Radio equipment??

[curmudgeon]

I understand that Alan owns the Jeti, and ChapaWolf seems knowledgeable on this Jeti system as well.

I do not know what ppm means (parts per million?), but does that mean that the Jeti will work with whatever FBL system that can connect and support the Futaba SBus?  Like, will the Jeti system work with the VBar, Skookum, B. Demon, etc, and allow for activation of the FBL unit's internal governor?

If the answer is yes, what persuasive argument(s) can you make to convince someone to jump in the Jeti camp?

I don't have room in my basement for more helicopters, but I would consider changing to a new radio system during this cold building season, if I can be persuaded to do so. 

[flyalan]

The Jeti PPM (pulse position modulation) is compatible with everything except the CGY750 to my knowledge.  I have personally used it on VBar, Bavarian Demon (Heliicommand) and Ikon.


Opening the Jeti radio is like opening a fine swiss watch.  Gimbals are all metal.  I won't reiterate what Chapa has already divulged.  Lets just say they are the smoothest on the marked.

Programming is very intuitive.  I have only occasionally glanced at the manual.

Do note that a less expensive version called the DS-14 will be out soon.  It has more plastic inside and out but still has the hall effect sensors.  From what I understand some of the more complex features will be inactive but won't affect Heli users.  All the telemetry will still be there.  The price point on the DS-14 is $1090.

More info at  http://www.jetiusa.com/blog.php

Cheers

Alan

[curmudgeon]

One of the coolest design features I see with the Jeti's, is that the display is at the top of the transmitter.


I wish Jeti would make a heli version with all the CNC aluminum and carbon fiber of the DS-16, but without all the unnecessary channels and mixes.

[flyalan]

The carbon fiber version in the DS-16 was a special edition. From what I hear its not going to be the standard .  It is doubtful you would see the price go much lower by eliminating the unnecessary programming. The primary cost of the radio is all of the machining work. So removing features doesn't reduce the price much. Taking out machined parts and replacing them with plastic does...

Cheers
Alan

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[Airbass]

My fisrt radio was Spectrum DX6i. As the E5 deserves better stuff I bought  Futaba 8FG. It is anoither category, I know.
 
Let me just write a positive and a negative:
Positive is the Sbus. It simply works! Plugged it to the Vbar and all the channels appeared. I would say, it is beyond my  expectation
Negative is the throttle hold switch on the left side while DX6i has oh the right side. I hope my brain will hit the right one when needed
 

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[copenhagen]

Can you not change the switches around on that Futaba 8FG?  I just replaced a switch on my DX8 because I dropped it.  The switch I used said it was also for Futabas.

Can you discern more resolution with your Futaba 8FG than you could with your DX6i?

[Kevin Dalrymple]

My throttle hold switch and throttle cut are on the right side. You can make them any switch throttle hold.

You can set up the Futaba radio like you had on you DX6.

[Jon Mills]

Obviously the switches can be unscrewed out of the case and plugged into the opposite side no problem. I wouldn't recommend that, when I made the switch I had to think futaba got it right and I needed to relearn. Only because I didn't want to start "modding" my new transmitter. I use the right side momentary switch as the throttle cut and the one above that as IDUP3.  I also use my tx religiously on the RF7 and set it up as I do all other models.

I can guarantee that if you went from a Dx6i to the t8fgs or 14sg your mind would be boggled! Mine was as far as ease of programing (like Alan I can count on two hands how many times I had to refer to the manual), precision, range, durability, and features.

With all that said I want to mention again that this is someone who has NO, meaning zero experience with anything else! I do however love getting new stuff and usually replace something even when it works good.  Not once have I thought "maybe I should buy a new radio" which means it works flawless for me.

[Jon Mills]

However, it is unclear to me what makes Futaba better.  I read that the gimbals are better, but I don't know what that means.  I read that the programing is superior, but in what way.


Maybe some of you seasoned Futaba owners can list a few features that can persuade Spektrum owners to make the switch.  I would like to hear more about the Jeti also.

I would love to do that, but we are in the same boat. I mean you have been sailing the spectrum boat and me futaba since we started the trip and I have no idea which features are different.

[Ben Kerr]

On my 14sg I have my throttle hold set up using logic. I have a switch on the right and left both set as hold so I can't spool up my heli unless both are in the off position. Gives me an added level of safety.

[copenhagen]

Obviously the switches can be unscrewed out of the case and plugged into the opposite side no problem. I wouldn't recommend that, when I made the switch I had to think futaba got it right and I needed to relearn. Only because I didn't want to start "modding" my new transmitter. I use the right side momentary switch as the throttle cut and the one above that as IDUP3.  I also use my tx religiously on the RF7 and set it up as I do all other models.

I can guarantee that if you went from a Dx6i to the t8fgs or 14sg your mind would be boggled! Mine was as far as ease of programing (like Alan I can count on two hands how many times I had to refer to the manual), precision, range, durability, and features.

With all that said I want to mention again that this is someone who has NO, meaning zero experience with anything else! I do however love getting new stuff and usually replace something even when it works good.  Not once have I thought "maybe I should buy a new radio" which means it works flawless for me.

Intriguing points you make- the Futaba Interlink Elite Controller that came with my RF7 is setup with TH on the right hand side- it is even permanently labeled as such...maybe Futaba got it wrong that time..LOL.

[dpelletier]

I started with the DX6i which I got with the Blade 400... I least I got a radio out of that deal
When I started building helis I went with the Hitec Aurora 9, I enjoy this radio as I mentioned in my opening post, but there are a few items that make me a little uncertain about continuing with this particular radio. Some of these are resolved with the new Aurora 9X ($450+), or will be when they start delivering their single line to FBL like sbus. However even that will leave us without telemetry... and so forth.
So I would be changing radio anyway...
That is why I am now shopping and right now I am very much leaning toward the Futaba 14sg.
Why? 
(Not in any particular order of importance)
1. Built-in telemetry (Making 14SG my choice over the 8FG)
2. sbus single-line to FBL units
3. More channels than I can imagine ever needing
4. Has available cheaper RXs for foamies and other park flyers.
5. Programming, though apparently steep learning curve it is very flexible.
6. Solid 2.4 protocol performer
7,8,9... Solid build, Audio earphone jack (for telemetry alarms), Gimbals, SD card...
More affordable than Jeti  and not much more than upgrading to Aurora 9X (excluding RX replacements-will need 3 additional) 


As mentioned before, don't really read many complaints about the product(Failures, problems...), or people switching away.

Uncertain still about;
Battery life (6V 1800mAh NiMH battery pack), currently have a Lipo in my A9 lasts 20+hours
Never actually held one, it might not fit me well.

Anyway I am in no real hurry, thank you all for your thoughts, the process continues.

[Barry Tilson]

On my 14sg I have my throttle hold set up using logic. I have a switch on the right and left both set as hold so I can't spool up my heli unless both are in the off position. Gives me an added level of safety.

Cool
Will to try that.
I've been a big fan of not using normal mode however having just one switch manage this can be a bit dangerous. It would be a bit harder to bump two switches. May also inadvertently TH if flight.


Barry

[Greg Jackson]

I had a DX7s, but after some issues I decided to go with DMSS and got a JR XG11.  So far my favorite radio and feels great in my hands. 

[Jon Mills]

Intriguing points you make- the Futaba Interlink Elite Controller that came with my RF7 is setup with TH on the right hand side- it is even permanently labeled as such...maybe Futaba got it wrong that time..LOL.

Copy that, never thought about it like that.  But your right my interlink tx is also labeled and on the right.