What would be a good investment ?

http://rc4all.co.in/product_info.php?cPath=23_41&products_id=506

OR

http://rc4all.co.in/product_info.php?cPath=23_41&products_id=661

OR

A used 4 to 6 channel, 2.4G Futaba

We will need to connect it to a simulator running on our PC initially and hope to use it for quite some time so quality, durability, peace of mind is important.

Wondering about after sales servicing should something go belly up with the unit, so appreciate any info on the same as well.

Thanks,

Manish

For value, I would get the Hobbyking 4 channel 2.4 Ghz about Rs 1000
and a separate simulator for about Rs 800

since you are new to the hobby, no reason to jump im with a huge investment.  You can always sell the entry level radio to another newcomer once you need to upgrade.

Appreciate your views but I have no issues in investing in a good transmitter as we have a long term view here. We plan on using the transmitter for other modelling applications too. I am inclined towards the Hitec Optic 5 as it appears to be a good quality product with a good set of features and a great price.

I am wondering if I will be able to get servos and Rx unit which will work in Micro scale or small electrics and with this Tx.

Will appreciate if any existing users of the Tx can share more info about it.

Also am unable to make out if this Tx will work with RC sims.
 
Manish

For the same price, why not the Tactic TTX600 6Ch SLT 2.4GHz Radio System System?

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXARNY&P=0

And get a discount if you order 3 of the micro RXs

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXZNR1&P=M

Why not buy a CT6B from a LHS like RcBazaar or Quadkopters.com? IMO, You would save yourself the hassles of customs and tracking international shipment and also get your radio shipped to you quickly.
Cheers!

I have bought a HiTec Optic 6 from RC4all about 3 years ago

It is an excellent product

I once messed it up and they promptly fixed it

From thelong term view point it is good

RC4all also provided me a dongle to connect through USB

Unfortunately, right now the budget offerings are all out of stock. The Optic 6 is available though but currently it is beyond our budget.

Manish,

A radio system and the transmitter is your first and very important decision and investment in the hobby. If you know that you want to stay in the hobby than I suggest buy one good radio which will grow with you as you grow in the hobby. Buying three cheaper radios at different phases when you grow in the hobby will cost you more than buying one good one to begin with. You can also buy a good brand used in good condition if your budget does not allow you to spend more on a new one. Also moving from one brand to another at a later stage of your hobby costs more if you have gathered different receivers of different brands. There is a saying "you buy cheap, you buy twice".

Also there is Futaba low cost solutions available if you want to go with a branded name. Of course there are Spektrum, Hitec, Airtronics and many other brands available in the similar range.

Check out:

Futaba 6J 6-Channel 2.4GHz S-FHSS
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXARLD&P=0

Futaba 8JA 8-Channel 2.4GHz S-FHSS
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBWGR&P=0

That is precisely my thought too.

Where can I get the brands you mention in India ? Sure I can get them from outside but the shipping and  customs duty negate the price benefit.

Manish

I am not familiar with the local hobby shops in India but I have this old list and think some of them may still be there. Give them a try and see if they can help you out.

MUMBAI

India Hobby Centre
377, Mayur, Shop no.3, Ground floor, VP Road, Mumbai 4
Phone no. 91-22-23823125, 91-22-65910131
Email: indiahobbycentre@vsnl.net, dmapuskar@gmail.com

Tritech Hobbies
http://www.tritechgroup.net
303, New Udyog Mandir Premises 2,Moghul Lane, Mahim West
Tel 9820164938, 9987050717, 40041798  Email hpi@tritechgroup.net
 
India ATV
http://www.indiaatv.com
 
Hobby Planet
Happy Door Bldg., 1st Floor, Room No.4, Gokhale Road, Shivaji Park, Dadar (West)
Tel 9869288511  02224211584
 
Bombay RC Models
10/A, New Nagpada, 41 Sofia Zuber Road, Grant Road, Mumbai - 400007
(022) 23052068 (022) 23089871

I think for a beginner it's more important to just jumpt into the flying experience than all the worries of a first radio.  As a beginner, you're not tested that this will be a lifelong hobby. 

Another option is a new or used RTF kit that will get you in the air the same day. 

PM me with your budget.  I have some used Spektrums. 

PM sent....

Manish