switching to Specktrum

[nitrolight]

I'm seriously considering making the switch to Specktrum DSM... I've done
some research and talked to a couple people who have it, including reading
feedback from you guys in the forums...I know they make the module for the M8 / M11 and the 3PK / 3PJ ect... My question is do you think they will make a module for the Futaba 3PM ? Thats what I have now... If not and I have to upgrade, should I get a M11 or a 3PK ?

 

[Diver6127]

You will have to upgrade to a new radio. Spektrum only provides modules for radios that have a removable PCM module.

 

[hirevn]

what is the 3pj? I've looked at severel suppliers and futabas own website and dont see any 3pj radio listed.

 

[vbgagnon]

It was their top of the line before the 3pk.

 

[Plaidfish]

the module for the 3pk will work in a 3pj though....I was looking for the 3pj and going to get a module for it, it's would be like 250 for a setup w/ spektrum....I got a good deal on a 3pk w/ the module though....if you are into all the real tecky setup features in a radio don't get the DSM radio...I hear a lot of hardcore guys think it lacks setup features.....I don't even use half of the ones on my radio.......
hiriven you can get the manual for the 3pj from futaba's site.....

 

[MyJeep]

You should also consider M8 since everyone is selling them cheap to get the NEW M11.

 

[Diver6127]

the module for the 3pk will work in a 3pj though....I was looking for the 3pj and going to get a module for it, it's would be like 250 for a setup w/ spektrum....I got a good deal on a 3pk w/ the module though....if you are into all the real tecky setup features in a radio don't get the DSM radio...I hear a lot of hardcore guys think it lacks setup features.....I don't even use half of the ones on my radio.......
hiriven you can get the manual for the 3pj from futaba's site.....

I have the 3PJS. Yes the module for the 3PK can be used in this radio. You just have to make sure, as with the other radios, that the transmitter is set to PPM mode instead of PCM. If not, you will not have any transmition. I did this at first and thought I got the wrong module. After fiddling with it for about 30 minutes, I decided to finally read the manual ... DUH! It was there in the setup section.

As far as getting the DX3, yes I was one of those guys that got rid of it soon after purchasing it (2 weekends). It is a very basic radio and, at best, is good for those that don't use the features of the higher end radios for adjustment. Given the choice, I would go for the Helios EX10, Futaba 3PK or JR R-1. I considered the Airtronics M11 but after messing with one at the LHS, I didn't like the feel of it. It is balanced, despite first impressions but the large LCD just didn't appeal to me. It's all personal preference but the M11 is a good radio, just not to my liking.

All the high end radios share most of the same features. It's just the overall feel and design that will sway you left or right.

 

[nitrolight]

I'll probably go with the 3PK then... I'm very comfortable with the 3PM and the
menu setup for Futaba... Well looks like I'm going to dump about $500 bucks
for a new setup.... I'll wait till Jan...

 

[sl0eg1n]

here's tip if you want to save some money. get the KO helios AM transmitter for appox. $200 and just get the spektrum module kit. the total cost will be 359. this will be the most inexpensive way to get a top shelf radio and spektrum module kit brand new. anything cheaper will be going through the classified ads.

 

[jetmechG550]

Hell you can get an M11 w/spektrum for about $390 shipped just about anytime on eBay. Watch as the others say and you can get an M8 w/spektrum reasonable too.

 

[ImBroken]

I currently own an M8 with DSM, & love it so far.. If I had to buy another radio, I would seriously consider the 3PK though... The M8 is not designed well for someone with big hands. I can just get my finger on the trigger, but it feels very cramped. Otherwise, the radio looks & performs excellent... I recommend going down to your LHS, & holding the different radios to get a feel for them..

 

[sweetdiesel]

I have the 3PK also and am a big fan of spektrum. I had the R-1 but fell in love with the Futaba once I held it in my hand. The 3PK has a menu systm that is very intuitive.

I would try to audition in person as many of high end radios as possible, if you're gonna spend the money make sure you get something that feels really comfortable to your hands.

 

[nitrolight]

Just found a 3PK w/spektrum on e-bay for 399.00 + tax + shipping... I guess I'm
under the $500 I was expecting... Since I am going to wait till Jan, you guys are right, I should go to my LHS and actually hold them... I can't imagine going wrong with either the M11 or the 3PK...

 

[joey]

i got my R1 from Sweetdiesel with the Spektrum and LOVE it...

I've owned a M8 before i got the R1 and liked it. but like the feel of the R1 more..

 

[hirevn]

here's tip if you want to save some money. get the KO helios AM transmitter for appox. $200 and just get the spektrum module kit. the total cost will be 359. this will be the most inexpensive way to get a top shelf radio and spektrum module kit brand new. anything cheaper will be going through the classified ads.

where can you find this radio for appox 200.00? the least expensive i found was 260.00 on horizons site.i like this idea and will get one as soon as i find one in that price range.thanks for the tip!!

 

[Diver6127]

You have to get the AM version. This is the cheapest version out there. The 75 mhz PCM version is the more expensive model. Also, Horizon will pretty much rape you. Sl0eg1n got the price from the LHS.

 

[Plaidfish]

Just found a 3PK w/spektrum on e-bay for 399.00 + tax + shipping... I guess I'm
under the $500 I was expecting... Since I am going to wait till Jan, you guys are right, I should go to my LHS and actually hold them... I can't imagine going wrong with either the M11 or the 3PK...

Just make abso-smurfley sure it is NOT a megatech version....Futaba will NOT warrantee them......and good choice on your radio BTW...I may not use all the features on mine but I do like the overall feel and functions that I do use....

 

[nitrolight]

That's right... I do remember reading in another thread about that... I want
the Magnum NOT the Megatech... I prefer the black model, but I can't rationalize
the extra $60 just for looks...

 

[Plaidfish]

I think the black ones are mostly megatech anyway.....not sure if they released a black Magnum version.....probably.....anyway just didn't want you to make the same mistake I know alot of guys I know have......

 

[sl0eg1n]

where can you find this radio for appox 200.00? the least expensive i found was 260.00 on horizons site.i like this idea and will get one as soon as i find one in that price range.thanks for the tip!!

stormer hobbies has the AM version for $209. this is transmitter only. if you are getting the spektrum module kit, you can basically toss the AM module into the garbage. here's the link

https://www.ssl-stormerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/seekpart.pl?src=ns&pn=KOP88887