Radios

[hipluther01]

I was thinking about upgrading to a digital transmitter to get rid of the conflicting crystal syndrom. But when it comes to them I have NO idea of whats good, whats crap, whats easy to program, or whats best for a beginner digital remote holder. So I thought well why not ask to guys and gals on the board? So here it is, What are your opinions on digital transmitters?

 

[nitrosteve]

spectrum makes good radios

 

[savagefan04]

get an FM radio. easy to program, and come with tons of channels to pick from. and they are cheap...

 

[Suicide]

if you have the money go spektrum. it will solve all your issues and the newest system runs 10 models

 

[Cupooterluvr]

I have the MX-3 FHSS 2.4ghz system from Airtronics, and it is the perfect spread-spectrum radio for a beginner. The menus are intuitive; I didn't even have to read the manual to tell how to change EPA's and sub-trim and such. I had to look up the throttle curve thing simply because I didn't know what it was, but other than that absolutely no problems. It has 3 channels so you can use reverse if you have a MT. Pricing

It has an 18-model memory (it uses a numerical organization system; if you can't remember which one is which just put a small card in the battery tray with the models on it). The battery life is excellent, I can drive through at least 3 tanks on my Baja (that's about 2 hours) without it needing a charge, and there is a battery voltage indicator. Once it gets to around 9 volts I go to charge it but so far it's still on 9.8 volts after 2 hours.

As far as range goes, I can drive my Baja 5b so far away that I can barely even hear it (there's a 1-second delay between hitting the throttle and the sound reaching my ears... ) and still have perfect control. It's easy to bind and set the failsafe.

There are only four buttons for the menus: select keys to change the menu option, and +/- keys to change the value. Every menu has its own icon on the screen, so you can cycle through them all and know which one you're on at all times. There are hardwired toggle switches for throttle trim, steering trim, and dual rate.


I hope that helps... Sorry for sounding like a sales pitch, but I really like the remote, lol.


Ok, so apparently they discontinued the model that I have, but the new one looks to have the same features, and the same price. $150. Pretty low for a 2.4 system with the features it has

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWYX8&P=7

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

+1 ^^^

I have the same radio, except the FM version, and I have had no problems with it at all. Definitely a great radio for the price.

Another good brand is Futaba. They make the 3PK and 4PK, which I hear are very good radios.

 

[Cyclop3000]

Although I am sold to Futaba, you have to admit the 3PK and 4PK are VERY expensive. Now there's a great remote from Futaba, the 3PM, which also has a 2.4 FASST version where the 2.4 module is actually integrated in the controller...no need to fiddle with addons or change signals from an FM. And for 179$, it's a great price IMHO...

http://www.rcplanet.com/Futaba_3PM_3_Channel_4GHz_Transmitter_Receiver_p/futk2020.htm

Works for me

 

[frickenjoey]

I have the Futaba 3PM 2.4 and 3PK 2.4/75 FM. I like both radios a lot. Both are very tunable.

 

[Cyclop3000]

Hey frickenjoey, would you say the 3PK's functions above the 3PM can justify it's price...or are you just paying for the fancy screen and lighting buttons??

If so, what makes it worth it in your opinion?

 

[frickenjoey]

Well the 3PKS is the most adjustable radio I have ever seen.....for a basher I would say no. If you race yes way worth it because EVERYTHING is tunable...almost to a fault (too complicated at times). I got a real good deal on it or I would have never bought it. I do love it but sometimes.... I sneak back and use the 3PM just because it is just easier.....lol. I am a basher.....fancy stuff is cool but for a caveman it is more than what I use.

 

[Cyclop3000]

Yeah thanks for your opinion, that's exactly what I thought. I wanted to buy a 3PK at first but since I don't race or anything serious, then I figured the 3PM would be more suited for me, and hell save me a few bucks hehe.

 

[hipluther01]

I was looking at a airtronics m8 with fm novak setup and 4 recievers. Auction is at $60 bucks and I could always buy a spektrum reciever and tranmistter 2 clip in the rear. I ahve been looking at a lot of transmitters lately. I'm about to recieve 2 more nitro rc's. A buddie told me he would sell me his rc10gt and an old panda for $80 bucks. Plus I think I found my old rustler so that would put me at 4 trucks. I dont really care for spending
$40/week bucks for friging batteries for a gazillion dag gum remotes. At my lhs there were a couple guys who had $300 dollar remotes. I dont even know the brand. The one guy let me play with his mini that had the "way more then needed" remote. I was like...mmmmm...aaaahhhh....yeah. One other question i have is if you change remotes, am I going tohave to change servos?

 

[Cyclop3000]

Doesn't depend on the remote, but on the receiver. You just have to be careful and check compatibility, as some might not be compatible with all receivers, or so I read. But most of the time, all the leading brands are compatible.

 

[itsalifeworthliving]

i love the futaba 3pm's. they are great easy to use radio's. they start at 109 and loads of feature, plus they have the 2.4 wich is even better

 

[hipluther01]

I went down to my lhs today and I saw a spektrum d3s. omg thats a hot looking remote. It has built in telemetry and comes with 2 recievers for $250. Thats kinda pricey though.