Looking for an 18 channel radio other than Futaba? Take a look at the Spektrum website and look up the specs on the new DX18, it features telemtry, easy interface, and something that resembles the SBUS system...And it likely will retail for less than $800...

Just wish it didn't look like a cheap toy, and wish it had greater programming flexibility. I like my 12X, but getting a little envious over that new Futaba 18MZ. (But not $3000 worth of envy...)

Pete

I heard that the 14 and 18MZs don't have the option to automatically link two elevator servos - they have to use a mix and work to get them to match UNLIKe JR's 12X!! Same for rudder and aileron servos.

Is this true?

Bobby

Posted By Pete Castine on 13 Feb 2012 12:34
Just wish it didn't look like a cheap toy, and wish it had greater programming flexibility. I like my 12X, but getting a little envious over that new Futaba 18MZ. (But not $3000 worth of envy...)

Pete

Hey Pete,

What is it that the $3,000 radio can do that the 11x or 12x won't? (as it applies to our flying)

Kevin

Both the 14 and 18 can switch models without requiring you to turn off the transmitter, for starters....

I'm guessing (since I don't have one) that you have more flexibility to program different flight conditions: for example, I had a "momentary" mix in my 10X that when elevators were at full deflection, and the snap roll button was pressed, it would reflex the ailerons (both up or down). This isn't possible with the 12X, as the shoulder trims can't act as momentary switches (I had Pete Goldsmith and several other HH techs trying to help with with this, but we couldn't make it work.)

I really miss my old 10X; I liked the touch screen input vs the roller dial. Since I switched to DSMX for flying at Joe Nall, I can't use the 10X any longer.

I don't think there are really that many other functions the Futaba radios could provide that I don't already have. (Certainly not $3,000 worth!!!) I guess it just bothers me that it seems that JR is "falling behind" Futaba in terms of it's flagship radio capabilities.

Pete

Well the 11x will do all that, including not requiring shut down to change models. I guess I just assumed the 12x could do all that the 11x can. I agree a touch screen would be nice.

Yeah, I had an 11X for almost a year, and I think the 11X programming is much better than the 12X's. But it still can't do the momentary mix (no momentary switches, if I remember right). For me, the radio just never "felt right" in my hands, and it sure was butt-ugly! (IMO). For me, if they could take the 11X programming, add a few more features and a touchscreen, and put it in the 12X casing, it'd be a great radio.

Pete

It has one momentary switch, I use it for engine kill. It is definitely a larger radio, but I really like the feel. Never cared for the looks, but I don't look at it while I fly so I dont care. I recently figured out, with help, how to reduce throw on the rudder and elevator if the sticks are at full throttle and full aileron deflection. This really helps on the upline snaps.

Kevin, I was trying to figure out how to do that with my Futaba 12FG. My radio has a snap mode that I can program to reduce the rates when at full throttle and full ailerons, but I also have to flip a switch prior to the manuever to tell the radio which snap I want. It looks like that if I don't want to flip a switch then I will have to program in a new flight condition that is activated by the sticks being in the full throttle and full aileron positions. Logic switches in the snap mode would be nice. Does your 11X have a snap mode to do that, or did you use a mix with logic switches?

It is two full time mixes that are activated by stick positions. Rudder to rudder and elevator to elevator

Thanks Kevin, Maybe sometime when you have time you can explain to me how you did that. I'm interested to see if I can do that with my 12FG too. I can do a rudder to rudder mix and an elevator to elevator mix, but I can only get them activated by one stick position...not with two sticks at the same time like the throttle and aileron.

Not true. You can have as many elevator (or rudder) channels moving in as many directions as you want linked by just telling the servo it is an elevator (or rudder) servo.
You do program end points for each servo though so they do not bind (which is different than the link funciton).

For throttle to elevator downline mix most guys us a p mix for that but there is a link function in there so you only need to use 1
Hope that helps.
Will

Posted By Bobby Folsom on 13 Feb 2012 13:52
I heard that the 14 and 18MZs don't have the option to automatically link two elevator servos - they have to use a mix and work to get them to match UNLIKe JR's 12X!! Same for rudder and aileron servos.

Is this true?

Bobby

Thanks Will, apparatently I was misinformed!

Bobby