Need help deciding "What Radio" Oppinions Please.

[TerrorTrooper]

Hi.

Im mainly lurking in the background planning my next project, but im humm-ing and haa-ing over my choices in Radio gear!

Its between these two.

The Hitec Optic 6 35MHz HFA66D
http://www.fusionhobbies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HFA66D

and the Futaba 6EXP.
http://www.rccarsandtrucks.co.uk/1486_1_1040314.html

The Radio will be the first purchase in my proposed build as it will be used for the AeroRC Simulator and 2 different models.
So this is something i would like to get right from the get go.

On paper, Spec wise, they both seem similar, the Futaba is a litle more expensive, but comes with an RX.

Im not massively clued up on 35MHz radios, and since 2.4GHz has come on the scene, its getting harder to get quality models.
What i am thinking of mainly is future proofing.
For example.
Will they both mix channels for the likes of Flaperons on a Delta Wing?
Would the Futaba be useable for channels 5 and 6 for a buddy port head tracker? (i imagine the Hitec wont.)
Do they both have a wide range of programable functions ect?

Does anyone know any Pro's and Con's of the 2 systems? or advantages that one may have over the other?

Also, if you have any other 35MHz systems, perhaps with more channels that are still available?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Njoro]

Ello

If you plan on head tracking in the "next day or so" how can any one wait cos I can't, then a Futaba I've got the 9CP super bought second hand for head tracking; it had been well looked after, I've also got the JR9II too but my taste is for the JR. I'm sure there is someone out there with a proper answer for you.

[Coyote]

Hi welcome to the board, bout time you posted lol :)

I was looking and had a go of the Optic 6 when i was deciding between that and a futaba 6 / 7. What i found was its more than capable, but from an FPV point of view because of its slider arrangement, if you wanted to have manual pan and tilt at any point the sliders stop this from happening. They dont leave you enough options because some are none assignable.

The futaba 6 on the other hand has all the mixes as the 6 but has the flexibility to run a ppm mixer on top so that if you do want a heat tracker at any point it will not take up and of your channels and with a hobby king mixer put the heat tracker channels after the 6 so giving you full use of your mixes and channel 5 and 6 still.

Both units are good, but personally id go with the futaba 6 and buy Corona Receives as needed, they are half the price of others and have a standard 1 mile range. Bind straight away to Futaba handsets no problem

Hope this helps :)

[foamystuff]

Took the words out of my keyboard  :D .. Corona Rx's are fantastic for the price, about £17 from Giantcod.. The Futaba's are easy to set up and have flapperons/v-tail/elevons ect, available as a pre-set mixes..

[TerrorTrooper]

Awesome! Thanks for that!!

Looks like the smart money is on the Futaba then.  ;)

Coyote.
Im not quite sure what you mean here. Could you explain a little more?

Thanks!

Iain.

The futaba 6 on the other hand has all the mixes as the 6 but has the flexibility to run a ppm mixer on top so that if you do want a heat tracker at any point it will not take up and of your channels and with a hobby king mixer put the heat tracker channels after the 6 so giving you full use of your mixes and channel 5 and 6 still.

[Coyote]

The Futaba 6 is a 6 channel radio, on those six channel you have your throttle rudder ailerons and elevators. Thats 4 of the six channels used already. The other two channels can be used to operate a wide variety of things from landing gear to flaps to spoilers etc etc

To run a head tracker you need two free channels for it to use. That means that it uses the only two you have got left, no flexibility. Now with the futaba 6 you can use a 10 quid ppm mixer that plugs into the back and gives your headtracker two additional chaneels leaveing your two free channels free. I dont think the Optics supports this though.

If you do do this, which means effectivly you have an 8 channel system for 6 channel money, your receivers have to be 8 chanel not 6 ;)

[TerrorTrooper]

ahh!

I see!!

Many thanks! will look into that!

[Jay28]

I have both of these radios and personally I wouldn't recommend either, my advice would be to get a few more pennies together and splash out on a decent 7ch+ radio, a much better option especially in the long run.

However, If I had to pick one over the other, it would be the optic 6, purely because it has the feel of a being more robust and better built whereas the Futaba has the feel of being a cheap kids toy. I don't think either does anything the other won't and the spec for both is similar. Futaba is usually the choice of brand when it comes to head tracking due to compatibility, although this is something that doesn't interest me, hence my choice. 

Isn't there problems anyway with head tracking systems and low spec radios? You'll properly have problems even with the low end Futaba.

[Coyote]

Not with the Futaba 6, but i agree holding out for a Futaba 7 would be highly adviable

[TerrorTrooper]

Is the Futaba 7 due to be released soon?
I cant seem to find any UK retailers selling 7 chan stuff that isnt 2.4GHz


Also, will it be 35MHz? As i see very few companies releasing new gear on that range.

[Coyote]

The futaba 7 has been out for years, i got mine brand new 35 mhz off ebay from italy. Cost me 140 quid with receiver, standard size servos and battery pack

[TerrorTrooper]

ah, right, thanks!

Does it have a name i could google it under or is it actually called the "Futaba 7"?

[Coyote]

Yeah the futaba T7CHP is my model :)

[TerrorTrooper]

Thanks!

I guess no one sells these new anymore!

Sorry about all the Noobish Questions!  ;)

[Coyote]

No my & was brand new from Italy, all boxed and untouched :) I only bought it a few months ago ill try find link for you :)