What Tx/ RX do you use?

[highflier]

I see very little posted here on RCM about Tx's. I loaned a cheapo unit out to a friend and have not seen it for quite some time. I am thinking about just getting a good setup. I would like a 3 channel but it is not required. Range is important and I hate the ant tubes.

I have heard rumors of 2.4 GHZ having range issues. Everything else needs a long ant.

2 or 3 recievers would be nice also. THe 2.4 receivers are costly.


Now on to the questions
1) What do you run and are you happy with it
2) What is the best?
3) What is the best deal?

I am thinking about the JR radio that comes with teh LST2. Seems to be alot of fleebay deals on them.

Highflier

I started with an rtr that had interference issues with the am radio. I started reading and at the time FM was considered best for range and lack of interference. I got lucky on ebay and bought a like new futaba 3PK that was won as a door prize at the Cactus State a few months earlier that year. He sold a bunch of stuff with it and after I got rid of everything I didn't want, I had a like new 3PK for $165 and some of my time.

I run 8 or 9 rcs off of it and have rxs in every rc so its just a matter of deciding which to take out to run - no rx switching etc. Later I scored a Futaba 3PJS that I use to run my 18th scales. Some of those are novak xxl rxs, but some also use same Futaba rx as my bigger scales. I have the flexibility to run ppm, pcm or hrs modes with both radios. I run mostly pcm and a few rcs on ppm, hrs requires digitial servos. Then 2.4Ghz started. I looked at what it would cost to switch both radios tx modules only and all 16 rxs - not going to happen, I'll spend the money on other rc stuff.

I've never had a prob with any of my setups and they have great range. I can drive them far enough away I have trouble seeing them. Don't really have an opinion on whats best, don't have experience outside what I own and some rtr am setups. I'm active on several forums and there seems to be probs with all of them, nothings perfect. Far as antenna tubes go - I'm not real fond of them either, but I use only Yokomo nylon tubes and make sure they're set up right from the start.

[lincpimp]

well I run futaba fm radios too. I have a 2pl and a 3pm. The 2pl is very easy to use, while the 3pm has tons of features. I notice better range with the 3pm, but I can still drive out of sight with the 2pm. I use futaba 3 channel receivers, and the cheaper hitec 3 channel receivers. Both work very well and I see no difference between the two. Both use crystals, I would suggest a synth 3pm transmitter, that way you can use synth receivers, or the cheaper crystal receivers. I have had excellent from all of my futaba products and would highly recommend them.

I currently have those two radios, a synth jr xr3i, and an airtronics synth 3 channel, must have 8 3ch futaba receivers, 6 hitec 3 channel receivers and a few jr receivers and a few airtronics receivers. I have had issues with the jr stuff, airtronics semms fine, but heavy.

[Gee]

I got the DX3R setup and fortunatly it wasn't as an extensive upgrade to switch as Duster would be looking at. I still have one more receiver I need to get. Usually 50-60 range on ebay for the sr3000. THe SR3100 run closer to the 100 mark. I the system works great no range issues and has enough model memory and bells and whistles for everything. I miss the flexibility of my old set up though and really had no problems with it. The DX3R just looked cool and was an impulse item walking out the door at the LHS. I use to run the Futabal 3pm FSpro and also had the JR XS3 and XS3 Pro. I ran all of the RC on the Novak XXtra's so swithcing between the futaba and JR was just a twist of the screwdriver. I liked both of theose setup. THe futaba had a couple extra bells but I ended up liking the feel of the JR better. They were flexible enough I could run three (me and couple friends) RC with out changing anything. I need a at least 2 DX2 to do that and then I can't use them with the new DS receiver. Man sound like I'm complaining. I did have a couple of issues with some interference but not sure it it was the receiver or what but don't get it in the same spots as I did before using the 2.4ghz.

The best is probably a personel preference. How does it feel in your hand make a big different. THe DX3R is cool looking is light and comfortabel. But a big disappointment for me is the steering wheel is farther from the grip then my old controllers. Got pretty good at steering with the thumb and holding a camarea or beverage in the other.

Anybody know where I can get a thumb extension?

I did have a problem with the dx3r LCD in temps below freezing. Lost the LCD completely but it came back about the same time as the feeling in my finger tips did.

Originally Posted by highflier

I see very little posted here on RCM about Tx's. I loaned a cheapo unit out to a friend and have not seen it for quite some time. I am thinking about just getting a good setup. I would like a 3 channel but it is not required. Range is important and I hate the ant tubes.

I have heard rumors of 2.4 GHZ having range issues. Everything else needs a long ant.

2 or 3 recievers would be nice also. THe 2.4 receivers are costly.


Now on to the questions
1) What do you run and are you happy with it
2) What is the best?
3) What is the best deal?

I am thinking about the JR radio that comes with teh LST2. Seems to be alot of fleebay deals on them.

Highflier

I just bought the Futaba 3PM FASST from Tower it was 189.99 and I got a $20 off at checkout delevered its about $178, thats not much more than synthizied crystal setup, I saw a recent post of a guy that hooked up a 500mw amplifier to one and it increased the performance 300%, it comes stock with a 100mw transmiter, and in some countries its illegal to use the 2.4ghz band at more than 10mw since this is the same band that internet wifi is broadcast over.


you will need these 2 parts
http://www.hyperlinktech.com/item.aspx?id=1123


http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wi...e-extender.php


but the spread spectrum is nice especially if you race, so you dont have to worry about what channel you are on and what other people are on, and you will have a more responsive truck

additional RXs arent bad $80-90, and all can use the same TX buy a RX for each vehicle you run they are pretty simple to setup

[DRIFT_BUGGY]

I am currently using a JR XS3 which I have had since 2002. I was using a Spektrum DX2 radio last year but didn't like the feel of it. Will upgrade to another radio down the track but at the moment the JR XS3 works great and have no issues with it ever

I went ahead and bit the bullet 2 years ago and got a M11 w/ Spektrum and it's been great. Never had any range issues and I have 10 models programmed into it. I also picked up a Commonsense lipo for it and I swear I charged it only once in the past 5 months. And that's for at least two hours of use every week! As for the RX's I just watch Ebay for good deals and pick them up as needed. Whenever I sell a roller, I always keep my RX's though.

[rcmonkey]

I use a Futaba 2PL Fm which I love asit is cheap, works fine and is the simplest radio to setup I have come across, just one button to change through all the different menus and the trim button to change whatever you want to change.

[highflier]

For what it is worht right now I have
RTR traxxas (range is not great on this unit.
Futaba sport (on loan)
Futaba JR (Qty 2)

It is just that the JR synth radio's can be had so cheap. ~75.00
THe dx3.0 sounds so convient. ~175.00

I still am no closer to making a decision

Highflier

[tashpop]

i got mad one day with my stock am units and dead aa's so when i got home from playing, i jumped on tower and ordered the 3pks with thier 3pay deal. it was an easy way to get a top notch system.

[jfruge]

I ended up geting 3 of the Spektrum DX3 systems over about a year's time. They all came with a 2nd Free RX.

My son and I have been using them in our Cars and FE boats and were happy with them.

[skellyo]

Originally Posted by bluonyx

I went ahead and bit the bullet 2 years ago and got a M11 w/ Spektrum and it's been great. Never had any range issues and I have 10 models programmed into it.

Same here...M11 w/Spektrum Pro system with 8 vehicles programmed into it.

Originally Posted by bluonyx

As for the RX's I just watch Ebay for good deals and pick them up as needed. Whenever I sell a roller, I always keep my RX's though.

I do the same thing. I recently picked up a Spektrum SR3000 Rx for just under $30 shipped on eBay.

[MetalMan]

About a year or so ago I purchased a Nomadio React radio. It isn't exactly cheap at $300, but with this radio you certainly get what you pay for (and it helps that I got mine for $260). For its features, it's by far the least expensive radio out there...

-telemetry including RX voltage, main battery voltage, RPM measurement, and temperature measurement
-vibrating/audible alerts that can be set when a certain temperature or voltage threshold is reached (completely programmable)
-very lightweight with the included 4cell NiMh 800mah pack, I have a 2s 2100mah Lipo in mine with a 5v switching regulator and 2s Lipo alarm. Mine has almost no self-discharge, and I hardly ever charge it.
-compact compared to pretty much all other radios out there
-computer interface for programming the TX's settings and for firmware upgrade-ability
-compatibility with Spektrum RXs means that you can get a lot of receivers for cheap (I've bought some from coworkers at the LHS for $20 each)
-super adjustable settings for everything, with the ability to do whatever mixing you want (even for a RC tank!)

Downside:
-looks kinda weird/cheap

This radio has enabled me to do so many things I could never imagine doing with any other radio, without totally breaking the bank.

[Matthew_Armeni]

Originally Posted by MetalMan

About a year or so ago I purchased a Nomadio React radio. It isn't exactly cheap at $300, but with this radio you certainly get what you pay for (and it helps that I got mine for $260). For its features, it's by far the least expensive radio out there...

-telemetry including RX voltage, main battery voltage, RPM measurement, and temperature measurement
-vibrating/audible alerts that can be set when a certain temperature or voltage threshold is reached (completely programmable)
-very lightweight with the included 4cell NiMh 800mah pack, I have a 2s 2100mah Lipo in mine with a 5v switching regulator and 2s Lipo alarm. Mine has almost no self-discharge, and I hardly ever charge it.
-compact compared to pretty much all other radios out there
-computer interface for programming the TX's settings and for firmware upgrade-ability
-compatibility with Spektrum RXs means that you can get a lot of receivers for cheap (I've bought some from coworkers at the LHS for $20 each)
-super adjustable settings for everything, with the ability to do whatever mixing you want (even for a RC tank!)

Downside:
-looks kinda weird/cheap

This radio has enabled me to do so many things I could never imagine doing with any other radio, without totally breaking the bank.

You can run Spektrum brand receivers with your Nomadia?

[MetalMan]

You most certainly can. I've used both the regular and Pro Spektrum RXs, and I would assume the micro would also work just fine.