Is 4 channel dead?
#1
Ochroma Pyramidale Tekton
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Clover, South Carolina
Posts: 3,033

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.
#2

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
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ex UK Brit now in Latvia west coast - Ventspils
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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 !!
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 !!
#5
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ex UK Brit now in Latvia west coast - Ventspils
Posts: 12,909

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.
#6
Ochroma Pyramidale Tekton
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Clover, South Carolina
Posts: 3,033

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 !!
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 !!
Last edited by FlyWheel; 11-30-2021 at 01:00 AM.
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ex UK Brit now in Latvia west coast - Ventspils
Posts: 12,909

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 ...
#9
Ochroma Pyramidale Tekton
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Clover, South Carolina
Posts: 3,033

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?
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?

#10
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ex UK Brit now in Latvia west coast - Ventspils
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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 ....
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 ....
#11

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.
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.
#12

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
#13
Ochroma Pyramidale Tekton
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Clover, South Carolina
Posts: 3,033

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 ....
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 ....

#14
Super Contributor
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ex UK Brit now in Latvia west coast - Ventspils
Posts: 12,909

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.