Topic: Hitec vs Futaba for glider use

I have been doing quite a bit of research of late because I am looking to replace or augment my DX6i. Which for most things I have to say is OK.

So I have been looking at the Aurora 9 and the Futaba T8FG and wonder what opinions you have of both. I have seen (but not used) the Hitec and it seems to offer a lot for both gliders and heli's. However I cant seem to get my head round the Futaba.

I haven't used Futaba gear for ages. Last time was in the late 80,s, so I cant really comment on anything they have currently, apart from one particular friend who swears by Futaba stuff. I can say that the Aurora9 is really really nice to use, and is extremely easy to get your head round. The glider mixes that are on the set are superb, and the ability to 'mix' up your own, is simple to say the least.
I'm not going to say, "get 'x' over 'y', set", purely because I know that the futaba sets are damned good too, I just dont have the experience of them to qualify such a statement. I can say though, If you do get the A9, you most likely wont be dissapointed.

http://images.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/32798/Fd92295.pdf

you might find the above useful

I think I have in my mind narrowed it down to the Futaba T8FG.

I have seen transmitter only deals that are quite tempting, and I like the fact you can use FrSky receivers.

I was talking to Richard at T9Hobbysport today (thank you for your time - much appreciated) and I think that is the way to go.

He confirmed that the new FrSky receivers would fit into even small DLG's (which is just as well because I am looking to get an Elf).

The best tranny only price I've seen so far is £259 and T9 did them at £269 though I notice they are out of stock. Knocks my DX6i into a cocked hat!!!

Just out of interest there's an 8FG plus 7channel FASST rx on sale on Heliaddicts atm for £250,
http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/showthread.php?t=68565

If you want telemetry A9 is the way to go.
Consider this carefully because Futaba is non upgradable to telemetry.

You make a very good point. I think telemetry is probably the way to go.

How far behind are Futaba in this respect? Even FrSky are ahead of them in that game

You make a very good point. I think telemetry is probably the way to go.

How far behind are Futaba in this respect? Even FrSky are ahead of them in that game

Earlier this year I upgraded to an 8fg. It's a good radio and does everything I needed at the time. But things move on and the purchase of a few 5m scale gliders made me think about getting some sort of telemetry ie battery check / vario on board. Only I can't do that with the 8fg. So it's worth considering very carefully. Hopefully when
Futaba start losimg sales, they will make telemetry at tje top of their list and I'll get an upgrade

As a matter of interest, is the 8FG modular? i.e. Would FrSky modules work?

I use the Aurora9 for gliding, from everything from F3F models with 6 servos and flight modes etc to high speed DS models. The battery telemetry is cool to have, but if you really want to play with telemetry, the Hitec system is certainly the most affordable by an absolute country mile. The receiver prices are also excellent and the new little ones are excellent too in price, weight and size. I was on a JR 9XII prior to this with the Spektrum conversion, and although I love the feel of my 9X, unfortunately the feeling of security I get from the Hitec 2.4 system is way better. Those BODA aerials really seem to work! Also worth bearing in mind that Joe Manor in the US flies this radio and he's had it out to 440mph in DS conditions with no complaints!

All in all, I'm very glad I've changed, and I really like the radio from all standpoints - stick feel, programming, security in the air etc.

Z

Thats a really good answer 

I use the Aurora9 for gliding, from everything from F3F models with 6 servos and flight modes etc to high speed DS models. The battery telemetry is cool to have, but if you really want to play with telemetry, the Hitec system is certainly the most affordable by an absolute country mile. The receiver prices are also excellent and the new little ones are excellent too in price, weight and size. I was on a JR 9XII prior to this with the Spektrum conversion, and although I love the feel of my 9X, unfortunately the feeling of security I get from the Hitec 2.4 system is way better. Those BODA aerials really seem to work! Also worth bearing in mind that Joe Manor in the US flies this radio and he's had it out to 440mph in DS conditions with no complaints!

All in all, I'm very glad I've changed, and I really like the radio from all standpoints - stick feel, programming, security in the air etc.

Z

The same for me also used in foamies & fixed wing IC never a moment of doubt always feels lock in.Bench tested down to 3.5 volts both alarms going off & system still worked.

The same for me also used in foamies & fixed wing IC never a moment of doubt always feels lock in.Bench tested down to 3.5 volts both alarms going off & system still worked.

Gosh you're thorough! I just blindly believe it! Come to think of it, on the basis of that, mine doesn't really need the telemetry. Just a vaguely believable read-out.

No seriously though, I've not yet heard anyone unhappy with theirs. Know a few lads who have converted to these now.

Z

Another good Hitec Aurora 9 feature is that users (glider guiders are the most sharing) can share their setups easily over the internet. Simply download existing ready set zip files from
Aurora 9 - Template Index: of Acro, Glider, Helicopter, Rock Crawler, Tanks and Simulator, then instal via an HPP-22 and PC/laptop etc..
The A9 is very easy to program, but the prepared model program files makes it so much easier, just tweak to your own preferences.

Much more, with videos, under Hitec USA Support Forum Sticky
Aurora 9, AFHSS Spectra Modules, Optima Transceivers & Telemetry - FAQ & Undocumented Features
- Mixes, Setups, Tips.  {Individual Links often updated}

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links   (quick search = Ctrl+F)

I have to admit I really like the Aurora. The facilities are excellent the programming seems very logical and of course the telemetry feature just cannot be ignored.

The Futaba does have certain advantages though, I bought two FrSky receivers from T9hobbysport (excellent service thank you again Richard) and I was amazed at the (lack of) size!! These could easily slide down the fuz of my narrowest plane and sit comfortably on top of the battery. 7mm deep is very thin and a real bonus in a tight spot.

So I'm a bit torn. Because I looked at the new tiny Hitec receiver the other day and thought theres no way Im going to fit that in an Elf 

In fairness, the tiny receiver size benefit I've just experienced wasn't provided by Futaba but FrSky. I had looked at the Optic 6 because of it's modular nature, thinking of sticking a FrSky module in it. But the model memory of 8 is pretty limited these days :(

Its a real shame FrSky dont make their own tranny's

Is the minima too big?

The hitec aurora 9 is good for gliders end of.  I have been using multiplex p4000s in the past and am not really left wanting for too many features. Relative to the cost it's very good for glider flying, a bargain in fact.  Perfect no, but what is....

I don't think I would buy one for large gliders though because it only has 9 channels. Also it couldn't really handle a glider that had 6 control surfaces on the wing rather than 4 and 2 airbrakes (or spoilers).  You could possibly do it with pmixes but you might run out.

Phil theres a A9 on BMFA with 3 rxs

Phil theres a A9 on BMFA with 3 rxs

And a 10cg for 200!

Thanks both - I keep forgetting to look at the BMFA classifieds

I'll stick it on my favourites right now

Is the minima too big?

The hitec aurora 9 is good for gliders end of.  I have been using multiplex p4000s in the past and am not really left wanting for too many features. Relative to the cost it's very good for glider flying, a bargain in fact.  Perfect no, but what is....

I don't think I would buy one for large gliders though because it only has 9 channels. Also it couldn't really handle a glider that had 6 control surfaces on the wing rather than 4 and 2 airbrakes (or spoilers).  You could possibly do it with pmixes but you might run out.

Tom, can you assign a slider to the ratio of a pmix? Without flicking through menus? So I can adjust the value of elevator compensation in landing condition ?

Phil theres a A9 on BMFA with 3 rxs

Is that below the one with four rxs?

Tom, can you assign a slider to the ratio of a pmix? Without flicking through menus? So I can adjust the value of elevator compensation in landing condition ?

No I don't think the pmixs have the adjust function.  What you would have to do anyway would put the throttle stick as the control for an auxiliary channel and then mix that in to the elevator with a pmix.  Crickey I feel like a futaba user..... 

Obviously a trained monkey could see that having the adjust function on the elevator is what you want in the blfy mix, but maybe it will be changed in a future software update.

I am very tempted with this http://www.tjdmodels.com/futaba-8fg-24ghz-radio-transmitter-only-p-340.html

Especially having used these http://www.t9hobbysport.com/item.asp?catid=101&subcatid=215&prodid=852 yesterday.

I don't think I would have any problems at all shoe horning this puppy into a Topsky. Its so thin ...

I am very tempted with this http://www.tjdmodels.com/futaba-8fg-24ghz-radio-transmitter-only-p-340.html

Especially having used these http://www.t9hobbysport.com/item.asp?catid=101&subcatid=215&prodid=852 yesterday.

I don't think I would have any problems at all shoe horning this puppy into a Topsky. Its so thin ...

Yep. That's what I have. Excellent radio. I set up a six servo wing with condition is about 1hr. Very good radio. I would buy another (if they added telemetry).

Compared to?

I am very tempted with this http://www.tjdmodels.com/futaba-8fg-24ghz-radio-transmitter-only-p-340.html

Especially having used these http://www.t9hobbysport.com/item.asp?catid=101&subcatid=215&prodid=852 yesterday.

I don't think I would have any problems at all shoe horning this puppy into a Topsky. Its so thin ...

Have you not considered de-casing a minima btw? I looked at mine today; with no case it would be extremely small.

You want the minima 6e, which has end plugs. Most places only do the less useful (for us) 6t, which has top plugs. I got mine from servo shop.

If I was purchasing now I would not go Futaba for the simple reason that they don't have telemetry. (iirc!) I know they make a super product, but that gets in the way for me.

Having said that, before I had the Aurora, I thought that telemetry was all a bit of a gimmick. BUT once you've flown a few flights in feckin' freezing conditions, knowing that your tx will start making grumpy noises if your rx batteries start to misbehave is very comforting, and it's now something that I'm very happy to have.

Not that I've had it happen, because yes, Tom, I still check them with my little Rippy checker before every flight!

For what you're looking at, honestly I would seriously recommend the Aurora. I've not flown the Taba ones, but I have read the manuals for the 8, both the 10s and the Evo9 when I was considering whether to go away from my 9XII so I'm reasonably familiar with their features.

Z

I have to admit I really like the Aurora. The facilities are excellent the programming seems very logical and of course the telemetry feature just cannot be ignored.
<snip> In fairness, the tiny receiver size benefit I've just experienced wasn't provided by Futaba but FrSky. I had looked at the Optic 6 because of it's modular nature, thinking of sticking a FrSky module in it. But the model memory of 8 is pretty limited these days  - Its a real shame FrSky dont make their own tranny's   

Optic 6 is easily upgraded to 16 model memory, refer to:
Hitec Optic 6 & Optic Sport - Manuals, Tutorial, FAQ & Comparison Charts 

and there is also the new Hitec Eclipse 7 Pro   with large backlit screen at top for easy reading of telemetry data.
. 2.4GHz has a high intensity white backlit LCD Screen, ergonomically positioned, back panel slider, ultra-smooth quad-ball bearing gimbals, intuitive control switches, built-in telemetry and a one-way AFHSS 2.4GHz system. It offers specific programming for fixed wing, glow, gas or electric planes, helicopters and sailplanes.
16-model maximum storage and an array of telemetric functions including sensor monitoring and on-board receiver low battery warning.

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

Don't forget that the 8FG is easy to upgrade to 14 channels for free.

Given that it is upgradable via SD card (unlike the Hitec which needs a special cable at additional cost) I would not be surprised to see telemetry on the Futaba kit in the future. I read a rumour somewhere that they were going to to do it.

The SD card gives virtually unlimited model memories too.

Don't forget that the 8FG is easy to upgrade to 14 channels for free.

Given that it is upgradable via SD card (unlike the Hitec which needs a special cable at additional cost) I would not be surprised to see telemetry on the Futaba kit in the future. I read a rumour somewhere that they were going to to do it.

The SD card gives virtually unlimited model memories too.

SD card implies software update. I don't think software update will provide telemetry, since that going to require electrical changes, ie a new handset/rx.

Don't forget that the 8FG is easy to upgrade to 14 channels for free.

Given that it is upgradable via SD card (unlike the Hitec which needs a special cable at additional cost) I would not be surprised to see telemetry on the Futaba kit in the future. I read a rumour somewhere that they were going to to do it.

The SD card gives virtually unlimited model memories too.

yeah but the hitec thing costs £17.99. 
A futaba rx with a basic function like a failsafe (  ) costs about £100 (correct me if I am wrong) I don't think that is really a plus for futaba too much.

The 14ch thing sound great, but could you have a wing with say 4 aileron servos, 2 flaps and 2 airbrakes (I have a mate with this).  2 elevator servos, rudder, tow release and retract wheel?  I'm not saying it isn't 14 channels, I am just wondering what 14 channels mean - to me half a dozen on/offs are not very useful.  I think it would help to clarify what is meant by 14 channels (given that futaba has a different opinion about what makes a channel to the rest of the world).  If it is 14 proper channels which can all be used then obviously that is a lot of value for the money.

Ultimately you're going to have to put your hand in your pocket and make a choice. Simples.

 I can see this thread devolving into the usual tit-for-tat spec smack-down.

Prior to using the A9 I was a devout 14MZ user. I don't miss it.

Buy one. Try it, if you don't like it you'll have no trouble selling it!


cheers

Ju

yeah but the hitec thing costs £17.99. 
A futaba rx with a basic function like a failsafe (  ) costs about £100 (correct me if I am wrong) I don't think that is really a plus for futaba too much.

The 14ch thing sound great, but could you have a wing with say 4 aileron servos, 2 flaps and 2 airbrakes (I have a mate with this).  2 elevator servos, rudder, tow release and retract wheel?  I'm not saying it isn't 14 channels, I am just wondering what 14 channels mean - to me half a dozen on/offs are not very useful.  I think it would help to clarify what is meant by 14 channels (given that futaba has a different opinion about what makes a channel to the rest of the world).  If it is 14 proper channels which can all be used then obviously that is a lot of value for the money.

I bet you don't have a 17.99 receiver in a 1300 quid airframe do you?

No because I am talking about the £17.99 PC interface as opposed to the Futaba sd card interface. It's a small cost.
for an expensive airframe you could use a 50 quid hitec (with telemetry) as opposed to a hundred pound futaba. Point being the 17.99 is soon recouped.

The 14 channels are 12 proportional, 2 switched. Plus there are four additional virtual channels in the software to allow for complex mixes.

The Frsky receivers have failsafe on all channels and are software upgradable via a USB lead/adapter (so, touche to you, I suppose  )

I looked at the Hitec vs Futaba very closely when I switched from Spektrum. I don't own a glider or profess to be an expert on them but I know that a large proportion of the manual is dedicated to gliders with different wing layouts (including multiple ailerons/flaps/airbrakes) and flight conditions.

I have no axe to grind or particular loyalties, but do think that the Futaba 8FG represents serious value for money and has very good programming potential.

Here's a link to the manual if anyone's interested:

http://manuals.hobbico.com/fut/8fg-2_4ghz-manual.pdf

The 14 channels are 12 proportional, 2 switched. Plus there are four additional virtual channels in the software to allow for complex mixes.

The Frsky receivers have failsafe on all channels and are software upgradable via a USB lead/adapter (so, touche to you, I suppose  )

I looked at the Hitec vs Futaba very closely when I switched from Spektrum. I don't own a glider or profess to be an expert on them but I know that a large proportion of the manual is dedicated to gliders with different wing layouts (including multiple ailerons/flaps/airbrakes) and flight conditions.

I have no axe to grind or particular loyalties, but do think that the Futaba 8FG represents serious value for money and has very good programming potential.

Here's a link to the manual if anyone's interested:

http://manuals.hobbico.com/fut/8fg-2_4ghz-manual.pdf

I'm sure the 8fg is a good tx, but I have no interest in flying my models on the futaba Fasst system, tbh. e.g. Lack of (proper) failsafes on futaba's actual RX is a bit of a p*ss take in this day and age. I took failsafe for granted on 35mhz (PPM as well).  The rxs are expensive and don't seem well shaped for glider use. I would say the same thing about the hitec in terms of RX design/size, but then they are pretty cheap. The multiplex ones I had were way better in that regard (but then multiplex has always been a glider brand).  Personally I wouldn't really choose to fly on 3rd party 2.4ghz (reverse engineered) receivers, but I wouldn't decry anyone who chose to do so.

BTw the bank breaking hitec PC interface is also used for upgrading (and changing some settings etc) on hitec RF  modules and receivers. I think you can also fiddle with you telemetry bits on there (gps etc).

Ive pretty much made up my mind which way I go with this. And that is to go with Hitec.

That said I'm hoping to hell that the receivers can be easily decased and that they will be much smaller when so treated.

There are two reasons for this decision, the first is that I have found some transmitter only deals which make the A9 very competitive (£239). And I really want to use the telemetry. I have seen some single and double celled lipos for use as receiver batteries which I am really keen to get for my smaller models and I am paranoid about running them below the minimum voltage and wrecking them.

My only other option would be FrySky I think which would give me tiny receivers and telemetry. But their new transmitter is only a rumour at the moment sadly.

I think you can  decase them  pretty easily.

It's going to have to happen 

I need small and I need telemetry - tell me how else I can achieve it.
I suppose if pushed you could say the telemetry is just a 'fad' requirement, because a DLG is going to be thrown and retrieved time and time again - BUT to have to keep checking batteries is a pain in the bum.

Ive pretty much made up my mind which way I go with this. And that is to go with Hitec.

That said I'm hoping to hell that the receivers can be easily decased and that they will be much smaller when so treated.

The 6 lite looks usefull http://www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk/detail.php?JPNO=2226620&activepage=1&Navmain=R/C%20equipment&subcatname=Hitec%20Receivers/Modules