What drives you to buy another TX?

[Konrad]

What drives you to get another radio?

With a new TX program, Ethos on the cusp on entering the market place I've been looking over what has motivated me to get a new radio. Here I will spell out my journey down the path of the computer radio. I'd like to learn what drives you to get a new radio.

It all started when I was given a hand me down JR Galaxy radio. I have to admit I never warmed up to it. As I was comfortable with the Ace Silver Seven and the Op-amp mixer modules.

Later in 1990 I was given an Ace MicroPro 8000 for my involvement with the 1989 team that won the NATS for F3D flying an Ace Silver Seven. I loved that radio as it had metal gimbals, a well written manual and it allowed for the changing of RF decks with a flip of a switch (great for MOM racing).

In 92/93 I moved to a Futaba Super Seven (FP-T7UGF) for its 1024 resolution and PCM digital RF filtering. (On rare occasions you could see the limitation of the Ace 256 resolution). I also wanted to support Futaba for their support of pylon racing. And I had many good experiences with Futaba before they became associated with Great Planes. But what a struggle it was get anything to work as the pamphlet was wholly inadequate. And the rigid master/slave concept of mixing just tied my hands far too much.

Then just months after I purchased the Super Seven I learned of the Multiplex Profi 4000mc with its ergonomic pizza tray and object oriented mixer based programing structure. What a liberating concept! Later I got a Multiplex Royal Evo for the synthesized RF (remember this was still the days of 72 mHz fm) and that it kept most of the programing structure of the Profi.

Then came 2.4gHz. I tried RF upgrades to my older radios But decided to try a native 2.4gHz radio when Horizon Hobbies had a great upgrade program turning in your old none JR radio. I got a DX7 first gen for my sport flying. Well, I again soon felt the pain of menu drive programs and had some issue with DSM2.

I retired early and got myself an E-Flite Splendor (Ok, I got 4). To interface with the gyro RX in the Splendor I got a DX9 to gain the much needed, more solid RF link with DSMX. And it interfaced easily with the many UMX foamies I was getting (yes, I was slumming). This was ok as the UMX instruction had good set up values for the Spektrum radio. But if I wanted to program a "real" model like a full house glass glider it was a royal pain! Have I said how much I hate master /slave menu driven radios

Again in less than a month, I learned of the off brand FrSky, and the X9D+ with the mixer based programing of OpenTX (thanks Frank Russo)! I literally drove from the airfield to Aloft Hobbies and bought it. So I now had a modern 2.4 gHz TX running a real flexible mixer based OS, what more could I want? Well FrSky came out with the tray X9E shortly after I got the X9D+. Wow, everything anyone could want in a radio, so I bought it solely on ergonomic reasons. So inside of a year I bought 3 new radios (DX9, X9D+ & X9E).

So for 5 of six year all has been ok. Then FrSky came out with the X-lite S. I really never like the feel of the game controller so I discounted this radio. Now a real constraint with the tray radios like the X9E is with the DLG. Again I was at Aloft and got some killer deals on some damaged DLG's. So what to do? Well, FrSky was trying to introduce a new RF protocol (ACCeSS) and this was looking like this was the new tech that FrSky was planing to use to move into the future (ACCST was getting dated). So I bought an X-lite S, again for its form factor in the use with DGLs and the new RF protocol ACCeSS.

So what has driven you to buy a new radio if your current radio is still working?

All the best,

Konrad

 

[HENNY]

Well put Konrad. I hope you have enough gas in the tank for the next new radio not yet invented.

 

[Konrad]

As long as it isn't a menu driven slave/master programing interface. And I still have strong programing support from the community I fly with I should be fine.
Oh, and the USA FAA still allows "Toy Airplanes" to be controlled by radio waves

 

[Hank GB Z]

My first radio was a Jr Max 4 my dad got me for Christmas in 1995, I flew on that till he got a new radio and i got his Jr X347. I used that radio till the Dx7 came out. By that time the X347 was close to 15 years old and my dad got me the DX7 for a Christmas gift that year 2006 i think. I used that radio till the buttons died so i took all the money i got for Christmas and bought a Dx7s because it was what i could afford at the hobby shop.

I have only bought 2 new radios when i didn't have a real need to buy a radio. They were both X9 lites from Aloft. My blue one died the other day when i had plugged in my charger and turned out the Tx at the same time (I need to send it in). I had bought my other X9lite to use a buddy box for my son so i'm using it now on my planes that have FR sky rxs in them. One reason i bought the FrSky radios was everybody telling me that Open Tx was better and the RF link was better. Then the ACCST 2.1.2.# thing blew up and wether or not to update or go over to ACCESS but the Rx's weren't being shipped with ACCESS on them. I'm barely figuring out Open Tx as it is so i have no desire to try out Ethos and burn more hobby time figuring out a new OS. Regardless if it's Open TX, Ethos or Spectrum programming if it's to complicated it feels like my hobby has become coding and not building and flying model planes.

I put lots of effort and time into every plane i build. I don't mind paying good money for a good radio but i want it to work and i want the maker to support it for a long time. It feels pretty distressing every time i come on this forum and there seems to be another issue or update with ACCST or ACCESS or Open Tx. My Dx7 just worked for 10 years. Like i said the buttons stoped working and I wasn't happy to find out that it cost more than the radio was worth to send it in to get the buttons fixed. The Dx7s works fine and is compatible with all my old planes on Spectrum.

I suppose i'll try to keep need being the main factor for puchasing a new radio and not just join the newest fad. I just hope the makers don't make planned obsolesce the need for getting a new radio....


Hank

 

[Wayne]

First radio was a 2 channel Futaba with 2 sticks, one was the elevator the other was the rudder. I could hardly keep the thing in batteries as it used AA cells at a rate that exceeded my allowance.

Next up my folks bought me a brand new 4 channel Futaba:

I flew that for many years, it was great to have rechargeable nicads, they could last maybe 2 hours of flying before they needed a charge! And if I changed planes, I had to pull my gear out of the old one as I could not afford spare servos or receivers. Not that the radio had anything provisions to fly more than one plane anyhow.. This radio never let me down.

Think there was another radio in this spot, but do not recall what it was.

Eventually I had a job and bought a Hitec Prisim 7.

Now I was cooking with gas! 3 model memories and mixing.

As I recall I went through a series of Hitec radios as you simply had more than one radio in these days. Many radios had 1 or maybe 5 model memories, and we tended to max them out and then buy another. Going to fly you had to remember what planes used what transmitters. Almost everyone I flew with had 3 or more radios. It was a mess. Frequency problems were constant with some pilots swapped crystals like they were candy to try and find an open channel to fly on. Sometimes this worked, sometimes it didn't.

Eventually I had a Futaba 9C Super, I had a couple of these actually. Good radios and decent programming. Best of all was you could store your planes on a removable memory "PAC" on the top of the radio.

There was a guy that was making PACs that could hold a lot more models then Futaba allowed. I used these radios for years, rock solid. I converted mine with a Spektrum module when 2.4ghz was starting to show up, and when FrSky started making modules I converted it with a DFT and been using FrSky ever since. Why did I switch to the FrSky module? I was tired of loosing planes, and I had read a story about a stolen plane that was tracked down using the RSSI telemetry. I had to give it a try. Glad I did!

Soon after that I started up Aloft Hobbies and reached out to FrSky about becoming a dealer. I had no plans to sell radio gear at first, just gliders, but people had such a hard time buying FrSky back then, I figured I could help with that.

I will admit I was reluctant to switch to the Taranis when it came available, I really loved my Futaba even if the programming on it was a bit of a pain at times. When I did force myself to switch over I was very happy, and never went back to the Futaba.

Over the years I have owned:
Taranis X9D
Taranis X9D+
Taranis Q X7 (short time)
Taranis Q X7S
X-lite S (current)

I usually do not have a fancy radio, I'm more after the function for my needs. I never owned a Horus as I tend to like the smaller and lighter radios. There is something cool to me about flying some of my BIG planes with this little tiny radio. I guess I should be flying the biggest fanciest radio since I'm the owner of Aloft, but that is not who I am. I was very close to getting the X10 when I went to the X7S. I went back and forth on that one. But size and weight won out for me.

Now after playing with the X20, I have to say I like that radio a lot. It has a lot of DNA from the X7S, and I still occasionally fly with my X7S (have not rebound all my planes..) That and I am eager to play more with Ethos.

 

[Konrad]

Wow, you guys went back to your first radios.

 

[RalfH]

Growing up in East Germany anything RC radio in the 80's was extremely limited in choices and insanely expensive. So I build my own radio and receivers based on a book. 7-channel 27MHz, even got it certified by the FCC equivalent. No menus, no fancy stuff, home-build stick mechanics, mechanical trim, no mixing, ... The good old days.

Then things opened up in '89, got a Graupner MC-16. But then school and college got busy and intervened, eventually ended up in the Bay Area long time ago. Started flying nitro planes and helicopters, moved from a Futaba T6XAS to Futaba 9C for the heli. Then got into slope gliders, Sunset Beach does amazing things for your mental health. Never like the menu systems on the radios though, it always seemed way too clumsy.

After a longish break due to job and home project, the kids got old enough to be an excuse for getting back into the fun stuff and we resurrected the slope gliders. Went to the Sunset Beach fly-in a few years back and hung out with Konrad. Loved the concept of the X9D+ and OpenTx and am still quite happy with it. Not using anywhere near the full capabilities, but the Mike Shellim templates are genius for full-house gliders. So for now all three radios are still in use, the kids are using the Futabas for their Alulas. The X20 looks very cool, but for my current level of flying it would be a stretch to justify. But wait, maybe the kids can use the X9D+, then i would need a new one...

Ralf

 

[PoppyAnn]

What drives you to get another radio?

With a new TX program, Ethos on the cusp on entering the market place I've been looking over what has motivated me to get a new radio. Here I will spell out my journey down the path of the computer radio. I'd like to learn what drives you to get a new radio.

It all started when I was given a hand me down JR Galaxy radio. I have to admit I never warmed up to it. As I was comfortable with the Ace Silver Seven and the Op-amp mixer modules.

Later in 1990 I was given an Ace MicroPro 8000 for my involvement with the 1989 team that won the NATS for F3D flying an Ace Silver Seven. I loved that radio as it had metal gimbals, a well written manual and it allowed for the changing of RF decks with a flip of a switch (great for MOM racing).

In 92/93 I moved to a Futaba Super Seven (FP-T7UGF) for its 1024 resolution and PCM digital RF filtering. (On rare occasions you could see the limitation of the Ace 256 resolution). I also wanted to support Futaba for their support of pylon racing. And I had many good experiences with Futaba before they became associated with Great Planes. But what a struggle it was get anything to work as the pamphlet was wholly inadequate. And the rigid master/slave concept of mixing just tied my hands far too much.

Then just months after I purchased the Super Seven I learned of the Multiplex Profi 4000mc with its ergonomic pizza tray and object oriented mixer based programing structure. What a liberating concept! Later I got a Multiplex Royal Evo for the synthesized RF (remember this was still the days of 72 mHz fm) and that it kept most of the programing structure of the Profi.

Then came 2.4gHz. I tried RF upgrades to my older radios But decided to try a native 2.4gHz radio when Horizon Hobbies had a great upgrade program turning in your old none JR radio. I got a DX7 first gen for my sport flying. Well, I again soon felt the pain of menu drive programs and had some issue with DSM2.

I retired early and got myself an E-Flite Splendor (Ok, I got 4). To interface with the gyro RX in the Splendor I got a DX9 to gain the much needed, more solid RF link with DSMX. And it interfaced easily with the many UMX foamies I was getting (yes, I was slumming). This was ok as the UMX instruction had good set up values for the Spektrum radio. But if I wanted to program a "real" model like a full house glass glider it was a royal pain! Have I said how much I hate master /slave menu driven radios

Again in less than a month, I learned of the off brand FrSky, and the X9D+ with the mixer based programing of OpenTX (thanks Frank Russo)! I literally drove from the airfield to Aloft Hobbies and bought it. So I now had a modern 2.4 gHz TX running a real flexible mixer based OS, what more could I want? Well FrSky came out with the tray X9E shortly after I got the X9D+. Wow, everything anyone could want in a radio, so I bought it solely on ergonomic reasons. So inside of a year I bought 3 new radios (DX9, X9D+ & X9E).

So for 5 of six year all has been ok. Then FrSky came out with the X-lite S. I really never like the feel of the game controller so I discounted this radio. Now a real constraint with the tray radios like the X9E is with the DLG. Again I was at Aloft and got some killer deals on some damaged DLG's. So what to do? Well, FrSky was trying to introduce a new RF protocol (ACCeSS) and this was looking like this was the new tech that FrSky was planing to use to move into the future (ACCST was getting dated). So I bought an X-lite S, again for its form factor in the use with DGLs and the new RF protocol ACCeSS.

So what has driven you to buy a new radio if your current radio is still working?

All the best,

Konrad

Hi konrad, I tend to upgrade to a new one when there is something new to offer I have several of the x9 versions when the x9E came out I got one straight away as I liked the tray style transmitter plus the range of switches you can add to the basic 9E was huge and easy to do I have not seen a transmitter that is as easy to modify as the 9E is.
Now I have just bought one of the x20s systems I was first drawn to the x20 when I read the spec on it I wanted one of the HD versions which has the built in video system but as always I could not wait until they were available so I settled for the X20S but putting it next to my horus x12 I don't think it is any better in fact I am thinking that the horus x12 is the better of the two with it having the built in GPS system the only function that it is missing is the dual frequency mode which I think I could add with a external transmitter module which the Horus x12 already has the software for.
I have to thank you for making me think about why I spend so much on this hobby I think I will be looking twice before buying any more radio's after the x20hd.
Regards Poppy Ann.

What drives you to get another radio?

With a new TX program, Ethos on the cusp on entering the market place I've been looking over what has motivated me to get a new radio. Here I will spell out my journey down the path of the computer radio. I'd like to learn what drives you to get a new radio.

It all started when I was given a hand me down JR Galaxy radio. I have to admit I never warmed up to it. As I was comfortable with the Ace Silver Seven and the Op-amp mixer modules.

Later in 1990 I was given an Ace MicroPro 8000 for my involvement with the 1989 team that won the NATS for F3D flying an Ace Silver Seven. I loved that radio as it had metal gimbals, a well written manual and it allowed for the changing of RF decks with a flip of a switch (great for MOM racing).

In 92/93 I moved to a Futaba Super Seven (FP-T7UGF) for its 1024 resolution and PCM digital RF filtering. (On rare occasions you could see the limitation of the Ace 256 resolution). I also wanted to support Futaba for their support of pylon racing. And I had many good experiences with Futaba before they became associated with Great Planes. But what a struggle it was get anything to work as the pamphlet was wholly inadequate. And the rigid master/slave concept of mixing just tied my hands far too much.

Then just months after I purchased the Super Seven I learned of the Multiplex Profi 4000mc with its ergonomic pizza tray and object oriented mixer based programing structure. What a liberating concept! Later I got a Multiplex Royal Evo for the synthesized RF (remember this was still the days of 72 mHz fm) and that it kept most of the programing structure of the Profi.

Then came 2.4gHz. I tried RF upgrades to my older radios But decided to try a native 2.4gHz radio when Horizon Hobbies had a great upgrade program turning in your old none JR radio. I got a DX7 first gen for my sport flying. Well, I again soon felt the pain of menu drive programs and had some issue with DSM2.

I retired early and got myself an E-Flite Splendor (Ok, I got 4). To interface with the gyro RX in the Splendor I got a DX9 to gain the much needed, more solid RF link with DSMX. And it interfaced easily with the many UMX foamies I was getting (yes, I was slumming). This was ok as the UMX instruction had good set up values for the Spektrum radio. But if I wanted to program a "real" model like a full house glass glider it was a royal pain! Have I said how much I hate master /slave menu driven radios

Again in less than a month, I learned of the off brand FrSky, and the X9D+ with the mixer based programing of OpenTX (thanks Frank Russo)! I literally drove from the airfield to Aloft Hobbies and bought it. So I now had a modern 2.4 gHz TX running a real flexible mixer based OS, what more could I want? Well FrSky came out with the tray X9E shortly after I got the X9D+. Wow, everything anyone could want in a radio, so I bought it solely on ergonomic reasons. So inside of a year I bought 3 new radios (DX9, X9D+ & X9E).

So for 5 of six year all has been ok. Then FrSky came out with the X-lite S. I really never like the feel of the game controller so I discounted this radio. Now a real constraint with the tray radios like the X9E is with the DLG. Again I was at Aloft and got some killer deals on some damaged DLG's. So what to do? Well, FrSky was trying to introduce a new RF protocol (ACCeSS) and this was looking like this was the new tech that FrSky was planing to use to move into the future (ACCST was getting dated). So I bought an X-lite S, again for its form factor in the use with DGLs and the new RF protocol ACCeSS.

So what has driven you to buy a new radio if your current radio is still working?

All the best,

Konrad

 

[Chris]

"What drives you to get another radio?"
When the new one is shinier than my current....
Although I have, or have had, almost every FrSky radio released. Except for the X12S. I have never owned one of those.... I could not make myself do it.

 

[bob_stan]

When a new radio better meets my needs. I really like my X10S but the screen placement drives me nuts when using a neck strap. Also with my X10 I think every flip switch broke in the first year. Although none of the replacements have failed, I thought I would try a newer model.

 

[Konrad]

"What drives you to get another radio?"
When the new one is shinier than my current....
Although I have, or have had, almost every FrSky radio released. Except for the X12S. I have never owned one of those.... I could not make myself do it.

LOL

Could I introduce you to the concept of a dust cloth? It is a lot less expencive than the latest RF protocols.

 

[Konrad]

Growing up in East Germany anything RC radio in the 80's was extremely limited in choices and insanely expensive. So I build my own radio and receivers based on a book. 7-channel 27MHz, even got it certified by the FCC equivalent. No menus, no fancy stuff, home-build stick mechanics, mechanical trim, no mixing, ... The good old days.

Then things opened up in '89, got a Graupner MC-16. But then school and college got busy and intervened, eventually ended up in the Bay Area long time ago. Started flying nitro planes and helicopters, moved from a Futaba T6XAS to Futaba 9C for the heli. Then got into slope gliders, Sunset Beach does amazing things for your mental health. Never like the menu systems on the radios though, it always seemed way too clumsy.

After a longish break due to job and home project, the kids got old enough to be an excuse for getting back into the fun stuff and we resurrected the slope gliders. Went to the Sunset Beach fly-in a few years back and hung out with Konrad. Loved the concept of the X9D+ and OpenTx and am still quite happy with it. Not using anywhere near the full capabilities, but the Mike Shellim templates are genius for full-house gliders. So for now all three radios are still in use, the kids are using the Futabas for their Alulas. The X20 looks very cool, but for my current level of flying it would be a stretch to justify. But wait, maybe the kids can use the X9D+, then i would need a new one...

Ralf

I'm glad I had the experience of building my own radios (Ace Silver Seven and a Royal Electronics 8 ch) Those skills served me well in my many jobs. WOW, building one from scratch. I don't know if I could have troubleshot my radios not knowing if the design actually worked. That was a big help for me with kits. At least if I built and tuned it correctly it might work.

 

[thenated0g]

@Konrad i actually came by this forum post in a weird way, directed here by google. I just got a plane from @Wayne and was doing a little research to see if i could find any info/posts by the original owner in rcgroups or online. I used his ama number and last name to find his full name (frank russo). I was assuming he had passed away as the plane i got was from an estate sale and i did find an obituary. Not sure if this is the same guy you mention above.

 

[thenated0g]

now back to the posted title:

2013 my friend wanted to get back into rc, i had never been into it. He sent me a Hobbyking TX and an accucel6 charger.
used that for a few years and i never once understood how to do anything without youtubing it.

So when i heard about opentx i purchased an x9d and finally i could fully program everything in the field.
I purchased the x-lite as the x9d was getting a little old and i really wanted something that would fit in a backpack easier. And for that it works great, love it. That extra space compared to the x9d case means i can bring a bunch of little tools/snacks without too much trouble at all.

Reason i went with the x20 is i havent ever had what i would consider i higher end radio, i wanted touchscreen, and i have been wanting to have the option to use 900mhz for those rare occasions i do some longer range (2-3miles) fpv flights with my planes.

 

[Konrad]

Frank is alive and well. He recently moved back east to be with family. (Wife want's to be near the grand children).

I too have a lot of his cast offs as he cleaned out his hanger in Napa. He had a few beautiful Pipers. I flew his J3 for a few hours.

High end radios to me are defined by the programing power. With OpenTX and FrSky even the low cost radio's were full featured high end radios. FrSky doesn't cripple the programing to force you to buy the more expensive radio. I see no relationship between cost and functionality. Most brands want to force you to pay more for the added power functionality of their "high end" radio..

 

[thenated0g]

Ok awesome! glad to hear he is still around.

 

[thenated0g]

Maybe you can forward some pics of the Jaguar to him once i get it redone. I had to go google "bob martin". Coming into the hobby just this past decade i have missed a lot of cool planes. Gotta keep my eyes open for the other bob planes now!

 

[Hank]

I purchase TXs very infrequently.
I started with a Futaba 4 channel non-computer TX for my primary trainer. I then purchased a Futaba 6EXAP and converted my old 4 channel to a trainer buddy box. I used the Futaba 6EXAP for a couple of planes until I realized that I needed better programming ability. I think it was when I was setting up a plane for dual elevator servos. The Futaba 6EXAP was limited in that ability. So I purchased a Futaba 9CAP and demoted the 6EXAP as a backup TX. But then the 6EXAP failed and I decided to get a backup TX. That is when I purchased the FrSky QX7 and got into the OpenTx world. The QX7 was supposed to be my backup TX but because of OpenTx I set it up to run half my planes.
Then one day the right joystick on my Futaba 9CAP broke. I glued it back on but I didn't feel confident in that. About that time the FrSky X9 Lite came to market and I jumped on it because of the price. So now I have all my Hitec RX planes on the QX7 and FrSky RX planes on the X9 Lite.
As Konrad mentioned, you don't lose programming ability as you go to lower models with OpenTx, only the number of switches and knobs. I fly planes only (LOS) and even the most complex plane I have can be supported by the X9 Lite and the X7 has more than I need.
So, if either of my FrSky TXs fails, I will get a new one. Although the X20 Tandem is super attractive, I don't feel the need for a color touchscreen and boatloads of knobs and switches. Maybe Ethos would work for me if it has the same programming ability as OpenTx and is incorporated into the smaller/cheaper models without the color touchscreen. But if I had to buy one today, it might be an X9 2019 model and an X20 in the more distant future.

 

[Wayne]

I should be able to talk Frank into visiting the forum here if you like. Super nice guy!!!

Frank point out the finer details of his J3 to Sean who is about to go up for his first J3 flight.

Frank won the J3 in a raffle and it could not have gone to a better aviation ambassador!

 

[Hank]

I never won any raffles.?