When does it make sense to buy a single/upgraded controller?

[bill_delong]

it's a slippery slope...

My strategy was to have no less than 1 controller per person. At one point I was maintaining around 25 cars and I had close to a dozen radios. Most radios didn't have model memory and that was fine as I shared my collection with my children and all their friends in the neighborhood, often with all 12 radios in use at the same time!

I began to evaluate every imaginable budget radio system with model memories and started to track my notes here, the post is dated but still relevant for budget systems:

• Which surface radio system is the best?

My kids have since grown up and I've migrated over to 100% racing and 0% bashing these days so I maintain 2 identical radio systems so I have a full replacement backup on race day.

I have a brand new never been used Graupner X-8E with carry case and several Rx's that I am willing to sell for $250 shipped in the CONUS. This is the best price anyone can find for a new system with a touchscreen which has become my top requirement for radio system. Only reason I am wanting to sell it is because I have been spoiled with antennaless Rx's and not really sure I want to go back to Graupner because their Rx's all have antennas which is perfectly fine, but the current generation of radios all come with antennaless Rx's now.

 

[Doom!]

I've got a Radiolink rc6gs and have had no problems, I think they tried to get to fancy with the software on the RC8, and that's why it had so many problems. I think anything before the RC8 is a solid radio and not overly complicated.

 

[WickedFog]

I've got a Radiolink rc6gs and have had no problems, I think they tried to get to fancy with the software on the RC8, and that's why it had so many problems. I think anything before the RC8 is a solid radio and not overly complicated.

I haven't seen any complaints with either the 4gs or 6gs. And the 6gs is the one I was really wanting to try out. But if I ever do buy another radio, I think I'm going to grab that MT12 just to see how many of our RC's I can quickly pair it with.

 

[PewPewChris]

I’m still trying to figure out the technical side of making a move to a higher end controller. Do the ones I’ve mentioned have a way to link up to my current traxxas models or will I need to upgrade any I want to use specifically on the new controller?

 

[DavidB1126]

You would need a new receiver to go along with a new transmitter, unless you go with the MT12 4in1 transmitter which should hook up with traxxas receivers.
But in general, any tx/rx system should work with any esc. But I seen some occasions that a traxxas esc doesn't like to work or collaborate with a different brand transmitter. Idk, traxxas electronics are weird and cause trouble sometimes.

 

[WickedFog]

I’m still trying to figure out the technical side of making a move to a higher end controller. Do the ones I’ve mentioned have a way to link up to my current traxxas models or will I need to upgrade any I want to use specifically on the new controller?

The only radio I know of that will bind with various Rx's from other brands is the Radiomaster MT12. I am not sure if it pairs with Traxxas Rx's or not though, but if you look for your Rx models and the MT12, you might find a video or two. All the other radios you have to buy a receiver for the radio.

 

[332_RC]

The only radio I know of that will bind with various Rx's from other brands is the Radiomaster MT12. I am not sure if it pairs with Traxxas Rx's or not though, but if you look for your Rx models and the MT12, you might find a video or two. All the other radios you have to buy a receiver for the radio.

That's the one you recommended in my thread about the DX6C? This one will pair with SR315 Spektrum receivers?

 

[DavidB1126]

If they are DSMR protocol, yes I believe the MT12 can do it. (Under DSM in the MT12)
But you would have to set your ID seed to 0 as any other ID might cause unstable binding

(Updated the MT12 thread I created with a list of protocols that the MT12 can do)

 

[WickedFog]

That's the one you recommended in my thread about the DX6C? This one will pair with SR315 Spektrum receivers?

Yes.

That's the one you recommended in my thread about the DX6C? This one will pair with SR315 Spektrum receivers?

I should add, the more I think about the Radiomaster, the more I want to get one to play with. I'd love to do a rundown on it to share my thoughts here on the forum. Maybe I'll fit one in the budget here soon. But right now I have two SCX24 projects tying up any extra funds I have

 

[Greywolf74]

If they are DSMR protocol, yes I believe the MT12 can do it. (Under DSM in the MT12)
But you would have to set your ID seed to 0 as any other ID might cause unstable binding

(Updated the MT12 thread I created with a list of protocols that the MT12 can do)

Yes.


I should add, the more I think about the Radiomaster, the more I want to get one to play with. I'd love to do a rundown on it to share my thoughts here on the forum. Maybe I'll fit one in the budget here soon. But right now I have two SCX24 projects tying up any extra funds I have

Whats the difference between the ELRS version of the MT12 and the 4in1 version?

 

[DavidB1126]

Whats the difference between the ELRS version of the MT12 and the 4in1 version?

The 4in1 has all the different protocols to link up with different brand receivers. The elrs is for long range.

 

[WickedFog]

Whats the difference between the ELRS version of the MT12 and the 4in1 version?

Those are the modules used in the radio for different protocols. ExpressLRS, or the 4in1 MPM RF module.

Available with ExpressLRS and 4in1 Version

In addition to the popular internal 4-in-1 Multi-module, the MT12 is also available with an internal 2.4GHz ExpressLRS (ELRS) module. Designed to provide reliable long-distance control, super low latency, and high refresh rates. ELRS is a revolutionary open-source protocol taking the R/C industry by storm.

ExpressLRS VERSION
ExpressLRS supports ultra-fast response modes for seat of your pants racing or super long range modes for pushing the limits of your adventures.
For more information, please visit www.expresslrs.org

4in1 VERSION
One remote to control all of your cars. The 4in1 internal RF system has protocols, for many popular brands of cars and receivers.
Click here to visit the list of supported protocols

So it looks like you would want the 4in1 version for binding to various Rx's

 

[22SSragtop]

Right from the get go. But plan accordingly. You are starting out with small scale rock crawling. So just for future proofing, I would say get something with at least 4 channels. Winches, lights, 4 wheel steering, etc can all be controlled with other channels.

But a lot of the small scale trucks use all in one ESC's/Receivers. So if you swap out the Rx, you'll need an ESC as well.

There are a number of low budget radios out there. FlySky has the GT3B, GT5, a few others, then the NB4+. I have the GT3B and the GT5. Both are great radios for the money. Rx's for them are a lot cheaper than other systems as well.

Another one that I really wish I had bought is the Radiomaster MT12. Tons of channels and features. Steeper learning curve, but it also works with just about any Rx. So it may even work with your current stock Receivers.

bought 1(mt 12) so far so good . really like it. having to learn new terms... like centering a front axle, it called offset.

used youtube to learn how to get 4 ws working on my power wagon... does front, rear only , crab or mirror to make a really tight turn. all by flicking a switch.

 

[WickedFog]

bought 1(mt 12) so far so good . really like it. having to learn new terms... like centering a front axle, it called offset.

used youtube to learn how to get 4 ws working on my power wagon... does front, rear only , crab or mirror to make a really tight turn. all by flicking a switch.

Can't you also set it up to use a knob to steer the rear manually?

 

[22SSragtop]

Can't you also set it up to use a knob to steer the rear manually?

yep, but I wanted more control and also wanted to learn more about programing the transmitter. I could not find a comfortable position to steer, rear steer and use the throttle all at the same time. this way I flip a switch and it changes to that mode... I may end up just using a knob but it did force me to learn more.