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When you are preparing to fly your radio-controlled helicopter, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment. One of the single most important pieces of equipment is the radio transmitter. If you don’t have a radio transmitter, you won’t be able to control your craft.
What is the best radio transmitter for RC helicopters? After researching radio transmitters, these are the ten that keep rising to the top in multiple reviews across various sites.
1. GoolRC Flysky FS-i6 AFHDS 2A 2.4GHz 6CH Radio System Transmitter for RC Helicopter Glider with FS-iA6 Receiver Mode 2
2. RCmall Flysky FS-i6 2.4G 6CH RC Transmitter and Receiver FS-iA6 for Airplane Heli UAV Multicopter Drone
3. Radiolink AT9S 10CH Radio Remote Controller and Receiver R9DS 2.4G DSSS & FHSS SBUS/PPM/PWM for FPV Racing Drone Quad Helicopter Fixed Wing and More
4. Flysky FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz AFHDS RC Transmitter w/ FS-iA6B Receiver
5. Futaba 10JA 10-Channel 2.4GHz Mode 2 Air T-FHSS Computer Radio Transmitter with R3008SB receiver
6. Radiolink AT9S 10CH RC Transmitter and Receiver 2.4G Radio Joystick Controller SBUS/PPM/PWM for FPV Racing Drone Quad Helicopter Fixed Wing(Mode 2 Gold)
7. Spektrum DX8 Transmitter Only: 8-Channel 2.4GHz DSMX RC Radio Gen 2 Mode 2
8. Futaba 14SGA Fourteen-Channel Two-Point-Four Gigahertz Computerized Radio Control Flight Transmitter with R7008SB FASSTest Telemetry Receive
9. Spektrum DX6e 6-Channel DSMX 2.4GHz RC Radio Transmitter Only (No Receiver) with 250 Model Memory | Telemetry | Wireless Trainer Link, SPMR6655
10. Flysky FS-PL18 Paladin 2.4G 18CH Radio Transmitter with FS-FTr10 FS-FTr16S Receiver for RC FPV Racing Drone Airplane Fixed Wing Gliding Helicopter
Read on to learn more about each of these transmitters as well as how much each costs. To see the most popular RC helicopters currently on the market just click here.
Most cheaper RC helicopters look inexpensive but this model doesn’t. It has a single blade and looks like a real helicopter unlike many of the other models.
This model doesn’t break the bank and is far cheaper than drones with similar specs.
What to Look for When Buying a Radio Transmitter
When you are preparing to purchase a radio transmitter, there are many factors that you need to consider. Remember, this is meant to be a long-lasting purchase, so you want to be sure to do your homework before jumping in haphazardly.
You will find transmitters for both toy and hobby purposes share the same components when it comes to control, but the strength and extra features available on the transmitter are likely very different. If you are just starting out in the RC world, simple is likely better for the time being. The last thing you want to do is purchase a transmitter that you can’t make sense of.
Cost
When you begin looking at radio transmitters, you will notice the price range varies greatly. If you are just beginning, you may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a transmitter until you know what you are doing.
On the flip side, if you are an “expert” flyer, you may be looking at a much more costly model to fit with your needs.
Either way, you can plan to spend between $50-$600+ on a quality transmitter. Don’t be mistaken for the price tag. It is important to remember that a high price doesn’t always equate to a high quality.
Channels
You will notice that radio transmitters offer an array of channels that you can work with. The main channels are 1-4. Some transmitters will offer up to 6 channels, but they aren’t necessary for general operation of your RC helicopter.
Channel Functions
Channel 1= throttle
Channel 2 = roll
Channel 3 = pitch
Channel 4 = rudder
Again, if you are an experienced flyer, you will likely want more than four channels, but if you are a newbie flyer, four channels are good, to begin with, so you aren’t overwhelmed with options.
Modes
When looking at transmitters, you will notice there are mode options. The typical number of modes available on transmitters is 2. The purpose of this mode is to determine how you use the controls to move your aircraft through the sky.
Mode 1
If you are choosing to use mode 1, you will use your right and left hand differently to control the aircraft. In mode 1 you will use your right hand to throttle and roll, while the left will be used to control the rudder and pitch of the aircraft.
Mode 2
If you choose to use mode 2, you will use your right hand to control the roll and pitch, while your left hand will control the throttle and rudder.
The mode you choose is dependent upon your comfort when controlling the aircraft. Most people use mode 1, but others prefer mode 2. The choice is yours. Occasionally, transmitters will offer the option of 4 modes. These typically operate opposite modes 1 and 2. When looking at a transmitter, you need to choose what will be not only most comfortable but most useful to you.
Brand
You will find many, many options when it comes to radio transmitters. The best thing you can do is research the brands to determine which fits best with your needs. Two of the strongest brands reviewed in this list are Spektrum and Futaba.
Spektrum
This company is relatively new, founded in 2004, but has made tremendous strides in the technology it uses in its products. You will notice Spektrum transmitters are a bit more costly, but with a quick look around their website and a brief search for reviews will show you the quality is there.
o You will find the controls on the transmitter easy to access as well as easy to understand and utilize quickly, to switch between modes as well as models, all of which can be stored.
o Because Spektrum understands the importance of safely flying RC aircraft, they have worked hard to ensure the aircraft is able to maintain a connection to the transmitter to ensure accidents don’t occur.
o The website for the product is also extremely easy to maneuver with manuals and support readily available to customers. When working with RC electronics, it’s a bonus to have help at your fingertips. You are also able to upgrade your transmitter online.
Futaba
Futaba has been around for a significant amount of time but operated under the name Hobbyco until recently. Because it is a US-based company, customer service and product support are easily obtainable for your time zone.
o These radio transmitters are also a bit higher in prices, but the customer service and readily available support make the product worth the cost.
o Not only does Futaba offer significant customer support, but all upgrades to the product can also be completed right online from their website.
If you are having difficulty determining which brand is best, it would be a good idea to talk to a hobby shop that deals with model aircraft. There is also an option to talk to RC helicopter groups in multiple online forums. Ultimately, the decision is based on your needs. You could also reach out directly to customer service for each of the brands, and they will be able to guide you.
Customer Service Numbers
Spektrum – (877)504-0233
Futaba – (256) 461-9399
Tactic – (217) 398-0007
Modulation
You are probably very familiar with the two forms of modulation AM and FM, which is most seen with radio frequency. In the RC world, most of the aircraft will use the FM frequency because it is not easily interfered with.
Along with AM and FM, there are two different subtypes of modulation that you will see when looking at RC transmitters.
1. Pulse Position Modulation (PPM)
2. Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
The difference between these two types of modulation is quite scientific and could welcome its own article to describe them. If you are interested in learning more about the differences, elprocus.com has a fantastic article with a side by side comparison.
Reviews
This may be a rule of thumb for some people, but not for others. You should always do your due diligence and take the time to read multiple reviews about the products, the good and the bad alike. You may see things that others like or dislike that match your thoughts about the products.
When reading reviews, it is also important to see if there are any common through lines with the positive and negative aspects. These through lines can be very telling of both a product’s quality as well as the customer care available when needed.
Added Features
This is where you can spend a tremendous amount of money when purchasing a radio transmitter. If you think about it like a car purchase, there are always added features that you can pay extra for. A radio transmitter is also an area where you can find added features that will also increase the price you pay.
When looking at added features, you need to consider how user friendly the features are. If you are a beginner to the world of RC aircraft, you may not want to add all the bells and whistles until you are comfortable operating a basic transmitter.
Servos
These are essentially the motors that allow your aircraft to operate properly. Multiple types of servos may be used depending on the type of aircraft you are flying.
Do They Have a Specific Job?
Most servos are responsible for the movement of levers that control the steering of the aircraft, and they also help adjust the wing surfaces of the aircraft when in flight.
The 10 Best Radio Transmitters
Searching for the best radio transmitter can be a daunting task. If you search for radio transmitters on a shopping page or in a search bar, you will be faced with hundreds, if not thousands of options to choose from. Remember, just because a product comes up first in a search, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best. Therefore it is important to do your research.
1. GoolRC Flysky FS-i6 AFHDS 2A 2.4GHz 6CH Radio System Transmitter for RC Helicopter Glider with FS-iA6 Receiver Mode 2
Cost: $$ (you can see the current price by clicking here)
Frequency Range: 2.405 to 2.475GHz
This transmitter has been applauded for its ease of set-up as well as use for beginners. The bright LCD screen allows for ease of use when looking at the menu. Although it is on the lower spectrum of the price range, the quality does not suffer. It is comparable to a more expensive model with the same capabilities. Overall, a solid product for beginners and experts alike.
Currently, this product does not appear to be sold in stores, so online ordering is the only way to obtain the product.
2. RCmall Flysky FS-i6 2.4G 6CH RC Transmitter and Receiver FS-iA6 for Airplane Heli UAV Multicopter Drone
Cost: $$ (you can see the exact price for this option by clicking here)
Frequency Range: 2.405 to 2.475GHz
This transmitter is on the lower side of the price range as well but offers a great option for the beginner and hobby flyers. This transmitter must be a basic model, so you aren’t going to find a lot of extra features, but it will serve its purpose well.
3. Radiolink AT9S 10CH Radio Remote Controller and Receiver R9DS 2.4G DSSS & FHSS SBUS/PPM/PWM for FPV Racing Drone Quad Helicopter Fixed Wing and More
Cost: $$$ (to see the current price by clicking here)
Frequency Range: 2400MHz to 2483.5MHz
This transmitter is a step up in both function and price. You will find more advanced functions, such as a high-speed processor, as well as the ability to receive real time data about your model as it is flying. This transmitter also allows you to pre-program up to 5 channels.
If you are looking for something a bit more advanced, this may be the transmitter for you.
4. Flysky FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz AFHDS RC Transmitter w/ FS-iA6B Receiver
Cost: $$ (to see the current price click here)
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz
This transmitter is great for beginning flyers. It has channel and receiver options but is a bit easier to navigate and understand than some of the larger and more expensive transmitters on the market. Reviews have stated that the transmitter feels a bit light or cheap, but it doesn’t impact its performance.
5. Futaba 10JA 10-Channel 2.4GHz Mode 2 Air T-FHSS Computer Radio Transmitter with R3008SB Receiver
Cost: $$$ (click here to see the current price of this model)
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz
You will notice right away that this receiver is on the upper level of the price range. Along with the price, you are going to be getting extra features that will require time for you to learn.
While a beginner can use this transmitter, it will not be as simple as other transmitters may be.
6. Radiolink AT9S 10CH RC Transmitter and Receiver 2.4G Radio Joystick Controller SBUS/PPM/PWM for FPV Racing Drone Quad Helicopter Fixed Wing(Mode 2 Gold)
Cost: $$$ (to see the current price click here)
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz
This transmitter is moderately priced but will give you the control and options you need as a beginner or novice flyer. The one negative factor that has been noted is the visibility of the screen in bright light, but it doesn’t impact the function of the transmitter.
7. Spektrum DX8 Transmitter Only: 8-Channel 2.4GHz DSMX RC Radio Gen 2 Mode 2
Cost: $$$$ (click here to see the current price)
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz
This could be referred to as a Cadillac of the transmitter world. It has all the bells and whistles and the price tag to match. If you are an experienced flyer, this would be a great option for you. If you are a beginner, it may be a bit overwhelming to start with.
This is touted as one of the highest quality transmitters on the market.
8. Futaba 14SGA Fourteen-Channel Two-Point-Four Gigahertz Computerized Radio Control Flight Transmitter with R7008SB FASSTest Telemetry Receive
Cost: $$$$ (click here to see the current price)
Frequency Range: 2.4 GHz.
This transmitter is what you could refer to as the Cadillac of transmitters. It is on the higher end of the price line but is a high quality machine. This would likely not be the best transmitter for a beginner because of all the added features, but for the novice or experienced flyer, it would be great!
9. Spektrum DX6e 6-Channel DSMX 2.4GHz RC Radio Transmitter Only (No Receiver) with 250 Model Memory | Telemetry | Wireless Trainer Link, SPMR6655
Cost: $$ (click here to see the current price)
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz
This is a basic transmitter that would be beneficial for a beginning flyer. There aren’t a lot of added features that help with the ease of set up and use. Because there is online updating and programming, all you need is a PC and USB cable to get set up.
This is a good value for the price.
10. Flysky FS-PL18 Paladin 2.4G 18CH Radio Transmitter with FS-FTr10 FS-FTr16S Receiver for RC FPV Racing Drone Airplane Fixed Wing Gliding Helicopter
Cost: $$$ (to see the current price click here)
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz
This transmitter is best for more experienced flyers because of the added features. There are GPS capabilities as well as a built-in battery that will provide up to 8 hours of fly time. You will find the ability to program various models as well as a trainer mode. The price of this transmitter is on the higher end, but the functions included are worth the cost.
Here is a short video showing my personal favorite transmitter and why! This one packs a lot of punch for the price.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, transmitters come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. When purchasing a transmitter, you need to determine what will work best for your needs as well as your experience level. It’s important to purchase a transmitter you are comfortable setting up and using.
This will help make your flying experience much more enjoyable.