FlySky NB4+ Radio

[slw2206]

Well we all knew this day was coming... and it took 5 days.
Got my son an XRT for his birthday (which he'll get in May) and in the meantime I've bought one for myself to get back into the hobby.
I bring it out during the day while he's at school and bash all over the farm so it's been a blast! The XRT is certainly more durable than my old NMT! The plastics just seem to be a different formulation that is certainly more durable than what I dealt with 20 years ago.

Mmk enough reminiscing...

The one weakness I've had with the XRT package so far is the TQi radio. It seems to have limited range,almost no features and just isn't cutting it after 5 days of bashing.

So... I started doing a little research and came across some very nice Futaba models that could lead to a divorce, some Spektrum units that remind me of the Airtronics brand I used to run back in the day, and the FlySky which seemed fairly reasonable.

So fellow RC'ers, what are your thoughts on the FlySky NB4+? This looks to be a nice system that can support multiple vehicles, has expandable channnels, and should have decent range.

Looking for feedback from any Users who actually have this radio though... how is it?

I'm especially interested in range as I'm on family farms and have 350+ acres of land to roam!

If you think the NB4 is just the wrong choice and I should consider another platform, feel free to post it. I don't mind doing a little reaearch to educate myself. Gotta keep the price under the 500 mark though.

 

[Lostinthewoods86]

Can’t help on that particular radio, but add the radiomaster mt12 to your list to check out. For the price, features, and range it’s a pretty good set up, although there is a bit of a learning curve to it.

Thread 'Radiomaster MT12 - Review and Guide'

Sep 22, 2024

Introduction

@Lostinthewoods86 sent me this radio for scientific purposes. So as I learn more about it I am going to use this thread to document things I figure out with this amazing radio.

Here is everything you get, and currently, you can grab this radio for around $130 from various online shops and retailers, as well as Amazon.

​

Description​

The RadioMaster MT12 is a pioneering open-source surface radio, and the first surface radio officially supported by EdgeTX, ExpressLRS, and the Multi-module project. Boasting 10 physical inputs...

• WickedFog
• Replies: 81
• Forum: Reviews, How-to, & Guides

• 
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[nino]

The Radiomaster is just an attempt at a surface radio IMO.

You can't go wrong with the NB4(+)! Even the cheaper 5 or 7 channel FlySkys would be fine.
Or a mid range Futaba/Sanwa.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

I don't know much about the NB4+ seems like a good radio ask @DavidB1126 he has one and seems to enjoy it. I'm a Spektrum guy myself i have a DX6C myself and it's been a good radio for me i also have plans to move up to an iXSR later this year. I would just stay away from companies like Radiolink and Dumbo RC since they're quality control as well as reliability is heavily lacking and dangerous to some extent it's one of the reasons i went to Spektrum.

 

[HPIguy]

As others have mentioned, I'd stay away from generic brands like Radiolink, etc. I had noticeable delay issues with Spektrum stuff running large scale rigs years ago, went Futaba ever since and have been perfectly happy.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

As others have mentioned, I'd stay away from generic brands like Radiolink, etc. I had noticeable delay issues with Spektrum stuff running large scale rigs years ago, went Futaba ever since and have been perfectly happy.

I haven't had any issues with my DX6C i think in the past Spektrum radios used to be that way but definitely not mine. I also used to use my Futaba 4PM but i grew and moved on from it and had no issues with DX6C so far. And i also had a Radiolink RC8X in the past as well but it was the worst "New" RC radio i ever owned in my time here's the thread about me and @DavidB1126's issues with that radio. But we both moved on he got his Noble NB4+ and i got my DX6C and both of us are happy so far. Not to sound condescending or anything i've never had any issues with my Spektrum and besides we all have our favorite brand of radios.

 

[9x19]

I'm cheap.. I use the FlySky GT-5 for my 4x4 models, and the GT-3B for my 2wd.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

I'm cheap.. I use the FlySky GT-5 for my 4x4 models, and the GT-3B for my 2wd.

My dad used to have a GT3B it was an okay radio it first came out in the early 2010's. But one time ripped an antenna out of one of the receivers he had and bought a 3PV to replace it i later sold it to someone for $20 on Facebook marketplace. I've heard decent things about the GT5 and Flysky as a company they're pretty good. I wish i knew about the Noble NB4+ before i bought the DX6C and had the money for it but now that i have something that works almost perfect i don't see a reason to jump ship from Spektrum.

 

[DavidB1126]

Nb4 plus is a great radio. Like a high end Futaba or sanwa but in a smaller footprint and half the price, and more practical imo. It's a smaller footprint so it's good for smaller hands (I love the feel). Although it is a bit on the heavy side it does help a little bit for me atleast. It has everything you need. I think it has a 16hr battery life with the internal battery and battery pack which I barely went down that far low before so plenty of battery run time. Very easy to use and navigate. Super responsive and fast. I use it for indoor racing and bashing in the backyard and works great. The receivers are very inexpensive. 30 to 40 bucks a pop for the smaller antennaless ones. So much affordable compared to Futaba or sanwa ones. I tested mine and got about 500ft before failsafe kicked in for safety. Pretty sure flysky does have long range receivers offered too. Has every setting that you'll possibly ever need.

I do agree with @CJRC and @HPIguy to stay away from Radiolink and Dumbo. Those have quality control issues and most come out of the factory bricked with hardware issues for signal drop. Used to have a rc8x and 4gs and could not complete a race without my signal dropping out causing me to run into poles or stuff. Also seen some cases where the radio drops out and the car goes full throttle into a marshal during racing. Don't worry it was a minor incident and no injuries. Those are cheap China remotes and the makers of them don't do actual tests before releasing a firmware for them so that's why they are like that. They also have very shady behind the scene company practices. I offered to help them fix the hard ware issues but they blocked me and said no, and denied their own faults. Oh well.

The radiomaster mt12 which was also linked above I don't have personally but it's a great radio for long range running with the elrs it has and can link up to various receiver brand and protocols. I'm also pretty sure it can hook up to Traxxas receivers too. But with opentx and lots of programming involved, it can be tough to navigate. (They are offered in a 4in1 combo which is the various protocol one of the elrs version for long range. I believe you can get a module extender to run both if needed)

Radiomaster, flysky, Futaba and sanwa are all great remotes and are all proven reliable and dependable.

I also have a Futaba 3pv for my bashers and I like it l. Some people say it's hard to navigate the menus but I have no issue. Although if wanting Futaba name receivers it can be expensive. I run the offbrand corona Amazon ones and do just fine. Although the range they state it's 260 ft but I personally had no issues.

 

[floe]

I have the NB4+. It's the best transmitter that I have ever used. It only takes a search on google to find that the noble is highly appreciated

I use it in all my rigs and boat. Don't know about range, but I have never had a problem. It's highly customisable as well.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

Nb4 plus is a great radio. Like a high end Futaba or sanwa but in a smaller footprint and half the price, and more practical imo. It's a smaller footprint so it's good for smaller hands (I love the feel). Although it is a bit on the heavy side it does help a little bit for me atleast. It has everything you need. I think it has a 16hr battery life with the internal battery and battery pack which I barely went down that far low before so plenty of battery run time. Very easy to use and navigate. Super responsive and fast. I use it for indoor racing and bashing in the backyard and works great. The receivers are very inexpensive. 30 to 40 bucks a pop for the smaller antennaless ones. So much affordable compared to Futaba or sanwa ones. I tested mine and got about 500ft before failsafe kicked in for safety. Pretty sure flysky does have long range receivers offered too. Has every setting that you'll possibly ever need.

I do agree with @CJRC and @HPIguy

Spot on and well said, If i didn't already have my DX6C and if the iXSR didn't exist i would've bought a Noble NB4+. I heard they also sell gyro receivers and the receiver and radio prices are quite a bit lower than other companies like Spektrum, Futaba or Sanwa. Unlike Radiolink which we all know is basically the worst performing as well as the least reliable radio you can get. Yet i still see people buying them or getting them as free sponsor deals but i've given up trying to speak the truth on YouTube since i already know that my comments might\will get deleted by Radiolink or they don't believe me.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

I do agree with @CJRC and @HPIguy to stay away from Radiolink and Dumbo. Those have quality control issues and most come out of the factory bricked with hardware issues for signal drop. Used to have a rc8x and 4gs and could not complete a race without my signal dropping out causing me to run into poles or stuff. Also seen some cases where the radio drops out and the car goes full throttle into a marshal during racing. Don't worry it was a minor incident and no injuries. Those are cheap China remotes and the makers of them don't do actual tests before releasing a firmware for them so that's why they are like that. They also have very shady behind the scene company practices. I offered to help them fix the hard ware issues but they blocked me and said no, and denied their own faults. Oh well.

I 100% agree with @HPIguy and @DavidB1126 to stay away from Dumbo and Radiolink, I had similar experiences with my RC8X which lead me to sell mine on eBay for $170 also the iXSR motivated to sell it as well. But mine would have signal fade and signal drop issues one time when i was at my local track it once went full throttle into a wall and tweaked my B74.1's rear center driveshaft. Also i had a brand new right out of the package R4FGM V2.1 receiver glitch out while binding and go full throttle i have never had any issues binding both my Futaba and Spektrum receivers. Also after i did a firmware update it put my throttle and steering delay up to 4 secs by default but once i put back in my 4PM it worked totally normal. Although i was able to fix it and then i learned the truth about Radiolink and their shady business practices deleting bad reviews, comments and banning people from their FB group and telling their paid promotion\free product influencers to lie and deny the issues people have with their products. Even one of my favorite YouTubers sold his 7PX and was given an RC8X and when i commented on his video and told someone to buy a DX6C instead he snapped at me for being honest and it destroyed my trust in his channel.

 

[Hammer Down]

Noble for the win!

 

[slw2206]

I don't know much about the NB4+ seems like a good radio ask @DavidB1126 he has one and seems to enjoy it. I'm a Spektrum guy myself i have a DX6C myself and it's been a good radio for me i also have plans to move up to an iXSR later this year. I would just stay away from companies like Radiolink and Dumbo RC since they're quality control as well as reliability is heavily lacking and dangerous to some extent it's one of the reasons i went to Spektrum.

I like the iXSR but the price tag is a bit steep for someone who only runs one vehicle. The NB4+ seemed like a reasonable compromise. I also have to keep in mind that whatever I get, my son may want one as well, so the price maybe times 2

The RadioMaster seems like a decent enough unit but I see much better reviews for the NB. I do t think I'd go with any generic or off brand names when it comes to radio gear. Electronics are too finicky to trust to off brands.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

I like the iXSR but the price tag is a bit steep for someone who only runs one vehicle. The NB4+ seemed like a reasonable compromise. I also have to keep in mind that whatever I get, my son may want one as well, so the price maybe times 2

The RadioMaster seems like a decent enough unit but I see much better reviews for the NB. I do t think I'd go with any generic or off brand names when it comes to radio gear. Electronics are too finicky to trust to off brands.

I run 5 vehicles of my DX6C currently which i mainly bought as a place hold to get the iXSR and that radio is my dream radio as well as the next step for me. Not to sound condescending or anything i feel like i've gone far enough with Spektrum it works good enough for me so it would be silly of me to jump ship to another brand but that's just me. I looked at the radiomaster as well but i couldn't find out how to setup a gyro with it and it's very steep learning curve to use it. Get what you want and can afford we all have our favorites. For me Spektrum is my favorite since they come in a lot of Horizon's (Arrma, Losi, etc) RTRs and when the iXSR came out it sold me on getting one even if it's going to take me awhile to get one.

 

[slw2206]

Just ordered the NB4+ If I like it I'll have to buy one for my son eventually, if I don't I'll give it to him as an "upgrade" and try the iXSR :

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

Just ordered the NB4+ If I like it I'll have to buy one for my son eventually, if I don't I'll give it to him as an "upgrade" and try the iXSR :

Let us know how that goes, Although you don't have to get an iXSR because i told so to do it especially if you don't own many Arrma's, Losi's and Axial's but i've heard pretty great things about them except for the Spektrum haters also stuff from the Sanwa and Futaba elitists. Who talk crap on something they've never tried or tried a previous version of like the DX6R. Just letting you know i get replies like that sometimes on iXSR videos.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I think the NB4 looks like a great radio. It has great features and a great price tag and reveivers are cheap too! Ppl love them, tons of great reviews.
The thing that gets me about the ixsr is that is an android device. Google.
I am VERY curious to see the list of permissions involved in that thing. Permission to access my exact location? More importantly, my KIDS location??? Not in a million years! Google sucks and I won't let them mess up my rc time.
Blatantly spying on children is a new form of low.

 

[RustyUs]

As others have mentioned, I'd stay away from generic brands like Radiolink, etc. I had noticeable delay issues with Spektrum stuff running large scale rigs years ago, went Futaba ever since and have been perfectly happy.

I don't know about the "generic" terminology. When I think of generic, it's that stuff that comes in RTR packages. Most of the great brands have different tiers of radios available for purchase.

Up until the Noble NB4 came out, I considered FlySky surface radios to be lower budget; cheaply built, entry level pieces of rattling plastic that I didn't want to be a part of any longer.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I don't know about the "generic" terminology. When I think of generic, it's that stuff that comes in RTR packages. Most of the great brands have different tiers of radios available for purchase.

Up until the Noble NB4 came out, I considered FlySky surface radios to be lower budget; cheaply built, entry level pieces of rattling plastic that I didn't want to be a part of any longer.

I agree. The rtr radios and the DX4C I own from Spektrum lead me to believe that a more expensive radio from them will also feel cheap and flimsy in my hands.
Low dollar Futaba don't feel cheap and flimsy to me. Like I would expect to get at least the same or better quality as the price gets higher.
I'm not sure what to expect from Flysky but I trust the ppl here who give it positive reviews WAY more than any Youfool.com reviewer with ANY brand.