Transmitters are often said to be the one most important purchase for an RC pilot. If you're going to stick with the hobby, the suggestion is often buy the best you can afford. What features make a transmitter the best?
This is important for many reasons. Once you've selected a brand, you'll invest a lot of money in receivers. Some people end up with a large collection of planes, some of them with $100 receivers in them. So they're not likely to up and switch radio systems once they've got that much cash tied up with the brand they have. Also, the radio is the one thing you're always going to be using, no matter what plane, helicopter, or other, aircraft you're putting in the air. When looked at that way, it makes a little more sense to spend the extra money on your aircraft controller.
For myself, I already am invested in the DSM system. So, when my DX7 had issues at a fly in last year, I spent the extra money and upgraded to what I felt was the best radio I could afford and would use. I had a couple options. The DX8 had just come out, and there was also a nice shiny JR 9503 in the shop behind the glass. Both were very nice radios, about the same price, the DX8 had some features that the JR didn't. But in this case, it came down to what felt comfortable in my hands. So I'll start my list with that.
Things to look for in a radio.
1) What feels right. Does it feel like something you'd be comfortable holding for your entire flight? Are the switches where they feel like they should be?
2) Availability. Can you buy accessories for it? How easy is it to find receivers, batteries, etc.
3) Reliability. Is the company one that has a decent record of customer service? Can you get repairs on the radio without much hassle?
4) Channels. Buy more than you think you need. They're one of those things that's better to have too many of, than too few.
5) Additional costs. What will it cost to buy additional receivers? Are there compatible receivers that you can buy that will work with your radio?
6) Share your ideas, and I'll add them to this list.
This is important for many reasons. Once you've selected a brand, you'll invest a lot of money in receivers. Some people end up with a large collection of planes, some of them with $100 receivers in them. So they're not likely to up and switch radio systems once they've got that much cash tied up with the brand they have. Also, the radio is the one thing you're always going to be using, no matter what plane, helicopter, or other, aircraft you're putting in the air. When looked at that way, it makes a little more sense to spend the extra money on your aircraft controller.
For myself, I already am invested in the DSM system. So, when my DX7 had issues at a fly in last year, I spent the extra money and upgraded to what I felt was the best radio I could afford and would use. I had a couple options. The DX8 had just come out, and there was also a nice shiny JR 9503 in the shop behind the glass. Both were very nice radios, about the same price, the DX8 had some features that the JR didn't. But in this case, it came down to what felt comfortable in my hands. So I'll start my list with that.
Things to look for in a radio.
1) What feels right. Does it feel like something you'd be comfortable holding for your entire flight? Are the switches where they feel like they should be?
2) Availability. Can you buy accessories for it? How easy is it to find receivers, batteries, etc.
3) Reliability. Is the company one that has a decent record of customer service? Can you get repairs on the radio without much hassle?
4) Channels. Buy more than you think you need. They're one of those things that's better to have too many of, than too few.
5) Additional costs. What will it cost to buy additional receivers? Are there compatible receivers that you can buy that will work with your radio?
6) Share your ideas, and I'll add them to this list.
Hence, I own a Turnigy 9x. 8 channels, programmable, works, $52 + shipping. Stupid budget.
