This features the familiar layout of plastic side plates with metal - or metallised plastic, it's difficult to tell these days - front, rear, top and bottom. The shape is 'ergonomic' and has a comfortable feel, which is aided by soft rubber contoured strips on the rear face. There is a stout metal carrying handle at the top and the aerial retracts completely into the case. When extended, this can be angled as required and locked in position with a single screw. When retracting from an angled position, the aerial is self-aligning but care is advisable.

There is the usual plug-in RF module at the rear which is protected by large side plates. Also on the rear is a 'DSC'/'Trainer' lead socket and a panel which gives access to the battery. This has an integral charging socket which is accessed via a hole in the battery cover. Both these sockets are covered by rubber 'bungs' to keep out dirt. The left-hand side panel has a pick-up for the built-in optical tachometer. There is no RF/battery meter as this information is included in the display.

There are the usual two dual-axis control sticks, which are adjustable for length, tension and angle, together with the afore-mentioned trims.

Eight switches are available and these are disposed as follows:
SW (A) - Top left corner of front panel (outer), two position, short toggle.
SW (B) - Top left corner of front panel (inner), two position, long toggle.
SW (C) - Top right corner of front panel (inner), three position, long toggle.
SW (D) - Top right corner of front panel (outer), two position, short toggle.
SW (E) - Left side of top panel (front), three position, short toggle.
SW (F) - Left side of top panel (rear), two position, long toggle.
SW (G) - Right side of top panel (front), two position, short toggle.
SW (H) - Right side of top panel (rear), two position, long toggle, spring-loaded to rear position.

Confused? In summary, there are four switches at each of the top corners of the case, two in front and two on top. The toggle lengths are staggered to improve access. Is that better?

There are also four trimmers. These are disposed as follows:
VR (A) - Top of front panel, left of centre.
VR (B) - Top of front panel, right of centre.
VR (C) - Top of left-hand side panel.
VR (D) - Top of right-hand side panel.

Between VR (A) and VR (B) there are two red LEDs. The left one ('Power') is illuminated when the transmitter is switched on, while the right one ('Alarm') goes out if the RF module is removed and flashes when any of the various mixing options is switched on.

The large LED display has a total of 18 pushbuttons on each side (4) and below it (10) labelled A to R. These serve a number of functions and 'flags' appear on the display adjacent to them to indicate their purpose, as required. This is a very versatile and convenient arrangement and allows future software changes and up-dates to be made without any changes in the physical layout.

Finally, in the top corners of the case back, there are two switches (SW (I) and SW (J)) which allow you to set the direction of the snap roll switches when required. This is mainly applicable to aircraft use and on sets produced for the Japanese home market, these switches are omitted. That's the other difference which we mentioned earlier.

Just about anything, really. You can have different throws (each side of neutral), different rates (up to three - linear or exponential), different gyro gains or flap settings, numerous mixing options (both dedicated and programmable), different throttle and pitch curves, different trims, etc. any one, or all, of which can be assigned to any switch. In essence, you have a radio which can be set up to give you eight completely different flight set-ups for each model. There are ten model memories in the transmitter itself, which can be increased to sixteen by fitting an optional 'CAMPac'.

Yes, this does suggest that you can have a total of 128 (8 times 16) different set-ups, but beware, the actual total number available is, in fact, 50 in the transmitter and an additional 22 in the 'CAMPac' and each of these must be assigned before they can be used. Don't fret, you can still have five different set-ups for each of sixteen models and a couple of set-ups to spare! There are nine channels, and any one of these can be mixed with any other via the five free programmable mixers. We gave up trying to count the total number of built-in dedicated mixers.

It must be said right away that the 'T9ZAP'/'T9ZHP' are not the most user friendly devices that we have met, but they do offer the largest range of options we have seen to date (the opposition are just about to catch up - anyone for leap-frog?). It took me most of an evening to find out how to obtain swashplate mixing in the 'Helicopter' menu (it's in the 'Model' menu!) and another to work out how to offset the rudder trim when the 'Hold' switch was operated (you can have a different trim for each set-up, or 'Flight Condition'). That said, it's an enjoyable challenge, and it's all in there - somewhere.

The snag is that there is no logical way to work through things in a progressive way. The manual, while excellent, follows no logical course. You first have to find the bit that you need in the manual and then find something that you have that looks like the manual. Rather like using a road map to get to point 'X' when you don't know where you are now.

That's not the fault of the manual, the problem is that there are menus within menus and every item is identified by a three letter code which does not necessarily have a logical meaning. For example, 'HOF' in the helicopter menu means 'Hovering Offset', which actually sets the point at which the rudder compensation changes from 'up' to 'down' on a helicopter. Most of us would call that 'Hovering memory'.

When you first switch on, you are presented with a screen which tells you which model is currently selected and warns if any of the mixing options is switched on ('Caution: non-default condition is active'), accompanied by an audible warning. This continues until you switch off the condition. You are then presented with the 'Start screen'. This displays the owners name, the current model number and name, the current flight condition, whether PCM or PPM, the integrated time on the transmitter since resetting, the current timer status, the current trim status, the transmitter voltage and the receiver voltage (if plugged in). If there is a working RF module plugged in, an 'On Air' flag flashes on the display. This is the only indication that the transmitter is actually transmitting!

Around all of this there are a number of flags indicating the status of various pushbuttons which give access to larger views of such things as the trim status, timer status, voltmeter status, and the built-in tachometer. You can also start, stop, or reset the timer, or start programming. This is what we are supposed to be doing - so here goes:

Starting from square one, the four pushbuttons on the right of the LCD (R, Q, P and O) select the 'Start Screen', or the three main menus, 'System Menu', 'Model Menu' and 'Condition Menu'. Depending on which model mode you had previously selected, the 'Condition Menu' can be 'Helicopter', 'Airplane' (sic), or 'Glider'. Each of the main menus consists of three lines of three letter items. The line that you then require is selected by the lower three pushbuttons on the left side of the display (B, C and D). Each line has up to seven items which are selected by some of the lower row of buttons (F to L). If you had previously selected helicopter mode, you thus have a choice of 49 items. In airplane mode, you have 45 items. In glider mode you have a choice of 2, 4 or 5 servos in the wing, which give you 39, 43, or 42 items. Many of these items are duplicated but, on the face of it, you have 218 menu items to select from!

Don't be put off by this, it is not as formidable as it sounds. The actual number of items available is drastically reduced by the type of model that you select - at the worst case, you have 49 items. You soon get used to switching around the menus, aided by a reassuring 'beep' every time that you input something. The biggest learning curve is in remembering the three letter abbreviation that you need.

Having selected the item that you need, you are then let into an entry screen which may, itself, lead on to several 'pages'. Here again, you have abbreviations and a form of 'shorthand' to learn. Having made the necessary adjustments, you will be presented with an 'END' or "PRE" flag, both of which will return you to the previous menu. In some cases you are presented with a 'SWT' flag which puts you into the 'Switch Set' screen which allows you to select the switch required and set the sense in which it operates. In some cases, the required function can be operated by a pre-set stick position.

I think the correct word here is 'formidable' - and possibly 'intimidating'!

Lets go through the full list of available functions attached to those three letter codes.

MSL - Model selection - selects any one of ten model memories.
VLT - Voltmeter - shows transmitter and receiver battery voltages with a choice of 0, 250, or 500 mA load on the receiver battery.
TAC - Tachometer - built-in digital phototachometer with a choice of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 blade operation.
SRV - Servo Test and Bargraph Display - gives a bargraph display of all channels and allows all servos to be simultaneously operated slowly from end to end.
TRN - Trainer System - allows 'buddy box' trainer system to operate on selected channels.
DTN - Data Transfer Function - transfers model or function information from one transmitter to another.
CPM - Copy Model Function - copies information from one model memory to another within the transmitter or 'CAMPac'.
CPC - Copy Condition Function - copies individual model flight modes between model memories PAR - Parameters - sets the auto power-off delay and the screen contrast.
UNA - User Name Registration - allows the entry of a ten character 'user name'. Both this and the model information can be protected by a four character 'password'.

CSL - Condition Select - assigns each flight condition to a memory location.
TIM - Timer Function - sets two separate timers to 'count up' or 'countdown' mode, sets starting time and allocates to a switch if required.
F/S - Failsafe Function - sets each channel to either 'hold' or 'go to preset position' on failsafe.
PMD - Pulse Mode - switches between PPM and PCM.
REV - Servo Reversing Function - reverses each channel as required.
FNC - Function Change - allocates sticks and trim levers to specific channels. Is used to change stick mode and allows crossed trims if required.
RST - Data Reset - resets all, or a selected portion, of stored model information.
CUT - Engine Cut - defines a switch which can be used to cut the engine. Only operates when throttle stick is already in the low position.
CHD - Condition Hold - sets a maximum figure for the throttle high position. Used as a safeguard when making adjustments.
TYP - Type Selection Function - sets model type to 'Helicopter', 'Airplane', or 'Glider (2, 4, or 5 wing servos)'.
CH9 - Channel 9 Definition - assigns a switch and switch direction to operate the ninth channel.
MNA - Model Name Definition - allows the entry of an eight character model name.
ALT - Alternate Switch - allows the springloaded switch 'SW (H)' to be changed between 'pull-for-on' and 'pull-on/pull-off' operation.
THR - Throttle Curve (Not in 'Glider' menu) - selects linear throttle or 'active throttle curve' (curve set elsewhere).
SWH - Swashplate Type ('Helicopter' menu only) - selects between five commonly used swashplate set-ups, including 3 or 4 servo CCPM.
RDR - Rotor Direction ('Helicopter' menu only) - sets rotor direction to clockwise (CW) or anticlockwise (CCW) for proper mixing direction.
INV - Inverted Pitch ('Helicopter' menu only) - activates full inverted system with offset pitch.
PIT - Pitch Curve ('Helicopter' menu only) - selects linear pitch or 'active pitch curve' (curve set elsewhere).

ATV - Adjustable Travel Volume - sets the maximum throw of channels 1 to 8 each side of centre. Also sets up to 5 second delay on any change of control position.
AFR - Adjustable Function Rate - allows throw, etc. (including expo) of channels 1 to 8 to be changed for each flight condition.
D/R - Dual Rates and EXP curve Setting - allows the rate (including expo) of any three channels to be changed by one switch.
PMX - Programmable Mixing - five free mixers which allow any two channels (1 to 8) to be mixed in three different manners('linear', 'offset' or 'hovering').
STM - Subtrim - offsets servo centres.
TOF - Trim offset - works similarly to subtrim but allows a different setting for each flight mode.
CNA - Condition Name Registration - used to name new active flight condition (i.e. 'IDLE3').
PCV - Pitch Curve - allows pitch curve to be set at 13 points.
PHV - Hovering Pitch - sets the range of the hovering pitch adjustment and assigns it to a trimmer. Can be different for each flight condition.
PTM - Pitch Trim - allows the whole pitch curve to be moved up an down by an adjustable amount by any selected trimmer.
TCV - Throttle Curve - allows throttle curve to be set at 13 points.
THV - Hovering Throttle - sets the range of the hovering throttle adjustment and assigns it to a trimmer. Can be different for each flight condition.
HOF - Hovering Offset - sets the point at which the ATS system changes from 'up' mix to 'down' mix.
HLD - Throttle Hold - freezes the throttle at a preset point. Can have its own pitch curve.
SWP - Swashplate Type - mixes swashplate movement into throttle and allows 'phasing' of swashplate.
P>R - Pitch to Rudder Mixing - also known as 'Rev Mix' or 'ATS'. Allows rudder to automatically compensate for torque changes.
R>T - Rudder to Throttle Mix - compensates for changing load on tail drive.
GYR - Gyro Sensitivity - allows the gyro gain to be changed by a switch or automatically by rudder deflection. Very useful with proportional gyro.
ACC - Acceleration - similar to rudder to throttle mix, but with adjustable delay.
INV - Inverted Pitch - sets high and low pitch limits for inverted switch.
TRM - Digital Trim - sets the sensitivity of the trim buttons.

ATV - Adjustable Travel Volume - sets the maximum throw of channels 1 to 8 each side of centre. Also sets up to 5 second delay on any change of control position.
AFR - Adjustable Function Rate - allows throw, etc. (including expo) of channels 1 to 8 to be changed for each flight condition.
D/R - Dual Rates and EXP curve Setting - allows the rate (including expo) of any three channels to be changed by one switch.
PMX - Programmable Mixing - five free mixers which allow any two channels (1 to 8) to be mixed in three different manners('linear', 'offset' or 'hovering').
STM - Subtrim - offsets servo centres.
TOF - Trim offset - works similarly to subtrim but allows a different setting for each flight mode.
CNA - Condition Name Registration - used to name new active flight condition (i.e. 'IDLE3').
ADF - Aileron Differential - when using two separate aileron servos allows each to have more up travel than down.
A>R - Rudder coupling - allows aileron channel to be mixed into the rudder channel. Can be different for each direction and can be switched on or off, or changed during flight.
VTL - V-Tail - 'V' tail mixer using separate servo for each control surface.
R>A - Rudder to Aileron Mix - can be different for each direction and can be turned on or off during flight.
EVN - Elevons - mixes ailerons and elevator for deltas of flying wings.
E>F - Elevator to Flap Mix - moves flaps in opposition to elevator for smoother turns.
F>E - Flap to Elevator Mix - allows elevator trim to be changed when flaps are deployed.
CPT - Collective Pitch Function - Couples air brakes and propeller pitch to throttle to control speed in vertical manoeuvres.
ALV - Ailevators - used with separate elevator servos, this couples aileron into elevator for better low speed control.
FPN - Flapperons - couples ailerons into the flap control so that the ailerons assist the flaps.
ABK - Airbrake - couples elevators, flaps and (optional) spoilers to assist landing or vertical manoeuvres.
SNP - Snap Roll - allows snap rolls to be performed by one switch. Four directions are possible by setting switches on rear of transmitter.
TCV - Throttle Curve Adjust - allows throttle curve to be set at 13 points.
TRM - Digital Trim - sets the sensitivity of the trim buttons.

ATV - Adjustable Travel Volume - sets the maximum throw of channels 1 to 8 each side of centre. Also sets up to 5 second delay on any change of control position.
AFR - Adjustable Function Rate - allows throw, etc. (including expo) of channels 1 to 8 to be changed for each flight condition.
D/R - Dual Rates and EXP curve Setting - allows the rate (including expo) of any three channels to be changed by one switch.
PMX - Programmable Mixing - five free mixers which allow any two channels (1 to 8) to be mixed in three different manners('linear', 'offset' or 'hovering').
STM - Subtrim - offsets servo centres.
TOF - Trim offset - works similarly to subtrim but allows a different setting for each flight mode.
CNA - Condition Name Registration - used to name new active flight condition (i.e. 'IDLE3').
ADF - Aileron Differential - when using two separate aileron servos allows each to have more up travel than down.
A>R - Rudder coupling - allows aileron channel to be mixed into the rudder channel. Can be different for each direction and can be switched on or off, or changed during flight.
VTL - V-Tail - 'V' tail mixer using separate servo for each control surface.
ABE - Airbrake/Spoiler/Gear Trim Compensation - adds elevator compensation when airbrakes, spoilers, or gear are deployed.
F>E - Flap to Elevator Mix - allows elevator trim to be changed when flaps are deployed.
E>F - Elevator to Flap Mix - moves flaps in opposition to elevator for smoother turns.
FPN - Flapperons - couples ailerons into the flap control so that the ailerons assist the flaps.
ETM - Elevator Trim - two elevator trim offsets ('1' and '2') can each be called up by a switch. A delay can be included. '2' has priority over '1'.
TRM - Digital Trim - sets the sensitivity of the trim buttons.

ATV - Adjustable Travel Volume - sets the maximum throw of channels 1 to 8 each side of centre. Also sets up to 5 second delay on any change of control position.
AFR - Adjustable Function Rate - allows throw, etc. (including expo) of channels 1 to 8 to be changed for each flight condition.
D/R - Dual Rates and EXP curve Setting - allows the rate (including expo) of any three channels to be changed by one switch.
PMX - Programmable Mixing - five free mixers which allow any two channels (1 to 8) to be mixed in three different manners('linear', 'offset' or 'hovering').
STM - Subtrim - offsets servo centres.
TOF - Trim offset - works similarly to subtrim but allows a different setting for each flight mode.
CNA - Condition Name Registration - used to name new active flight condition (i.e. 'IDLE3').
ADF - Aileron Differential - when using two separate aileron servos allows each to have more up travel than down.
A>R - Rudder coupling - allows aileron channel to be mixed into the rudder channel. Can be different for each direction and can be switched on or off, or changed during flight.
ASF - Aileron-Speed Flap coupling - aileron signal is fed to flaps to improve aileron control. VTL - V-Tail - 'V' tail mixer using separate servo for each control surface.
ABE - Airbrake/Spoiler/Gear Trim Compensation - adds elevator compensation when airbrakes, spoilers, or gear are deployed.
ESF - Elevator-Speed Flap coupling - lowers the speed flaps when up elevator is applied.
SPF - Speed Flap Mixing - speed flap signal is fed into elevator or aileron to compensate for trim changes.
SFT - Speed Flap Trim Setting - used to adjust the speed flap neutral setting by a trimmer.
BFY - Butterfly Mixing - sometimes called 'crow' mixing. Raises the ailerons and lowers the flaps for glidepath control without spoilers.
BYE - Butterfly Trim Mix - uses elevator to correct any change in model attitude when 'BFY' is activated.
TM1 - Trim Mix 1 - presets the position of ailerons, elevator and speed flaps for a specific flight condition by operating one switch. A delay can be included to give a smooth transition.
TM2 - Trim Mix 2 - presets the position of ailerons, elevator and speed flaps for a specific flight condition by operating one switch. A delay can be included to give a smooth transition. Has priority over 'TM1'.
TRM - Digital Trim - sets the sensitivity of the trim buttons.

ATV - Adjustable Travel Volume - sets the maximum throw of channels 1 to 8 each side of centre. Also sets up to 5 second delay on any change of control position.
AFR - Adjustable Function Rate - allows throw, etc. (including expo) of channels 1 to 8 to be changed for each flight condition.
D/R - Dual Rates and EXP curve Setting - allows the rate (including expo) of any three channels to be changed by one switch.
PMX - Programmable Mixing - five free mixers which allow any two channels (1 to 8) to be mixed in three different manners('linear', 'offset' or 'hovering'). STMĘSubtrim - offsets servo centres.
TOF - Trim offset - works similarly to subtrim but allows a different setting for each flight mode.
CNA - Condition Name Registration - used to name new active flight condition (i.e. 'IDLE3').
ADF - Aileron Differential - when using two separate aileron servos allows each to have more up travel than down.
A>R - Rudder coupling - allows aileron channel to be mixed into the rudder channel. Can be different for each direction and can be switched on or off, or changed during flight.
ASF - Aileron-Speed Flap coupling - aileron signal is fed to flaps to improve aileron control.
VTL - V-Tail - 'V' tail mixer using separate servo for each control surface.
ABE - Airbrake/Spoiler/Gear Trim Compensation - adds elevator compensation when airbrakes, spoilers, or gear are deployed.
EBF - Elevator-Brake Flap Mixing - lowers the flaps when up elevator is used.
BKF - Brake Flap Mixing - allows the brake flap signal to be fed to the elevator, ailerons, or speed flaps to increase efficiency.
SFT - Speed Flap Trim Setting - used to adjust the speed flap neutral setting by a trimmer.
BFY - Butterfly Mixing - sometimes called 'crow' mixing. Raises the ailerons and lowers the flaps for glidepath control without spoilers.
BYE - Butterfly Trim Mix - uses elevator to correct any change in model attitude when 'BFY' is activated.
ETM - Elevator Trim - two elevator trim offsets ('1' and '2') can each be called up by a switch. A delay can be included. '2' has priority over '1'.
TRM - Digital Trim - sets the sensitivity of the trim buttons.

You do get a lot for your money! That's just the programming - using it is something else.

An unusual heading perhaps, but this is the real nitty-gritty of the whole thing. Its usefulness depends to a great extent on just what you want it for. The average flyer is unlikely to do more than scratch the surface (literally), while the dedicated competition flyer with several models - possibly of different types - will soon find it indispensible.

Setting it up may be a continuing process and you will continue to learn. Possibly the most common remark used will be, "Now how did I do that?".

This is just one of the many transmitters available from a number of manufacturers which includes a graphic display of certain features such as control throws and pitch and throttle curves. In many cases the pitch and throttle curves can be set at a number of points. In some cases the actual number and position of these points can be set by the user. In the case of the '9ZAP'/'9ZHP', we have 13 points, take it or leave it, which can, perhaps, be too many in some cases.

So far, not one manufacturer has made it possible to see both the pitch and throttle curves of a helicopter together, which amazes me, since it is the whole secret of setting up any helicopter. I would venture to suggest that the first manufacturer to do this will scoop the whole market.

One thing which the '9Z' series has which seems to be unique to this manufacturer is the 'bargraph' display of all the channels. This is a very, very, useful device and must soon be copied by others. In fact, it's almost as good as including the pulse timing of each channel in the display, which is another thing that no-one has done yet.

The learning curve involved in its use is certainly very steep, but it has so much to offer that it is well worth it. The things that can be done with it are almost unlimited. At least one well-known American flyer has found that he can use a different flight condition for each manoeuvre. At which point, you may be tempted to think that programming the transmitter is more difficult than flying the model - or vice versa! Having said that, we are far from the ultimate radio yet, and there are many features of the '9Z' that could be improved. However, the same applies to all its competitors and, at the moment, it comes closer than most.

I can almost pity those who do not relish the challenge that this set provides.

As you are probably aware, Futaba already make a flight simulator (the 'Aerochopper'), and the '9Z' has a large display screen. How long will it be, I wonder, before someone produces a transmitter with a built-in simulator? Who needs to actually fly a model with it, anyway?