Brand new Revo owner... want to convert to 2.4

[helifreak]

Ok. Here's the deal. I am super psyched about my brand new Revo - The weather has been really bad lately and the guys at my flying field (I am a heli guy at heart) have been having fun with their cars and being as I didn't have one felt really left out (this is where you are suppose to feel sorry for me and also a way for me to justify my purchase)...

Anyway, I haven't even broken it in yet and am already spending $$ on upgrading... mostly just with the power system - Why does the Tx not use a rechargable battery pack? This is 2008. Not even for the Rx. Lame.

So my first upgrade is Lipo for the Rx system - which is already ordered, but I just realized I have a spare Spektrum 6100 Rx laying around - but using this would mean I would have to use my air Tx.

So here is the million dollar question:

What are the advantages to using the Trigger style Tx?

I can off the bat think of advantages for my Air Tx (Spektrum DX7).

• I never have to worry about frequencies ever again
• I am use to it
• I can use expo on the steering channel
• DSM2 response times
• 4 extra channels for use when my creativity decides
• Fail safe (comes for free with all Spektrum Rxs)

Disadvantages:

• The throttle control is not auto centering
• I would be the only dweeb using an Air controller

First question: How uncool is it to use an Air style Tx for cars?

Second question: How do you remove the stock Rx. I can't figure out how it is mounted in its tray. It doesn't seem to want to move. Is it glued in? Would I have to order a completely new Rx tray?

Given that at this moment I can convert to 2.4 without any cost - it almost seems silly not to.

BTW, I need to figure out what I could use the other 4 channels for...

I am thinking missiles on the front and smoke screen system for the back... Pulling out all the tricks so I could win the first race I ever enter

 

[flandersander]

I am thinking an oil slick, flame thrower, .45 pistol, and missile launcher.

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

I don't think it's dweeby. A lot of people use stick style transmitters. If you're used to it, then cool. You at least know everything about it like how to use it and stuff. You can use those other channels for remote lighting. I know some guy modded his Jato to start from his Tx, maybe you can do that if you don't worry about weight.

 

[Webbage]

For the car, rechargeable hump packs are easily found for particular models, or you can use AA NiMH cells. It is FREAKING LAME that the insist on using Alkaline cells in this day and age. Damned cost cutting :\

As for the transmitter I use a DX6i for my trucks, I first did R/C in the early 1990s and there weren't many trigger sets around in the UK at the time, not in my price range at least. I can't stand trigger sets myself. I had to use one at a crawler comp yesterday because I was having battery problems with my DX6i and it screwed me up totally. I keep snatching at the throttle when my finger relaxed. That's just me though.

You won't be the only person on the planet using sticks, it's all down to what you are used to.

Not having a self-centering throttle is a pain though. Because I only run cars and use an air set I converted my throttle to self-centre. It's possible to do it if you can get the parts. You may want to look at fitting the parts and removing the rocker and spring when you use it for flying, it's not ideal but it's an idea. You could just buy a DX6i and convert it, they are a similar set to the DX7 and are able to tune to most park flyer and long range 6-channel Spektrum receivers.

 

[Brushlessboy]

I have never known a Traxxas Nitro to come without a rechargable rx pack. Even the Platinum has rechargable. If it came from a hobby shop I'd be asking where it is......
Sticks are cool if you can use them and the rx will most likely be held down with that sticky gel stuff.
I generally just get a knife under them and rip them out before sticking my 3100's in them.....
Its all good, enjoy!

 

[abadk9420]

I only use pistol grip radios, it just works for me, kind of like having a steering wheel in a car, how ever I did start with twin stick back in the day when pistol grip tx were not really being used like 1982-83 some where in there, but if it works for you and you all ready have it then use it, the only problem I could see and I could be wrong here is that I have been told you are not supposed to use air radios on cars and vice versa, some thing about freqency regulations...but that may not apply to the 2.4ghz stuff..

 

[diozxlive]

I have never known a Traxxas Nitro to come without a rechargable rx pack. Even the Platinum has rechargable. If it came from a hobby shop I'd be asking where it is......
Sticks are cool if you can use them and the rx will most likely be held down with that sticky gel stuff.
I generally just get a knife under them and rip them out before sticking my 3100's in them.....
Its all good, enjoy!

revo 3.3 5308 kit now comes without rechargable rx pack.... pain

 

[Brushlessboy]

Yes I would like to apologise for my misinformation. My Platinum does have a rechargable pack but the T Maxx has AA's. Its just been a long time since I checked it.
Again Sorry....

 

[Webbage]

In your situation I'd recommend buying a DX6i. It's a nice handset, and works in a similar way to the DX7, so you'll take to it straight away. It's also much less costly than the DX3R, both because it uses the same receivers you already use, and it also costs a lot less (something I've never been able to work out!!). If you only buy a DX6i transmitter and no receivers you will probably find it's very affordable. If you buy the full kit you get a nice AR6200 DSM2 Dual Channel receiver thrown in with it.

I grabbed my manual and the DX6i works with:

DSM Receivers:
AR6000
AR6100
AR6100e
AR6300

DSM2 Receivers:
AR6200**
AR7000
AR9000

** included with DX6i full set.

So it's a good choice if you have a few spare 6-channel receivers knocking about.

I don't work for Spektrum or Horizon Hobbies, by the way, I just like their gear and like my DX6i, even if it did act up on me when it got cold

 

[beason]

the only issues i see are the non returning throttle, and the frequency conflicts as stated before. dont worry about looking dweeby, its all about what is comfortable to you. some south paws use a pistol and hold the blasted thing backwards.. lol

 

[Webbage]

the only issues i see are the non returning throttle

The reason I suggested bagging a DX6i is it'll work with his existing gear and can be adapted to spring-return (if you can sweet talk the parts out of Horizon), plus it's a stick set like the one he already uses.

and the frequency conflicts as stated before.

The what now? I thought 2.4 had no frequency problems, that's why it's so nice... right?

 

[helifreak]

The reason I suggested bagging a DX6i is it'll work with his existing gear and can be adapted to spring-return (if you can sweet talk the parts out of Horizon), plus it's a stick set like the one he already uses.

The what now? I thought 2.4 had no frequency problems, that's why it's so nice... right?

Yeah - my main goal is to not spend any more money at this point (and not have to worry about alkaline batteries dying)... So I am thinking of just going with the DX7 route.

With Spektrum, there are no freq problems - with up to 40 concurrent channels in use - at least that is the way I understand it - and channel selection happens automatically whenever you turn on the Rx.

Thanks for all the replies... looking forward to next weekend when I can break everything in and get going!!!

 

[beason]

i have 2.4 as well so i know how it works, i guess i should have worded that differently. I thought they had different frequencies reserved for land and for air models, and I'm not sure if using an "air" system on a "land" model will get you in trouble.... thats all