Single transmitter for helicopter & plane?

[thomasfuller]

Hi,

This is probably a really silly question, but can you use a single transmitter for both planes and helis? Assuming they use the same number of channels. I'm looking at the Futaba 6EXH/6EXA.

One day I'd like to get a TREX 450, and I would really like a warbird plane (corsair ) but I'd rather not have to purchase 2 transmitters if it's not necessary. I'm pretty new to this so I apologise if I have anything wrong.

Thanks,
Tom.

[Aztek1701]

Hi Tom,

Yes most heli transmitters that have model memories (Computer txs) can also fly planes as well. I cant speak for the Futaba 6EXH but the Futaba FF7 (T7CHP) Definately can. For the little extra that it FF7 will cost it might be worth the investment.

Take care.... Azzy

[chaos]

Sure. But I suggest getting a TX intended for helis (such as 6EXH instead of 6EXA) due to switch layout. You might want to look into the DX6.

Also I suggest getting a "cyclic ring" and using it with helis unless you buy a TX that's so sophisticated that it has an electronic cyclic ring. The cyclic ring is just a little plastic circle that fits over the aileron/eleveator stick to keep it confined within a circular area, instead of a rectangular area. It's removable and you'd take it off for use with airplanes. You don't absolutely gotta have this thing, but it's cheap and it will keep you from stressing the servos and loading the head by jamming the swashplate against the drive shaft. Alternatively, you can reduce the endpoints so that you don't bang the shaft. But this results in only having 70% control in fore/aft-left/right directions.

[New-heli-pilot]

I know you were looking at the Futaba's, but if for some reason you want something else, the JR XP6102 is designed for helis and planes. It also seems to have every feature Ive heard of on more expensive computer radios.


John

[thomasfuller]

Firstly, thanks for your responses Azzy, Chaos, and John.

John,
I was only browsing for Futaba's as I'd read more about them on the forum than the other brands. I will look into the JR! Thanks.

Azzy + Chaos,
That is good to hear. Having to spend $800 on two Tx's would be alittle much for me, moreso my wallet.

The only 7 Channel Tx that isn't out of my price range is the Hitec Eclipse 7 (I think it has the cyclic ring setup you mentioned, Chaos). It's $40 more than the Spektrum DX6, which I'm currently favouring as it has the short aerial and 2.4ghz system (which from what I have read sounds pretty good).

Question: How do multiple models work with a 2.4ghz system in terms of Rx's? Do you buy 2 2.4ghz compatible Rx's with different crystals etc?

Question: What is the 7th channel used for? Landing gear? I have seen $3600 Tx's that are 14 channel, what are all these extra channels for?

So at the moment I'm leaning towards either the DX6 ($340), Futaba 6EXH ($350) or Hitech Eclipse 7 ($380). Suggestions? The sooner I get back to work, the sooner I'll be investing in a (hopefully) glitch+interference free setup (damn you Walkera 4! :P)

Thanks,
Tom.

[chaos]

How do multiple models work with a 2.4ghz

I'm not exactly clear on it all but there is a procedure in which the RX learns what TX to pay attention to through some kind of identifying code, and you don't need no stinking crystals.

I think it would be hard to outgrow 7 channels. I have 9 (Fut 9CHP) but I didn't buy it for that, I just wanted a synth and the DX7 wasn't out at the time.

[Jeff0r3]

Question: How do multiple models work with a 2.4ghz system in terms of Rx's? Do you buy 2 2.4ghz compatible Rx's with different crystals etc?

You'll just buy a reciever for each model your going to fly. I think the DX6 has like 30 models the Futaba 6EXH has 10 I think and not sure about the Hitech, never known anyone with Hitech stuff with helis, not knocking them, but mebbe they were just late in the race. If you go with the DX6 or DX7 route, you won't need crystals, you'll just buy the reciever, sync it with your Transmitter and your ready to go. The recievers are synced with a button on the Rx and the Tx simultaneosly. The manual will explain it. From what I gather its really simple. Anyways, its not a hard process at all.

So at the moment I'm leaning towards either the DX6 ($340), Futaba 6EXH ($350) or Hitech Eclipse 7 ($380). Suggestions? The sooner I get back to work, the sooner I'll be investing in a (hopefully) glitch+interference free setup (damn you Walkera 4! :P)

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong. However, as simple as these computer radios are, when you initally get them, there is loads of stuff to setup, its not hard, just meticulous. If you have people in your club that fly Futaba and are familiar with it and willing to help, then I would lean towards it. The same for JR and Hitech. However, if you get that DX6, I'm sure you'll get help with setting it up as well, because the people in your club will be curious, cause I'm sure they've thought about purchasing one too .

[Aztek1701]

Hi Again tom

To answer your question on channels...

5 Channels is the minimum number of channels that you need to fly a collective pitch heli, if you have a head hold gyro (as most people do nowadays) that goes up to 6.

The 7th channel becomes needed when you want to put a governer on the heli, or if its a scaler, retracts. If you want a governer and retracts, your at 8.

As you can see, it builds up fast lol.

Hope this helps... Azzy