Topic: Hi Tec Aurora 9

Is anyone using the Hitec Aurora 9? You seem to get a heck of a lot of kit for your money, and from what ive been reading its an excellent piece of kit.

Im really asking as its my birthday in Feb and the wife has asked what i would like!

Is anyone using the Hitec Aurora 9? You seem to get a heck of a lot of kit for your money, and from what ive been reading its an excellent piece of kit.
Im really asking as its my birthday in Feb and the wife has asked what i would like!

Have been using one for many months (as well as the Spectra Pro module in other TX such as the Eclipse, Optic 6 and several Futaba TX) The Aurora A9 makes this old hand feel like a teenager again, so easy to program and it actually feels better than any tried before.
Other user reports/reviews:
Carbon Fiber Fuse... Report - from well known Glider Pilot and Fly RC author Mike Lee
Aurora A9 - brief Review with internal photos
Power Down for Range Check is 1mw - tested to at least 1/4 mile as above.
Allow Hitec Aurora Interactive Homepage load fully so as to view the interactive features and enable the full comparison chart to be viewed.

Aurora A9, Spectra Pro & Optima - FAQ & Undocumented Features - Mixes, Setups, Tips.  {frequently updated}

Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

Thanks Alan,

Thats exactly what im looking for All my kit is currently Spektrum but the A9 looks like such a great piece of kit and not far off the same price as a DX7.

decision made i think!

Now i think SWM seems to be the best price so i'd expect an order soon

Is anyone using the Hitec Aurora 9? You seem to get a heck of a lot of kit for your money, and from what ive been reading its an excellent piece of kit.

Im really asking as its my birthday in Feb and the wife has asked what i would like!

Hi, one issue I currently see is that the very limited range of Rx's as compared to the Spektrum range....  I believe you can't get the 9 channel one yet, but I may be wrong.

Also I personally would be concerned flying any large model with the 7 channel , single aerial Rx...You only have to look at how many aerial fades can be experienced in a flight using the Spektrum Data Log to appreciate the value of aerial diversity - via multiple Rx aerials and the very directional nature of the 2.4g waveband.  On the multi Rx aerial installation with the Spektrum you just get a constant reliable link with the model..

The only other system I remember that had a single rx aerial was the IFS / XPS system that seems to have disappeared from production ...certainly from favour. I never read a complimentary report about it.

I know the Spektrum Tx doesn't offer quite the same value, but as you have already invested in the manufacturer, flog your current Tx, keep the Rx's and go for the DSX 9 or why not buy a Multiplex 3030 ( or a bit more for an evo 9)...cost approx  £150.00.
The internal  spektrum upgrade module including a 12 channel Rx costs £180.00....sell the 12 channel Rx for £100 ( retails at £160.00)...

Total cost for a  100 memory, infinitely programmable, totally flexible  9 channel Tx, built to a quality and standard not seen these days, probably because it wouildn't be commercially viable....£230.00  ..subtract the money from selling your Tx...net result   Bargain.......


What do you think....

Shaun

 quote by a mate of mine who got one , Aurora, I mean ,recently .

         "Its so easy to use I have not read the instructions yet !"

sounds just the thing for me 

stig

Hi, one issue I currently see is that the very limited range of Rx's as compared to the Spektrum range....  I believe you can't get the 9 channel one yet, but I may be wrong.

Also I personally would be concerned flying any large model with the 7 channel , single aerial Rx...You only have to look at how many aerial fades can be experienced in a flight using the Spektrum Data Log to appreciate the value of aerial diversity - via multiple Rx aerials and the very directional nature of the 2.4g waveband.  On the multi Rx aerial installation with the Spektrum you just get a constant reliable link with the model..

The only other system I remember that had a single rx aerial was the IFS / XPS system that seems to have disappeared from production ...certainly from favour. I never read a complimentary report about it.

I know the Spektrum Tx doesn't offer quite the same value, but as you have already invested in the manufacturer, flog your current Tx, keep the Rx's and go for the DSX 9 or why not buy a Multiplex 3030 ( or a bit more for an evo 9)...cost approx  £150.00.
The internal  spektrum upgrade module including a 12 channel Rx costs £180.00....sell the 12 channel Rx for £100 ( retails at £160.00)...

Total cost for a  100 memory, infinitely programmable, totally flexible  9 channel Tx, built to a quality and standard not seen these days, probably because it wouildn't be commercially viable....£230.00  ..subtract the money from selling your Tx...net result   Bargain.......


What do you think....

Shaun

Thanks Shaun! Thats deffinately given me food for thought 

Hi Wynthorpe,

glad you found it useful...
One other very important thing.....no other radio manufacturer anywhere comes close, to the levels of service ( usually free) and support  and rapid turnaround times that Horizon Uk have implimented for Spektrum radio.

It really does put all the others to shame.

Cheers,

Shaun

hitec service is usually pretty good. How often does reheated old jr gear, whoops i mean spektrum gear, go wrong anyway?

hitec service is usually pretty good. How often does reheated old jr gear, whoops i mean spektrum gear, go wrong anyway?

Spektrum service is ALWAYS GOOD....now from the recent pole what percentage of the UK radio market does Hitec own....remind me

Hi, one issue I currently see is that the very limited range of Rx's as compared to the Spektrum range....  I believe you can't get the 9 channel one yet, but I may be wrong.

Also I personally would be concerned flying any large model with the 7 channel , single aerial Rx...You only have to look at how many aerial fades can be experienced in a flight using the Spektrum Data Log to appreciate the value of aerial diversity - via multiple Rx aerials and the very directional nature of the 2.4g waveband.  On the multi Rx aerial installation with the Spektrum you just get a constant reliable link with the model..

Heres what Hitec are stating -

Boosted Omni Directional Antenna (BODA) The Optima 2.4GHz line of receivers feature our exclusive BODA receiver technology. Independent testing has proven that the single BODA antenna system in the 6 & 7 channel systems is equal to or better than our competitor's dual antenna systems .

Spektrum service is ALWAYS GOOD....now from the recent pole what percentage of the UK radio market does Hitec own....remind me

the aurora 9 seems to have decent splash of plastic "chrome" so it will probably go up a bit now. 

Spektrum service is ALWAYS GOOD....now from the recent pole what percentage of the UK radio market does Hitec own....remind me

You mean including MPX  ?

Hi

Hi Wynthorpe,

 

Independent testing has proven that the single BODA antenna system in the 6 & 7 channel systems is equal to or better than our competitor's dual antenna systems .

Very clever use of words I believe....

Other than the parkfly range of Spektrum Rx's all the other full range Rx's have a minimum of 2 individual  RF receivers, this is  very different from Twin aerials..i.e. 2 bits of wire soldered to the same electrical point.

Every tech report I have read states that Aerial diversity is all but mandatory to ensure a reliable data link to the model, other than in park fly and indoor applications, ( for the reasons in my previous post re Gigabit transmissions).

I may be wrong but it sounds like they are bigging up a single aerial ( rf module ) receiver.

Cheers,

Shaun

Hi, one issue I currently see is that the very limited range of Rx's as compared to the Spektrum range....  I believe you can't get the 9 channel one yet, but I may be wrong.
Also I personally would be concerned flying any large model with the 7 channel , single aerial Rx...You only have to look at how many aerial fades can be experienced in a flight using the Spektrum Data Log to appreciate the value of aerial diversity - via multiple Rx aerials and the very directional nature of the 2.4g waveband.  On the multi Rx aerial installation with the Spektrum you just get a constant reliable link with the model..

Please refer to answers already provided to worldwide questions =

Aurora A9, Spectra Pro & Optima - FAQ & Undocumented Features - Mixes, Setups, Tips.  {frequently updated}

Do not be concerned about the single antenna on the Optima 7 - there is a lot of hype written about the need for more than one. Some RX do need them whilst others have a dummy just to satisfy some doubters. Remember the Optima is a Transceiver and well tested to more than 1/4 mile using m/cycle before power down timed out..

1. Power Down for Range Check is 1mw - tested to at least 1/4 mile as above.
Independant user report "Very impressed ! 2.2km ground level !! "
signal up to 2.2km with the both antennas horizontal, pointing one to other, not vertical !! And the receiver was in the back window !
2. Carbon Fiber Fuse... Report - from well known Glider Pilot and Fly RC author Mike Lee
3. The current Optima 7 RX is being used for IMAC aircraft down to Indoor models - check the weight. Notwithstanding there is a range opf Minima RX due shortly as per the links and reviews quoted on the FAQ page.
5. How many other RX provide for Supplementary power up to 35V?
Optima RX - SPC Cable and use
5. How many other systems provide for full telemetry, even if the module is used in a Futaba or similar TX,
6. Aurora 9ch 2.4GHz VIDEO series of 7 video Walkthrough Set Ups -Dashboard, Heli, Glider, Acro etc.
7. Comparison Chart: Aurora 9ch<> Futaba 10C <> JR X9303
8. Dual RX Antenna well proven as not required for Hitec 2.4GHz telemetry systems

Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

Hi

Hi Wynthorpe,

 
Very clever use of words I believe....

Other than the parkfly range of Spektrum Rx's all the other full range Rx's have a minimum of 2 individual  RF receivers, this is  very different from Twin aerials..i.e. 2 bits of wire soldered to the same electrical point.

Every tech report I have read states that Aerial diversity is all but mandatory to ensure a reliable data link to the model, other than in park fly and indoor applications, ( for the reasons in my previous post re Gigabit transmissions).

I may be wrong but it sounds like they are bigging up a single aerial ( rf module ) receiver.

Cheers,

Shaun

I'm sure the mighty Hitec company (and it is a big organisation - not some backstreet Tee shirt shop in China....) wouldn't be producing and selling the system they've produced if it had the shortfalls vaunted here.

The A9 is a module based system if im correct? Would a Spektrum module not become availabel for it at some point? could have best of both worlds then withotu the silly price of a DSX9!

HI,  AT

RE THE FOLLOWING:-

Do not be concerned about the single antenna on the Optima 7 - there is a lot of hype written about the need for more than one. Some RX do need them whilst others have a dummy just to satisfy some doubters. Remember the Optima is a Transceiver and well tested to more than 1/4 mile using m/cycle before power down timed out..

Firstly am I to understand that you sell these...If so there could naturally be some commercially favourable bias to system. Sorry if I have this wrong

Second point, Im afraid you are wrong.... Put a data log module on any spectrum installation and you can see the importance of multi Rx installations with recorded aerial fades. This is not unique to the Spectrum but a fact of life due to the directional nature of gigabit transmissions.

Just read the many problem posts for the XFS / IFS system that used a single  Rx antenna.

I am not saying that the system is no good, but they are selling , promoting a full range Rx with a single antenna... Vitrually all other manufacturers only sell single Antenna Rx's for indoor and park fly applications.

Of course you will get good range on a single antenna,with the model and aerials perfectly oriented, but rotate the model through in 3d through 360 degrees and you are almost certain of getting a signal drop out.  This doesn't matter with a multi Rx system as you have what is commonly termed aerial diversity.

Hi Enginetorque

I'm sure the mighty Hitec company (and it is a big organisation - not some backstreet Tee shirt shop in China....) wouldn't be producing and selling the system they've produced if it had the shortfalls vaunted here.

I've checked the manual and can find no reference to the importance of correct aerial ( Tx & Rx) orientation..All the current leading  experienced 2.4g manufacturers go to some lengths to explain this... Shortfall number one....

In fact you can even find reference to the importance of aerial positioning , with regards to maximising range on a number of 2.4g data routers, and getting that wrong won't crash your plane.

Hi  Wynthorpe,

I believe the Futaba /spektrum modules fit into Hitec gear, but you would need to speak with Horizon to confirm this.

At the end of the day, it's your choice, your cash. My personal view is Spektrum and Futaba collectively have now tens of thousands of, sorted and well developed units sold , working  successfully and problem free in the field. More importantly they have hundreds of thousands of issue ( technical / software) free  usage hours under their belt.

Yes initially they both had a few issues..... I would be concerned that , this is where you would be starting from with the Aurora set.... How many have they actually sold, how many flight hours, how many units in the field. Again this is only my non prejudiced personal view point.

Shaun

HI,  AT

RE THE FOLLOWING:-
Firstly am I to understand that you sell these...If so there could naturally be some commercially favourable bias to system. Sorry if I have this wrong

Second point, Im afraid you are wrong.... Put a data log module on any spectrum installation and you can see the importance of multi Rx installations with recorded aerial fades. This is not unique to the Spectrum but a fact of life due to the directional nature of gigabit transmissions.

Just read the many problem posts for the XFS / IFS system that used a single  Rx antenna.

I am not saying that the system is no good, but they are selling , promoting a full range Rx with a single antenna... Vitrually all other manufacturers only sell single Antenna Rx's for indoor and park fly applications.

Of course you will get good range on a single antenna,with the model and aerials perfectly oriented, but rotate the model through in 3d through 360 degrees and you are almost certain of getting a signal drop out.  This doesn't matter with a multi Rx system as you have what is commonly termed aerial diversity.

Hi Enginetorque

I've checked the manual and can find no reference to the importance of correct aerial ( Tx & Rx) orientation..All the current leading  experienced 2.4g manufacturers go to some lengths to explain this... Shortfall number one....

In fact you can even find reference to the importance of aerial positioning , with regards to maximising range on a number of 2.4g data routers, and getting that wrong won't crash your plane.

Hi  Wynthorpe,

I believe the Futaba /spektrum modules fit into Hitec gear, but you would need to speak with Horizon to confirm this.

At the end of the day, it's your choice, your cash. My personal view is Spektrum and Futaba collectively have now tens of thousands of, sorted and well developed units sold , working  successfully and problem free in the field. More importantly they have hundreds of thousands of issue ( technical / software) free  usage hours under their belt.

Yes initially they both had a few issues..... I would be concerned that , this is where you would be starting from with the Aurora set.... How many have they actually sold, how many flight hours, how many units in the field. Again this is only my non prejudiced personal view point.

Shaun

Ive got no issue with my Spektrum gear and will be keeping it, ive just got rid of a load of bits on Ebay for old pc's and its amounted to enough to buy the A9 and RossMod do a 10% Discount for club members at our club so its working out at £270 for the A9 and 9 Channel receiver! Which i dont think is bad at all

I am going to speak to Horizon tomorrow and check if the Spektrum modules fit and work as this would make a deffo purchase for me.

HI,  AT

RE THE FOLLOWING:-
Firstly am I to understand that you sell these...If so there could naturally be some commercially favourable bias to system. Sorry if I have this wrong
Second point, Im afraid you are wrong.... Put a data log module on any spectrum installation and you can see the importance of multi Rx installations with recorded aerial fades. This is not unique to the Spectrum but a fact of life due to the directional nature of gigabit transmissions.  Just read the many problem posts for the XFS / IFS system that used a single  Rx antenna. <snip>   Shaun  

1. Yes, I am employed as Manager for two businesses: 1. A Hobby related Import/Export/Distribution Company/ RC equipment service dept 2. Manager of a separate entitity Retail hobby shop selling all 6 major brands of RC equipment so, as shown by the comprehensive information on my web page, try to remain unbiased, whilst simply providing proven, not heresay, information on what IHMO is presently the better technology..
2. In some systems, single antenna do have some shortcomings, but this has been overcome with new technology and as mentioned earlier, some other RX do have an unconnected dual antenna simply to fool non-believers of the single system.
Please refer to:
"Before all these tests were done I would have said yes... now I don't think so. "
Range check with Antenna Blocked by running turbine and ECU. - Video..
Have personally tested and demonstrated the BODA equipped Optima RX along side other brands of 2.4Ghz RX so all factors were equal at local fields and the Optima, with single antenna, equalled or outperformed the others under every test the onlookers could then devise.

Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

Hi AT,

I have read your reply with interest, and can understand your position re product.

There is a fundamental difference though between twin aerial to a single point and dual to quad receiver modules fed into one decoder as per Spektrum and other brands.

Also it is a fact, (not hearsay) that the technology is sensitive to orientation in operation...The single BODA aerial cannot provide coverage in the X,Y and Z planes....aerials don't work like that.  It was the same on 35MHz..never point the aerial directly at the model.

I have flown spektrum park fly  Single RF module (6100e) Rx's in twin EDF models to the comfortable limit of my vision with at least 8 other 2.4GHz flyers airborne with no issue.

I haven't noticed any control issues...would I fly my 1/4 scale Spacewalker with an OS160 Twin in...never, because as I mentioned before...I have analysed the flight log info and seen the aerial fades experienced. It is normal to have as many as 50 - 100 per antenna ( RF module) in any one flight. I have also experienced a few Frame losses..that is simultaneous antenna  fades on all RF modules momentarily.

Again this is normal and part and parcel of the directional nature of Gigabit transmissions..

I suppose it's down to personal choice at the end of the day, but I prefer to use the solution that was optimised to operate in the model aircraft environment.

I would also like to see  proper controlled testing, with standardised results for proof that BODA is better and safer...not personal posts on a forums.

As you know half the people that have opinions about  2.4GHz don't even own a set  

Cross the road blinfolded and your more likely to get killed
Have better Aerial diversity and your less likely to have control issues

As a matter of interest..check out this test on the single aerial IFS system..

YouTube             - XPS bench test in an interference controlled environment

It was conducted under controlled conditions.... also see the Futaba and Spektrum test under the same conditions....

Regards,

Shaun

Aerials (antennas) are a much misunderstood 'black art' to most of us and why not - we fly toy aeroplanes, we're not radio engineers so for the most part it's not neccesary to know how it works, as long as it does.

The Aerial (described as the 'antenna' by Americans) is a very simple item - for the purposes of explanation, lets assume a basic unit - i.e. a 'dipole' which equates to a bit of wire of exactly one half wavelength dimensions at the frequency of operation. This bit of wire, when energised by an RF signal, is said to be 'resonant' and in simple terms, that means that energy may imparted into it (receivers) or from it into free space (transmitters). Alternating current if of a high enough frequency (RF) will  'escape' into the ether there being a magnetic component and electric component involved, with the two 'mutually orthoganol' (would I lie.....) meaning that the two components are at 90 degrees to one another - imagine if you will holding your arms in front of you and with the flat of your hands, holding one vertical and the other horizontal whilst describing your left hand as 'electric' and your right as 'magnetic' !

Aerials work best when 'reciprocity' is optimised - what that means effectively is for horizontal 'bits of wire' to work best - their opposite number - i.e. TX to RX must be of the same orientation - so if your aerial on your TX is vertical - that's what you want in your model. Of course neither model - nor the transmitter held by a fidgiting human pair of hands remains stationary and there's your connundrum - theory, where the above can be replicated and measured in a lab is not at all the same as reality, where both you and the model are moving. Add to that, ground reflections - refractions and all and the same again at the model, all sorts of variables impinge on the ideal. Putting your 2.4 Ghz TX aerial horizontal is probably best because by and large you face the model when you fly and minimum radiation will be off the end of your (assumed) half wave dipole, with maximum radiation from its side lobes - imagine tossing a brick into a pond and sticking your aerial up from the middle of the ripples - that's about it!

I've no idea whether this information is interesting - new - already known - who cares - there it is for free! Don't get too hung up on where your aerials are placed - not at either end - the 'perfect' installation could be the very worst if you're unlucky. I know this from many years involved in communcications with experimental aerials, some of which confounded the experts. If you have two aerials (most receivers) then put them at 90 degrees to each other - it doesn't matter if they are vertical or horizontal - they won't stay that way when you fly after all!


 

Now i think SWM seems to be the best price so i'd expect an order soon

Thanks for considering SWM, just thought I better tell you.

The Hitec A9 Tx with the 7 ch Rx is now sold out and SWM expect more - end of Feb to late March 2010.

There is stock of the Hitec A9 Tx with the 9 Rx is still in stock but getting low on stock. SWM also have 7 and 9 ch RX's in stock now, so they should be on the web site soon.

Feedback -

All Good - none bad

Nothing bad at all - nothing I have heard! if there had been any issues, I'm sure we'd have known by now.

Good Feedback

Good - Everyone thats said anything about the set, its been all good. Most being amazed at the features for the current price. I have to say I do like the 'feel' of it. It may look a bit 'Flash Gordon', but it sits in the hand really well.

Interesting Trivia - Well I found it interesting!

SWM has sold more sets into Europe and overseas than in the U.K.

It seems Servoshop and SWM are becoming very popular in Mainland Europe.

Lower shipping charges most areas of Europe (lower than 18 month ago) and the weak pound against the Euro - its seems the very good price for this system, is an even a better price in most other areas of Europe as well as the U.K.

Thanks for the support everyone!

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve....

good to hear you are prospering in difficult times...
I understand modelling has not been the easiest game even in good times...
Keep the British end up   

Shaun

Thanks for considering SWM, just thought I better tell you.

The Hitec A9 Tx with the 7 ch Rx is now sold out and SWM expect more - end of Feb to late March 2010.

There is stock of the Hitec A9 Tx with the 9 Rx is still in stock but getting low on stock. SWM also have 7 and 9 ch RX's in stock now, so they should be on the web site soon.

Feedback -

All Good - none bad

Nothing bad at all - nothing I have heard! if there had been any issues, I'm sure we'd have known by now.

Good Feedback

Good - Everyone thats said anything about the set, its been all good. Most being amazed at the features for the current price. I have to say I do like the 'feel' of it. It may look a bit 'Flash Gordon', but it sits in the hand really well.

Interesting Trivia - Well I found it interesting!

SWM has sold more sets into Europe and overseas than in the U.K.

It seems Servoshop and SWM are becoming very popular in Mainland Europe.

Lower shipping charges most areas of Europe (lower than 18 month ago) and the weak pound against the Euro - its seems the very good price for this system, is an even a better price in most other areas of Europe as well as the U.K.

Thanks for the support everyone!

Cheers

Steve

Many thanks for that Steve,

I was told off a club member we get a discount at rossmod.co.uk so rand them and got a 7 channel A9 for £275 so just nipped over and got one.

From the 10 mins ive been playing with it so far all i can say is "I love it!" feels lovely in the hands and so so many things to play with on it, feels very well made and the touch screen is just fantastic!

Simon

Had a chance to have a good play with the A9 this morning, and i dont have a single word bad to say about it! So so easy to setup and use its unreal, I would recommend this to anyone for the price.

Looks very bling too haha.

i have had very good service from hitec and spectrum 
Ron

I'm getting myself one of these tomorrow, but I have to admit I got a bit worried when I read negative comments in this thread about the single antenna so I trolled through rc-groups to put my mind at rest and found some reassuring news.
 Jan 04, 2010, 09:10 PM   Report This Post to a Moderator ·   #2364
MikeMayberry
Hitec/Multiplex USA
 

 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Poway, California, United States
Posts: 2,883
Distance from you: 5270 mi
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcsarge  
Shrunk heat shrink tubing is pretty tough when it is shrunk down to it's smallest diameter. If that is not enough protection, I fear you are mounting your antenna in a strange place. Of course, if it has to stick out because of a carbon fiber fuse, you may need to use a couple of layers of heat shrink...

Matt
Speaking of carbon fiber fuses... read this report from a well known glider pilot and Fly RC author Mike Lee: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...6#post13972156


Alright, we are into the testing. First, here is what I said I would test:

1, Place the rx into a CF not-2.4-friendly fuselage and range check it with the antenna inside, outside without the BODA and outside with the BODA.

2. Because the Hitec rx's have a single antenna wire, test to see what happens when we make it a "Y" antenna at normal length and also at half length.

3. Whichever configuration of item 1 above works at least in accordance with the recommended instructions, perform a slow and complete 360 degree line-of-sight check.

4. It was said this system can reach an incredible range check distance of over 1,000 ft. We will find out!

Okay we go to test Number 1, Place the rx into a CF not-2.4-friendly fuselage and range check it with the antenna inside, outside without the BODA and outside with the BODA.

I placed the rx into my Nico 2-meter bird, which has a fuselage of pure C/F....no kevlar or f/g. Even the canopy is C/F. Inside there resided a JR AR9300 with a single remote. The extended antennas of this rx were poking out along the sides just behind the CG and under the shoulder mounted wings. The remote rx has its' single antenna poking out going straight up just ahead of the canopy. That was the place we placed the Optima 7 rx antenna. The BODA was retained inside the fuselage, an we programmed up a sailplane program.

Going out to our club field, the plane was held nose down with the antenna pointing at the tx. The nose was just about a foot from the ground, and that made the antenna about 15-inches above ground....not a great position. Now note that the A-9 can be powered down for the range check, but only for 90-seconds at a time. (don't ask me why, that's just the way it is). One of the boasts we have heard was that this system with the BODA can get some damn long range checks. I happen to have a down-pat military cadence stride of exactly 30-inches per step. In the first 90-second test, I stepped out 172 steps!!! That's 430 feet! and we did not lose contact! No, no....that can't be. I walked on back, and this time, we pointed the plane away such that the plane completely blocked the rx antenna from "seeing" the tx. We did another range check. I got 168 paces away before the range check timer clicked out. Again, no loss of contact. We did the 360 degree test at distance....no signal loss! Wow, I'm impressed. I have no idea what might have been done incorrectly, other than starting out with the antenna so close to the ground, which should have nullified the signal in the ground plane, but there were a half dozen other people at the field when I did this and we all stood in amazement when this test went through. (Your actual mileage may vary)

Quote:
Originally Posted by liukku  
Hello
To the folks at Hitec: Find a way to get rid of those delicate (and ugly) BODA receiver antennas.
I buy the A9 if you do, promise.

Those antennas is not good enough for carbon glider fuslages, they are not! no way! And they will never be!

/Ville
Really?!?!? I think the test results posted above proves your statement to be inaccurate.  

Mike.
Last edited by MikeMayberry; Jan 05, 2010 at 02:45 AM.

Sounds like a go for me then.

Simon.

You wont be dissapointed! They are truly awesome, The 9channel rx's come with 2 aerials for some reason though 

Aurora A9 - Fly RC Product Review by Scott Stoops with Bob Aberle & Thayer Syme
Hitec Spectra 2.4 GHz and Optima RX Review of AFHSS in operation Video 1 = Normal Mode, Video 2 = Scan Mode.
Hitec Spectra 2.4 GHz and Optima RX Review of AFHSS in operation - Answer to questions raised in above two Video reviews.
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

Folks,
I have been using the A9 for some weeks now and I've been following many threads on many forums about the dual vs single antenna.

I think people need to experience this system for themselves.

Simply put it's an awfully lot of features for a super price.
it feels great in the hands.
it's flexible and user friendly.
we get firmware updates that we can load.
PC interface for sharing configs.
Telemetry.
Heli, Aero and glider modes.
Adjustable tension and ratchet pressure.
Mode 1 or 2 selectable.
the list just goes on...


And best of all the operating range (on single antenna) is just staggering, more than 4km in user ground to ground tests !  

So if your on the fence then jump for one while you can.
This A9 is a real game changer for the industry, it's obvious that Multiplex experts have helped Hitec develop this unit.

Just my personal opinion folks. But don't just take my word for it, take any opportunity to check one out.

I got mine from Modelmaniacs.co.uk and I think they still have some.

Ray.

Yeh, I'm really looking forward to it now. I had a Futaba 9C for a good while then changed to a 7C 2.4 and have been restricted in the programming department ever since. I was shopping for fuel on Monday and saw this set for the first time and thought it;s got to have a price tag of £450-£500 but I was pleasantly surprised to find it on offer for £279 with a 7ch rx. I am hoping they also have a 9ch rx in stock also, even the price of the 7 and 9 ch rx's are very reasonable I thought.

Simon.

Simon,
I just checked and they have the TX + 9 ch rx in stock for £304.

Ray

Yeah ive just put a 7 channel in my EPP Eagle (Sea Eagle) and its a belter for the price, £44.99 aint that bad i dont think!

Simon,
I just checked and they have the TX + 9 ch rx in stock for £304.

Ray

Yep Ray, I went for the 9ch set at £304. What a piece of kit this is, wont be able to check it out proper until tonight as I have to take "her how must be obeyed" for a full shop. The price you have to pay for harmony I suppose.

Simon.

Hi Wynthorpe, I am going to get myself a couple of 7ch rx's, cant go wrong at the price, just got to flog me Futaba 7c 2.4ghz and 2 x 7ch 2.4ghz rx,s first.

Simon.

Im just soldering deans connectors and the likes and then i will get to maiden the Eagle this Sunday hopefully and try the A9 out properly!

Cheers
Simon (Seems to be loads of us Simon's on here haha)

Aye Simon is a canny name alright Simon.
Good luck with the maiden, I think sunday is going to be a touch drafty mind.
Simon.

Guys,
Here's a handy little mod for you.
Remove the 1300mA NiMH battery and build yourself a 6 x 2650mA AA NiMH pack, this gets you twice the life on one charge.
And it only cost me £12 with re-chargable Duracell 2650mA batteries from 7Dayshop.co.uk

It also can be charged from within the TX using the standard charger.
Way better than the Li-po alternative that it has to be charged on a separate charger.

Just gently sandpaper the battery terminals so they take solder, then link them with flexible wire and add a two pole battery plug.
Tape it up with some cardboard backing to align everything and your good to go.

Photo of the home made pack installed.


 

Way to go,  I have one complaint with mine and that is the fact that the wrong bloody charger has been packed with my set, the plug wont fit in the socket on the back of the tx,, too big.

You should have a small black adaptor in the box also, it reduces the plug to the smaller size. There is a small paper leaflet showing this.

Is your charger Red?