I started flying my RTFs back in September. My fleet is composed of ARFs and RTFs. My fleet includes: Multiplex EasyGlider, Art-tech Cessna 182, Art-Tech WingDragon 4 and a Riccs Busy Bee.

I have been using one of the 4 CH radios ( the one that came with the Cessna) to fly all my planes. What is slowly getting to me is that every time I change planes I have to reset the trims. I tell'ya, you lose valuable flying time. I have also noticed some interference when too many radio are on the field and I fly close to the pit area.

So I have decided to upgrade my radio gear and I have a tough time choosing between the Futaba 6EXAS and the Spectrum DX7. I am basically looking for a radio where I can:

1. Store multiple models and their trim settings
2. Manage Flaperons and Spoilerons
3. Spare channels to manage a small camera
4. Take my EasyGlider and WingDragon to high altitudes
5. Lets me know how much battery is left in the TX
6. Tell me how much time I have been flying (nice to have)
7. Reuse the receiver, servos and ESC in my planes
8. Easily program the unit
9. feel secure from potential interference

I also would like to know what the difference is between PCM and PPM modulation and how it would impact the gear that is currently in my planes.

Any suggestions and recommendations are welcome. Also please feel free to suggest other radio models.

Cheers,
Tom

Well, I'm new at this myself, but if I had the cash, I would go for the DX7. It will be a godsent when you go to the fly field and are able to fly your plane without worry that someone else is using your channel.

Yup, definitely go with the DX7.

i dont think either have timers...
i got my 9CAPS about 4 months ago after having a 6EXAS for a while, and lemme tell ya, the programming is stupid easy, and the timers are great. if you can afford a 9CAPS, its your best investment because you get awesome programming now, the timers you want, every other thing you wanted, and there will be a 2.4Ghz module coming out, hopefully soon, for it. on the 9C, theres a total timer- for all time on, two timers you can program to time up or down to a set time-activated by switch, or throttle on/etc, and a total timer for that specific model. all these are individually resettable whenever.
if you can put up without timers, the spectrum DX7 is your best bet for no interference, but for the rest, both will do everything equally well. honestly, ive never had a glitch with either my 6EXAS or my 9CAPS, with up to 4-5 people flying with me at once.
i know the 9C and the 6EXAS will both tell you battery voltage, and i think the DX7 should too.

Between the two you have listed, I'd choose the DX7 in a heartbeat. I have the DX6, and for now, have no need for the DX7's features. I really love the Spektrum DX6.

Chuck

I'm pretty sure the DX7 has a timer, but I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by BD Flyer

I'm pretty sure the DX7 has a timer, but I could be wrong.

Yep, it does.

in your situation, id take the DX7, then...

DX7 all the way. I have a 6 and 7 and love both.

Thanks for your comments. Now with the DX7 I would also have to change all the receivers; what about the servos?

I think it will come down to the overall cost to make the change. Its time to build a comparison table.

DX 7, gotta love it.



Tom

So far - for me, the only down side to the DX type radios, as best I can tell is the cost of the RX..

I have maybe 5 or 6 airplanes I am quite happy to fly on a GWS $15 dollar RX.. With the DX, this luxury goes away and you are now spending $60 or more for the RX, as best I can tell..

If I am wrong, someone please correct me, but this is why I have stayed away...

Jeff
www.CommonSenseRC.com

Originally Posted by Tram

So far - for me, the only down side to the DX type radios, as best I can tell is the cost of the RX..

I have maybe 5 or 6 airplanes I am quite happy to fly on a GWS $15 dollar RX.. With the DX, this luxury goes away and you are now spending $60 or more for the RX, as best I can tell..

If I am wrong, someone please correct me, but this is why I have stayed away...

Jeff
www.CommonSenseRC.com

Hi Jeff,

The receivers are coming down. The last two I bought were $49 at the LHS.

Chuck

AR6100's for park fliers are around $50 and AR7000's for anything are around $100. But competition is bringing these prices down.

And the DX7 has your choice of count up or count down timers. Can be different for different plane setups.

Well, at least they are on the way down..

$40 isn't bad.. When Futaba comes out with a 9X in this flavor AND the RX's are affordable - I'll think about it..

Atleast I wasn't totally off the mark..