What's a good radio for group-bashing my T?

[Chevy-SS]

Next weekend I am taking my T-Maxx to my first large group (30+ people) race/bash session. I have already spent a bunch of money on my T and don't want it promptly wrecked by someone else on my frequency. Right now, I am only using the stock radio, which seems like a recipe for disaster as it only has six channels available.

It seems like a no-brainer that I would need to go get a good FM radio with all the channels. Am I correct? What's a good radio? What are you guys using? Are you using synthesized channels?

 

[FastEddy]

There are several FM radios on the market that use synthesized tuners. You can assign it to any of a number of channels.

Jr. is probably the best value. Do a search on JR, Synth, or radio on this forum and you will get a wealth of knowledge.

Also check Tower for the going prices. You will find the link in our link section.

Good luck.

 

[30%NitroBoy]

Good info from FastEddy and I'll elaborte a bit for ya and answer your questions in detail.

"Right now, I am only using the stock radio, which seems like a recipe for disaster as it only has six channels available". Yes you can only change between 6 27mhz am channels. Contrary to ignorant belief, 27 MHzam is actually a great frequency....it's a strong signal. THe problem is that most every RTR RC on the planet and some toy store grade RC's run this frequency. It's not uncommon for me to have my AM signal picked up in the weridest of places. The Stock Traxxas T-maxx AM radio is descent but less then stellar compared to some of the killer radios on the market. It's not the signal that sucks on the stock radio as much as the lack of adjustablity and other features like servo reversing. It's also awesome to not have to worry about your trim settings getting bumped on a cheap radio. It's awesome to have digital settings that are "SET".

"Am I correct? What's a good radio? What are you guys using? Are you using synthesized channels?" It's a matter of gross interpritation often but I'd say no, your not correct. Their's a possibility that many of your 30+ bash buddies will be running FM frequency's and you'll be ok. It's also possible that people will be running every 27MHZ am channel known to man..lol. An inexperienced driver with more power then he can handle is much more of a "recipe for diaster"....lol. A proper failsafe can prevent possible radio interferience but of course you all need to be on different channels.

I'm running a Futaba Magnum FM. I payed bout $125 not to long ago that comes with one Reciever and no cheapo servos. Additional recievers run about $40 and they're very small and lightweight. I have three cars preset with tons of various awesome digital features. The only thing I don't like is that it uses crytals but "crystaless" radios can be pricey but very nice. I also love some of the radios that JR has been coming out with and they go from mild to wild in price and features. Keep in mind that driver skill and proper education is of the upmost importance in this hobby. Hell, they even have an "anit-lock" braking system now in radios that often cost less then $220. I would reco that you buy @ an LHS so you can actually c if the radio is comfortable for your hand/s. Also, you don't want a radio that's heavy as hell when your bashing/racing for a long time.

You can't go wrong with JR or Futaba...go luck.

Peace

 

[Error401]

JR XS3 is what I'm using. I run at a local track on the weekends and there have been a bunch of times when synthesis has come in hand. There are only 2 or 3 guys local here that run synth radios (including me) and it does make things easier when running in a crowd. The nice thing about computer radios ingeneral is the ability to store a number of models in the Tx, then you only have to get another Rx for the other cars.

 

[30%NitroBoy]

Sup Error....I think that was the one I was thinking about getting. What did it run you bro and how do you like the overall programability and the steering features?

Peace

 

[Error401]

I think I paid about 230 for mine (gettin old so that figure might be off a bit).

Personally, I think it's a hell of a radio for the price, considering the storage capabilities, the channel programability and the frequency synthesis. I'm pretty sure that I had to tweak the throttle curve on my picco 26 in the savage, and mush out the expo too, and now the savage is just plain fun to drive. The stock linkage setup on the savage doesn't leave much to adjust as far as throttle or brake feel. Having the ability to dial in expo on that channel makes it a snap to flatten the throttle respone when the engine has a funny throotle curve to begin with. Same with the brakes. For that matter, expo helps dial in the steering too. Mush neutral for non-twitchy high speed, but still have full throw when you crank the wheel, all the while neverr touching the "dual rate" switch.

Did I mention that it just feels good in your hand?

 

[30%NitroBoy]

Sounds sweet Error. Most places are selling it for around $239.00. I've heard allot of great stuff about this setup...not to mention that comfort is a huge factor that's often overlooked.

Peace

 

[Chevy-SS]

Thank you all for your comments. :thumbup: I appreciate the in-depth answers. You guys convinced me (even if you didn't intend to) that a serious radio is a requirement. Bashing is fun, but I want to get into some organized racing. I want a radio with all the bells and whistles like Anti-lock brakes, etc., and, of course, ALL available channels, hehe.

Thanks

 

[olds97_lss]

Well, i've upgraded everything on both my trucks (xxx nt and 21 maxx) but the radio equip.

I did dump my traxxas equip and went with another jr receiver. So now i run both trucks with the same radio. The JR xr2 came with my xxxnt and i stuck with it. I like it allot, but it's kind of glitchy for nitro. From what i've read, your better off to run FM for nitro due to the fact that AM doesn't like the harmonic vibrations that the nitro engine brings with it.

Just what i've read. Since i havn't gone FM, i don't know for a fact though.

 

[woody]

Me personally, I went with the Airtronics MX-3. I found it to be the biggest bang for the buck! Good luck!

 

[robmob]

I also use the JR XS3 and am very happy with it. Extra receivers are a little pricey, but not too bad. Has great features for the price. No ABS though if that is something you need. I currenty run it on 4 of my RC's. Fixing to add a 5th as soon as my SS comes in.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Got the JR XS3 (FM) today at my LHS. They all recommended it, and so did you guys. Seems like a great radio and should do everything I want or need. Again, many thanks for the tips.

LHS had an awesome MT there (about same size as T-Maxx) with a .70 engine!!!! woo hoooo The truck was built like a Russian T-34 tank, meaning very sturdy. I think that is my next purchase. LHS had it on sale for $450.00. ;-)

 

[30%NitroBoy]

Great news Chevy and Congrats on the purchase. I think I'm gonna get one myself. My buddy says the Recievers can be expensive as hell but I don't care if I can rid my RC life of crystals. Many RC pros sware by this JR model.

CIAO