Aurora 9 2.4GHz Transmitter, Optima 9 Receiver

Product Description

9 Channel 2.4GHz Aircraft Computer Radio with Optima 9 receiver

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #198685 in Toys & Games
• Brand: Hitec RCD Inc.
• Model: Aurora9
• Dimensions: 4.80" h x 10.20" w x 16.10" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

• AFHSS 2.4GHz / PPM / PCM Compatible
• Easy to Read 5.1 Inch Wide Backlit Touch Screen
• Customizable Menus
• Fully Assignable Control Switch, Knob, Stick and Digital Trims
• Highly Sensitive 8 Ball-Bearing Gimbals with Adjustable Tension

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
One of the best radio, for the price and features
By P. Cesar I. Eichenbrenner
I'm in R/C for almost 20 years. I've experienced the AM era, the FM era, the PCM era, and finally the 2.4 Ghz era. As most modellers, I've started with Futaba brand, (AM, FM and 2.4 Ghz). JR with PCM, and finally Hitec in 2.4 Ghz. I've experienced issues with Futaba in AM, FM and even in 2.4 Ghz (7C), with very expensive crashes in all cases. with JR (XP7202) never has any issues, (except for the battery that dies after a year of use) but in 72 Mhz, there's always the chance that someone turn on a radio in the same freq, and good bye model. I was thinking about the DX7 (the 2.4 Ghz version of the XP7202), but I don't like some things like the fact that the receiver come in two modules, and cost $99.99 each.
With the A9, after a year of use, never experienced a glitch or loss the signal, the link is strong and reliable. There is two modes of link. The radio has too many features, for me, some are useless, but there is some reasons that I found to be the main reasons to buy this radio system:

Pros
- Price, this is one of the best price/capabilities radio in the market, the less expensive 9 channel radio system.
- Receivers come in one module, easy installation on all type of models.
- Receivers has just one wire antenna, instead of two wired (Futaba) or two in each module (Spektrum)
- Extra receivers at low price, there are models in our hangars, that don't need more than 4 or 5 channels or even less, the 6 channel receiver is available at 49.99 at Tower.
- Very intuitive menu, easy access trough touch screen.

Cons
- The receiver share the last channel output, with battery input. It means a 'Y' harness in case that the last channel will be used.
- The Tx battery life is short.
- The supplied wall charger, charges the Tx/Rx battery at 80 mA. The supplied Tx battery is 1300 mAh, that means almost 20 hours for full charge in case of empty batteries.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful.
Worlds better than the Spektrum DX8
By Z8
I upgraded to this radio from a DX8. The A9 is a sensational radio, the DX8 was disappointing to say the least--plus the DX8 suffered from numerous quality defects - repeated software errors and outright failures, battery failure,major stick centering inconsistency (3-5 clicks of trim off after each aileron movement), and the last straw: receiver brownouts causing three catastrophic crashes.

The A9 is a dream. The huge touchscreen LCD is very quick and easy to program, and it has two to three times the programming prowess of the DX8 depending on the mode. The Tx batteries are a 6-cell vs a 4-cell. Switches are easier to reach, easier to assign, have more programming options, and are more varied in their function and are more numerous. 9 channels is nice.

The biggest advantage of Hitec over Spectrum is receiver and link quality. The plane is glued to the stick movement, with no latency. Even the DX8+AR8000 has a noticeable delay, while the DX8 is too delayed for comfort with older receivers. The link is frequency agile and seems much stronger. I have never seen the A9 link glitch, whereas the DX8 link would noticeably glitch the plane too often. Relink speed is instant, vs very slow with DSM2 and slow with DSMX, so you don't crash if the link somehow glitches due to something like extreme range.

Hitec receivers all include up to three redundant power supplies: ESC, SPC, and they include a dedicated power pack. Spectrum only includes ESC Rx power, so if either your battery sags or your ESC hiccups, your airplane is lost. Hitec Rx SPC input is a great feature that powers the Rx directly from the main motor battery (up to 35v) to ensure the always Rx stays awake. All Hitec receivers also give you a fail safe mode for every channel: programmable default servo positions upon a lost link.

Finally, all A9 receivers have built in voltage telemetry, so there is no need to add the weight or expense of a third party telemetry system, or the heavy, inconvenient and expensive Spectrum TM1000 with its even more expensive compatible receivers. To add insult to injury, Hitec Rxs are half the price or less, starting at $35 for a 6 Channel including telemetry and BEC-free operation via the SPC. Optima 9 channel Rxs with telemetry and SPC are $68.

A recent RC mag tested the A9 and Optima 9 and found a 7 mile line of sight range.

A9 ergonomics are perfect. Sticks are closer to the grips and switches are much easier to find by feel and also give audible position feedback. The LCD stays backlit and doesn't wear the battery down quickly.

Overall, the A9 is an amazing value. Improved control of your plane will surprise you if you are used to the comparatively hazy Spektrum DSM feel. Current price is about $200 lower than a DX8, as you get more channels plus three far superior receivers, two 9ch and a 7ch each with voltage telemetry, with the current mail-in promotion.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful.
One of the Best Radios on Amazon!
By Ara
Comes with everything you need (except servos). Transmitter, 9 Ch. Receiver, Manual, Receiver on/off switch, antennae mounts, Hitec stickers, shock absorbing receiver padding, a small plastic screwdriver, receiver battery 4x AA holder, and TX/RX charger. The Transmitter is great. The touchscreen is very accurate. Programmable switches make it very easy to customize your radio to your preference. Manual goes how to set up in great detail. Screen is easy to read, you can program the screen to turn off after a set time. Transmitter is ready out of the box, battery is charged, enough to set up (don't fly until you charge it). The receiver is great, easy to use. There is a small tab in one of the slots in the receiver, DON'T take that out, it is necessary for the receiver to function. I did and it took me half an hour to find out. The whole system is easy to use. It's a radio that could be used by beginners and professionals. There's no delay between the stick movements and the servo movement.

See all 9 customer reviews...