Lunch-time flyer Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I need to upgrade to a computer radio, is it worth getting a second hand FF8 or biting the bullet and buying a brand new radio set? I realise the FF8 is a little old, but will it do the job?Apologies for the simple question, but I don't fly in a club and have no-one to discus this with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchweight Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I just picked up a FF9 for £100, so they're out there. I personally don't buy stuff like this new, as long as its in good order. What do you want a tx to do? If the FF8 meets your requirements and is in good order, buy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aslan Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Simon,I would suggest you join a club ASAP.Clubs are a must to help you along in this great hobby.You will get loads of help and information from fellow members, and more importantly,learn about the safety issues involved.If you have the bug and can afford one get a FF9 super.....You'll never need another radio.....ever.(MINE MAKES TEA) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Roberts Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 I certainly agree with joining a club. It also may make a lot of sense to see which make most of the members and any you may want to buddy with use.Having said that I have used 2 FF6's for 3 years and bought myself new in December just before the Spektrum came out. At that time I decided to go JR 9XII. Why when I had Futaba before - there was nothing wrong with Futaba FF9 but the JR felt more comfortable and I felt the programming seemed a little more intuitive. At that level of expenditure with two respected manufacturers it is up to personal choice and possibly club support.Good luck - tell us what you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ashby - Moderator Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 The FF8 was replaced by the FF9 some 4 years ago now I think. The 8' was a good mid range unit at the time and is still very capable even now but I guess you need to ask yourself whether a bit of kit that's 4 years old or more has been looked after by previous owners. Personally I wouldn't want to trust a TX that I hadn't had from new. Some people take less care with their RC gear than others. The FF9 is easier to use and programme than the '8 too. As Shaun says the FF9 is not too expensive if you shop around. I now use a FF9 and I think it's a top notch system. Graham (ed) is a JR man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchweight Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 The FF9 also has a very nice book from Traplet that makes the whole programming thing a bit less scary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aslan Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Agree all around,so, you should research all radios that come within your price range.You can download the manuals which will give you an insight into their workings.As Pete says personal choice and club support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Butler Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I recently upgraded to a FF7. You can get the transmitter with nicd and charger from Inwood models for about £99. Join a club though if you want to get the best out of the hobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunch-time flyer Posted March 9, 2007 Author Share Posted March 9, 2007 Good advice all 'round, thanks everyone. There's no way I can get the FF9, I am on a budget and for now I'm going the get the FF8 - its been used by an experienced pilot from new who (as far as I can tell) looked after it.Maybe when I'm rich I'll upgrade again!I'll have another look for a club too :)Thanks everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neal Snooke Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I have a FF8 and a FF9. The 9 is easier to program because it shows lots more info on the screen at the same time. For example all endpoints/rates for all channels etc. For me the biggest advantage is the ability to throttle and pitch curves visually rather than having to step through all the numbers. Only really relevant to heli flyers I guess. As far as I can tell the actual functionality for flying is about the same, though there may be a few more mixes/ free mixes available on the FF9. The rotary knob is good for quickly navigating the menus on the 9. Note that the CAMPAC format is different, you can transfer the memory module but it needs reformatting.Both great radios and my FF8 has worked faultlessly for many years, though now it is relegated to mountaineering expeditions with Zagi's ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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