Traxxas crystal radio question

[Cheetah928]

Hey guys, I was wondering how in the world I could get a crystal radio to work. It’s older and originally comes from a nitro sport. I’d like to put it in a street car I’m getting sometime this coming summer and want to use it in the car. I’m going to be running a brushless system and probably a feetec servo. Yes, I am aware that crystal radios are old and use a ton of batteries and probably need replacement parts. That is a thing I’m willing to do, the crystal radio seems cool.

 

[Chubaka]

It works the same way the radiod of today work.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I've never tried to install new electronics to an old radio system. I hope you get it running! I have a bunch of old Futaba twin stick radios that pair up nicely with vintage cars. It would be so cool to get them all running again!
Good luck!!!

 

[Cheetah928]

It works the same way the radiod of today work.

One time I tried to pair up that radio with a vxl system and it didn’t work.

 

[Chubaka]

One time I tried to pair up that radio with a vxl system and it didn’t work.

One of my vxls came with that remote and I used an og castle system with it. At one point I had 4 or so.

 

[ZaneC]

What's the problem with the system? Is it not working properly? Do you need replacement crystals? Are you worried it won't work with your brushless system?

 

[Cheetah928]

What's the problem with the system? Is it not working properly? Do you need replacement crystals? Are you worried it won't work with your brushless system?

It powered it up, I can’t remember if the servo worked, but the vxl did not read it. It acted like there was no radio system.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

some new digital servos don't seem work with old AM radios. iv deal with that. got a bag of old Airtronics servos i can't use.
i don't remember if i ever tried hooking a motor up.

 

[ZaneC]

It powered it up, I can’t remember if the servo worked, but the vxl did not read it. It acted like there was no radio system.

Experiment with a brushed system to see if it works. If it doesn't, then that might mean you need new crystals.

 

[Chubaka]

Also make sure the throttle is neutral on the radio and it's on 50/50 not 70/30

 

[Greywolf74]

Hey guys, I was wondering how in the world I could get a crystal radio to work. It’s older and originally comes from a nitro sport. I’d like to put it in a street car I’m getting sometime this coming summer and want to use it in the car. I’m going to be running a brushless system and probably a feetec servo. Yes, I am aware that crystal radios are old and use a ton of batteries and probably need replacement parts. That is a thing I’m willing to do, the crystal radio seems cool.

You can use an old AM transmitter and AM receiver with a modern brushless system and servos in an RC car, but there are important considerations:

1. Compatibility with Servos:​

• Modern servos typically use the same PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal as older servos, so they will likely work with your old AM receiver.
• However, signal precision and response time might not be as smooth compared to modern 2.4GHz systems, which can result in latency or glitching.

2. Compatibility with Brushless ESCs:​

• Brushless ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) also accept PWM signals, so they should technically work with an AM receiver.
• The challenge is that AM systems are prone to interference and may cause throttle glitches or even fail-safes in high-power brushless setups, which can be dangerous at high speeds.

3. Range & Interference Issues:​

• AM systems are more susceptible to radio interference from various sources, including electric motors, metal structures, and even other RC users.
• Modern 2.4GHz systems are much more interference-resistant and offer better range and reliability.

4. Failsafe Capability:​

• Many modern ESCs and servos rely on failsafe features for safety, which older AM receivers might not support. This could be problematic if you lose signal, as the car might continue running uncontrollably.

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Bottom Line:​

While it may work, using an old AM Tx/Rx with modern components isn't recommended for high-performance RC cars, especially those with brushless systems. For better reliability, safety, and performance, upgrading to a modern 2.4GHz radio system would be the best option. Personally Id recommend a FlySky GT3b for less than $50.