Is there a good 5 channel radio?

Hi all,

I'm really new to this hobby and am in the process of working out what to buy. I want to get an ArduCopter Quad and am trying to work out what radio to get.

I'm trying to keep the cost down, so it seems to me that I just need a 5 channel transmitter.  Using channel 5 as the flight mode. I can't seem to find any radio that has more than a 2 position switch as the 5th channel. Is there such a thing as a 5 channel radio where the 5th channel is a 6 position selector knob?  Obviously, the more positions on the switch, the more flight modes I can assign. Or does this concept not exist? I've seen such knobs on radios with a much higher number of channels.

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by jasonshort on October 12, 2012 at 12:04pm

Here is a pretty complete list of stuff you'll need to build a drone. Sorry if it's a bit long.

The controller I use:
I would choose the Ublox GPS option it's many times more accurate than the default choice.
Here is a link to a cheap frame and kit:
I have one of these frames and they are pretty OK but a little heavy. You will break arms and motors so buy an extra set of arms and 2-3 extra motors.
You'll need these props:
I fly with these 3S (3 cells in series for 12v) batteries and you can expect 8-9 minutes of flight with 1
This is a good balancing charger, but there are cheaper options:
Always charge in a Lipo pack to avoid a house fire:
A cell spy to prevent flying on a dead battery:
These are good prop adapters- buy extras in case you smash or bend one in a crash:
Here is a decent sodering station:
make sure you get a pencil tip.
Grab some shrink tube to do your motor to ESC connections. I always solder mine and don't use bullet connectors.
Here are some servo extension leads that you may need:
If you want telemetry and ground control you'll need these radios:
For FPV equipment, try http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/home.php?
Pro tip: Lookup team blacksheep on vimeo or youtube.
You'll also need a radio and receiver.
I have a Futaba Faast 7ch
Or you can get this one:
8mm socket tool for the prop adapters:
Super nice foam tape:
You'll also need plenty of zip ties.

Permalink Reply by Luke Olson on October 12, 2012 at 1:16pm

A relatively good inexpensive radio is the Turnigy 9X which is about $80 after shipping. There are cheaper radios but I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot clown poll.

Permalink Reply by Jam on October 12, 2012 at 1:55pm

Thanks, seems to get decent reviews. Will see if I can pick one up on eBay (based in the UK, so there isn't much choice other than Spektrum or Fubaba from the shops).

Cheers:)

Permalink Reply by Stephen R Mann on October 16, 2012 at 12:08pm

I realize that you are trying to save money, but I was well advised by my mentor on this forum (Phil Cramer) and by the local hobby shop, the radio is NOT where you want to save money.  I am glad that I listened to them.

The hobby shop owner said that it was in his best interest to sell me the cheaper radio because within six months I would be in to replace it.

Also, even though you can fly on 5-channels, as you progress you will wish for the ability to tune PID's over channel 6 or command an RTL with channel 7.  There's other uses for these channels, such as tilt control of a camera roll/tilt gimbal.

I wound up with the Spektrum DX7, but I am considering selling it on eBay to buy the DX8.

Permalink Reply by Luke Olson on October 16, 2012 at 1:00pm

I agree, I started with a Turnigy 9X and upgraded to a Hitec Aurora 9 shortly thereafter. On the other hand if the budget is $500 it doesn't make sense to spend $429 just on the radio (like a DX8). A Turnigy 9X comes with a 8 channel receiver so there are plenty of channels to work with. The build quality isn't as nice as the higher quality "name brand" radios but it gets the job done.

Permalink Reply by Jam on October 16, 2012 at 2:12pm

Thanks for all your advice. Speaking with my local model shop, they suggest that the cheap Chinese radios (Turnigy, FlySky etc) are hit and miss. Either they work fine, or are full of reliability problems with little warranty support.

It seems that a secondhand DX7 is about the same price as these units, so I might see what turns up on eBay.

Permalink Reply by Phil Cramer on October 16, 2012 at 3:53pm

Jam, meet Steve. Steve, meet Jam

Steve has a DX7 he's considering selling. See post above.

You're welcome!

Mentor Phil

Permalink Reply by Jam on October 16, 2012 at 3:56pm

LOL, I thought that too. But he's in the US, I'm in the UK. I suspect postage would make it cost prohibitive.

Permalink Reply by wraith on October 16, 2012 at 3:53pm

hi i would stay away from the 9x, would u put cheap tyres on ur car , they are a bit hit and miss

Permalink Reply by Para on October 17, 2012 at 12:45am

I'd say the main problem a stock 9X has is its failsafe behaviour. Otherwise, 20+ units have had brief pit-stops on my working bench, for adding backlights, reprogramming open/er9x and other mods. Had to change just one pot in two of them, and both were on throttle channel.

Then, you get the option to mix in some FrSky telemetry stuff, which puts the 9X in another ballpark completely.

Permalink Reply by Todd Hill on October 16, 2012 at 4:08pm

Jam, You can pick up an brand new Futaba 6J for $157 with receiver and free shipping on ebay.  Its a very good deal on a very good brand of radio.  The turnigy 9X is not a bad radio at all for the money, and there are a lot of mods and hacks out there that are for the most part well documented; that is when you are ready to experiment.  

Permalink Reply by Ben on October 17, 2012 at 10:59am

Turnigy 9x is the way to go. I love the knobs so you can control a camera and has extra channels for anything from a bomb drop to LED lights

Here is the catch:

Get the module-less 9x (This is mode two with throttle on the left, there is also mode 1 if you would like): http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__20976__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Tr...

and then get a FRsky module and reciever: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14349__FrSky_DJT_2_4Ghz_...

Best link you can get on 2.4. No brownouts like Spektrum, I have one and love it. I had a Spektrum DX5e, then a DX6i brand new and both cost me a plane. 

I went with the spektrum gear because everyone said that the 9x was cheap and stuff, but with the upgrade it is IMHO better than a DX7. You can also update the firmware and put in a backlight.

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