Futaba question

[DavidB1126]

Is it worth to use a older futaba 4pls these days? Or should I just bump up to a 4pm or get a NB4 from FlySky? Found a used 4pls on eBay for 110 bucks. Found a 4pm for 185 something bucks. I have them bookmarked on my laptop. And I'll get a radio assuming if my current radio-unlinked radios get sold

 

[Chubaka]

I can't answer that. I have noticed you seem yo have a radio fetish.

 

[DavidB1126]

I can't answer that. I have noticed you seem yo have a radio fetish.

I wouldn't if my radios didn't have issues

 

[9x19]

My GT5 has been a headache-free purchase, for a good bit less than $100

 

[DavidB1126]

I can have the GT5 for my bashers, sure. But needing a higher end one for my race stuff.

My thinking was getting a NB4 with 2 receivers for my race buggy and Slash while having a GT3 or GT5 or GP7 with 2 other receivers on my Mini B and rustler. Can operate on 1 radio but want to have another one (lower end) for my dad if he wants to drive at the same time.

 

[bill_delong]

By far the most popular system in my area is the Noble NB4

Only problem is you can't get them for $200 anymore as they only offer the Plus and Pro now for $300+

That said, I still feel that a touch screen system is the only option I will ever use going forward. Noble is VERY compact and can be folded flat for better storage and the antennaless Rx's are extremely compact.

This past weekend I snapped the spring on the steering wheel and they included 2 spare springs with the system. Took about 5 min to replace the spring. My radio is close to 2 years old.

If possible, ask a local who has one if you can hold it in your hand to see how it feels.

 

[DavidB1126]

If possible, ask a local who has one if you can hold it in your hand to see how it feels.

Mainly going back last year when I had a local carpet track. Test drove a 22x4 with a NB4 and felt amazing. Drove my uncles XB4 with a 7PX and that felt nice. Felt a 10PX and a few M17s. One of those was with a Mini Z so really can't compare as I don't do mini z. All of those radios felt very nice. The 10PX did have tennis grip tape on it. I added the same thing on my RC8X radio before it had issues and instantly made it feel more grippy in my hands which I like. I like the feel of the RC8X don't get me wrong. But its just the issues with range and signal and nothing I did and what other people did helped so its just gonna sit there on ebay and marketplace till someone buys it and then ill get a new radio. NB4 is great like you and others said. But I do get some pressure on me from my uncle always saying go futaba or sanwa. Lol

 

[bill_delong]

I bought a used Sanwa and that was the most frustrating experience I ever had trying to figure out how to program it... sold it after 2 race days.

I run more than 1 class and demand the ability to quickly change between model memories where the NB4 can do it in 2 button presses, many other features are quickly accessible such as setting my timer to verify my packs can last a full main, otherwise I know it's time to retire an aged pack.

FWIW, I had swore off Fly Sky many years ago after having too many of their Rx's go bad based on their original GT style systems. They've come a long way with the Noble in becoming a top tier brand that is used by world class drivers. Your uncle may want to do some research:
https://www.facebook.com/RyanMaifie...rtflysky-news-channelflysky-/876737867160688/

 

[DavidB1126]

Your uncle may want to do some research:

Well to be fair, he used Futaba with a 4PLS, 7PX and one of their older magnum sport radios if I recall correctly. Back in the day around early to mid 2000s - 2010s. Not sure if FlySky was around back then, guessing FlySky is the most newest modern and best. Gotta get him back into the RC game. But, he doesn't like to race on dirt tracks. Hopefully during winter I can drag him up to the carpet track once it opens.

 

[ahr43]

Still using my 4PLS bought 2019. Running three models off it. Receivers are a bit pricey with Futaba systems. Something to consider when going Futaba.

Other than that, 4PLS is my go-to over my newer Spektrum. Comes time to upgrade radio, Futaba for me.

That said, $110 for a used 4PLS is pretty high. If it comes with a compatible Futaba receiver or two, maybe. Buying used; I'd prefer to try before I buy though. Hope this helps. -AC

 

[DavidB1126]

@bill_delong

What do you think bout this rx/tx setup?

 

[Chubaka]

Put your credit card on ice to prevent melting.

@bill_delong

What do you think bout this rx/tx setup?

View attachment 193313View attachment 193312

 

[DavidB1126]

Coming back to this as I have a 3PV now for the bashers. Nice radio. Sadly no wheel tension adjustment as the tension is a bit harder than I like, but I can deal with it.
Came with a T-FHSS R304SB receiver. Gonna get in touch with my uncle tomorrow, he has a spare R304SB-E receiver that he used in his SCTE back in the day with both his 4PLS and 7PX.

Any differences between the basic 304SB and the 304SB-E? I noticed on Futaba's website for the E version saying "Indoor Optimized for smaller carpet track type cars where space is at premium!"
Ill be using the regular 304 in my rustler and ill have the E receiver in my mini b.
My real question because of them saying indoor carpet tracks, is there any difference in range between the 2 receivers?

 

[ahr43]

304SB-E does not have an external antenna and is recommended for electric car use only. It is not recommended for use in nitro applications.

Below is link to Futaba receivers. Welcome to the Futaba Owners Club. -AC

Fut Rcvrs

 

[WickedFog]

Coming back to this as I have a 3PV now for the bashers. Nice radio. Sadly no wheel tension adjustment as the tension is a bit harder than I like, but I can deal with it.
Came with a T-FHSS R304SB receiver. Gonna get in touch with my uncle tomorrow, he has a spare R304SB-E receiver that he used in his SCTE back in the day with both his 4PLS and 7PX.

Any differences between the basic 304SB and the 304SB-E? I noticed on Futaba's website for the E version saying "Indoor Optimized for smaller carpet track type cars where space is at premium!"
Ill be using the regular 304 in my rustler and ill have the E receiver in my mini b.
My real question because of them saying indoor carpet tracks, is there any difference in range between the 2 receivers?

That wheel tension will just be springs inside. Take one out and measure the diameter, the length, and the wire diameter. Go on ebay and find the same springs, and go a tad bit thinner on the wire diameter. Make sure they are similar looking springs, with roughly the same number of coils. It's a crap shoot, but I have bought a lot of springs that way, and have solved a lot of problems.

Or you can heat the springs up and let them cool slowly to remove some of the hardness which will soften the springs.