Hi Guys,

I am planning to buy futaba 8 channel i.e. 2.4 ghz 8FG.I would to know the the basic difference between the newly launched 8fg super.Kindly help me in deciding....or any other transmitter that i can buy in same range?

Kindly share your valuable experiences and suggestions for Futaba?

Thanks.

I helped someone upgrade his 8FG to 8FGS recently.  There are software changes, including the ability to use more than 8 channels on appropriate receivers.   Another feature is direct support for Futaba's 3 axis heli controller.  Overall, it is nothing revolutionary and no change in hardware.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Are you using the same transmitter.I am planning to by the normal one but i am bit confused should i go for 7C or 8FG or any other brand you can suggest which is better than Futaba?

Does 8fg includes all the advance functions used for the airplanes and heli's?

If you are confused between a 7C and 8FG, I would suggest that you do a lot more reading before deciding what would suit you.  They are fairly different radios, and there is not much to compared between them.

Choice of a radio is a factor of many things... budget, need, price of receivers, availability of second hand receivers (maybe), features that you will need for *routine use* etc etc. As I said before, if you are asking such basic question about radios, I would earnestly urge you to find out more about not only the 8FG but other radios from other brands in its class. There is no point in reproducing what has been discussed before on this forum and elsewhere, you just have to read more.

For the record, yes, 8FG has all the common (and many uncommon) heli AND plane features.  Most people would say even the 7C has most of the important  features for both helis and planes.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Yes i think i need to go more in detail.Could you please suggest me some other models to compare with Futaba?

You can consider Spektrum DX8, Hitec Aurora 9, Airtronics/Sanwa SD10G, JR9X etc as fairly comparable to the Futaba 8FG.

I use a 12FG, which is a close cousin of the 8FG, just a bit more featured. I only use some of the advanced heli features on it, and frankly, I could live happily with the 8FG.

An 8 Channel Radio suddenly becoming a 12+2 Channel with a software free upgrade was indeed revolutionary!! How often you see such things ? Ya, unless you need those extra channels, there was nothing in store for you. But later upgrades for selecting Battery types, Timers and Flight Conditions are indeed handy.


I think I can answer this as I have had both the Radios. If you are really sure to be in this hobby for long, and fine with spending USD 100 more, go for 8FG. It would serve you longer, give you upgrades and is definitely a great radio (People critisize its shape, but hey! It does reduce dirt accumulation.
If you are just trying this hobby, 7C is still good and serve you unless you are not planning to go for Auto Pilot/FPV/hard core 3D flying.

As per considering the alternative like Spektrum/Hitech, Futaba (7C/8FG) has an advantage that (If you dont need the Telemetry gimmik) both its FASST has proven the test of time (you did not have FASST-2, FASST-X) and the after market Recievers for them, though a bit costlier than Spektrum, have proven more robust and as reliable as the OEM ones.
Sad part is, not many LHS sell Futaba in India (Irshad of Kolkatta and Sphere Hobbies), as a result, you would end up paying more per channel compared to other LHS offered Transmitters (8FG would still be at advantage, if you accept it as a 12+2 channel

All the best, and please do your own reading before buying as Mr Moderator has suggested. Avoid getting Transmitter from Post, unless you know how to get them 'Through' or have good faith in your luck.

+1 Ujjwaana about trying or being in the hobby and the choice of the transmitter.

In-fact I would say that if you are trying the hobby, then even a Futaba 6EX should be more then enough for quite a long time which can be used for any purpose as well.

You can use the Futaba 6EX 2.4GHz for Gliders, Planes and Heli's also and the best part is even the 6EX can be programmed.

Futaba 6EX uses the FASST technology.

You can read more about it here:

http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futk6900.html

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=841

The 6EX is decently prices in the LHS also and will go a long way......

Thanks a lot Ujjwaana for your detailed information and your proper guidance. I will surely keep that in my mind......Once again thanks a lot!!

Exactly my point.  In fact, if you take a poll of the audience, you will find that 1% or 2% of the flyers would ever use more than 8 channels.

If you have the means and you have decided on Futaba, please go for at least the 7C.  From the display onwards, there are significant reasons why the 7C is a much better long term investment as compared to a 6EX.  You will feel the handiness of some of the features available on the 7C every single time you use it, starting with the ability to see trim settings in the main screen itself.

If you are budget constrained, the 6EX is a good start (but it doesn't look like you have such a constraint).

Thank you Mr.Anwar...for your help i am most probably deciding for 7C.