Note: this post has been superseded by my updated post Thoughts on the Futaba 6K V2 for Miniquads (update) which takes into account the V2 software and the new R3001SB receiver.
The 6K kit includes the T6K Transmitter and R3006SB Receiver
When I first became interested in miniquads, a couple of friends who flew recommended that I get an FrSky Taranis. However, never being one to take good advice, I did some research and decided to get the Futaba 6K instead, based largely on the price difference, since the 6K retails for 33% less than the Taranis locally. On the whole, I must admit that I am still happy with my decision. For those making the same choice, here are some good and bad points about the Futaba 6K for miniquad pilots:
Good
- Excellent joystick feel.
- Looks good (my taste leans towards conservative, not flashy bling).
- Built-in antenna.
- Solid (although plastic) construction.
- Intuitive menu system and clear back-lit LCD.
- The R3006SB receiver comes in a nice plastic case to protect it from dirt, water etc.
- 6 channels is sufficient for a racing mini quad (4 for roll, pitch, yaw and throttle, then I use one for disarm/arm/idle up and one for angle mode/rate mode/rate mode with black-box enabled).
- The “mode” channel configuration is fairly flexible, and the transmitted value can depend on the positions of multiple switches.
- A good selection of switches (three 3-position switches plus one 2-position switch that is also the “trainer” switch so I have avoided using it for other functions).
- Although it’s an entry-level radio, it supports multiple models, different model types, etc. It does not seem to me to have been hobbled like the entry-level radios of some other manufacturers (Spektrum, for instance).
- Good value (at least locally).
Bad
- The R3006SB receiver is bigger than some of the FrSky compatible receivers, which may make it difficult to fit into a tight build such as a Shendrones Mixuko.
- I’m not aware of any third party T-FHSS Air receivers, so one is limited to the Futaba receivers, which are relatively expensive, and a bit large for small mini-quads.
- Telemetry is more or less useless because (a) flight battery voltage is not supported by the standard R3006SB receiver (only receiver supply voltage which is meaningless); and (b) voice telemetry is only available on earphones, not over the speaker. (Of course telemetry is less important if you use an OSD).
- The mode implementation gives continuous warning beeps if a flight mode is enabled when the transmitter is turned on. This is fine for simple setups, but becomes problematic when one attempts to multiplex multiple switches into a single mode channel.
- The 6K comes standard with an AA battery box, not a rechargeable battery. This has not really been a problem for me as the batteries last 1-2 months even when flying at every possible opportunity.
- 6 channels may not be sufficient if you want to run GPS, Gimbals, remote camera control or video feed switching, etc.