Hi,

I'm still on my quest for a radio I like. I have a Graupner X-8E, it worked well, good range, but never really cared for the setup or telemetry interface. There are a few functional issues with telemetry I gave up on ever getting fixed. I moved to a Spectrum DX6R, it was tolerable but the range was limited. I don't race but I do play with some 1/8 road cars and off road buggies. I could drive out of range with the DX6R. I thought being Android based gave it many possibilities, but it seems that once the major bugs were fixed, development stopped. Now it is less interesting.

Now I'm looking at the Futaba 7PX or Sanwa M17. I've read what I can on the M17, but detailed info seems lacking on the Sanwa site. I went from anti telemetry ( aircraft as well ) to, ya I like it and want it to work right. I like the dial displays you can set up on the 7PX, don't really know what the M17 can do and can't seem to find much info. The things I want are receiver voltage, RSSI, and receiver temp ( RX temp is a plus but not a requirement ) from the RX. For external sensors, I want to add external temperature, RPM, and external voltage, two temperature sensors would be a plus. In Sanwa, the 462 seems to be the only RX with all this.

When I look at the Sanwa M17, it seems the RX461/462 are the only RXs that can do this. The rest seem to only be able to do 1 external sensor. The plus is that the sensors seem to be generic and inexpensive. The only RX I saw that supports Sanwas fast link speed is single sensor only.

I look at Futaba and it seems the RXs can take what ever sensors you want ( SBUS??). The receivers are initially less, but the sensors are much much more and take more space. By the time I buy an RX and sensors, Futaba is much more.

The M17 comes with a LiPo battery, seems with Futaba it is an extra. This is minor and doesn't make or break one.

What I really lack info wise is what kind of telemetry display I can set up on the M17, it looks like the 7PX is very flexible but not sure on the M17.

Anyone tried both and have feedback? Any owners of either, can you fill in details or correct anything I have wrong in my understanding of capabilities?

As far as Futaba goes, I have owned many Futaba aircraft and heli radios over the decades and don't recall many lemons ( no real lemons, just some that had features that did not work as advertised, nothing that ever made a radio poor to use ).

Thanks

Joel

On both transmitters there are huge topics and also some topics about which choice is better.
Futaba 7PX
Sanwa M17- New TOTL Pistol

About SBUS there is a lot to find on the web:
https://www.rcmodelreviews.com/futabasbus.shtml
Simply explained: it is a serial network connection, one connector connects all (sbus electronics) but servo's can also still be connectet to own normal PWM outputs.

Sanwa: expensive receivers, cheap sensors (sensor electronics are inside the receiver)
Futaba: cheap receivers, expensive sensors (due the SBUS electronics in the sensors)

I did read both those threads ( as much as I could ) previously, they do not tend to discuss the things I'm curious about.

I have a good handle on the Futaba and do understand SBUS. It's really just the lack of what the M17 can do telemetry wise that I really question, the M17 thread did not give me what I was looking for, the manual seemed to gloss over telemetry ( which may be an indication the M17 telemetry display is basic ).

I did look a little more at cost after posting last night, because I do like to play with the telemetry, Futaba gets really expensive really quick. The exercise reinforces the notion of there is no " Perfect " radio.

I think you last two line sums up my thoughts pretty well.

Thanks

Joel

The 7px and the m17 have been discussed a lot.. as for telemetry I dont think one will ever find 1 that works as it should. as in give the exact details it is supposed to..I really dont us them al all. I have my rc vehicles setup with certain things to make sure I dont run into problems.Ive read multi thousand post just to go WHAT. Ive also purchased things others said where spot on to go Total junk..Ive never had a hit or miss SMC lipo ever had other be duds from unboxing.radios are all in the users hands.