Budget radio guide

RADIO MANUFACTURERS TODAY pack an amazing amount of technology into systems that sell for only a fraction of the cost of yesterday's entry-level radios. A host of systems are available for less than $250, and with a little planning, you can choose a radio that fulfills all of your requirements.

When choosing a radio, first consider the basic type of RC system that you need. The simplest form is the non-computer, i.e., non-programmable system. Such a system will enable you to operate a single airborne pack (including battery, receiver and servos). On the other hand, a more sophisticated RC system will include a computer chip to store control commands and provide memory "positions" for more than one aircraft.

This means you can operate several airborne packs from a single transmitter. Although we are looking at radios for the "budget" minded, the survey does include some powerful low-end programmable transmitters.

The type of model you expect to fly is also an important element that will influence your choice of radios. Do you wish to fly sport, aerobatic, or scale ships? How about sailplanes, fun-fly ships, or even helicopters? A key question is how many channels will you need for your application? And beyond that, will you need any special mixes or functionality?

For example, do you require flaps, a retract switch, dual rates, or exponential rate control? Whatever your requirements, try to plan so that the special control features you need will be available on your radio. Each radio surveyed has a brief description of its most important features and its estimated "street price." A chart at the end of the article allows you to compare prices.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a relative newcomer who's planning to purchase a new radio this season, this guide will help narrow your selection and show you how to get the most out of your modeling dollar.

Airtronics-VG400

The VG400 is a new 4-channel, non-programmable RC system that replaces the traditional Airtronics Vanguard system. The radio provides only a few extra control functions; one is endpoint adjustment found exclusively on the throttle channel (the one place you really need it). A lightweight, approximately 1-ounce, 7-channel receiver is included with the system. Of course, with this transmitter configuration, only 4 channels are usable. This is a very simple-to-use radio system expressly intended for the novice and sport flier. Street price: $160.

Airtronics VG600

The VG600 is a new 6-channel version of the VG400. Again, this is not a programmable radio. The added channels are for retracts and flaps (flaps are deployed by a 3-position switch that is not proportional, i.e., you have three fixed flap positions). On this larger system, you get endpoint adjustment on 5 of the 6 channels (the retract channel is excluded). Note, however, that there are no mixing functions, dual rates, or exponential rate controls. The same lightweight receiver comes with this system. Like the VG400, the VG600 is intended for the novice and sport flier. Street price: $180.

Airtronics RD6000

Three types of models (airplane, glider and helicopter) can be controlled with the Airtronics RD6000. Two programmable and 13 control mixes are among this computer radio's highlights (see the August '99 issue of Model Airplane News). A unique new menu system makes this an ideal choice for the beginner or sport flier to transition to the use of a programmable radio. The menu allows you to call up a control surface, e.g., elevator, and then set the functionality, e.g., dual rate, to be applied to that control surface. It is one of the easier-to-learn interfaces and simplifies programming the mixes and functions you want. This system offers 4 model memories, and that allows you to operate up to four different airborne packs. Street price: $250.

Futaba 6XA

The Futaba 6XA is a 6-channel programmable RC system. It has 3-model memory capability and can be configured both for airplanes and helicopters. The radio offers both dual and exponential rate controls and endpoint adjustment on all channels. Nine mixing functions are available. This radio lies toward the upper end of our Guide in both capability and price. Street price: $220.

Tower Hobbies 3000 4-FM

The 4-channel model 3000 covers the basics and skips the frills that would add to the cost. For the budget-minded, this is a good first radio.

Street price: $135.

Futaba 2DR/SR 2VR

If you're looking for a budget-priced 2-channel aircraft radio, Futaba's 2DR and SIR 2VR systems are very inexpensive. These radios offer pitch and turning functions that are on sep- arate sticks. Unlike most conventional transmitters used in the U.S., they are, however, configured with the elevator channel on the left stick (as in foreign "mode 1 "-style flying). If you are a beginner, ask yourself whether you wish to learn to fly using an unconventional stick setup. Futaba also includes a low-battery alarm for added safety when using nonrechargeable batteries. Street prices: $65 (Attack 2DR), $70 (Attack SR 2VR).