Your Reviewer
My Credentials
So who's doing this reviewing then?
Well I've been building and flying or driving radio controlled models for over 40 years and during that time I like to think I've built up a reasonable amount of knowledge.
I'm also a qualified electronics engineer who has worked in radio frequency, analog, digital systems and software for more than three decades. In fact I designed and built my first RC set back in 1969.
For the past nine years I've also been involved in the design and manufacture of some rather sophisticated engine technology and UAV flight control systems.
So, chances are I've been there, done that and have a huge pile of tee shirts to prove it.
Right now I'm heavily into 3D flying and enjoy all aspects of the RC hobby. I may be old but I don't feel it.
In the Pipeline
Here's just a little bit of what's to come on this site...
RC explained: Demystifying terms such as PCM, PPM dual conversion, single conversion, full-range etc., this feature will explain it all.
Cheap Chinese Engines: Just how good are those cheap Chinese glow and gas engines that sell for half the price of their "brand-name" equivalent? I put several to the test.
Build your own radio gear?: Back in the old days, building your own RC gear was not uncommon and now the arrival of 2.4GHz has made it practical again.
Review: FlySky/Turnigy/iMax 9x 2.4GHz RC system
PRO'S AND CON'S
Okay, is this radio any good or not?
Well let's look at its strengths first:
Low Cost. There's no doubt this is a very affordable radio when compared to similar offerings from the established players in the industry.
The distributor doesn't establish a retail price, leaving it up to the individual retailer to set that based on their own margins and costs. However, I would expect to see the iMax 9X transmitter and receiver selling for well under US$250, far less than any other 9-channel 2.4GHz radio. Receivers would be expected to cost around US$50 the main and satellite pair that make up a receiver system.
Of course for that money you only get the bare transmitter and a receiver -- no batteries or servos are included. However, that's probably a good thing if you're simply looking to upgrade from your existing system.
With the low cost of additional receivers, this system can save you a bundle if you're looking to upgrade your entire hangar of models to 2.4GHz.
Easy programming. Once you grasp the basics, the system becomes very easy to program, something helped by the usefully large LCD display and simple navigation system -- although the placement of the + and - buttons is far from intuitive.
Flexible. Being module-based you can still use this transmitter with your existing FM/PPM receivers so long as you get a matching FM RF module. At this time only 35MHz and 72MHz modules are available.
The Con's
Remembering that this is a cheap Chinese RC set, it's only natural that there are going to be some negatives here.
No Failsafe. The lack of failsafe makes the system unsuitable for larger or faster models that may pose a danger to human safety if they go out of control.
Only 8 channels really. Although it's touted as a 9-channel system, if you intend to use it on 2.4GHz or with an FM receiver, you'll only get 8 channels.
Limited model memories. With only eight model-memories, the iMax falls rather short when compared to other 9-channel radios on the market. Since there's also no way to expand the number of memories this might be a limiting factor if you have a big hangar with lots of models inside. However, having said that -- it's no worse than most of the radios in this price range.
Quality control problems. I've had three of these systems in my hands now and I have to say that I'm being very charitable when I say that the quality control is marginal at best. It seems that like many Chinese manufacturers, the final testing and "tidying up" of the product is left to the reseller. For that reason you need to make sure you're buying from a reseller who is prepared to stand behind the product rather than just a box-dropper. Unless the systems are independently checked and tested you may end up with a lemon and little chance of reparation.
One of the three systems I've seen has developed a fault and since it was purchased direct, the only recourse is to return it to China for repair which can be expensive.
In Summary
If you're looking to move to 2.4GHz and don't have a lot of money to spare, or if you're just getting into the hobby and are similarly "financially challenged" then the iMax 9X may be a useful and affordable alternative to the big-names.
Would I use it in my 30% gas-powered Extra 330L - hell no!
But unlike many of the other products I've bought for review purposes, I've decided to hang on to my set and have bought more receivers so I can convert even more of my hangar-full of planes to 2.4GHz.
I have a JR 9X/II (9303) which cost several times the iMax 9X but for some strange reason I find myself using the iMax system more often than the JR. Perhaps it's because it's so cheap I can just throw it in the truck without worrying about it getting scratched, lost or damaged. Perhaps it's because I like the freedom that 2.4GHz offers over the 72MHz synthesized JR set.
The iMax 9X may not be the best radio on the market but I found mine surprisingly comfortable to use and enjoy the fact that if I drop it or drive over it in my truck, I can pick up another for less than two-hundred notes.
But then again, I drive a 20-year old Toyota pickup truck because I'm cheap.
So, providing you're buying from a supplier that actually checks the product before it ships and is ready and able to provide backup support then the iMax is definitely an option for the budget-conscious flier looking for a 2.4GHz system - but it's not for giant scale or jets I'm afraid.
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The Blog
Updated: 20 Sep 2012
Here's a blog that will keep you informed just what's going on behind
the scenes at RC Model Reviews and also tells you a little more about
myself.
How compatible are 2.4GHz RC systems?
23 Mar 2010
How come there's no compatibility between different brands of transmitters and receivers?
Why can't you use a cheap Chinese receiver with your Futaba FASST radio?
How to get a product reviewed here
4 Mar 2010
Since this has become a very frequently asked question, I've posted this
simple guide to getting your product, or a product you're thinking of
buying reviewed here at RCModelReviews
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Review: iMax 9X 2.4GHz radio
How does this cheap 9-channel 2.4GHz radio system perform when compared to big-name systems that can cost two or three times as much? Have the Chinese finally developed a real contender with the iMax 9X?
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I've done my best to demystify the whole subject so if you feel like a bit of learning, this is the stuff for you!
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