New Radio - opinions...?

[andyb]

I have a JR DSX 9 but am almost getting to the stage where I neew to consider a new radio; I need a 2.4 GHz set with 10+ channels, a nice feel on the sticks, impeccable reliability and easy programming for F3F/F3J, sport slope models, IC power, electric power, EDF and turbines. What I don't want to do is spend what could be quite a large amount of cash only to find that the manufacturer goes bust in a few years time, or that there are some hitherto-unsuspected technical issues with it.

I have a number of prejudices and opinions that will colour the decision;

• I like JR because of the way the sticks feel and the fact that the service centre is local, but I have no idea what they think they're doing with multiple 2.4 GHz standards. I wonder if they do.
• Given the amount of fuss and the number of reports of serious functional problems with Spektrum, I wouldn't touch them no matter how good the after-sales service is.
• Not used a Multiplex Tx but the programming model (as explained to me yesterday) sounds rather more logical than asian radiosm, but from what I understand some or all of the mixers are global which will tend to eat up the available memories. Don't know how reliable they are.
• Used a Graupner MC 20 some time ago which felt really nice, but again I have no idea what they're doing with 2.4 GHz, or whether they'll even be around longer-term.
• Have occasionally used mid-range Futaba Txs and they're just about OK, but I think they have a better 2.4 GHz system than Spektrum. There a perception that the Rxs tend to be a bit expensive, and I've no idea how reliable they really are.

Anyone care to offer any (polite) advice on the matter?

[Gareth]

Andy,

You have mentioned a couple of options there.

If you need more than the DSX9 then you are looking at the DSX12 from JR's range. The 11 doesn't get good reviews as it doesn't have all the functionality needed.

The Futaba's are good but are more dosh for the TX and the RX's. They use the frequency hopping system so should be more stable, i found the unit i had for the FF9 a little slow to respond but if you go with an intergrated unit you should be fine.

Multiplex are very good radio's. You need to have some crazy German logic to be able to program it but once you are in "German mode" it will do everything you could ask of it and more. The advantage with the Multiplex is you can assign any switch/stick to do anything you want at any time you want. They are bringing out lots of telemetry stuff for the M-Link and although its pricey it seems to work and work well (most of its not legal in comps).

The Spektrum units are no good for you as they don't have glider mixes.

Hope this helps, i know some people are going over to Hitec radio as its cheap and seems to work well but its not in the same league.

I have been thinking about getting a DSX12 for a while but at over £1k second hand its too much to justify. If i didnt have all the RX's and was going to go down the glider mainly route i would be buying the Multiplex.

Gareth

[Sheraz]

Andy,

From what Ive seen the Futaba sets are extremal good.
Unfortunately the JR sets exceed £1000 and is a lot of money. I think once you go over 12 channels you are paying over £1500.

unless you no anyone selling the JR 12ch, it will get quite expensive (on another note, i do no Craig at moor models has a JR12 ch and was looking to sell his if you were after a second hand one)

The JR 11x is getting mixed review but isn't baldy priced (i think around £600) but i would play around with it to see if it has the features you want.
Futaba do a 10 channel at around £500 but not sure 1 channel more will do you any good.

In comparison to JR's 12ch, futaba also do one at almost half the price (around £700) which may well be worth looking at.

I no all those on futaba at the patch swear by them, and reliability wise we have spektrum, JR and Futaba in use at the patch, skektrum with most issues, not heard many issues with JR and certainly not Futaba (I'm sure one of the guys can get you a discount on the radio set!)

hope it helps..


sheraz

[davo1983]

Futaba all the way. Ticks all your boxes Andy except price.

It really annoys me sometimes though not having Spektrum, Horizon offer some great little bind and fly models but they are no good unless you have a Spekrum transmitter. Several times recently I have thought to myself 'If I had a Spektrum I would by that'

Probably 75% of model car racers use either the Spekrtum DX3S or DX3R 3 channel radios. However the non-surface radios seem to have a much higher instance of reported problems and it just doesn't seem worth the risk to fly with one while there is any doubt about the reliability. 

 

[andyb]

I don't want to go JR because they high-end sets are particularly expensive and I don't have any confidence that their new 2.4GHz system will be around in the future. Graupner is not adviseable for similar reasons and Spektrum is a no-no.

On balance, I think I'm left with Multuplex or Futaba. I'm wondering if there's any particular reason to go for one over the other.

Futaba all the way. Ticks all your boxes Andy except price

What do you mean "except price"  They can't be more expensive than JR. Or can they?

[Gareth]

Futaba are more expensive than JR, Multiplex are more expensive than Futaba.

Its going to come down to what you want.

Futaba will be slightly cheaper but doesn't currently have telemetry.

Multiplex you can assign all the switches to do what ever you want, it was originally designed for gliders and it has telemetry. The down side with Multiplex is going to be the cost but it would be a better unit and provide you with more options.

Gareth

[davo1983]

Just looking at the cost of 12+ channel recievers for Futaba & Multiplex. Little change from £200 for the 12 channel Multiplex or 14 channel Futaba. Ouch!

Forgive my ignorance Gareth but are Multiplex a well established company? I know there are a fair few of their planes in existance but I didn't know they made radios until today. Futaba have obviously been around since the dawn of RC.

[gorber]

Futaba are not more expensive than JR, in fact it far from the case.

The 8FG has 14 channels and costs under £400.  I'd like to be pointed to a comparable JR that is cheaper than that.

It also has lots of programming options, including any switch being able to be assigned to practically any function.  I don't fly gliders, so I don't know what it has in that area.

The receivers are not as expensive as you might think either compared to the equivalent Spectrum/JR.

Andrew

[Sheraz]

I think you should look at the Futaba 12FG and the JR 11x,

Both around £700 and 12,11 channel respectively  but not sure about programming.

[Sheraz]

The 8FG has 14 channels

How does that work then? does it have a 14 channel rx?

thought the 8FG was 8 channel?   

[Gareth]

The 8FG has 14 channels

How does that work then? does it have a 14 channel rx?

thought the 8FG was 8 channel?   

I think you will find its 8 proportional channels with the switch channels being the extras. I hadn't realised that you could assign the switch's on the latest futaba units.

I would have said the 8FG is about the same as the JR DSX 9. I know there was a big thing about some TX's being sold as a 9ch TX but they can now only sell them as 8ch as the number is based upon the proportional channels.

Gareth

[andyb]

Futaba are more expensive than JR, Multiplex are more expensive than Futaba.

Futaba are not more expensive than JR, in fact it far from the case.

Er... yes, having now done a bit of research, I take your point about the relative price of Futaba and JR. I seem to remember that JR used to be more expensive (DSX9 was about £700 when it was first released, I think?) so I assume that Futaba has seen its chance and is trying to buy market share, and is also being pressured by other manufacturers offering similar-capability sets at similar prices.

Bit concerned about the price of multi-channel receivers in general, though. I suppose they think that if you looking for that many channels you must have money to burn. 

[Sheraz]

I suppose they think that if you looking for that many channels you must have money to burn. 

most definatly agree with that one!       

[andyb]

Just found this:

http://www.gliders.uk.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MUL-35392

Multiplex, £700, 16 channels, 2.4 GHz Tx & Rx, 36 model memories. With the possible exception of the number of model memories, that looks OK. Or am I missing something?

[Gareth]

Andy,

If you would like i can put you in contact with one of the guys i fly with, he uses one of these (not sure on the ch number).

How about this:
http://www.modelspot.com/royal-pro-16-m-link-fhss-vario-set-with-rx16dr-73-p.asp

Or, go to WestLondonModels:
http://www.westlondonmodels.com/product3237/Multiplex-Royal-PRO-16-M-Link-TX/

Gareth