Introduction to radio sets

After you have read this, look here for a detailed explanation of radio features.

Choosing the right radio system can be a bit of a nightmare for new modellers. Whatever you buy, you are likely to use for many more years so it is very important that you choose your system carefully. The brand that you buy should be able to offer you a broad selection of receivers, servos and accessories with the right specifications and quality to meet your aspirations in the future.

You need to decide what you will be using it for right now, what you may want to use it for in the future and how much you are willing to spend. If all you are going to do is fly a basic aircraft such as a high wing trainer model, and have no aspirations to progress to anything hotter, then stick with the minimum requirements. If you know you want to fly different aircraft in the future which will require more functions then buy something a little bit better. Of course, all will be dependent upon how much you want to spend, however, often paying a little bit more initially can save you money in the long run!.

Most model car enthusiasts will generally start off with a basic 2 channel system sold with most deals. As skills are improved and the interest grows perhaps into competition racing, drivers tend to look towards more advanced stick and steerwheel sets which will allow them to use many more functions which may enhance their performance.

Boat modellers tend to start out the same way, although often with a 40Mhz system instead of 27Mhz where there are more available channels and less chance of interference. Futaba's 40Mhz two channel sets are growing increasingly popular with both ground and water modellers alike. Depending on the type of model you have you may want to buy a set with more functions. For example a standard speed boat will only require the use of a two channel set to control it, whereas a big scale fireboat would need a radio system with many more applications in order to operate water pumps, winches, etc.

One of the most important features for an aeroplane beginner when choosing a radio system would be a transmitter training facility (Buddy Box System) it allows you to wire two transmitters together to give you dual controls. Model aeroplane beginners will require a minimum of a four channel system on 35Mhz in order to get in the air (unless you are flying and unpowered glider). In the long term however, a four channel system will be restricting, and for a little bit more money a six channel system can be purchased. This will offer the pilot everything needed in a basic sports system.

Helicopter pilots need a minimum of a five channel system and a gyro. Learning to fly a helicopter is hard enough without using and unsuitable radio. If you want something even better and can afford it (it might be your first set or you might just want to upgrade to something more sophisticated) there are many suitably superb sets to choose from at a varying prices.

If you are looking for a certain combination, e.g., a normal set less one servo but with an electronic speed control, let us know and we will give you a price.

With regards to radio accessories we have only listed a few here to give you an idea of what is available. The list of accessories actually available is immense, so if you are looking for something else get in touch, we will probably have it in stock!

The image(s) of products shown on any page are intended only to give you an overview of a specific model. DO NOT take this as an accurate reprsentation of items supplied (or not) with a model, e.g. (wheels, tyres, engine or motor, silencer, batteries, body mounts, or radio equipment). Please rely on the text of the page associated with a particular model for this information.