Originally Posted by rcwings

swimman,

The 8FG is an awesome radio, but definitely takes some getting used to. May create some challenges if you are unfamiliar with the basics as it can be very intimidating. However, if you are willing to sit down and learn the menu structure and some of the basic functions and workings, it is an excellent radio that you will not outgrow for a long time.

If you are looking for only the basics, and do not want the added stress of trying to learn a new complex radio system, you may want to look at something like the 6EX or the 7C. These are also great platforms and much easier to learn, yet can provide a fair amount of flexibility for an entry level modeler. I have used and programmed both for fellow club members. Plus if you do outgrow it, all the receivers will work on the 8FG if you ever decide to move up.

If you are up to the challenge of a more complex system, then an 8FG is a great radio. I came from another manufacturer radio, and found the Futaba menu structure much easier to learn and very intuitive.

Thanks for the input. I am the type to study the manual and play around with the unit in order to get used to its set up and structure so the 8FG is probably the way to go. If I go for a 7C or 6EX I can see myself down the road regretting that I did not get a more advanced system. And with all the positive reviews of the 8FG it's most likely worth it - although in my opinion, the aesthetics of the 8FG are not too pleasing!

Originally Posted by swimman

Thanks for the input. I am the type to study the manual and play around with the unit in order to get used to its set up and structure so the 8FG is probably the way to go. If I go for a 7C or 6EX I can see myself down the road regretting that I did not get a more advanced system. And with all the positive reviews of the 8FG it's most likely worth it - although in my opinion, the aesthetics of the 8FG are not too pleasing!

I would not say you would "regret" getting either of those two unless you plan on many new complex aircraft over a very short period of time. They have there place and are decent systems. It really boils down to the features you need. The 8FG has pretty much everything one would require (aside from telemetry) for most aircraft.

As for aesthetics......I sorta thought the same when I compared it to another brand (my old brand...) at purchase time in the hobby shop. It did not "look" quite as fancy. But, once I got it home, and started playing in the menus and flying with it........I was more than happy with it and the look grew on me. Ensure it "feels" right, as that is important. Was for me and I just felt comfortable with the 8FG in my hands. Was not the only deciding factor for me, but was a large part of the decision making process.

Best of luck!!!

Originally Posted by rcwings

snip...

Originally Posted by vespa

snipe...

Thanks both...all setup and working perfectly. Forgot that I could change the AIL to ELE, CAMB etc

Hi,

I'm looking for any simple 4 CH radio that can be connected to T8FG as a "student/slave" radio. T8FG will be a master/instructor. Do I have to use only other Futaba's radios or other brands as well?

Brgds
Mariusz

Originally Posted by marimach77

Hi,

I'm looking for any simple 4 CH radio that can be connected to T8FG as a "student/slave" radio. T8FG will be a master/instructor. Do I have to use only other Futaba's radios or other brands as well?

Brgds
Mariusz

Edit: deleted due to being incorrect, see below.

Originally Posted by rod.d

You could just get a 12FG and let your student use your "cheap" 8FG .

Ha ha ha Good idea but my aim is to buy a simple cheap radio compatible with 8FG.

I have mixed eg. hitec and futaba transmitters but have had to make own one-way cable(s); there are/have been several considerations.
But a nice and cheap way has been the FrSky receivers; Ive used their V8R7-SP (with CPPM capability) but that required a Tx with any of their modules.
When they released the fasst clones, I put their TFRSP on the back of my Tx and any fasst Tx can be used acting as slave. Its designed/spec. for operating between 3.5-10V but weve also used it on the back of a 7C. Later they have released 4CH FASST receivers with 8CH CPPM but havent tried them.

Originally Posted by marimach77

Hi,

I'm looking for any simple 4 CH radio that can be connected to T8FG as a "student/slave" radio. T8FG will be a master/instructor. Do I have to use only other Futaba's radios or other brands as well?

Brgds
Mariusz

Edit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyahEMzAxW4
but theres no need to cut the buddycable as the required cable is available for a few bucks.

Originally Posted by rod.d

I was looking to do this a while back, and the 4YF (I think that is the one) is that "standard" Futaba trainer, and it is not compatible. I ended up getting a used 6EX, but even still I had to use a special $35 cable to go from the 8FG since it is a different voltage. You could just get a 12FG and let your student use your "cheap" 8FG .

I'm not sure what you are referring to. I am one of our clubs intro pilots and I use the 4YF with my 8FG practically every week. I have several posts about it in this thread and other people are also doing it with great success. Here are some more details:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...f#post20302674

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...f#post20327471

- Birger

I thought the special cable was for when the 8fg is the student. Since that is when a higher voltage radio would be powering the 8fg and therefore needing the voltage regulator in the cable. right?
Cory

Originally Posted by bdelapen

I'm not sure what you are referring to. I am one of our clubs intro pilots and I use the 4YF with my 8FG practically every week. I have several posts about it in this thread and other people are also doing it with great success. Here are some more details:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...f#post20302674

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...f#post20327471

- Birger

I stand corrected! thanks for the info, I guess it is too late for me but I am glad it will help others. I asked a vendor (I dont' remember which one now) about the 4YF compatibility with the 8FG and they told me it wouldn't work, which is why I went the 6EX route. I guess in the end it worked out because I have a radio for my kids when they finally solo, but would have been nice to get correct information to begin with! I will fix my post.

Rod

Originally Posted by clytle374

I thought the special cable was for when the 8fg is the student. Since that is when a higher voltage radio would be powering the 8fg and therefore needing the voltage regulator in the cable. right?
Cory

That may be the case, I don't know. I do know that the "special" cable works with my 8FG and the 6EX as a student, maybe someone else will chime in on using a regular cable. What you are saying makes sense because the 6EX is higher voltage, so who knows. The description of the product is not that great.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXSMF2&P=7

Originally Posted by bdelapen

I am one of our clubs intro pilots and I use the 4YF with my 8FG practically every week. I have several posts about it in this thread and other people are also doing it with great success.
- Birger

Thanks Birger for this info. This is what am I looking for. Just to confirm, I need:

Futaba 4YF Trainer box:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-Fu...-/290674513811
- Note antenna,tx batt and xtal not included!

Futaba Trainer Cord:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Futaba-Train...-/290640917643 - should be the same as http://www.gpdealera.com/cgi-bin/wga...pgm?I=FUTM4415

Maybe I can use also http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futk4200.html or http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futj40.html?

Cheers
Mariusz

Totally off-topic, and I'll go to right thread if this has already been discussed, but the buddy-box discussion always leads me to the same question:

Has anyone ever built a 'backdrive' circuit to a set of gimballed radio sticks, so that when someone is flying pattern, or 3D or whatever, that a 'student' (me!) could not only actually view the sticks, but feel with my fingers what is happening as the plane (or heli) is put through it's paces.

It seems such a setup would not be too hard to make, but might only have a limited appeal, commercial value... but I know I'd sure be willing to pay $100-$200 for one, in order to get a real-world tactile lesson taken from someone who is flying well, as I watch their plane in motion.

I know the FAA sometimes backdrives instruments and controls into a mock cockpit, to recreate the actual cockpit scenarios post-crash using FDR data, in order to simulate the exact sensations the pilots would have been feeling and seeing.

Originally Posted by marimach77

Thanks Birger for this info. This is what am I looking for. Just to confirm, I need:

Futaba 4YF Trainer box:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-Fu...-/290674513811
- Note antenna,tx batt and xtal not included!

Futaba Trainer Cord:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Futaba-Train...-/290640917643 - should be the same as http://www.gpdealera.com/cgi-bin/wga...pgm?I=FUTM4415

Maybe I can use also http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futk4200.html or http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futj40.html?

Cheers
Mariusz

Correct, unless you want a fully workable simple 4 channel radio with no programmability then I would go with the Trainer Box without batt, antena, crystal, etc.

Both your e-bay links are the right ones.

- Birger

Originally Posted by tracknoob

Totally off-topic, and I'll go to right thread if this has already been discussed, but the buddy-box discussion always leads me to the same question:

Has anyone ever built a 'backdrive' circuit to a set of gimballed radio sticks, so that when someone is flying pattern, or 3D or whatever, that a 'student' (me!) could not only actually view the sticks, but feel with my fingers what is happening as the plane (or heli) is put through it's paces.

It seems such a setup would not be too hard to make, but might only have a limited appeal, commercial value... but I know I'd sure be willing to pay $100-$200 for one, in order to get a real-world tactile lesson taken from someone who is flying well, as I watch their plane in motion.

I know the FAA sometimes backdrives instruments and controls into a mock cockpit, to recreate the actual cockpit scenarios post-crash using FDR data, in order to simulate the exact sensations the pilots would have been feeling and seeing.

I agree, limited market penetration but it would be very very cool!!!