Radio Upgrade?

[jriesz]

Hey everyone,

Now, I'm pretty new to this whole RC thing still. Went to my first race day the other day with my GV Dominator, and had an absolute ball (Even came 3rd in one race.... Class C ). So naturally, I'm hooked and obsessed with tinkering.

One of the first things I noticed was the EVERYONE was running with what I assume were 2.4GHz Radios. So my questions are these:

1. What are the advantages over the stock AM radio I am currently using?
2. If I were to upgrade, how much would i need to replace? I assume that receiver would need to be changed, but what about servo's? Would they have to be digital?
3. Cost. How much would I be spending to upgrade to a 2.4GHz or 75Mhz FM?

As always, thanks for any help everyone.

 

[MotoGod]

1. AM and FM are more prone to interference from other radio sources. That is their biggest disadvantage. If you plan to race, then 2.4Ghz should seriously be looked at. If you just want to bash around, you may want to consider an upgrade to FM or 2.4Ghz.

2. Transmitter and Receiver are all you NEED to upgrade. Digital Servos have a different advantage, but will work with any radio that has the ability to set end points (as far as I know anyway)

3. Depends on which radio you want really. 75Mhz FM Radios are pretty cheap if you get one that requires crystals. If you go Sythesized they are more money up front, but pay off when you don't have to keep buying crystals to swap channels. 2.4 Ghz can be cheap if you go used as well. I just bought a Spektrum DX3 for $110 shipped with a receiver. New they are a bit more depending on what features you want.

 

[jriesz]

So I'll get one.. now what?

Ok, so looks like I'll be getting a 2.4Ghz set up. Had a look at the DX3 - how does it improve on the DX2. I found a DX2 for 125, and the DX3 was 200, so that's quite a leap in price. EDIT - 2 ch vs 3 Ch of course - any use for that 3rd channel?

Also had a short look at the Futaba 3PM.

Comments on any of those?

 

[samrsnow]

Go with ther Futaba 3PM fasst!! Way better than any of the spectrum systems mentioned! Far better quality also.

 

[MotoGod]

I just bought a DX3 from a member here for $110 or so. So I would look around a bit more if your budget could use a stretch. Some GREAT deals on radios out there! www.rctech.net is usually my second stop if I don't see what I'm looking for sale here. That place is a ZOO though...but some good prices all over if you hunt them down.

As far as the number of channels, it really depends on your vehicle. Electric vs Nitro. 2WD vs 4WD. Reverse or no reverse. etc etc etc 3 channels are usually for nitro vehicles with reverse, but they have other uses as well.

I personally haven't been in the hobby all that long to speak on specific radios, but I have used some stock AM radios, FM Radios, and finally the used Spektrum DX3 (not the 3.0) that I just scored. They have all worked VERY well for me. I typically bash in my yard without much around me. Spektrum has a HUUUUGE range on it though! Way longer than the AM or FM I have used. Plus the antenna is nice and small on both the TX and RX. So at the moment, that's MY preference, but there are a ton of 2.4Ghz systems out there.

 

[jriesz]

Bidding on DX3.0

Well, I bit the bullet. I put a bid on a DX3.0 for $175 (AUD) so hopefully that comes through. I didn't realise there was a difference between the 3 and 3.0 lol, but I'll just be happy to have a 2.4Ghz system.

Can't wait . Thanks for all the help.

 

[jriesz]

Got it

Well, I got it: A Spektrum DX3 (not 3.0 by the looks of it), for 205 AUD (140USD) delivered with receiver. Can't wait to take this baby out for a spin now

 

[ThunderTiger]

jriesz, have u got a manual for the DX3 ?? if not, i can send e-mail you one, either that, or point you to where i got my one from.

BTW, The SR300 receiver also works with the DX3, i use one. The "AUX" channel is the third channel on it.

 

[jriesz]

Yeah, I got a manual from somewhere online. Came with an SR3000 receiver as well, so all good on that front.

As for that third channel: Does that require and extra servo/gearing? Also - is there anything else that third channel can be used for that might be useful/cool?