Help with picking a transmitter

[boomfiziks1]

I am just starting into RC planes, but have been contemplating using RCs in my classroom to teach various science lessons. Because of limited budgets, I'd like to get some advice on what type of transmitter people would recommend. I'm looking into using the transmitter for computer simulators (Real Flight or Reflex XTR) and having students build their own RC devices to use (electric planes/gliders, land yachts, simple robots, etc.). I'm looking for a transmitter that would be versatile for different applications over the years...hopefully as the curriculum continues and expands.

Thanks,
Dwight

[beep684]

I don't know that much about radios, but i would reccomend a computer-radio around 6-channel.
A computer radio would allow you to mix channels, and explore the different settings and functions such as travel throw and exponential, so you could do things which a normal radio wouldn't do.

You could practice programming the helicopters on realfight using your computer radio, to check that everything is programmed right before you fly. I have recently been having trouble with my pitch curve settings, so i have practising setting it up on realflight.

[proptop]

I believe the transmitter that is included with the RealFlight sim is made by Futaba?
To ease compatability I would suggest getting like manufacturers.

The new Futaba 6 or 7 channel would be a good deal...

Check out Towerhobbies.com

[aerolite]

I currently use the Futaba EXA programable radios, and they allow up to six different plane settings to be saved.

Bruckners hobbies sells the transmitter only for about $89.

You might consider joining a local club, and they could help in your initial equipment selections, which might save time and money over the long haul.

Don't forget that Air and land vehicles use different frequencies, as regulated by the FCC. This helps prevent someone turning on a transmitter to drive their car, and crashing someones airplane.

Good luck with your class Mini Ifo

[freedomflyer]

I think that the Flash 5x by Hitec is one of the better ones out there if you're on a budget. I got mine here on the forums for $55, with battery, charger, xtal. It's computerized so you have exponential, Dual Rates, End Point Adjustment, Elevon mixing, aileron to rudder mixing, and vtail mixing,and also FIVE MODEL memory so you can store 5 different students model data in it, and easily switch between them. It also has a lot of other features. It has 4 switches at the top (including a trainer switch...helpful for students :) ) That toggle flaps, DR, and expo.
Good battery life and easy to program, plus it has digital trims. I think that it's a GREAT radio because you get all of the nice computerized functions without the pricy big LCD Screens (...this one has a small, but versatile, screen that displays a lot), batteries, or anything else.

It can also be used for gliders, aerobatics, or gliding acrobatic planes, so your students can use it for many applications. Anyways...
hope this helps
fflyer

[Art Schmitz]

The Real Flight G3 comes with adapter cables. Airtronics/Sanwa cords are available separately.

[bravokilo]

BOOMFISIKS1, HI!LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE TEACHING PHYSICS, JUST CURIOUS HIGH SCHOOL AND WHERE? i GRADUATED hs NEAR KANSAS CITY AGES AGO, 1967.

TRIED READING BETWEEN LINES AND I NOTED THAT YOU WANT A TX TO WORK WITH SIMULATORS. RECOMMENDATIONS SEEM FINE FOR THAT. HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT THE STUDENTS TO BUILD SIMPLE rc PROJECTS, THE PROGRAMABLES MIGHT JUST OVERWHELM THEM. THERE ARE 2 CHANNELS OR BETTER YET THE 3 CHANNESL RADIOS IN THE MARKET, AMs WHICH ARE CHEAP COMPLETE WITH SERVOS. THE 2 CH RADIOS CAN BE AS LOW AS $50, COMPLETE. NOW, HERE IS THE CATCH, MANY OS US STARTED THIS WAY THINKING THAT WE SHOULD START CHEAPLY ONLY TO REALIZE THAT IN TIME, WE WANTED 4 CHANNELS ON A BTTER AIRPLANE. SO, SUGGEST YOU CALL TOWERHOBBIES OR GO GOOGLE AND TYPE TOWERHOBBIES AND YOU WILL FIND THEM. YOU WILL FIND THEM WITH ALMOST EVERYHTING. I WOULD GO FOR AN AM (CHEAPER) 4 CH WITH 4 SERVOS. I THINK THEY STILL GO FOR $120. BRAND IS NOT MATERIAL,THEY ALL WORK BUT BETTER GET FUTABA COMPATIBLE SERVOS. I THINK THE ORIGINAL 27MHZ BAND IS THE FREQUENCY THAT YOU CAN USE FOR ALL CRAFTS, SURFACE AND AIR. PLS CHECK THIS OUT WITH OTHERS. RADIOS WITH DISPLAY IS MORE DELICATE THAN A SIMPLE BLACK BOX. oNCE YOU LOSE THE LCD, GOODBYE RADIO. THAT IS MY 2 CENTS WORTH...

I LOVED MY CHEM TREACHER. MR. BOBBIT.


BRAVOKILO

[saucerguy]

If you are going cheap, ebay, or search this forums for sale section, you'll find some deals. I outgrew my first official "real" radio about a month after owning it, it was the futaba 4yf, 4 channel controls were nice, but I rarely use all 4 slots. It won't fly a jet with elevon control nor will it be something that can handle 3d. So I guess you gotta ask yourself, do you want something cheap that will need to be replaced or do you want something that you can use for everything. Have to agree with the other poster in regards to the FCC in their use of frequencies, this is what drives me nuts when I'm tinking around with those toy 27 mhz, invariably, there will be someone else nearby using it for their toy causing problems with the plane.

[SEMPERFI8387]

If you could afford it, the Spektrum DX6 is great. No worry about frequency issues.
It uses 2.4 ghz spread spectrum technology. NO CRYSTALS !!!
Can be had for $125 used to $199 new from Horizon Hobby.

[Shakattak10922]

Hey check this out at tower hobbies. Its 14 channel. But look its almost 3k!!

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPTU8&P=0

The pic is really cool. Hope this helps some a little bit.... :rolleyes:

[Mr.Me]

futaba T6EXA.