Futaba 16sz

Have to agree with @Jetpainter that is how I read it as well it is two separate systems. The RF operates in its own system.

49dimes said:

Currently the only receiver I know that Futaba has that is like a power safe is the R7018SB. Supprts dual batts and Heavy awg wire with deans connectors. Orbit makes a nice power adaptor for the other Futaba Rx's but I don't know if they operate with a failsafe switch. The 7018 does.

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Thanks for that, that was always one of the reasons I oftentimes would not get into Futaba because of their receivers not having fail safe switch’s. This changes the picture a little but I must say really taking a long look at the new XI12. Will see how everyone likes it or not and decide by spring.

Snoopy1 said:

Have to agree with @Jetpainter that is how I read it as well it is two separate systems. The RF operates in its own system.

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I understand it won't effect the RF but as buggy as their android software is it could make programmng the radio difficult is what more what I was thinking.

Travis Haney said:

I understand it won't effect the RF but as buggy as their android software is it could make programmng the radio difficult is what more what I was thinking.

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Have to agree with you on that point. Not very good at computers my strength has always been the mechanical end of things. But I wonder with that radio and being Android driven I wondering if it could be connected to Microsoft based machine and the program from your computer with a big screen and then downloaded.

Snoopy1 said:

Have to agree with you on that point. Not very good at computers my strength has always been the mechanical end of things. But I wonder with that radio and being Android driven I wondering if it could be connected to Microsoft based machine and the program from your computer with a big screen and then downloaded.

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Not sure how that would work, one of the horizon demos it showed apps and being able to connect to Wi-Fi essentially an android based phone on your transmitter.

Colt4570 said:

The 14SG does not support T-FHSS (the FHSS telemetry protocol)

From everything out there, and the team Futaba guys, the 16SZ is basically an 18SZ minus 2 channels with 14SG gimbals. It is also $400 less.

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Actually the 16Sz is more like the 14sg with a touch screen. Internals of both:

Personally I'd wait out the IX12 and let them work out the bugs if any. Seems like any first gen product is going to have a little growing pains. I've been eyeing the 18SZ for a long time, biggest set back for me would be the $1K... Pricepoint on the IX12 and 16SZ is VERY appealing. I have been using a 8FG and picked up an 18MZ at the LHS and went through the menu to see how I liked it, and I have to say it is super easy to navigate via touch screen then the scroll and tap tap. The 16SZ has basically the same screen and functions as the 18SZ/MZ, the 18's have better gimbals I think, couldn't really notice a huge difference from my 8FG to the 18MZ to be honest, the tx is a tiny bit thicker, and heavier on the 18, with the added comport. The 16SZ seems like a great radio with a tried and true programing coming from the 18MZ. My dilemma is the 16SZ black tx doesn't give me the googaly eyes like the 18SZ does. With all that said I like where the IX12 is going. Love the features, bells and whistles that Spektrum is bringing to the table.

I have too much invested in Futaba to make a switch. Never been a Spectrum liker but I got to fondle a DX20 and must say I love the aluminum gimbals. Wish Futaba would go old school and invest some real time and engineering into a set of CNC aluminum gimbals like Jeti, JR and now even Spectrum offers.

My old open gimbal Kraft radio from 40 years ago had a sweet set of gimbals. Now everyone is focused on selling computers. I spend 300 times more time flying than programming and am not buying an Ipad.

It is becoming more and more difficult to figure out which one to get often it comes down to money. The most I have ever had is 12 channels on my very old JR12x. Good radio but need to up date and I have never needed more than 12 channels ever. The one benefit is if I go with the XI12 do not need any receivers. The thing is am I missing something you never know.

I use 10 channels and I suppose 12 if I was to use 4 servos on elevator. But the touch screen and easier programming beckons.