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What radio are you using and why?

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Old 02-05-2023, 03:47 AM
  #1  
Ken Bryant
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Default What radio are you using and why?

I’ve wanted to get into turbine Jets for a long time. I am returning to the hobby and now have the means to get into Jets. It will likely be a Bobcat or Bandit that I start with. However I’m really torn on a radio. I’m flying a Spectrum DX8 G2 on my prop planes. However I’m pretty sure one of the fore mentioned Jets will need more capability.

I know one flying field that hosts allot of events in our area has a problem with Spectrum. They fondly call it the spectrum triangle. As much as I like the IX20 I’m thinking that might be a no go. However I’m wondering if the newer “carbon” friendly recievers make a difference.

I’ve seen allot of Jeti in use, but haven’t asked why till now. Why Jeti?

I used to be a Futaba guy.. but I’m open to many other options. Seems post pandemic there are more radio options than ever. JR, Jeti, Futaba, FrySky.

Thanks for any input.
Old 02-05-2023, 05:11 AM
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BarracudaHockey
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Powerbox Atom or Core is what I fly my turbine jets on. Radio is easy to setup, way more flexible than most and has a rock solid RF link
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Old 02-05-2023, 05:26 AM
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Dansy
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Jeti, That’s all I fly with is the DC-24 I pinch so for me it the perfect TX and Jeti system is a mature system, with tons of features….and telemetry.
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Old 02-05-2023, 05:57 AM
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kevinthoele
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I think your options are many. I fly my jets on 18mz. We have had a few issues on spectrum in Houston area as well. So that for me at least would be a no
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Old 02-05-2023, 07:03 AM
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I have used Jeti for more than six years with good success. The system is reliable and setup is easy. There is a lot of videos (HarryC + others) and good support from Aeropanda and Esprit. The field I fly at, has a large turbine contingent and I'd guess 75% are on Jetl, the others a using Spektrum. From my experience - it is more likely to loose an aircraft from radio equipment failure with Spektrum, and with Jeti it is more likely to be from a user error in the equipment setup.

A look at Frsky's new Tandem series is worthwhile. I'm trying it out for gliders. The Frsky Tandem is dual band, like Jeti - but unlike Jeti Frsky broadcasts and receives both frequencies simultaneously. Therefore, no lag to switch the backup if the primary is lost. There is so much more that can be done with Frsky (such as setting the antenna output power) compared to Jeit, but not all of it is useful for turbines. I'm always concerned about quality and reliability. I've heard, but have no personal evidence, that Frsky and Jeti use the best quality chips while others use the lowest cost chips. And, Frsky is about a pound lighter than Jeti.
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:25 AM
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I use Jeti DS-24. Main reason is the 900 backup. I like the heavy feel of the radio. It’s very well built. Made in the Czech Republic. Has some compatibility with powerbox accessories. I also had a Powercore but stuck with Jeti.

I bought mine back in 2017 when 900 backup was “new”. Now it’s going to be a normal feature in different manufacturers radios.

you have a lot of options for “Jet” radios but your radio is only as good as your setup and programming.

I would check around locally in your club and see if anyone owns a radio you are looking at buying. Holding one in your hands can be a major selling point. I had a Ix20 but it was just too big for me. I’m also a thumb style flier with no neck strap.
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:30 AM
  #7  
Steve Collins
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Jeti. It has enough volume on the speaker that I can actually hear the voice callouts. I really like the 3 axis accelerometer feature! You can set the timer to use the accelerometer so that to find out, to the second, how much flight time remains, you simply tilt the transmitter! Also has "Assist" receivers which have a built in 3 axis gyro that is so easy to set up that it's almost foolproof. Gyro setup is done completely on the transmitter and is similar to a software setup "wizard" that steps you through everything. I have yet to find anything that the Jeti system cannot do. There are literally hundreds of videos out there on Youtube for the Jeti radios that are far better than any manual ever written!

It is so easy to move switches to other positions or change the types of switches. Unlike with some brands, you don't have to send it anywhere to have switches replaced. Any channel can be used for any function you choose.

Last edited by Steve Collins; 02-05-2023 at 10:34 AM.
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by jvaliensi
I have used Jeti for more than six years with good success. The system is reliable and setup is easy. There is a lot of videos (HarryC + others) and good support from Aeropanda and Esprit. The field I fly at, has a large turbine contingent and I'd guess 75% are on Jetl, the others a using Spektrum. From my experience - it is more likely to loose an aircraft from radio equipment failure with Spektrum, and with Jeti it is more likely to be from a user error in the equipment setup.

A look at Frsky's new Tandem series is worthwhile. I'm trying it out for gliders. The Frsky Tandem is dual band, like Jeti - but unlike Jeti Frsky broadcasts and receives both frequencies simultaneously. Therefore, no lag to switch the backup if the primary is lost. There is so much more that can be done with Frsky (such as setting the antenna output power) compared to Jeit, but not all of it is useful for turbines. I'm always concerned about quality and reliability. I've heard, but have no personal evidence, that Frsky and Jeti use the best quality chips while others use the lowest cost chips. And, Frsky is about a pound lighter than Jeti.
Everything he said. I use the Frsky Tandem with dual receiver and it is money.
Tone
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Old 02-05-2023, 11:11 AM
  #9  
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I'm Jeti all the way. Started with the DS16 and now have a DS24. If the CORE had been available the story may have been different as I looked at the Weatronic but went with Jeti. I think the CORE will gradually catch Jeti in abilities but will offer fewer models.
It's funny remembering when no one flew Jeti. After doing a turbine "show and tell" at a club meeting the other day, one new member asked if I had a Jeti radio because, "That's what all the jet guys use".LOL
Be sure to hold the radio you're thinking about as the feel is important.
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Old 02-05-2023, 11:14 AM
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900mHz back up to 2.4 is a chocolate tea pot. If 2.4 is maxed out, 900 is too!

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Old 02-05-2023, 11:51 AM
  #11  
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I also use Jeti for the following reasons:

- Not perfect but pretty good and no nonsense programming, customization and flexibility. I have yet to find something I cannot program or do although sometimes it is a little weird.
- Telemetry integration. I use the 4 small push buttons on the bottom of the TX to voice announce how much fuel I have left, RPM, battery voltage, etc. I use a PC to download logs and get some insights into the flights. This is especially useful with a new model. I also program many alerts monitoring various things like battery voltage, etc...
- Availability of Jeti power box (central box) that offer an easy solution for having multiple receivers, a remote switch from the Tx and 2 rx batteries
- 900 mhz backup receiver
- custom apps (lua) for things like my Jetcats
- integration with good gyros like the Bavarian Demon Cortex Pro.
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Old 02-05-2023, 11:53 AM
  #12  
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Steve, did you play with the system's volume? There is a dial for volume but there is also a system settings to make the volume much louder.

Originally Posted by Steve Collins
Jeti. It has enough volume on the speaker that I can actually hear the voice callouts....
Old 02-05-2023, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by dave wilshere
900mhz back up to 2.4 is a chocolate tea pot. If 2.4 is maxed out, 900 is too!
lol.....
Old 02-05-2023, 01:35 PM
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Jeti. It works everytime I turn it on. No switches have fallen out. No recalls on TX. No recalls on RXs. No emails from manufacturer telling me not to fly with it. Haven't witnessed several high dollar planes auger in because it just quit.

Last edited by tp777fo; 02-05-2023 at 01:37 PM.
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Old 02-05-2023, 01:37 PM
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I will be the outlier, My jets are still flying on my old Futaba 14MZH, Mine was one of the first 5 that entered the USA. I recently upgraded to the Futaba 16IZH. I am still in the process of programing in all of my models to the new radio. I have yet to think up something that I wanted but could not program into either of these radios.
My reasons a re simple.
1. I switched to Futaba back in the 70's when Kraft was going away. I have never had a crash due to an electrical issue in all these years. I have heard many pilots at the field with other brands yelling "I AINT GOT IT".
2. I have at least 30 flyable aircraft at this time and a number of not yet ready to fly aircraft, to switch brands would require 30+ new receivers. and a LOT of work to make the change over.
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Old 02-05-2023, 02:40 PM
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ledd4u
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Jeti DS 24. Best system I’ve ever used.
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Old 02-05-2023, 03:25 PM
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I went to Jeti for most all the benefits everyone has already mentioned…. But the Biggest reason i made the jump from JR/Spektrum is bc…

i was tired of having jr/spektrum equipped models work fine in the shop, then not work at all at the field (even though all the lights were solid), go back home and it work fine, then get back out to the field and it not work randomly through the day.
These weren’t new models either, these were models who had the same setup for years and just randomly started having these issues. Not in just one club, but multiple clubs in four different states.
Everytime the rx and tx was sent back to be checked, they always came back with “nothing wrong”.


after 2 years of dealing with it, i finally made the switch and have had zero regrets.
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Old 02-05-2023, 07:43 PM
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I fly with a Futaba 18SZ and have been for nearly a decade; before that a 12FG, a 9C and a SkySport 6 (dating back to the 90's). It's been reliable and capable and can fly anything I care to throw at it. That being said: if I were to buy a new radio it would likely be a Jeti. I got to hold a few and they feel amazing; I like the stick feel, the triple redundancies, the plethora of telemetry options, the location of the screen, and some of the other cool features.
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Old 02-05-2023, 09:04 PM
  #19  
CostasV
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Originally Posted by Ken Bryant
However I’m wondering if the newer “carbon” friendly recievers make a difference.
Unless the radio manufacturers have changed the current laws of physics, there is no such thing as carbon friendly.

Carbon fibre being conductive simply blocks radio signals like any other conductor - end of story.

Was flying Futaba but switched over to Powerbox Core as its telemetry speed/capabilities are unmatched - handy for jets where we tend to have a few more onboard avionics that are handy to monitor during flight.

It also features true dual independent RF paths which therefore provides full hardware redundancy of the radio link.



Last edited by CostasV; 02-05-2023 at 09:10 PM.
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:03 PM
  #20  
camss69
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Jeti

Switched from JR after flying JR for over 20 years. I mostly switched because all the other manufactures were coming out with new stuff and JR never did. Then the whole JR going out of business thing was the final push to sell it all and make the switch.

Very happy with Jeti and won’t be going back. Love the quality, programmability, Lua, availability of everything they make, telemetry, they actually update their software and firmware, plus all the stuff the other Jeti guys said..
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:10 PM
  #21  
Skunkwrks
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Jeti DS 24 similpy the best, been flying eight year with an radio issue, service is the best from all RC radio's.
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:15 PM
  #22  
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Jeti is professional grade…. Everything else is consumer grade..
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Old 02-05-2023, 10:45 PM
  #23  
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After many years on Jeti I´m now migrating to Powerbox Atom for all my jets. Jeti has been fantastic but has started to feel a little left behind. Powerbox Atom on the other hand has new, modern technology and feels more in pace with today´s technology. But you can´t go wrong with either of them.

Jannica

Sweden
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Old 02-06-2023, 05:49 AM
  #24  
Dansy
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Originally Posted by Jannica
After many years on Jeti I´m now migrating to Powerbox Atom for all my jets. Jeti has been fantastic but has started to feel a little left behind. Powerbox Atom on the other hand has new, modern technology and feels more in pace with today´s technology. But you can´t go wrong with either of them.

Jannica

Sweden
Explain to me where Jeti have been left behind…..Jeti have been the first in that technology…..beside, a new one in the oven
Old 02-06-2023, 05:59 AM
  #25  
jvaliensi
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I am very suspicious of system upgrades. And I'm not a fan of touch screens.
If your radio system is working perfectly and reliability:
1. Why upgrade? The system works as you need.
2. What are the risks of the upgrade? Did the manufacturer test it in every possible combination of set ups, or are they counting on you to be the Beta tester?

I'm a Jeti user and I don't run the latest firmware. I tried it and didn't like it and went back to the version before. Jeti has had many upgrades over the years, but the pace of them issuing upgrades has slowed to a crawl. Most upgrades seem to be for receivers, with the Assist series getting the most changes. Once you get it right, there is no need to change.
PowerBox looks like an awesome, very well made system and it may become the top radio system in the future, if they continue to develop it. But, many upgrades will be issued along the way.
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