Hi,

I am getting an offer for Futaba 9ZHP in pristine condition for about Rs 13000. Its just the transmitter and 3 batteries for the TX. Not even the charger. But it doesn't matter as I could buy or make one. Further, looking at the other forums I understand that 9Z radios are a beast to program and not so user friendly. However, they have loads of options for an expereienced flyer. I am planning to pick it up and convert it to airplane mode. Now, I am wondering if its any worth buying.

BTW, the normal airplane tx have ratchet mechanism for the throttle stick but for the heli TX they say it has a friction mechanism. Whats the difference? - Anwar you should know this.

-Ismail

The 9Z series is considered of better capability than the 9C series, especially if you can pair with a TK-FSS synthesized module.  It usually is priced higher than the 9Cs.

Programming the 9C is easier with the rotary dial, instead of pushing a lot of buttons on the 9Z.  But the software of the 9Z is what evolved in to the 12 and 14 channel radios from Futaba.

Your pick, whether you want to go for this, or get one of the newer 10 channel ones (10C or 10CH).

About the heli versus plane thing on the throttle tension, the basic difference is that the heli fliers tend to constantly move the throttle stick wildly during 3D flight to adjust the main blade pitch.  So the tension mechanism is different between the two.

Think of th airplane ones as having bigger teeth on the ratchet (I am probably over-simplifying this, but it is easier to explain this way), causing a jumpy, step-by-step motion when you move the throttle. The "airplane" thottle tends to "hold" on to whatever position it is kept at. On the heli throttle, think of the teeth on the ratchet being smaller, causing the stick to move more smoothly.  I know some airplane fliers who wanted heli style throttle movement, and hacked their radios to do that (they reverse the slider that moves of the ratchet teeth).

Typically heli style sticks for airplane use is OK, but airplane style sticks for heli flying is not that convenient.

The newer premium radios come with adjustable stick tension anyways.

Yes, thatz what I was guessing. Anyway, I like the smooth throttle stick. My 8U radio has a smooth ratchet mechanism that I tweaked a bit to make it even more smoother. I guess I should pick that TX.

-Ismail