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Is 4 channel dead?

Old 11-24-2021, 12:38 PM
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FlyWheel
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Default Is 4 channel dead?

Just wondering, I was looking at transmitters yesterday and noticed that 8 channels seems to have become the bottom of the barrel, and no one it seems makes a 2.4G 4 channel. At least nothing really useful for anyone other than an absolute beginner.
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Old 11-24-2021, 10:08 PM
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6 channel is about the lowest, channel wise, I have seen. I suppose it is just easier for them to only have so many different types to make. Other than the basic, non programmable types with RTF stuff I don't think I have ever seen less than 6 in 2.6. Even the original Spektrum was a 6 channel
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Old 11-25-2021, 12:24 PM
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The early Spekie was a 5 ??

Anyway ... 4ch ?? The world has moved on a lot since the days of such limited radios and anyone joining the RC world is now able to buy radios that are awesome ... not only capable of amazing setups - but also of the simplest.

Its a bit like a high performance car ... it can blow your mind at speed / handling - but also pootle along to the shops for weekly shop. But the slow low spec car can only do the shopping trip !

Best suggestion ? Get the most for your money ,... 6ch is where the diehard brands are hanging on by fingernails, while others are providing up to 16ch's capability for less money !!
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Old 11-27-2021, 10:24 PM
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The original Spektrum was a DX6. There was a 5 channel, that came with Parkzone planes. got one of those with my Sons Stryker
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Old 11-28-2021, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by firemanbill View Post
The original Spektrum was a DX6. There was a 5 channel, that came with Parkzone planes. got one of those with my Sons Stryker
OK ... not arguing ... just assumed that the 5ch that was usually part of a package was first to get people hooked on Spek gear came before the 6.
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Old 11-28-2021, 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by solentlife View Post
The early Spekie was a 5 ??

Anyway ... 4ch ?? The world has moved on a lot since the days of such limited radios and anyone joining the RC world is now able to buy radios that are awesome ... not only capable of amazing setups - but also of the simplest.

Its a bit like a high performance car ... it can blow your mind at speed / handling - but also pootle along to the shops for weekly shop. But the slow low spec car can only do the shopping trip !

Best suggestion ? Get the most for your money ,... 6ch is where the diehard brands are hanging on by fingernails, while others are providing up to 16ch's capability for less money !!
I have a question for you, if the only thing you're flying are Cessnas, do you really want a cockpit like the Spruce Goose?

Last edited by FlyWheel; 11-30-2021 at 01:00 AM.
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Old 11-28-2021, 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by FlyWheel View Post
I* have a question for you, if the only thing your flying are Cessnas, do you really want a cockpit like the Spruce Goose?

I agree that if you have no intention of moving up the mark on model - then fine.

But most progress and then want more ... flaps .... retracts ... etc.

Given the price of a 16ch Multi Module radio is less than the basic Futaba / Speky etc. then why not get it ... there's nothing to be afraid of ...
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Old 11-29-2021, 08:40 AM
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I would also mention that even my park flyer Cessna's have Flaps ...... meaning 5 chs ...
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Old 11-30-2021, 01:03 AM
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Well, I was using the actual planes planes as examples. Allow me to try again.

If all your aircraft looked like this:
https://us-browse.startpage.com/av/a...2ce75ac5353f65

Do you really need or even want a transmitter that looks like this?
https://us-browse.startpage.com/av/a...1d8b4449a3c566


BTW, just how many bags of groceries can you get into the back of that Murcielago?
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Old 11-30-2021, 01:38 PM
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Sorry .... those links don't work at all .....

High performance car does not need to be a Ferrari or Murcielago ...... my T5 tuned XC70 Volvo will nail you into the seats ... but can carry the MONTHLY shop !!

I reckon my TX18s Multi Module Radio is about my Volvo level ....
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Old 11-30-2021, 05:38 PM
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Well I don't take my Mustang shopping. I avoid carparks with it. LOL I have the Ranger for shopping.
I have a couple of 36 mHz 4 channel radios that came with ready built planes years ago. They still work fine but I would never use them in a decent plane. They were capable of 5 channels but 5th channel wasn't connected so I fitted a switch in case I ever needed it and just for the heck of it.
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Old 12-01-2021, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by solentlife View Post
OK ... not arguing ... just assumed that the 5ch that was usually part of a package was first to get people hooked on Spek gear came before the 6.
didn't think you were arguing and that was not my intention either. just pointing out the facts. I went from a Hitec Laser 4 to the original Spektrum DX6 DSM version 1 when it first came out. Thought I was in heaven with that 6 channel computerized beauty! haha
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Old 12-02-2021, 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted by solentlife View Post
Sorry .... those links don't work at all .....

High performance car does not need to be a Ferrari or Murcielago ...... my T5 tuned XC70 Volvo will nail you into the seats ... but can carry the MONTHLY shop !!

I reckon my TX18s Multi Module Radio is about my Volvo level ....
Then let me choose a different metaphor. I see no need to buy an industrial grade John Deere tractor just for my household flower garden. If that's your style, then more power to you. I wish I had a disposable income like yours.
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Old 12-02-2021, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by FlyWheel View Post
Then let me choose a different metaphor. I see no need to buy an industrial grade John Deere tractor just for my household flower garden. If that's your style, then more power to you. I wish I had a disposable income like yours.
Then let me ask a question :

Please give me price for a base level Spektrum ...... plus 1 base level Spektrum Rx and 4 servos.

Now check that against a Multi Module radio such as Jumper / Radiomaster .. plus one base level Jumper / Radiomaster Rx and 4 servos.

Nothing to do with how much disposable income ... just a matter of economics and allowing for all eventualities .....

How many times do we read on forums : Now I've flown my first model .. what radio to move up to .....

I just cannot see why anyone would want to buy a limited radio - then later on have to buy another to get the extra functions. Especially when that limited radio could in fact cost similar or more than the more capable one.
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