How good is the RTF radio?

[chemoul]

First of all, I'm a complete RC Helicopter newbie, so please be gentle.

I bought the 180QX RTF recently.
I can hover and fly around a bit without crashing but not much more.

I find the standard radio that came with the 180QX very, very sensitive.

It is just me being inexperienced, or would I benefit from a better radio, ie would the DX6i or DX7i have a bit more "travel" in the sticks, so that I won't need the hands of a surgeon?

Thanks for your advice!

Stefan

[badfrog]

Welcome to Helifreak and welcome to this crazy hobby!
A good radio will make a significant difference in my opinion. It will give you far more flexibility in how it is set up... for instance, with expo you can "flatten out" the response on your transmitter effectively making it far less sensitive - a huge advantage when learning. Over time you can reduce the expo to match your increased skill level.

Check out Finless Bob videos on Expo - https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=41692

[Pfloyd]

Originally Posted by chemoul

First of all, I'm a complete RC Helicopter newbie, so please be gentle.

I bought the 180QX RTF recently.
I can hover and fly around a bit without crashing but not much more.

I find the standard radio that came with the 180QX very, very sensitive.

It is just me being inexperienced, or would I benefit from a better radio, ie would the DX6i or DX7i have a bit more "travel" in the sticks, so that I won't need the hands of a surgeon?

Thanks for your advice!

Stefan

Push the right stick in, and you will be in low rates. A lot more easier to fly around.

[chemoul]

Thanks for the tips guys.

I'll try pushing the stick in, but I think long term I'll have to upgrade to a better radio that'll also allow me to use a PC simulator.

The shop where a bought the 180QX recommends a number of Spektrum Radios on their website (DX5E, DX6i, and DX7S), but I'm not really sure what to look for?

Will these three allow me to use all of the 180QX functionality (stability modes, camera, etc)?

What are the main differences, apart from the price, and is it worthwhile spending a bit more to future proof, ie if I'm going to upgrade from the 180QX at some point?

Thanks for your help!

[JohnOCFII]

Originally Posted by chemoul

What are the main differences, apart from the price, and is it worthwhile spending a bit more to future proof, ie if I'm going to upgrade from the 180QX at some point?

The first time I dipped my toe into Radio Control (1998) I spent a LOT of money on a (then) pretty high-end Futaba radio. It was great, but I learned at that time I was not into BUILDING RC, and more into FLYING RC, and there were very few RTF available at that time. (I built a nice electric glider, and absolutely DESTROYED it on its second flight. I also built an ECO 8 Heli -- still in my basement, if anyone wants it...

Anyway -- I ended up giving that radio away. I should not have gone quite so high end. This time around, when I was attracted again to RC, I decided to get a "decent" transmitter right off the bat. Not too great, but better than the units that came with the RTF box. I bought a DX6i. The build quality is good. It can handle a number of different flight models. It was pretty inexpensive. I've now got three devices programmed to it. It is working very well for me.

I'm still not spending that much time on RC. If I started getting 8-10 devices -- and was spending many hours per week with RC, THEN I might upgrade. Even if I do, at this stage I'll still feel happy I started with the DX6i.

John

[Jim1946]

I started RC with the DX6i three years ago. I recently upgraded to the DX9 as the number of models increased beyond the capacity of my DX6i's memory otherwise I would have stuck with the DX6i. It is an excellent radio and the minimum requirement if one plans to stay in the hobby. You can find used DX6i's for $100 or less.

[Neunerball]

+1
The DX6i is a good beginners radio. I've had mine for 1 1/2 years and just upgraded to the DX9. FYI, if I'm not mistaken, there's a new DX6 coming out soon.

Read the following website to help you making the right decision in what kind of radio to buy. Of course it's also a matter of your budget.

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/rc-radios.html

[chemoul]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Just confirming that a 6 channel radio will allow me to control all the functionality of the 180QX?

To future proof, are there many quad copters that require more than 6 channels?

[Neunerball]

Originally Posted by chemoul

Thanks for the tips guys.

Just confirming that a 6 channel radio will allow me to control all the functionality of the 180QX?

To future proof, are there many quad copters that require more than 6 channels?

Yes, six channel is plenty, even for other birds, like most of the Electric CP (Collective Pitch) Helicopter. However, it's giving you the basic controls, at least for the Helis I own. However, if you feel the need, to be able to control other features (being able to control additional devices via servos, or such), you'll need additional channels. For example, I was thinking of mounting the 180QX camera to one of my Helis. In order, to be able to control the camera via the radio, the receiver (RX) and the radio (TX), need to be able to have at least 7 channels, due to the CP Heli's controls requiring 6 channels at least, for basic flight controls.

(Edit)
I just thought about other reasons for considering additional channels. Your future quad, might need additional channels, like moving a mounted camera in a X/Y axis via a controller. However, during my research, professionals might use a single TX to control the multi blade copter, and an additional TX, in order to control the camera.

So, depending on what your goals are, and your budget, if you are able to afford an even better TX, go for it! Like the URL, I referred to, the TX can last for years to come. I know, my DX9 will be more than adequate for my needs, and for years to come.