Team,

I am a newbie and in the process of building a HK 500 CCPM 3D EF 500 size heli ... I am in process of buying a tx / rx for my Heli.

Now I am in a dilema on getting a FM / PCM type radio and reciever or a 2.4 Ghz type...

I am little more inclined towards the PCM type as I am getting a good deal over there. I am left damn confused...I would like to know the pros and cons for both the types of tx / rx...

Please help...

Regards,

Dhruv...

1.  A 2.4Ghz system is better, but they tend to be pricier even in the secondary market.

2.  Given a non-brand 2.4Ghz system and a branded Mhz system (PCM/PPM), I would go for the Mhz system.

3.  Hunting down the right channel crystals for Mhz systems is a chore.  You also need to check with other Mhz flyers in the same band (72, 35, 40 etc) at the field (if any) before flying.  And always remember to extend the radio antenna before taking off !

If you can get a branded 2.4Ghz system for a little more (say 20%, as an example) compared to a branded Mhz system of similar capabilities, then it is money well spent.

If you wait a little more, I believe there is a nice Airtronics 6 channel 2.4Ghz radio coming with a nice price range from RCDhamaka.

I got a call from RCdhamaka, awesome customer service skills....I had a word with this guy he explained all the type of 2.4 Ghz radios that I can buy, gave me some insight about the Sanwa/Airtronics company and all...It was good to hear back from a vendor, I had put up queries of the sales teams of lot of Vendors in India but only rcdhamaka called up....

between the 2 deals there is a difference of approx. 5000 bucks, but in the additional 5000 bucks I am getting a 8ch - 2.4ghz Airtronics tx/rx, the other deal (5000 less) I am getting a futaba 6EXP (PCM) and 8ch receiver...function wise both are good and for near future, I wont be flying in an environment where there are other flyers...

I came across this thread on RCUniverse.com for converting a FM Transmitter (modular RF Type to 2.4 Ghz) may help some veteran flyers in converting their radios...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9714662/anchors_9715666/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#9715666

There are lots of people doing these conversions of their existing radios here on RC India itself.  Just search for "Assan Hack" :

http://www.rcindia.org/search2?search=assan+hack

The issue is that if you consider the cost of getting a Mhz radio and then spending the price of a 2.4Ghz module+receiver, it often ends up in the range of the a 2.4Ghz native system.  For people who have historically owned a Mhz radio, this is a nice option, otherwise it is something you have to weigh the costs and benefits.

right anwarbhai, I agree to that...the cost of a 72 Mhz radio + the assan hack is same as that of a new Futaba FASST series radio...plus the hack requires one to drill holes etc in the casing of the radio....risky stuff...

So Anwarbhai, if I am running on tight budgets and there are not going to be any flyers in close vicinity, I think I'd rather go for the PCM system from Futaba, I can save money and throw it in for upgrading the Heli head to a metal one or even buy a flybar-less system...or buy better motor, Gyro and ESC....

What say ??

Sure...  it is YOUR call (depending on your budget etc)  

But make sure you get a working radio + receiver set with matching crystals in one shot, otherwise you will have to hunt down those pieces, and it is not fun !

You should consider major upgrades to the heli only after you are comfortable flying one.  I don't remember you mentioning your skill level in heli flying

Well, I have some experience with small time helis, got one for 2000 bucks and ripped it apart to check the electronics... ...

Had build a Quad-rotor UFO like thing in college but that was 5 years back...

Anwarbhai, I am going in for a Futaba 6EX PCM Radio with 7Ch R1270P receiver, will it be fine for my 500 side bird ?

The 6EX Mhz band radio has two versions, one heli and another airplane.  You have to ensure that it is the heli version. You can verify it by checking if there is a "SWSH" (swash plate) menu in it.

On Futaba website it says that 6EX PCM has capabilities for AP and Heli both

Whereas 6EX (which is 2.4 Ghz) has specific versions like 6EXAP and 6EXH... I am attaching the links for both

http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk62.html
http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk6900.html

Please read the two posts starting here :

http://www.rcindia.org/self-designed-diy-and-college-projects/mixing-for-tricopter/msg22313/#msg22313

Also, 6EXAP is not 2.4Ghz, the "P" stands for PCM, as far as I understood it.  The PCM versions came in 6EXAP and 6EXHP models, one for airplane and another for heli.  I started out with a 6EXHP

It is possible that Futaba started putting both software on the newer PCM 6EX radios, but you still have to watch out for how old the radio you are getting is !  There are the older 6EXAS ones too.  I would not be surprised if Futaba realized that they are the only ones who is not providing both heli and airplane functionality in their 6channel radios these days.

chokxxi90210.... think about investing in a 2.4ghz radio... its worth it in the long run..

I got an image of the actual product, on box it says 6EX AP / HP....please see the attached image...

its a pcm

Ya Sujju, its a PCM, but does it cater to both Heli and Airplane ?? That is the question...

can you jsut see in the manual that if the setting for swash are there and also pitch etc?...most of the radio and futaba surely support helis and planks

looking closely at the cover it clearly says for airplanes / helis.. its surely can be used... i have an old spare t6exhp and this does too..

I downloaded the Manual and it says the following:

Anytime you wish to view or change any of the current settings in the transmitter, the programming mode must first be
entered by, of course, turning on the power, then by pressing the "MODE" and "SELECT" keys simultaneously and holding
them down for one second. Once in the program the MODE key will be used to scroll through each of the functions (Model
type ACRO: model select/ data reset/ model type select/ modulation select/ trainer/ model name, reversing, dual rates/
exponentials, end point adjustments, trim, programmable mix 1, programmable mix 2, flaperon mixing, flap trim, v-tail mixing,
elevon mixing, and failsafe Model type HELI: model select/ data reset/ model type select/ modulation select/ model name,
reversing, dual rates/ exponentials, end point adjustments, trim, normal throttle curve, normal pitch curve, idle-up throttle
curve, idle-up pitch curve, throttle hold, revolution mixing, gyro sensitivity, swash-throttle mixing/ swashplate types, and
failsafe) and the SELECT key will be used to view the settings within the function. When a data change is actually required the
"DATA INPUT" lever will be used to increase or decrease the value of the item displayed, thus making the change.
You can return to the home screen (where the model name and battery voltage is displayed) by pressing the MODE and
SELECT keys simultaneously and holding them down for one second.
Note: The functions are listed and described in the order that they appear in the transmitter. Read all the way through the
programming instructions before setting up your model (if you won't be using any of the mixing functions for a while you
can read those instructions when ready). Refer to the FLOW CHART on page 31(ACRO) or page 32(HELI) as well.

ACRO/HELI Model type select function
The Model type select function is used to select the ACRO or HELI mode of model type.
ACRO: Powered aircraft memory type (with multiple wing and tail configurations. See Wing mixing type selection for further
information, p20.)
HELI: Helicopter memory type (with three helicopter swashplate type. See Swashplate types selection for further information,
p28.)
CAUTION: Before doing anything else to set up your aircraft, first you must decide Model type (include wing mixing type or
swashplate type) best fits this particular aircraft.
To select model type:
1. Access the Model Select function in the programming mode (by pressing the MODE and
SELECT keys simultaneously and holding them down for one second). To select the model
memory you wish to select model type press the DATA INPUT lever and hold it down for 0.5
seconds until the desired model number appears.
2. Push SELECT key twice after seeing on the screen the model memory where you want to
select model type, then you will see "ACRO" or "HELI" on the screen.
3. To change model type, push the DATA INPUT lever and hold it down for about two seconds.
"HL" and "AC" blinks first, and then it stops blinking with a sound. The current model type
"ACRO" or "HELI" is displayed.

Quote from: anwar on October 01, 2010, 01:18:15 AM

the "P" stands for PCM,

Just a small correction if i may...
6EX is the model number  and AP denotes Airplane Programable and HP denotes Heli Programable. 'P' does not indicate PCM

Quote from: saurabhhsrivastavaa on October 01, 2010, 06:55:26 AM
6EX is the model number  and AP denotes Airplane Programable and HP denotes Heli Programable. 'P' does not indicate PCM

Quote from: chokxxi90210 on October 01, 2010, 01:13:03 AM
Whereas 6EX (which is 2.4 Ghz) has specific versions like 6EXAP and 6EXH...

The "P" indicates it is the non 2.4Ghz version (both 6EXAP and 6EXHP). Was not sure about the exact expansion.

Quote from: chokxxi90210 on October 01, 2010, 04:34:08 AM
I downloaded the Manual and it says the following:

I guess the point is that there are versions of the Futaba 6EX that are heli or plane specific.  There are models which has software for both.  Just make sure before you purchase with the seller by looking at the menus, and do NOT rely on any marketing material or documentation available online

Anwarbhai,

I got it confirmed, its a Futaba 6EXP (non-2.4 Ghz version), it has all the programable options for Heli like SWSH etc. and it can also be used for Airplane....I am also getting a R168DP 8Ch receiver with it, I think i'll go for this as of now....

I'll update you as soon as I get it shipped, now my next big question:

Which servos I should get for this 500 size Heli ? I think i'll need 3 servos for the main shaft and one micro for the tail rotor....should I order from HK or buy it from India ?

There is some servo discussion here : http://www.rcindia.org/helis/need-help-with-hk-j500-ccpm-3d-ep-500-size-helicopter-kit-(jr-voyager)/

I am not the best person to comment on the lower end servo choices for this size of helis   I am also not sure what mini-size servos are available in LHSes, my guess would be that they are fairly uncommon.

Quote from: anwar on October 01, 2010, 08:17:44 AM
The "P" indicates it is the non 2.4Ghz version (both 6EXAP and 6EXHP). Was not sure about the exact expansion.

So it looks like the newer versions are no longer "AP" or "HP", just "P" with software for both.  And judging from the pictures in the post http://www.rcindia.org/radios-and-receivers/which-one-is-better-fm-pcm-or-2-4-ghz-tx-rx/msg32937/#msg32937 , it looks like "P" is now just an indication that they are "PCM".