web site and I could get it with module and receiver for $209, thought it was a great deal. However, when reading the other treads, not so sure now if I end up losing a plane! Don't mind the money savings, but not at the expense of losing a plane. More research required! Anyone else???????

[juicesqueezer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by choppedlow3
	I'm in the same mutha F'n boat! I took a two year break from my favorite nerd sport, and now my antenna is waaayyyy longer than everyone else's! What the hell is up with Spektrum and 2.4? Is it the same? I'm willing to buy a new radio, but I also have a 9C and I love that thing. I was looking into buying the module as well, but will it be as good as it would if I were to just buy another radio? XDP programer? Is that to take care of any lacking software in the radio that has to do with 2.4? I'm sure I could buy a new Futaba, but for $200 I could have the new setup and have my radio I am very familiar with. All I know is that I need to get with it, because I feel like I'm not as cool with my long black wire hanging from my planes, and three foot extendable radio antenna!

Understand your frustrations, but there is nothing wrong with our radios! The 9C is a great radio and as long as you pull your pin at the field and no one else turns their radio on with your channel, you are fine. This is what 2.4 has given those who have it. Reasurance that no one else can shoot down your plane by coming on your channel. I have a good friend who flies up to 46%'s and still flies with his JR 9303 with no problems. I would not let others intimidate you by not having 2.4!!!!!

[Pilotpete]

The 9C will only provide 8 channels with any conversion module, conversion modules all require PPM input. The 9C only does 9 channels in PCM
I have the 9Cs, sold the 72Mhz module to a friend. I use both Futaba TM-8 and Spektrum DM8 modules.
Pete

[Kiwi]

What Pilot Pete said,

No matter how hard you squeeze that 9C it is only an eight channel radio in PPM and all the after market modules must use PPM as they do not have access to the FUTABA PCM protocol.

As for good price super reliable 2.4 Ghz (assuming you dont want to go with genuine Futaba) alternatives dont kick ASSAN out of the way any more either. The V2 series is performing beyond expectation these days and I am sure you can get a module and a 9 channer Rx for about $150. Its good stuff, it runs on three randomly selected channels much like SPEKTRUM, who only use two.

Its actually one of the better systems available on the market today unless you want to go upscale and spend a few extra nickels on the WEATRONIC mini system. In that case it costs a little more for the transmitter module but you get bidirectional communication with warnings for low battery levels in your plane, a range alarm saying your at the limit or if your Rx is getting hot for any reason.

In both cases the receivers will be upgradable on the internet so your always up to date with the current software and basically your Rx technology will never get old.

My absolute pick from them all for robustness is Weatronic. (100 channels, scanning and automatically blocking out congested channels)

Assan by using three selected channels is theoretically stronger than SPEKTRUM.

Either way you wont go wrong.

[Mike Mayberry]

The Hitec system will also work with the 9C and is available with a 9Ch RX for $154.99 or w/2 RX's for $199.99. If you only need 7 channels you can get the combo w/2RX's for $129.99.

20 channel continuous hopping with bidirectional communication with warnings for low battery levels as well, and other goodies too like a Supplemental Power Connection to power the Rx independently from the servos.

Mike.

[Kiwi]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Mike Mayberry
	The Hitec system will also work with the 9C and is available with a 9Ch RX for $154.99 or w/2 RX's for $199.99. If you only need 7 channels you can get the combo w/2RX's for $129.99. 20 channel continuous hopping with bidirectional communication with warnings for low battery levels as well, and other goodies too like a Suplimental Power Connection to power the Rx indipendantly from the servos. Mike.

Thats one I overlooked and while I have not seen it yet from what I have heard its a top of the line system. One thing I will say is regardless of the pros and cons beaten to death here on the site FHSS is the superior system for our use. FSSS works and is a kind of pseudo FHSS by using more than one channel anyway.

[wecoyote]

My 9C has the Spektrum module and I love it! One of the nice things about the Spektrum is all the "bind and fly" that are coming out.
The main reason I converted my 9C instead of changing to JR/Spektrum radio is the throttle control timer that JR won't do. Also already know the 9C programing and it has all my models in it.

[juicesqueezer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Kiwi
	What Pilot Pete said, No matter how hard you squeeze that 9C it is only an eight channel radio in PPM and all the after market modules must use PPM as they do not have access to the FUTABA PCM protocol. As for good price super reliable 2.4 Ghz (assuming you dont want to go with genuine Futaba) alternatives dont kick ASSAN out of the way any more either. The V2 series is performing beyond expectation these days and I am sure you can get a module and a 9 channer Rx for about $150. Its good stuff, it runs on three randomly selected channels much like SPEKTRUM, who only use two. Its actually one of the better systems available on the market today unless you want to go upscale and spend a few extra nickels on the WEATRONIC mini system. In that case it costs a little more for the transmitter module but you get bidirectional communication with warnings for low battery levels in your plane, a range alarm saying your at the limit or if your Rx is getting hot for any reason. In both cases the receivers will be upgradable on the internet so your always up to date with the current software and basically your Rx technology will never get old. My absolute pick from them all for robustness is Weatronic. (100 channels, scanning and automatically blocking out congested channels) Assan by using three selected channels is theoretically stronger than SPEKTRUM. Either way you wont go wrong.

Thanks Kiwi for that handful of knowledge. This site is great and since I had been out of the hobby for over 35 years, a wealth of information to digest and help me out.
I thought that Futaba made a TRUE 9 channel receiver, with the 10th slot for the battery, but alas, no go on that one. I have decided to Y the volt meter to the battery and go with the R319DPS receiver. This way, I have 1 slot for ailerons, 2 for elevator, 1 pull/pull rudder, smoke, throttle, kill switch and choke. Whew! This for my 27% I am finishing. Later, I will go with a 2.4 trans/receiver.
Again, thanks to all for your feedback!

Regards,

Joe

[juicesqueezer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Mike Mayberry
	The Hitec system will also work with the 9C and is available with a 9Ch RX for $154.99 or w/2 RX's for $199.99. If you only need 7 channels you can get the combo w/2RX's for $129.99. 20 channel continuous hopping with bidirectional communication with warnings for low battery levels as well, and other goodies too like a Supplemental Power Connection to power the Rx independently from the servos. Mike.

Thanks Mike for your help as well.