HiTec
Optic 6 Transmitter - The New Kid On The Block |
By Steve Broughton
There
was a time, when computer controlled transmitters we expensive, and took
years to learn how to programme. As always, technology forever moves forward
and one of the new breed of easy to programme, yet sophisticated sets has
to be the Hitec Optic 6 Transmitter.
How does it feel?
Simply put, you forget you are holding the O6! It feels quite light compared
to some transmitters and fits easily in your hands. The ergonomics make
it very comfortable, with all switches within easy reach of your fingers
and thumbs, without straining them. The switches themselves are very positive
in operation, and have a certain feel of quality.
The stick lengths can be adjusted, and gimbal tension can also be adjusted,
by removing the rear casing and turning the appropriate screw for a particular
channel.
On
switching the Tx on, you are greeted with a bleep, and the bright blue
"power on" lamp illuminates. The large LCD display is crystal
clear, and is basically the same as that used on the older, but just as
capable Eclipse 7. All info displayed is easy to read, and tells you exactly
what you need to know whilst flying.
Changing 'Mode'
This can be a tricky and fiddly job on any transmitter. The older Eclipse
7 was a nightmare to change over (the instructions said it had to sent
back to the manufacturer for conversion
wrong!) HiTec have learnt
from this, and the mechanical change over on the Optic is a doddle.
Before
anything can be changed though, you first need to remove the two dark
plastic plates that clip to the sides of the Tx (see photo above).
A
word of warning here, the plastic is quite soft, and it's all too easy
to damage it and spoil the looks of the Tx. Once these are removed, unscrew
the aerial, remove the RF module containing the crystal, unplug the battery,
and finally remove the 6 screws that retain the rear casing.
It sound like a big job, but it's easy really! A small plastic block
with a protrusion (above right) is used to lift the gimbal return arm
(left) clear, thus leaving the gimbal to float freely until the ratchet
spring is put into place.
T he
plastic block itself is then held in position with a small screw.
The electronic side of the mode setting is adjusted within each model
memory.
The photo right shows the heart of the system - the main PCB board.
The
photo on the left shows the standard RF module, with crystal. This will
be replaced in due course the the new Spectra synthesizer module that
accommodates 30 channels, without the need for crystals.
Mixing features.
This is the part you've all been waiting for! "What functions
does the Optic 6 accommodate, and will it do what I want from it?"
Standard
features
|
Acro/Glider
Features
|
Helicopter
Features
|
6 Channels
8 Model memories
Buzzer
Bright blue "power on" LED
EPA
Servo reverse
Sub-trims
Exponential
Dual rates
Fail safe (Q-PCM only)
Model select
Model reset
Model copy
Model name (4 letters + 3 numbers)
Mode select
PPM/Q-PCM
Shift select
2 free 'user' programmable mixers
Throttle cut
Trainer mode
Assignable switches
Dual timers
2 Slider switches
|
Dual elevator mix
Flap-Aileron mix
Aileron differential mix
Landing mode
Flaperon mix
Elevon mix
V-tail mix
Aileron to Rudder mix
Ailervator mix
Elevator-Flap mix
Crow mix
Camber mix
Reflex mix
|
Throttle hold
CCPM
Gyro gain
5 Point throttle curve
5 Point pitch curve
Revo mix
Swashplate select
|
Conclusion
I've owned the Optic 6 Tx for a couple of weeks now, and although I've
not really put all the software through its paces, it's nice to know it
had all the functions I could possibly need.
Whether you fly Power, Electric, Helicopters
or like me, gliders.
This system caters for your needs!
Rating out of 100 - 100!
Available from all Hitec stockists. Distrubuted in the UK by Amerang.
Tx only - from around £70. Full set - from around £135.
Please
mention 'Flying Sites' when contacting
Amerang
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