to buy or not to buy a 3PK

[CharliesTheMan]

I'm getting ready to my my first fairly nice radio system. I have looked at different brands, and I found a system that I might get. It's the Futaba 3PK system, non-synthesized. I am going to get a super good deal on the transmitter, 3 receivers, extra battery, the aluminum futaba case specifically for the 3PK, and a few other things that I can't remember exactly what they were. I have a Savage X SS, a T-Maxx, and a HPI Baja 5b.

I currently just bash around and I'm building a home track, and will eventually end up racing. This radio will mostly be for bashing around the nitros and running the baja, because everyone is telling me that I'll forget I ever wanted a nitro once the baja is finished.

Are there any known problems with this radio that I should watch out for? Do you guys think this is a good radio or should I get something else?

 

[robmob]

The 3PK is a solid system you can't go wrong with.

I have a 3PKS setup and with FASST. I also have the synth module and an AM module.

 

[itsalifeworthliving]

whats the diffrence between synth. and non-synth.

 

[robmob]

Synth is when you can change the channels on the receiver without the use of crystals.

Non-Synth is crystal based so you will need to change crystals to change channels.

 

[jetmechG550]

I've also got a 3PKS with FASST and love it. Best thing to do though is get the HT Batteries LiPo pack for it. It lightens it up a lot and the pack will literally last for a couple days of use. It might be considered by some to be overkill for a basher radio but if you ever get into racing then you'll have what you need. There's a ton of features you may not actually ever use unless you race and even then you prolly won't change anything from the defaults. I have the case too and use it as a booster up on the driver's stand.

 

[jon2]

I've also got a 3PKS with FASST and love it. Best thing to do though is get the HT Batteries LiPo pack for it. It lightens it up a lot and the pack will literally last for a couple days of use. It might be considered by some to be overkill for a basher radio but if you ever get into racing then you'll have what you need. There's a ton of features you may not actually ever use unless you race and even then you prolly won't change anything from the defaults. I have the case too and use it as a booster up on the driver's stand.

+1 on the 3PK. I had it for a bit and kind of regret selling it for small reasons but combined with a Spektrum system from DSM or FASST will put a smile to your face.

Jet, you need a booster? Didn't know you are vertically challenged.

 

[Lessen]

I'll add another one up for the 3PK. I've been using one for a few years now and love it. All of my r/c's run on spektrum with a 3PK. Having one radio for everything is ultra conveniant and being able to make the adjustments that you can't with simple radio systems is really nice too. I'm more of a basher these days but I still enjoy my good radio.

nice tip Jetmech. I should look into that.

 

[Rolex]

everyone is telling me that I'll forget I ever wanted a nitro once the baja is finished.

Since your just getting to REALLY enjoy nitro, I'll have to insist that you send the Baja to me unopened, so you don't forget what you now enjoy.

 

[jetmechG550]

I'm 5'11" LOL I use a stand of sorts almost everywhere because the damn railings on 99% of driver's stands get in the way of where I hold my radio when I drive. I hold my radio low and it's usually right level with the railing and if I'm not on a stool I have to stand back from the rail which presents other problems like seeing around the guy on my left or right. Also helps when you get stuck next to someone that holds their radio next to their face, puts me just high enough above that.

 

[CharliesTheMan]

I don't wanna stand on my new box, so I'm just going to start where high heels at the same time I start racing. Maybe a nice skirt too, that will help distract the other driver while I'm looking over there head, and I might have a chance at like 5th place.

In all seriousness though, I'm very interested in that batt pack, jet. What is a good price for them? I'm going to look them up now, I'm not just trying to be lazy and ask someone else to do all the work, but I kinda like to know what's a pretty good price when I'm getting ready to buy something so I don't become one of those people that gets excited when there is a "SALE" sign on something, even though it's not on sale and half the price at the department store next door.

 

[Lessen]

$65 w/charger at their own site.

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Yea that's not bad at all. I thought it was gonna be north of a hundred, but I'm glad its not.

 

[Lessen]

yeah, that's pretty decent. If I were racing I could see how the weight of a Tx would be taxing. Matter of fact, when we were going pretty strong with our VRC racing I realized how much the weight can play in my driving. I think I would actually benefit from a wrist brace because of the way I hold my Tx. I don't do it on purpose, it's just the way I end up holding it... with my wrist angled downward kind of like the way you would pick up a skillet from the stovetop.

 

[jetmechG550]

I don't think I could ever do a 30 minute main with an M11! That thing's a brick! LOL I had a charger that does LiPo's so all I needed was the pack from HT Batteries. I think it's about $50 or so, but it's about half the size of the other LiPo packs out there for the 3PK. I honestly think that right now the 3PK is the most popular radio in off-road nitro. I was at a 400 entry race in January and was watching guys on the stand and the 3PK outnumbered everything 3:1 at least

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Well I'm the proud new owner of a Futaba 3PK system. I gave $180 for the transmitter, 2 receivers, a charger, and a spare battery. It seemed like a good deal based on listings that I've seen on the forums and ebay. Do you guys think I got a pretty good deal? The clincher for me was that I bought it from the owner of the LHS, so it has been VERY well maintained and is in excellent condition. I haven't used it yet since I just got it, but it sure feels good in my hand!

 

[Plaidfish]

I've got some spare FM Rx for sale to add your 3rd rig to that system if you are interested....