Discussion Radio suggestions??

[gopherhunter]

Originally Posted by Serfsup

I have seen a few references to the JR 9303. I was looking at the new Hitec Aruora, but the Rx's seem large and limited for DLG.

Then I noticed that the JR's can use the Spektrum Rx's which can be quite small. That is attractive and opens up a lot of options, perhaps the largest compatable RX list for spread spectrum.

The question I have for the JR users is does the 9303 have a "hold" switch that would work well for GLG launch presets?

If you're asking if the 9303 has a momentary switch- one that is only "on" when it's being pressed- then it doesn't. I installed a momentary toggle switch in place of the gear switch for DLG launch mode, and switched the places of the left 3-position switch and the elevator dual rate switch. That way, both the launch and 3-pos switch are easily reached with the left index finger. I have speed, cruise and thermal presets on the 3-pos. switch. Easy soldering job. No additional wire is needed. The AR6250 Rx is small-weighs 4 grams.

[pivlrs]

Originally Posted by gopherhunter

If you're asking if the 9303 has a momentary switch- one that is only "on" when it's being pressed- then it doesn't. I installed a momentary toggle switch in place of the gear switch for DLG launch mode, and switched the places of the left 3-position switch and the elevator dual rate switch. That way, both the launch and 3-pos switch are easily reached with the left index finger. I have speed, cruise and thermal presets on the 3-pos. switch. Easy soldering job. No additional wire is needed. The AR6250 Rx is small-weighs 4 grams.

If you don't want to solder/hack your TX, the Futaba 10C/10CG is about the same price, has all the mixes and features you need for DLG, and has a momentary switch on the upper left for launch presets.

Futaba doesn't have as many receiver choices as Spektrum, but the 7ch R617 is plenty small (about 9g, 7g w/out case), as is the 8ch R608 at 13g (9 w/out case). Us Futaba users are waiting for something similar to the AR6250 from Futaba, but their offerings are certainly good enough for most DLG applications.

[G_T]

The heli version of the 9303 or 9303X has a momentary contact switch located extremely conveniently in the upper left corner. It falls naturally under the pointer finger for a RH thrower. This is the radio I use. I recommend it as a good choice for DLGs.

Gerald

[FLY F3B]

The Airtronics SD-10G is now my favorite radio for everything including DLG. It has the same momentary switch as my Stylus had, but way more programming ability, and 2.4ghz, and lighter than the Stylus.

You would be remiss not to give it a good look.

Cheers,

Mike

[Ben Roberto]

Mike,

Can the Airtronics switches be physically moved? I would prefer the momentary switch to be on the left _back_ position instead of the left _front_ position.

I've had a chance to look at the SD-10G. The switch position is the only thing keeping me from spending $$$.

-- Ben

[djklein21]

There is only one thing that the SD-10G gives up to the 9303 for DLG. It is hard for some to grip well for launching. Other than that, it seems better in every possible way.

The SD-10G has really impressed me as a transmitter. I had no blind faith in the Airtronics brand, since it had changed hands recently, but the new management got the memo. They engineered a fantastic transmitter, more than worthy of carrying on the Vision/Stylus legacy.

[aeajr]

Originally Posted by Ben Roberto

Mike,

Can the Airtronics switches be physically moved? I would prefer the momentary switch to be on the left _back_ position instead of the left _front_ position.

I've had a chance to look at the SD-10G. The switch position is the only thing keeping me from spending $$$.

-- Ben

ON my current radio I have a spring switch on the top left, just as you would like. Convenient but not necessary in my opinion unless you are a real hard core competitor where the slightest edge makes all the difference.

I used to have a Futaba 9CH. I had a two way switch on the top left. I had this set up for my launch mix. With it back/away from me the launch mix was on. As I released I would just flip that switch with my finger to turn the launch mix off. Worked fine and I don't think it was any harder than holding a spring switch and then releasing it.

On my current radio, a Futaba 9CA Super The top left is the trainer/spring switch. So I have to hold it to get the launch mix and then release it to turn the launch mix off.

I prefer the spring loaded switch but I would not consider it a big deal. The only real difference is that spring holds the launch mix off so I am less likely to accidentally flip it on. But that would be true of any of my mix switches.

Just a personal insight. Your smileage will vary.

Ed Anderson

[Brian Molloy]

Originally Posted by aeajr

ON my current radio I have a spring switch on the top left, just as you would like. Convenient but not necessary in my opinion unless you are a real hard core competitor where the slightest edge makes all the difference.
Ed Anderson

Ed,

I think Ben's preference for the momentary switch to be on the top left is probably a reference to its use in handlaunch F3K. The momentary switch activates the elevator pre-set and is held "on" (along with the transmitter ) with the left hand during the initial stage of the launch. The 9303 Heli TX has this configuration.

It would be very awkward (unusable) for the momentary switch to be on the TX's right hand side for a right-handed pilot.

[aeajr]

That is exactly what I was talking about.

As I launch my Polecat XP5DLG I wanted a launch mix. On my 9CH, the spring switch was on the top right. NG. So I set a launch mix on a two way switch on the top left.

When the switch was back, toward the rear of the radio, the launch mix was on.

As I spun and released I would flip that switch with my left index finger. This would remove the launch mix. Worked great and did not require a spring swtich.