Choosing 2.4Ghz Transmitter.

[camerart]

Hi all,

I have nearly completed my first T-copter, and soon I will be testing it.  I have transmitters, 27Mhz, 35Mhz and 40Mhz, but think it might be time to go to 2.4Ghz switchable.

I'm not really on a budget, but prefer a simple life without too much to remember these days, although if needed I can learn.

I've heard about telemetry, especially to report battery life, and wonder if this is worth having.

So which one?  I'm sure this has been asked many times, but new ones are always popping up.

Cheers, Camerart.

[vidal]

I have a dx6i and a turnigy 9x. Dx6i is really easy to use. As is the dx7 and 8.
The turnigy 9x is not so easy to use and there is alot to learn. But there is alot you can do with it.
If your looking for simple then id go with something like the Dx6i/7/8.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[CurryKitten]

if you can wait a little bit, FrSky is just about to release the Taranis.  There's been a lot of mods to the 9X radio in order to run better firmware and hardware hacking to get telemetry working.  The Taranis looks like a better quality radio with all of this built in, and voice alerts (which is handy if you are in the goggles)

Downside is even when they are released I can see everyone wanting one, so they could be tricky to get hold of

http://www.frsky-rc.com/NewProducts/

[Randall]

On the flip side i fly Futaba Fasst and cant fault it (i also have spekky for BbF stuff) it seems to have better range than spektrum out the box and i personally find programming my 8FG a breeze but its not cheap and the RX's are expensive but i would not change over to spektrum personally,  however everyone is going to tell you what they have is best because thats their preference for what ever reason. The most important part is how it feels in YOUR hands when teching people to fly heli's i always tell them to hold a few and see what fits your hands best then move on from there depending on budget and featured needed. The DX8 seems a popular choice for spekky or the 8FG for futaba both will last you years.

[Ratty]

If you have modulated Txs already just buy the FrSky module. Cheap, reliable and great range.

[electrotor]

I have nearly completed my first T-copter, and soon I will be testing it.  I have transmitters, 27Mhz, 35Mhz and 40Mhz, but think it might be time to go to 2.4Ghz switchable.

You're right if you want to use telemetry.
BTW 27MHZ is still legal for model aircraft but old tech, 35MHz is popular for FPV because it offers good range (but no telemetry) and means you can use 2.4GHz for video transmission and 40MHz is not legal for model aircraft. If you decide to use 2.4GHz for model control you will need to use 5.8GHz for video transmission.

[Randall]

Also flying 2.4 on video is often not a good idea if you plan on flying wi other people as they will mostly be flying 2.4 and won't like flying with you ;-)

[camerart]

Thanks, some interesting feedback for me to check.

Trouble is, when I check reviews of these transmitters, this is where all the problems are, so not a balanced view.  I'm sure they are all pretty good though.

At the moment, 1-futaba 2-Fr-sky 3 spektrum.  Are these the top 3?

As I have a 35Mhz TX-RX and 2.4Ghz FPV already, this will be ok while I choose.

[MarkLincs]

find a 2nd hand futaba 2.4ghz set

cheap budget stuff turnigy 9xr what ever it is with an frsky unit in it

you want 8 channels or more if flying a quad or multi

Never go for a minumium spec set because you'll out grow it to quickly and spend twice and cost more in the end.

As for your transmitters
27mhz you'll loose range and fall out of the sky
40mhz illegal for Air use
35mhz can give you decent range but so many ESCs expect glitchs

[Granpaw Jonah]

As much as it pains me to have brand loyalty, Futaba for me every time. Since I got my first 6ex I have had no glitch or range issues. The only issues for me with the 6ex is that I can see as I progress and may want a pan/tilt & flaps & gear means I'll run out of channels. The only consideration or restriction in my view.
GJ

[MarkLincs]

As much as it pains me to have brand loyalty, Futaba for me every time. Since I got my first 6ex I have had no glitch or range issues. The only issues for me with the 6ex is that I can see as I progress and may want a pan/tilt & flaps & gear means I'll run out of channels. The only consideration or restriction in my view.
GJ

6exa has limits towards failsafes and triggering such things as RTH

[camerart]

Hi,

Thanks for all the input.  As you all know, it's possible to go round in circles.  I have a mate with a Spektrum, and went to a club for advice, they all had Spektrums, so choosing different seemed awkward.

I have a Spektrum DX8 with DSMX on it's way.

Cheers, Camerart.

[DaveyLC]

Watch out for the Spektrum haters :D

Don't crash or they'll blame DSMX  :P

[Zeeflyboy]

Dx8 is a great radio and I still use mine all the time for my LoS models. I flew it out to around 6-700m with 5.8 video many times when I was getting started in FPV without problems (in DSMX).

You might find it gets limiting at some point, but for shorter range it should be fine. If you want to go UHF at some point I think it's a poorer choice personally, which is why I ended up switching to a old futaba when I bought an LRS.

I think the FRsky Taranis would probably be my choice of radio if I was starting again - they have a "long range" 2.4 system and it will work just fine with any of the LRS systems, plus you have a standard Jr type module slot on the back - combined with the highly programmable nature your options are really almost endless! Gimbal quality is supposed to be very good too.

[electricmick]

If either of your 35 or 40 mHz trannies have modules then fit FrSky modules as their performance is as good as Futaba but much cheaper and if you buy the right ones they have simple telemetry to tell you when you are approaching the range limit of the RC, a great feature.

Mick