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Generally, when you see a huge pricetag on something (Futaba 18MZ for example, or JR 28X), you have to factor in certain aspects of the transmitter such as a large amounts of R&D that went into the transmitter, and the features that the transmitter includes. The 18MZ has a Windows operating system on it which does play into the cost. Then you have all of the custom designed components that went into it, then you have the fully adjustable gimbals and switch positions, then you have the casing, then the chassis, then the 18MZ has a camera in the back of it, a full color touch screen with back lighting- you can see where costs go up. This isn't something that was assembled using off the shelf components like some other brand transmitters use such as FrSky or even Tactic. Mostly everything is built from the ground up. Then, once you get past the physical components, you get into the digital ones like flight conditions. There's lots of things an 18MZ can do that a Taranis can't (the opposite can be true though).
Now where they come up with the $3000 pricetag, I'm not entirely certain, but I have a feeling that Windows and Android want a decent slice of the pie before handing it off. Can you imagine the cost of a transmitter that had an Apple IOS on it?
There are always less expensive options that are just as reliable out there though. Some people like the Taranis simply for the cost and features it has. I personally have used a Taranis and wasn't absorbed into it like some users are. I personally prefer my Hitec Aurora 9X (and this isn't just because I work for Hitec) because it has high end features in a low cost platform, such as a backlit touchscreen, flight conditions, full telemetry, etc. etc. and the programming has been very thoroughly thought out. Hitec is able to keep the cost down on the 9X because everything is designed and programmed in house, plus other features such as a plastic case (as opposed to aluminum) and a non-color touch screen.
Usually the super high dollar transmitters out there are flagship transmitters though, so they have all of the options and features in them- most of the time half the people that buy them don't ever touch those features. They bought it because they wanted the flagship transmitter that could 'Do it all!' and they justified the price. There are always less expensive options out there that have features most users need and a price they can afford. I'll use the Hitec Flash 7 for example- it's priced inexpensively and has several standard features that a lot of modelers are looking for like switch and channel assignability, telemetry, and a super high resolution with a fast frame rate. Plenty of transmitter for any airplane up to about 50cc. Plus it has a night lightweight feel and it fits in your hands nicely. I personally do not like a heavy transmitter, it's gotta have a certain weight and feel to it that I like.
Just some more brain food for discussion
Now where they come up with the $3000 pricetag, I'm not entirely certain, but I have a feeling that Windows and Android want a decent slice of the pie before handing it off. Can you imagine the cost of a transmitter that had an Apple IOS on it?
There are always less expensive options that are just as reliable out there though. Some people like the Taranis simply for the cost and features it has. I personally have used a Taranis and wasn't absorbed into it like some users are. I personally prefer my Hitec Aurora 9X (and this isn't just because I work for Hitec) because it has high end features in a low cost platform, such as a backlit touchscreen, flight conditions, full telemetry, etc. etc. and the programming has been very thoroughly thought out. Hitec is able to keep the cost down on the 9X because everything is designed and programmed in house, plus other features such as a plastic case (as opposed to aluminum) and a non-color touch screen.
Usually the super high dollar transmitters out there are flagship transmitters though, so they have all of the options and features in them- most of the time half the people that buy them don't ever touch those features. They bought it because they wanted the flagship transmitter that could 'Do it all!' and they justified the price. There are always less expensive options out there that have features most users need and a price they can afford. I'll use the Hitec Flash 7 for example- it's priced inexpensively and has several standard features that a lot of modelers are looking for like switch and channel assignability, telemetry, and a super high resolution with a fast frame rate. Plenty of transmitter for any airplane up to about 50cc. Plus it has a night lightweight feel and it fits in your hands nicely. I personally do not like a heavy transmitter, it's gotta have a certain weight and feel to it that I like.
Just some more brain food for discussion
