Visit http://www.futaba-rc.com to get information on the latest models and features of the currently available radios from Futaba. Or, better yet, visit the Futaba Radio Feature Comparison page for a complete comparison of features of the Futaba radios.
Here's the latest radio models (no pistol grips in this list) available from Futaba:
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3FR - 3 channel, single stick AM/FM
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4EXA - 4 channel, Entry level FM
- 4YF - 4 channel, FM non-computer radio
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6YG - 6 channel, non-computer radio
- 6EXA Super - 6 channel, FM computer radio
- 6XHS - 6 channel, FM computer radio (for helicopters)
- 7C - 7 channel, FM/PCM computer radio (digital servos)
- 9CA/9CH - 9 channel, FM/PCM computer radio
- 9C Super - 9 channel Super Series (replaces 8U Super Series)
- 12Z - 12 channel FM & PCM very high-end computer radio
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14MZ - 14 channel FM & PCM very high-end computer radio
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FX-40 - 14 channel tray-type 14MZ
Just a couple of notes about the radios listed above. All the radios that are advertised for helicopters can really be used for sailplanes (or other aircraft as well). The heli radios have a few more features, like tail rotor compensation and other mixes that work out well for most aircraft configurations. Like myself, I've dabbled in helicopters (especially electric ones) and I own a couple of helicopter radios that I use for both my sailplanes and my helicopters. Since there are multiple model memories on the middle to higher end radios, it's an easy task to have both types programmed in those radios. Here's my description of the older Futaba radios that are still available from your local dealer or mail order. I keep seeing these radios in smaller shops throughout the country.
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Futaba "Attack" 4NBL 4 channel AM system Complete with transmitter and receiver Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries and charger, this entry level AM radio control system is the most inexpensive of the Futaba line that is suitable for sailplanes. It comes complete with everything you need for an entry level or beginner sailplane and is available with 2 or 3 standard sized servos. These servos might be too large for a handlaunch sailplane so you may want to negotiate with your local hobby store to get them to substitute some smaller (mini or micro) servos in place of the standard ones. |
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Futaba "Conquest" 4NBF 4 channel FM system As in the Attack system, the Conquest comes with full NiCad batteries and charger. The Conquest is available with micro servos and a smaller receiver battery (4NBFS, "S" for Sailplanes) that makes it very suitable for both beginner and other small sailplanes like handlaunch. As of now, the Conquest is no longer being manufactured, but is still available in some stores and mail order outfits. The Conquest is an FM system and has better signal quality than the Attack AM system. It is also equipped with servo reversing switches. |
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Futaba "SkySport" 4VF 4 channel FM system
New 4 channel from Futaba for the beginner or novice R/C flyer. This radio replaces the "Conquest" 4NBF series radios and comes with:
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Futaba "SkySport" 6VA 6 channel FM system
The SkySport is a full NiCad system that includes all channel servo reversing and some mixing capability without being a full-blown computer radio. You can mix elevator to flap and include aileron differential as switch options on the transmitter. The SkySport usually comes with 4 standard servos, but there is a version just for electric fliers that includes 3 micro servos and an electronic speed controller. I don't recommend Futaba's electronic speed control unless you are using very small electric motors with 7 cells or less as it doesn't support much more than that.
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Futaba "6X" 6 channel FM/PCM computer radio system
The 6X is Futaba's entry level computer radio. It supports both FM (PPM) and PCM radio modulation and comes with 4 standard servos and full NiCads. It stores up to 3 different models in its internal transmitter memory which means you can buy additional servos for additional planes and have one transmitter to control each of your planes. There is a large list of built-in mixing functions like support for V-tails, flap/elevator mixing, airbrakes, etc. plus dual rates (a switch that lets you switch between full servo travel (100%) and some lesser amount variable from 100% to down to 25% of full travel). The 6X also supports major helicopter functions. I have two of these radios and it's my favorite all-around radio due to its lightweight, long battery life, and most every function you'd ever want is built-in. You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that it can do BOTH flapperon and V-tail mixing simultaneously. A friend of mine was setting up his Vindicator racing sailplane and was going to use the programmable mixing to do the v-tail portion but had accidentally turned on flapperons and v-tail at the same time and it worked. All the other special mixes like 1->4, 2->6, and 6->2 all work when both flapperons and V-tail are turned on. The other advantage is that this is all done in 6 channels, instead of what some radios (like Airtronics, even the Stylus) put in 7 or 8 channels. So go ahead and buy that 6X and you can have the Encore, Boomerang, and Vindicator, all with the same transmitter! |
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Futaba "8U" 8 channel FM or PCM computer radio system
The 8U is Futaba's advanced computer radio. It supports either FM (PPM) and PCM radio modulation and comes with 4 or 5 standard servos and full NiCads. It can store nearly an unlimited number of models in its memory as the 8U has an optional, removable Campac data storage memory module system. This radio comes with a large LCD display to ease programming, digital trim tabs, and exponential rate switches (lets you switch between linear travel - where servo movement is linearly proportional to stick movement, and exponential travel - where the servo travel is less sensitive near the center point and moves exponentially near the ends of the servo movement).
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Futaba "9Z" 9 channel PCM computer radio system
The 9Z is Futaba's top of the line computer radio for competitive pilots who want the best there is. The 9Z is a complicated radio system that brings the ultimate to servo mixing and other features such as countdown timers, alarms, and an option for synthesized frequency modulation which allows any of the 50 (72 MHz) radio channel numbers to be used by just setting couple of switches. I don't recommend this radio for the beginner and is too heavy to be used in handlaunch or other small, lightweight sailplanes. For a "full-house" ultimate sailplane, the 9Z is the ultimate from Futaba.
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