Over the next 4-6 weeks, I intend to test, review and compare a number of brand-name radios, namely:
Hitec Aurora 9
Futaba 10C and/or T8FG
JR 9503 and/or 11x
Airtronics SD-10G
Spektrum DX8
Since I've already performed an RF analysis of most of these systems, I'll be focusing on:
- ergonomics
- feature-set
- programming ease
- documentation
- support
- extra features (telemetry, field-upgradable, etc)
I would like to do the same thing with these radios as I've done with the 2.4GHz modules, performing individual reviews and then a comparison with a view to suggesting which is the best and which is the best-value, then give them all away by way of the prize-draws.
Of course I can't afford to purchase all those radios so I'm going to be pushing the various vendors to provide a review unit which will enable me to do the review and then effectively serve as a promotion for them by way of the give-away.
So far, Hitec have stepped up to the plate and will be providing a review sample of the A9 -- which is great news.
Now I simply have to convince the other brands to match Hitec's confidence by submitting their own products.
Clearly, Hitec is very confident that their transmitter will withstand the close scrutiny and "no punches pulled" approach to reviewing that is the trademark of RCModelReviews, will the others have as much confidence?
I suspect those who don't have confidence in their product will not be forthcoming -- which may say more about those products than I ever could.
However, I'm sure that Horizon, Futaba and Airtronics will be keen to show just how good their products are and how well they compare to the competition.
I'll keep you informed -- but if you would like to emphasize how useful it might be to them to have their product included there's nothing to stop you dropping them an email to the various other vendors and suggest they do so.
Remember -- the ultimate winner (regardless of the shoutout results) will be YOU -- the RC Modeler. Partly because you'll be able to see how these systems compare and partly because you could win a free radio!