Which radio

I currently fly the Blade CP as well as the RealFlight G3 simulator. Have done so since December. I am wanting to move up to nitro helis. Thinking of buying a Raptor 50 version 2 with the OS50 motor (not Hyper). Would also get the Futaba 401 gyro with servo. I'm somwhat confused as to what radio to use. I've been told I need a 9 channel which is OK, but was told that since I would be using digital servo's I would need a PCM as opposed to a PPM radio. Either radio would cost $650.00. What are others using and which is better for a beginner. I do have a local heli guru who would help me build and set up the heli.

Thanks

[BLACKHAWK DOWN]

650?
hmm
i think 9ch ppm and pcm is about 400-500
reversiable....so no worries with wondering which one u need
i cant tell u which tx u need
alls i can say is do more reading

[kaji]

One of my birds is a Raptor 50. You need a 6 channel radio minimum. I have a 9c super, but you really don't need that to start. If your pressed for bucks take a look at the Hitec optic 6 and what you get for the price. Its a good radio. Comes with 5 point curves and everything you need. All you need is FM.


http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXGZW3**&P=0

[Daz(DJLFlapper)]

What I can suggest is that you get the best radio that you can afford. The rason I say this is experience driven. I started with a 6 channel radio and I outgrew it after a while.

I would recommend getting a 8 or nine channel radio that is a sensible place to start. Thing is they are all computerised radio's today s they will all take some working out. Just as well then start with the best you can afford. The Raptor 50 is a great heli, Having a radio that can give you throttle and pitch curves also gyro mixing and governor functions are something that you will soon enough need as you get more skilled and begin to push.

There are fantastic radio's out there and they all have great things in the package.
I will give you just 2 to look at but this does not mean that they are your only options.
1st, The futaba FF9 Super Heli version.
2nd, The JR 9303 Heli version.

With both of these radio's you can use either normal servos or Digital servos. As a learner I would say to use Normal servos with a PPM or PCM receiver to start with. This will give you a slower response to your inputs and hopefully a gentler 50. This will also cost less to replace should you crash, I learnt this through experience also.
If you got the digital servo route then to get the best centering and speed from them you should use a PCM receiver as the pcm receiver is capable of getting the best out of digital servos.
You will of course need to uprate youre battery packs if you intend to go digital as they have a tendancy to use a lot more power and will soon run NiMh/Nicad packs down.

Hope you have a great time with which ever system you go for.
Good luck.