hai guys need help please check this link http://cgi.ebay.in/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130299655188 is the product worth the price??....

Hi ,
My only issue with FUTABA is their total lack of interest  in our market .
I used to stock Futaba  before  and when the Chinese toy ban came up I called Futaba and asked them to advice me on ways to continue to buy Futaba as I used to import from HK. I was shocked  by the reply
" WE DONT CARE ABOUT YOUR MARKET , WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN IT , CONTACT ANY OTHER DISTRIBUTOR  WE CANNOT HELP "

I was not even talking of buying directly from them all I wanted info on was another  distributor from whom I could buy.

I decided not to promote a brand that has  such an attitude to its customers even if it meant loss of sale as undoubtedly Futaba is popular.

That day I made a decision to focus on other products like JR and HITEC who have a better attitude and which have tech support close at hand .

After dealing with these products I find even the product quality of both is better than FUTABA in features and finish.

HENCE MY POINT OF VIEW IS LOOK AT OTHER BRANDS AS WELL BEFORE DECIDING. THE HITEC OPTIC 6 IS A FAR BETTER PRODUCT THAN 6 EXA IN MY OPINION

RGDS
SAI

I am not sure I would totally agree with the quality argument against Futaba as a whole.  If you compare the Futaba 6channel with 6ch radios from other brands, sure there would be others with more features and even a lower price. 

But as whole, Futaba quality is right up there among the best.

I have a Futaba 2.4 Ghz as well as a Spektrum 2.4 Ghz.  Price difference was actually quite high.  But am more satisfied with my Spektrum because even at the lower price level, it has more features and also it is easier to program and operate.  Take a look at other 6 ch radios before you decide to take the plunge.  There are many good radios without known brand names which are more cost-effective.  When i initially went for the Spektrum, there was so much criticism that I almost stopped myself buying that.  But now that I have it, I dont regret my decision and I would definitely prefer JR/Spektrum to Futaba.  There are brands like Sanwa, Turborix etc which are not expensive and also they are good.  I had used a Turborix myself and was happy with that as well.  Gave me very good range.  The Sanwa is also a very nice 2.4Ghz system which is available with Rcdhamaka.  Look for reviews on different radios.  And dont go by brand names!!

Chan

i had provided a link above is the radio worth the price??.... I have also checked Spektrum dx6i.. Is it a good one?? what would be the range of this radio??

Chan - Are you saying that there is a big price difference between a Spektrum 7ch and a Futaba 7ch ?  I find that surprising. They are both available internationally for around $350, and the Futaba is typically a few dollars cheaper.  Also, I personally felt that the Futaba is easier to program and operate (I tinker with them both every time I go to fly, trying to help others setup and trim their aircraft/helis).

That said, if I were to get a (decent intermediate level) radio for life time use, the current best choice is the Spektrum DX7 in terms of features, price and quality (IMHO).  In fact, the ability to wire a timer to the throttle stick (so that you don't have to remember to press the switch to start the timer when you begin flying) is the only feature that I use daily that is missing from the DX7.

In terms of features, my observation is that they are neck-to-neck, except for the feature called "model-match".  That is the only serious feature advantage that the Spektrum 2.4 has over Futaba 2.4.

I have seen two JR XP9303 2.4s being shipped to the US for repairs by local fliers in my field.   The problem was that they could not save any changes to the model settings.

http://www.rcheliresource.com/jr-x9303-wire-chafing-issue-and-support-bulletin-from-jr/
http://runryder.com/helicopter/t499505p1/

And the good part is that they did fix it for free, although my friends had to pay for shipping (since the radio was ordered online).

Any radio can have issues, and even the big brands. Just that I have not personally witnessed any bad experience with the other brands recently (including Spektrum and Futaba, which are the other common ones being used here).

Hi Anwar,

I did not mean the 7 channel ones.  I have absolutely no idea of the 7 ch features.  I use both Futaba and Spektrum 6 ch Txs.  The price difference was actually quite high at the time i bought my stuff.  The Futaba 2.4Ghz system retails for around 13,500 INR whereas the Spektrum DX6i was only 9300 or 9500 INR when I bought it.  This in itself was a big plus for me at that time.  Now in India it retails for 11,000 INR because of the increased dollar rate.  Moreover, the advantages I have noticed over Futaba are,

1. Sub Trims - Futaba 6EX does not have Sub trims whereas DX6i does
2. Travel Adjust - someone correct me if I am wrong.  I can easily use Travel Adjust in my DX6i but I was unable to find it in the 6EX when I was programming a 6EX for a friend this weekend.
3. Timer on throttle stick / trainer switch - This is a feature which is not there in Futaba.  Very useful for electric flyers.
4. Dedicated Idle Curve Switch - This is also missing in the Futaba 6EX.
5. Model Match - This is a feature which can be a boon or a pain.  For ppl who can afford a separate RX for each plane, this feature is a real boon.  No more take offs with wrong models selected.  But for guys who interchange their Rx in their planes, then they have to rebind it each time they have to select a diff model. 
6. Spektrum receivers are cheaper compared to Futaba.  A Futaba 6 ch 2.4 Ghz RX is about 5k whereas the AR6200 full range RX is only 4250.
7. Larger display with the roller selector on the Spektrum which is more user friendly.

- Chan

Quite another perspective, which is nice ! 

I have almost no experience with the Spectrum 6ch, and tons with the Futaba 6ch. So here is my take on your points.

1) Futaba 6E has trims, and what they call DTRIMs.  Together, they should do anything you want to do with the trim setup.
2) It is available, and called EPA (End Point Adjustment).
3) I think timer is missing on the Futaba 6EX. On 7ch Spektrum, the timer is activated using a switch, but on Futaba 7c, it can be activate when the throttle is given.
4) Not sure what that is.
5) True.  Overall, it is considered a good thing.  Since I have experienced myself, and seen others crash due to taking off with the wrong model chosen in the radio.
6) True, this is currently another big win for Spektrum.  But Futaba is lowering prices, should catch up in a year or so.
7) Correct for the 6ch.  Not correct for the 7ch, and the Futaba 7ch is much easier to program with the rotary dial.  In the Spektrum DX7, you have to jump from one screen to another until you find the one you are looking for.  In Futaba, you pick the function you want from a menu, much easier. 

Overall, I think at the 6ch level,  the Spektrum is better. If you are getting a Futaba, go for a 7ch FASST/2.4.

Sreedhar - The Spektrum DX6i is a full range radio, and a pretty commonly used one.  Remember to get the DX6"i", as the plain "DX6" is not a full version (DSM1 versus DSM2).

Can some one tell me some website( in india) from where i could buy the Spektrum dx6i...

That was a nice verdict on the subject!  I have personally seen a DX7 and did not find it very impressive whereas the Dx6i was catchy..  But the features of DX7 are better when compared to Dx6i but overall if a person is getting his first radio, then I would also suggest the Futaba 7ch.  If price is a constraint then the Dx6i should be a nice option compared to the 6EX.

You can get the Dx6i from http://rotor.co.in .. Current price is around 11000 i think.  Check it out.

Chan

Can i use any servo with the spektrum receiver??..

Yes, you should be able to use pretty much all of them.

One of the reasons why certain brands are more costly or are unavailable with LHS

Futaba is saying the same thing everyone else is saying !  The market is so small, they do not see the benefit in direct relations.

Economics again... and yet another chicken and egg problem.

Nice I chose wise ...

and I am a pukaka non-vegi. Irrespective who came first, I can eat both Chicken and Eggs   

Went to RCDhamaka today!! pleased to see LHS buzzing with loads of RDS800 and SD10000, 24" Props and a very very helping Mr Sanjeev!!  sadly no servos/outrunner/LiPo were in stock    Now I see the real benefit of LHS! If you get such great person, LHS becomes handy!!
Would send report on this later.

Sreedhar,
If you are sure you gonna stick to RC hobby for long, invest on a decent, mid range Radio:

1. Airtronics RDS8000 (Rush RCDhamaka  only has few of them left!!)
2. Spektrum DX7/JR DSX7 - You can find JR DSX7 at Rotor.co.in. Nice package.
3. Futaba T7C. May be sphere hobbies might have got the stock!
4. Hitech Optic) sold by rotor.co.in) , cost effective)

for example, adding some 2-3K, I am better off with 7C than 6EX - its not just one channel but feel and features.

The list is not in order of quality, but mere on list of features. Many of them you might not need. So as with Cameras (esp DSLRs), Go to your local RC club/field and (cordially) request flyeirs to let you hold them. See which one suits you best in look/feel/hold/grip. Then download thier manuals (freely available) and see whose features you really need.

And please, don't follow precedence of mine and order form West/HK. There is hardly anything you save.

-Ujjwal

True the reason i like to shop at RCDhamaka, very helpful

No servos in stock at all ?  Or the ones you were looking for are not in stock ?

Does this mean that RCDhamaka is doing brisk business (items sold out) ? 

Opps my bad! I went there for 9g Micro servos and ourunner/Lipo. Unfortunate only Sanwa standard Servos (  SRM - 102Z) were available ...

Mr Sanjeev told that he will get the stocks by end of this month.. so have to wait till...

people complaint about stuff expensive in India!
have a look at this   
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTZU7

the rds8000 is 200$=rs 9000+ just for the  rx and tx! add to that shipping . duty 30% = rs2500 . total rs13000.
rc dhamaka is offering the same here for rs12880.  . for 12880 u also get 4 std radio rs585 each ( not offered by tower hobbies!)
http://www.rcdhamaka.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=225

guys is it the same model.? if it is then its bloody fantastic!

ps: i am looking to buy it,that's the reason for this comparison

Amulu10,

the total package is for Rs. 14500/- including vat/cst. Yes it is the same product as sold by tower hobbies.

please do your comparison and then decide.

thanks again for considering rcdhamaka.com

oh thanks!, do u sell the tx and rx separately without the servos.? 

Your Calculations arewrong!

       $200 (TX+RX)
       $60  (4 Std Servos)
       $20  (min Shipping, I may be wrong)
       $87 (31% Duty*)
       $$$$$ priceless pain in the a** due to Customs/Govt Restriction on importing Radios!!
      ====
       $367 = Rs 17616 (as of 17/11/09, 1 USD = 48 INR, including Credit card and conversion charges)

As rightly said by (Mr Kartik,if I am right) RCDhamaka (can't we call them RCD), the price on the site is exclusive of VAT, but still 14500 < 17616, even if we assume that you are lucky that your region's customs is ignorant of the fact (those lucky guys...)

You can ping me and I will give you first hand experience what pain in the a** it may be to try getting Radio from HK/Towers.

and yes! you might well get a 220V charger along with the Radio from RCD  ( correct me if wrong, RCD). Lugging a 220-110 converter is another pain as I mistakenly burnt one of my CB RT sets 110v chargers some time back.

-uj


       

 


if you read my post again you will realise that i had mentioned the fact we  are not getting servos with the towerhobbies deal . even if they  did offer ,it is still more a  expensive deal that rcd deal . but considering that towerhobbies doesn't offer them i feel that the rcd deal is real vfm.

the deal would be better still if  rcd could offer the package without the servos .

Wat about the FUTABA 6EX FASST system? I think its not available in RCD n rotor..Full range means wat is the distance covered?

What is the specific question/concern about the 6EX FASST ?

Full range is somewhere around 600m to 1000m (possibly more).  Parkflyer range is around 300m.

I think to buy tat tx..is it good?

It is a good radio, but at the 6 channel level, the Spektrum DX6i has better features.  If you are in this for the long term and a one time investment, a 7 channel radio is a good idea.

but Spetrum doesn't have fail safe option..

+1 Anwar

6 Channel becomes almost necessary if you plan to fly CCPM Helis later. So an extra channel is always good.

Look for used 7-9 Channel FM transmitters which 'usually' sell cheap and convert them to 2.4Ghz using 3rd party module like those from Assan and Corona etc.

Not sure where you came across that one, but it does have failsafe.

http://www.horizonhobby.co.uk/aeroonline/e6spektrum/e6dx6i/e6dx6ipage2.html

7 channels are needed for a governor on nitro helis, and in general, the level of software features are fairly significant between 6 and 7 channel radios (more mixing options, more switches, timer options etc). For a one time investment, the extra 5K is well worth it (going from 6 to 7 channels).
 

Most of the today's Computer Radios , including the latest 2.4G, have Fail safe. The problem is there are lot many reports the Fail safe not working at the moment of need. There has been just  too many reports of such DSM2 receivers (Spektrum). Search and read on to arrive at any conclusion.

can i use futaba servos with spektrum?

in 7ch which one is good futaba or spektrum? btw most of the indian stores(almost all) have max 6ch tx only..whr can i buy?

yes you can use any servo with any receiver
servo only requirement is that the receive must be able to give
sufficient current to  the servo  which is in milliamps

It is mostly a personal choice.  My suggestion on this was posted earlier in this same thread.

The big disadvantage with Futaba was the price of park flyer receivers, but that has changed lately.  In general, FASST is considered technically better (FHSS versus DSSS). There was a heat issue with Futaba receivers, which has also since been fixed.  In terms of advantages for Futaba 7C, things like spring loaded trainer switch, a rotary switch, throttle activated timer etc are useful.  Spektrum's model-match is a good thing that Futaba lacks.  Accessing the menu items is easier on the Futaba. 

Overall, you cannot go wrong with either.  While you are at it, take a look at the Airtronics SD8 too... in terms of "discovered and fixed radio issues", they have the cleanest record.

Hobby King is coming up with Al-cheapo  Clones 6-channel DSM2 receivers for as little as $15 for Jr/Spektrum. such cheap receiver for Futaba is yet to hit the market.

Isn't Model match a hassle if you juggle same receiver with different Models like I do ? If ones uses these cheaper Cloned Rx, only then having a separate Rx for each model becomes viable.

But then who told R/C is a economical hobby ? Huhhhh

What about this radio?
http://cgi.ebay.in/RCFORALL-KDS-2-4-Ghz-7-CHANNEL-COMPUTERISED-RADIO-/110548957606?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_203&hash=item19bd3b39a6

buy it if you want to start with 2.4Ghz
NICEEEE deal

It is very good choice in terms of affordability, and also if you are testing the waters (if you are unsure about being in RC in the long term).  The main disadvantage is the small size display.  Having a bigger display helps to see the trim settings for all the 4 controls in one screen, and it also helps with ease of programming.

If you have the money, and you are in the hobby for the long term, go for one with a bigger display, otherwise this is a good choice.

BTW, I am surprised that nobody else has responded on this thread ! It would help at least to reassure the person posing the question, so that the opinions are not just one sided / personal

If you are on a very tight budget, not sure if going to continue in R/C for long and fully sure would never enter Nitro/Gasser, this Radio is a decent start. The aspects  like  reliability and support of Receivers (in the long run) are the few issue with these Tx.

Anwar, I think Sai recently added this Radio. I searched his site some time back for similar thread and only the 4Ch /Rs4200 set was listed. One good thing, Sai is offering few stuff on 0% EMI !! Kudos Sai Sir!

Just to clarify, between Futaba and Spectrum, the Spectrum is a better choice at 6 channel level, and Futaba is a better choice at 7 channel level (IMHO).

So then,I will go with this.A dyeah,I am almost certain that I will never go into nitro.Thanks a lot guys.I guess the small display would not be much of a problem.I will be getting it along with my multiplex easy star.Mr.Sai has been very helpful.But I will get mine somewhere in mid July brcause there is no stock.

nd yeah,the e is one  ore thing.I WILL STICK TO RC.

I'll be in RC for a long term and my main interest is planes(both nitro n electric),in future i'll go to helis also..So is 6ch enough or 7ch is must for a life time investment..Wat about the binding problem in spektrum n heat problem in futaba now? Have they rectified?

The big question is your budget.  If you have the funds, I would suggest getting the Futaba 7channel.

Both issues are fixed, just make sure you don't get stuff from old stock.  The Spektrum issue was solved a long time back, and the Futaba issue (which is fairly uncommon BTW, and is more of a "feel safe" thing) affected only the previous series of FS receivers.  If you are getting an FS series receiver, ask the seller to verify that there is a "dot" next to the antennas (as seen here : http://www.rcindia.org/radios-and-receivers/are-you-still-skeptical-about-2-4ghz-radio-systems/msg14206/#msg14206)

So where can i buy futaba 7ch in india?

Only www.spherehobbies.com were offering Futaba 7C when I last searched through the LHS list and Talked to them (Rs 17.5K back in Oct 2009) . Their site is currently under construction so if some one can share their Cell number, try to get in touch with them.