Sport Radio Roundup
Editors’ top picks for midrange RC systems
WHETHER YOU’RE A NEWCOMER to the RC hobby looking to step up to a radio with more features or an experienced pilot who wants to see what else is out there for programmable flexibility, our new Radio Roundup highlights our top picks for midlevel systems. We selected these seven radios because they’re ideal for the sport flier and offer lots of features for the price, making them excellent values. Each is a good investment that will pay excellent dividends in savings, performance, and ease of use.
Spektrum iX12
Spektrum is the first to bring 5.4GHz connection to the radio market, and the Spektrum iX12 transmitter is the perfect choice for pilots looking for the newest in RC connectivity. Including built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features, the iX12 also has programming that’s easy to access, with its 4-inch-wide touchscreen featuring an Android-powered interface. You can even download the user manual and read it right on the screen. The Wi-Fi connectivity keeps the iX12 up to date with automatic program updates, plus it allows you to download model setups and install third-party apps, while the Bluetooth feature allows the use of wireless earbuds, headset, and speakers. With an impressive 250-model memory, you have unlimited model capacity with the use of an SD card. And you can share model setups with any Spektrum G2 transmitter with Spektrum AirWare software. The radio programming is intuitive; long-time Spektrum users will feel right at home setting up their models with the iX12 touchscreen. In addition, the programmable voice-alert system can call out what flight mode you have chosen or report telemetry info on demand; when an alarm goes off, you don’t need to look at the screen to stay informed.
Hitec Aurora 9X
With 4096 resolution, the Hitec Aurora 9X features triple protocol, allowing selection from the G1 and G2 Adaptive Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (AFHSS), featuring bidirectional and single-directional modulation, and 2.4GHz Secure Link Technology (SLT). The 9X can be used with any transmitter-ready (Tx-R) model using the SLT protocol, as well as Hitec’s Optima, Minima, and Maxima receivers. The Aurora 9X has a dual processor, for improved (lowlatency) interface response speeds of 7ms, as well as an extensive telemetry monitoring system. The 9X features an easy-to-read, 5.1-inch-wide backlit touchscreen. All the switches are assignable for super-easy setup and custom function placement. Available with a variety of receivers and as a “transmitter-only” package, you can order the 9X exactly the way you want it. The 9X also features 30-model memory and an internal-vibration device, so you can choose the transmitter’s feel for programming cues and warnings. Most of the mixes have an optional 7-point curve adjustment. There are four three-position switches and three two-position switches, all assignable. Navigating the program menus and adjusting the radio’s features are easy and intuitive.
Graupner mz-12 Pro
With 250-model memory, the 12-channel Graupner mz-12 Pro is a top-quality product at an affordable price. Airplanes, multirotors, helicopters, boats, and cars are all supported, and each type has many subsets. Updating the mz-12 Pro with new software, user-made voice notifications, or custom user models can be done with the free firmware update studio. The real-time telemetry can provide information about battery voltage, battery capacity, flight direction, altitude, and—best of all—airspeed. All this information can be announced by voice, which is terrific because it is difficult to look at the transmitter while flying. You can have announcements called out by the transmitter speaker, or you can use a headset to keep your data notifications quiet and personal. The included Falcon 12 receiver offers airplane stabilization, flybarless helicopter controller function, and multirotor controller function all in one package. The built-in gyro has ultra-fast response for a crisp feel. The programming has a number of preset wing mixes, such as aileron-to-flaps differential, aileron-to-rudder/flap mixer, elevator-to-flap/ aileron mix, and flap-to-elevator/aileron mix as well as assignable mixer functions, which include five linear and four curve mixers. There is a multipoint throttle curve in all model modes.
Futaba 16SZ
Externally, the 16SZ has the familiar Futaba transmitter-case setup and includes a large 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen. At the top corners, there are eight lever switches (six three-position, one two-position, and one two-position momentary) and two dial switches; on the top sides are two slide switches. At the top two corners of the main display, there are the Home/Exit switch (left) and the User Menu/Monitor button (right). On the lower left side is the battery-charging jack, on the back side of the case is a phone jack, and under a small rubber cover are the trainer and S.Bus ports. The color touchscreen is extremely easy to see and to use while navigating the radio’s various programming and functions. The system menu includes display adjustments, sound volume, system timer, hardware settings, battery, range check, S.Bus servo, and system information that allows you to adjust the username, language, unit system for metric or yards, and the version of the programming. Under the linkage menu are all the usual adjustments you need for setting up your model airplane, including servo monitor, model select, model type, servo reverse, endpoint, servo speed, subtrim, function, fail-safe, system, type, trim setting, throttle cut, idle down, stick alarm, timer, function name, sensor, and telemetry.
FrSky Taranis Q X7S
Featuring a distinctive transmitter-case design (available in blue and carbon-fiber black), the new Taranis Q X7S is an upgraded version of the popular Taranis Q X7. It features upgraded, ball-bearing-equipped Hall sensor gimbals, six upgraded switches, and two control knobs. The radio runs on OpenTX, so it can share files with the popular X9D Plus. The micro SD card slot offers unlimited model-memory options, and a USB port allows software upgrades and connection to your PC to adjust program settings. The wheel and center Enter button (to the right of the main screen) make navigating the backlit menu easy and precise. The 16-channel Q X7S can operate with up to 32 channels, and other features include receiver match, realtime flight-data logging, and super-low latency for quicker response. Equipped with audio-jack outputs and a trainer port, the Taranis Q X7S supports wireless trainer function and is compatible with FrSky Free Link (frsky-rc.com/app) to monitor the sensor data during the flight. The Q X7S also has an external radio-frequency module bay that can accept a JR-type radiofrequency module, so the transmitter can be used with other protocol receivers.
Tactic TTX660
The TTX660 offers six multiposition switches; two slider levers; one dial switch; four digital trims; two adjustable, ball-bearing-supported control sticks; a large blue backlit LCD main display screen; and six easy-to-use programming buttons. The radio has programming for airplane, helicopter, and drone types as well as a 30-model memory. Featuring SLT found with all Tactic radios, the Tactic 660 is compatible with all Tactic SLT receivers. It can also be used with all the Tx-R Flyzone, Great Planes, and Heli-Max aircraft. The switches on this transmitter are assignable, and the screen’s graphic display shows the various positions of each switch, so it is easy to assign your various functions to the switches you want. Switch F (trainer switch) is spring loaded. Other standard functions include adjustable LCD screen contrast; adjustable digital trims, with slow/ fast adjustment; servo reversing; endpoint adjustment and subtrims for all channels; dual rates and exponential for aileron, elevator, and rudder; up to 6-point throttle curves; throttle cut and timers (a countdown timer, count-up stopwatch, and a flight timer); and a throttlehold function.
FlySky i10
Distributed by Diamond Hobby, the FlySky FS-i10 10-channel radio comes with a 10-channel telemetry-capable receiver and four telemetry sensors—one each for temperature and voltage and two for rpm. Other goodies include an I.Bus receiver, extensions for the sensors, a bind plug, and reflective foil/magnets for the rpm sensors. A 55-page instruction manual is on the included CD. Using a 2.4GHz AFHDS (Automatic Frequency Hopping Digital System) 2A, the radio is designed for fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and gliders. Loaded with features that you normally wouldn’t see in a budget radio system, it has a 20-model memory, which is virtually unlimited with the use of an SD card. The highresolution color Home screen has a touchscreen interface, and a stylus (stored in the transmitter’s lower-back-right corner) is included to navigate the menus. Using the interface quickly becomes familiar as it’s much like a smartphone. Eight switches (two three-position and six two-position) and three rotating knobs and slider switches are all assignable.