Hi guys,
   I have a chance to pick up a used futaba 7c 2.4 radio along with 2 recievers for fairly cheap. This would be my first 2.4 system. I fly only planes and am getting into giant scale gas aerobats. Dont see myself flying a glider or heli in the future. I will still keep my 6 channel 72 Mhz radio, but I really like the dual elevator set up feature in this radio - so I dont have to keep buying seperate servo reversers. And of course all the benifits of 2.4 technology.       
So was wondering if you think this would be a good all around choice. thanks in advance for your suggestions! 

The Futaba 7C 2,4Ghz is a very capable radio, and unless you are getting into situations like 4 completely independent servos for ailerons +flaps etc, it should serve you well for many many years. It is really popular on our field, although the 8FG seems to be catching up fast.

Be aware of the "dotted" receivers which are more tolerant to heat, otherwise do not keep your models exposed in the sun for too long before taking off (just keep them in the shade, and try to ensure good airflow around the receiver if possible).

thanks Anwar,  As always, helpful advice.
I do have a 35% extra that would require two servos per aileron - but I guess that should not be a problem as I can always y the servos since they are rotating in the same direction, or do I have to worry about servo matching?   
If I do go scale and need flaps etc. -is the radio limited by the channels or the programming or both? I do have a power expander sport from smart fly which I have not used yet - will this help in such situations ?
thanks again
regards,
Nishad

QuoteIf I do go scale and need flaps etc. -is the radio limited by the channels or the programming or both?

The flaps are - normally - operated off a separate channel and do not need any programming whatsoever. That would be needed only  if you wanted to use the ailerons as flaps (flaperons). An unlikely scenario in a scale airplane.

Basically, unless you see yourself in a situation where you have to *independently* control 7 different servos (even after using Y cables and possibly servo-reversers etc), this radio will servo you well for a long long time. With 3 programmable mixes and other useful features like throttle activated timer, this is one of the best choices in the lower end of the mid-range radios.

hey all,
     well, I got the 7c acouple of days ago - it came with the regular 7channel rx and a six channel one - R616 FFM, designed for park and indoor flyers. When I bought it I did not realize that the six channel rx was for park flyers.
My question is, is it safe to use this rx for regular sized glow or gas planes or is it inadvisable because of its 'limited range'? If I decide to sell it can it undergo the binding process again with another TX, since it is already bound to my Tx. Sorry for these really basic questions, this is my first 2.4 ghz system.       

Nope, I would not use it on a regular sized plane.  This one has micro connectors, which is another issue you have to deal with. 

The R6106HFC would have been a better choice due to "mid-range" (not to confuse with the R6106HF which is again low range).  For glow planes of 40 size or higher, it is always better to go for full range RXs.

One can always bind it to any Futaba FASST transmitter, so you can sell it. All it takes is pressing a button for couple of seconds and releasing it.

Quote from: flatspin_king on April 14, 2010, 07:32:57 PM
hey all,
My question is, is it safe to use this rx for regular sized glow or gas planes or is it inadvisable because of its 'limited range'? If I decide to sell it can it undergo the binding process again with another TX, since it is already bound to my Tx. Sorry for these really basic questions, this is my first 2.4 ghz system.        

Even I have the almost similar setup - T7C with the stock 7Ch 617FS, 2x 6106HF Parkflyer and 6004 Micro Rx. I read in many places that people did a ground testing of the 7Ch 'Full range' and 6 Ch Parkflyers - result was that both gave almost similar ranges. The thing which would give me jitter is the short antenna on the parkflyers which one cannot route outside the fuse of Balsa planes. Situation may become even worse with Carbon fuse ones.

It would be still better to put the Rx in some big Balsa plane and do a range test till you reach your visual range.

Do share the result

PS: Anwar bahi, from what I read was 6106HF and 6106HFC only differ in Antenna length, later apt for Carbon fuse planes. Both have identical circuitry and thus the range under normal condition.

Quote from: ujjwaana on April 14, 2010, 08:23:34 PM
I read in many places that people did a ground testing of the 7Ch 'Full range' and 6 Ch Parkflyers - result was that both gave almost similar ranges.

It is a question of acceptable risk, and how far you fly your planes (proportional to how good your vision is ? )

Quote from: ujjwaana on April 14, 2010, 08:23:34 PM
The thing which would give me jitter is the short antenna on the parkflyers which one cannot route outside the fuse of Balsa planes. Situation may become even worse with Carbon fuse ones.

I am under the impression that 2.4Ghz antennas do not necessarily need to be routed outside the fuse for balsa planes.  For CF fused ones, it is pretty much a must !

Quote from: anwar on April 14, 2010, 08:30:23 PM
I am under the impression that 2.4Ghz antennas do not necessarily need to be routed outside the fuse for balsa planes.  For CF fused ones, it is pretty much a must !

I thought the long antennas were for metal fuses...

Quote from: ujjwaana on April 14, 2010, 08:23:34 PM
PS: Anwar bahi, from what I read was 6106HF and 6106HFC only differ in Antenna length, later apt for Carbon fuse planes. Both have identical circuitry and thus the range under normal condition.

I have seen those links. And the Futaba rep clarified in one of the threads that one is park flyer and the other is mid-range, which is a significant distinction.  He also clarified the size of planes each would be suitable for (remember that it is size, not type of fuse alone).

When it comes to radio gear, it is convenient to trust the manufacturer (for the most part!).

Quote from: vinay on April 14, 2010, 09:34:11 PM
I thought the long antennas were for metal fuses...

Both metal and CF fuses require antenna to be outside.