Futaba 2.4 GHz, any good?
 

I am getting a new "budget" 2.4 GHz system, and I was looking into the Futaba 2PL 2.4 GHz system. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXXMV5&P=7 Has anyone tried it before or know if it's any good? I did notice that it is FHSS where the more expensive Futaba systems are FASST, anything bad about FHSS?

Thanks for any input!

I like that it only requires 4 AA batteries... More are going to this! Much lighter on the hands.

http://runryder.com/helicopter/t385752p1/

I just briefly scrolled through that but there seems to be some helpful info there regarding the different 2.4 GHz technologies.

That was a good read

Futaba is a great brand. I've got a futaba and I love it. It's not 2.4ghz, but everything else about it is top notch. I would highly recommend a futaba.

I've used that Futaba system and a Spektrum. I give Spektrum two thumbs up, and Futaba one thumb down. The Spektrum is much more intuitive to set up, and the manual is by far easier to read (the Futaba manual is poorly translated Japanese to English). Another nod to Spektrum is that you'd be putting some of your money into a US company. You can find DX3's used fairly cheap, and new DX2's are inexpensive.

I've got 2 Futaba Magnums. One from 1993 and it still works! (I still like it, it's a good transmitter) Because that one still worked and it wasn't 2.4GHz I started to look to 2.4GHz from Futaba (ofcourse) and now I also got a Futaba Magnum 3PKS with 2.4GHz Fasst - works like a charm!

Futaba: +1

Neither lol.. I posted this in another thread, Airtronics has a 3 channel with expo and all the goodies for $100. Even if you don't need a 3 channel I think it's great to have options. Another big plus is the size of the RX, it is VERY small. And if the 1000 foot range is to be believed, then it is already twice as good as my DX3.0.....

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...annel-Receiver

thats nice, but check out the price tag on another Rx... that same as a whole systems...

It was about $70, comparable to most other 2.4 GHz receivers I've seen. No matter what company you go with you'll pay ~$70 or more to buy a brand new receiver, whether you start out with a $100 system or a $400 system.

Can't win em all...

I agree with 'champ tho, pretty comparable.

cant help you with the airtronics, but i have owned a spektrum dx3 and futaba 3pm FASST.


dx3, had it first. Had major issues with it dropping or losing all its channels after 5 mins. of running. Had to constantly restart everything. Maybe it was my area that has so many interferences.

3PM FASSt. LOVE IT:party::party:

Im sorry, but spektrum sucks. I had nothing by glitching issues with it. Never been a fan after loosing races because my car was glitchin so bad. My buddy did the same thing in his M8. From spekky back to crystals and it doesnt glitch

Futaba FASST is the shiz. I had a 3PK for a while. And just got a 4PK 3 weeks ago. Flawless....

Another vote for Futaba..............

I am futaba all the way. I have used JR, which is basically FM spektrum and it was the biggest piece of junk ever. I have both Futaba and Airtronics 2.4GHz radios and much prefer Futaba. Plus the range is much better on the Futaba than anything else I have owned.

I ended up going with the Futaba 2PL 2.4 GHz! Ordered it Wednesday and got the 1 day overnight shipping (totally worth it IMO), anyway I got it today and installed it, and all I have to say is wow. Great system for the money. It's very light compared to my old JR XR2i, only needing 4 AA's is nice. It's got more features than the Spektrum DX2.0 and DX3.0, and looks better IMO. The 2PL 2.4 GHz isn't FASST like the higher priced Futaba systems, but rather FHSS like the Airtronics systems of that price range (the 2 and 3 channel). Responce time is very fast at about 200 feet, very precise feeling. This setup also seems to bring out the full potential in my Hitec servos, as I have noticed somewhat of a performance boost in them, especially in speed and precision, and I have to put alot of effort into turning the front wheels of my Mugen MBX5-T by hand when I apply the brakes. If you want a 2.4 GHz system on the cheap, but want a great and reputable brand, go with the Futaba 2PL 2.4 GHz!


EDIT: I have yet to try to find out what the max range is, but I will see if I can go to about 700 feet or more tomorrow and report back with results!