| Futaba, Spektrum, JR, oh what radio should I buy? The | | | | for basic park flying, or the DX6i, DX7 or the New |
| choices appear to be confusing. How do you choose? | | | | DX7Se 2048 resolution. These radios allow for faster |
| You're looking for a new, or maybe even your first RC | | | | communication and provides a more connected feel. In |
| Airplane or Helicopter Radio? So many choices, where | | | | other words, you feel more in touch with your craft as |
| does one start? | | | | you fly. |
| Well one would need to start by identifying what the | | | | Each of these radios offers something that no other |
| radio would be used for. | | | | manufacturer is offering at this time. It's called Bind and |
| For instance, one may be interested in only flying small | | | | Fly (BNF). In essence what that means is you can buy |
| foam airplanes, where a 4 channel radio would fill the | | | | one of the many planes or even helicopters that come |
| need just fine. Or maybe it's a larger airplane with flaps | | | | as a BNF. |
| and multiple channels for navigation lights and landing | | | | When you get the plane or helicopter all you need to |
| gear along with channel mixing. In this case a radio with | | | | do is follow a very simple procedure to bind the |
| 7-12 channels would be needed. As the radios | | | | airplane/helicopters built in receiver to your radio and |
| increase in channels, the more programming features | | | | you're ready to fly in less than 5 mins. No building, no |
| will be available for those channels. Let's think ahead. | | | | installing electronics or anything, all is included in the |
| With the cost of the 2.4 GHz radios coming down, | | | | BNF. So for the time being, Spektrum seems to have |
| there should be no reason for anyone to consider | | | | the upper hand when it comes to BNF systems. |
| saving a couple of dollars buying an FM 72 MHz radio | | | | Both the JR and Spektrum brand radios have been |
| that's prone to interference by someone else on the | | | | noted as having some of the easiest programming, |
| same channel. 2.4 GHz systems with a Spread | | | | while Futaba may be a little harder to program from |
| Spektrum or like technology will allow flyers to | | | | the start, but will soon become very easy with time. |
| concentrate on flying with the peace of mind knowing | | | | For smaller 5-7 channel radio systems, Spektrum |
| they can't be touched by someone else on their | | | | seems to be the choice, but when it comes to larger |
| channel. Interference may lead to flight glitches and | | | | 9-14 channels, then Futaba or JR may be better |
| your experience will be ruined. | | | | options. |
| Ok so next, the all so familiar question, what brand | | | | Always compare cost and functionality before making |
| should you go for? Well, for those who have been an | | | | a purchase. Different models offer different features. |
| avid JR or Futaba person, that question will be simple. | | | | Finally, you want to be sure that you look great with |
| But for the others, you should look at the Spektrum line | | | | the radio controller! |
| very carefully. Spektrum has radios like the 5ch DX5e | | | | |