Optional receivers for use with a 2.4 ghz Futaba transmitter

Hi
Yet another question which has probably been covered more times than the queens had birthdays.
Here goes anyway.
Just bought a second hand Futaba T6EX 2.4 ghz transmitter. I know before anyone says it that there is always a risk buying second hand gear.
But my budget doesn't extend to buying a new 2.4 ghz transmitter and having always bought Futaba in the past I have grown to depend on the reliability of there product.
I also know it uses the FASST protocol which isn't the latest. But sometimes you need to work with what you can afford.
To my question, before buying the transmitter I did a review of receivers for this model of transmitter an soon came to realise the Futaba receivers are bl•••y expensive.
I also realised that there are cheaper options available, not being stupid enough to jump in and buy one I thought it best to seek advice.
One model in particular made by Orange (supplied by HobbyKing) has some good reviews and wont break the bank. There are some other alternatives cheap Chinese imports etc but reluctant to go down that route.
Has anyone got any recommendations for a cheaper make of FASST compatible receiver that's proven reliable ? Or do I have to bite the bullet and stick with Futaba to ensure complete peace of mind ?
Any and all advice is welcome.
Thanks Ian

Here are some alternative makes:
Orange
FRSKY
REDCON
Corona
Cool tech
The first 2 I have heard of but your welcome to comment on them all.

My own view is that there is nothing electronically wrong with the cheap equipment (its all made in China anyway) it will work but a Tx (unlike a Rx) has moving parts and for 'mechanical' items you do tend to get what you pay for.
The long established manufacturers do have a reputation to uphold so 'spares and repairs' are to a degree possible.

I have two really cheap 'park fly' Txs (one was second hand) and both developed a fault in one way or another after a couple of years. My even older (and second hand) Futaba Tx just keeps on going.

Reading reviews the Orange receivers have mixed reviews. One guy had 2 versions of the same receiver, one worked perfectly the other was faulty.
The FRSKY receivers however get excellent reviews no problems with them where mentioned. In fact couple of reviews suggest they out perform the Futaba equivelent, with FS and HS modes for servos and failsafe built in.
I have the same philosophy you get what you pay for, but in this case I think based on price and reviews I am tempted to go for the FRSKY model.
As for the transmitter think I made the right choice. As you say Futaba have a good reputation and availability of spares in case the worst should happen.

I've heard good things about Planet gear. I have Planet Rx but not in position to test yet. Here is page of them and Txs too.
www.google.com/search?q=planet+rc+receiv...ceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I'm using the Fastest rx with my 14Sg tx, there is no bind button to press when binding, it is done on the tx,
I have some orange fast 7ch rx but I've stopped using them after one model started doing its own thing while flying

Just had a quick look at planet gear and you can pick up a 2+2 transmitter and 7ch reciever for under £50.
Trouble is there is no mention of the range, probably only suitable for park flying at close range.
Flysky (as opposed to FRSKY) produce some pretty cheap gear and reviews are good, as long as you are park flying, apparently they are not reliable over distance.

Heard of a couple of incidents with Orange recievers going rogue, although the majority of reviews are excellent.
As per my earlier post, the FRSKY and Futaba appear to be the most reliable. However, with previous comment regarding the fragile bind button on the Futaba. I have rather large fingers and heavy handed, so I am presuaded even more to opt for the FRSKY reciever. I can get 2 for the price of 1 Futaba.

Again mixed reviews about Spektrum gear: faults on DX6I transmitters, DSM2 used excessively so DSMX recommend. Cheap plastic feel to the transmitters etc.
Taranis and FRSKY both get good reviews, cheaper than Futaba but still pricey for someone on a budget.
In the end I went with the make I am most familiar with Futaba, but had to opt for a second hand older model.
I digress from my original post regarding recievers for FASST compatibility, (Spektrum recievers seem reasonably priced but not sure about reliability ? and protocol is dms2/dsmx so not applicable).
As for REDCON not read much about them until the earlier post mention them. Seen them advertised and roughly same price as the Orange. I will wait until there are a significant number of reviews recommending them, before I consider one.

Spektrum are not compatible with early Futaba FASST, your correct they only use DSM2 and DSMX.
However, during my internet browsing I did see a Futaba transmitter set up with DSMX. Don't know if this is an off the shelf unit or one that was modified with a DSMX module ? I am not that knowledgeable on these things but think some of the new Futaba transmitters have the option to plug in modules on the back of the transmitter ?
It may be just a case of someone doing an internal mod upgrade.
From my internet searches on various transmitters and protocols. The FASST protocol seems to give the most reliable performance with respect to eliminating interference. The Spektrum DSM2 has had some issues with people losing control of planes, maybe it's over used hence the change to DSMX.
Another reason I avoided Spektrum couldn't afford a DSMX compatible transmitter.

Just to complete the picture Spektrum DSM2 is no longer produced, in fact it is illegal (from Jan 17) to manufacture (but you can still use) a Tx with DSM2 in the EU. DSMX is the only Spektrum protocol available from new.

This is the reason a DX6i with both DSM and DSM2 capability is so relatively expensive. They were produced for just 2 years so are the only relatively new Txs that can still be used with the old DSM2 gear.

My 2 new frsky TFR6 recievers arrived today just under £43 really pleased with them small compact and light weight.
Only had chance to try out one of them, it was easy to bind using my ESC/motor and battery as a power source.
Only two niggles -
1. The recievers numbered 1 to 7 but instructions don't tell you which is elevator, rudder etc
2. If I was flying with an IC set up I would need to use a seperate 4.8v battery again no identification which is the battery terminal ? Guessing its number 7.
Anyone got any advice
Regards Ian