Spektrum DX6C
 

Is this a good radio? Seems similar overall to the DX5C? Is Spektrum a good brand?

One of the main differences from the DX5C is my primary question - does the USB-C port currently work with VRC World? Does it show up as a USB game pad or is it something specific to VRC?

I'm also curious about how telemetry works on it. Is it easy to see? Would there be any advantages to using a smart phone with a DX3?

I'm considering going all-Spektrum for a TT-02 stock build, with a DX6C, Spektrum Smart batteries, Spektrum S6260 servo, and a 40A 2-in-1 receiver (local shop rules allow an "ESC" up to $80 MSRP which the 60A is slightly over but 40A under).

I have the DX5C and its a fine radio, but I only bought it to bind all of my Losi/ARRMA vehicles to a single radio. There are several radios in the same price range or much cheaper that are arguably better. Personally, I haven't had the best luck with Spektrum since I started buying their stuff in 2008. I've also heard the Smart Phone app for the DX3 is absolute trash, but I don't have any personal experience with it. Regarding their batteries, servos, etc, the same thing is true. There is better stuff for less money. However, if you're very new to RC and haven't yet learned about the ins and outs of things like LiPO charging/safety, then their charging ecosystem can be a good band-aid.

I'm interested in your TT-02 stock build. This sounds like a racing spec class? The normally included Hobbywing 1060 ESC is fantastic for brushed racing. Also, does the 2-in-1 receiver bind to DSMR radios like the DX6C?

angrymelon Great, good info.

I arrived at Spektrum because I needed a high voltage battery (which are allowed where I am thinking about racing), and a LiHV charger, then I saw that their battery would be "smart" with one of their ESCs and receivers. So I figured I would combine as much "smart" as possible into one system. The 2-in-1 receivers are dual mode SLT and DSMR compatible and offer telemetry with the DX6C (from what I understand). Then I figured I'd YOLO and get one of their servos as well, kind of thinking maybe it would be "smarter" with their own brand but I guess there's no reason to think that.

Yeah I am building for a racing class (or considering it). What radio and servo would you recommended for TT-02 box stock racing? I'm trying to get as much advantage as I can (as well as telemetry) from the electronics.

I was also looking at the FlySky FS-G7P.

For the radio there are a lot of things to consider. For example, your budget, do you have or plan on having lots of R/C models and want affordable receivers, or do you care more about all out performance? It sounds like you're interested in telemetry, which I can appreciate, I just don't find it particularly useful on a race car. I do use some telemetry features on non-race vehicles like bashers and crawlers. It's nice to monitor motor/esc temperature and voltage of the batteries for example. For racing, ESC telemetry is probably more valuable for review after runs if anything.

I think weighing the categories should help you decide which radio will be best for you. I personally chose to have multiple transmitters because I have a lot of vehicles. For example, I have a Sanwa M17 for my race cars. The Sanwa receivers are crazy expensive, so I only have a few. I also have a Traxxas TQi w/bluetooth module for any Traxxas vehicles, and the aforementioned Spektrum DX5C for Losi and ARRMA rigs. Both required a minimal cost and I get to simply bind a new vehicle from those brands without having to spend extra money on additional receivers. However, for all of my remaining R/Cs I use a RadioLink RC8X. It is packed with features, has a premium feel, very inexpensive receivers, and a giant model memory capacity.

I haven't personally used the G7P, but it looks like it would be a very good budget option based off of reviews. I do have the FlySky GT5, and for a pretty basic radio, it works great. Just avoid the FS-BS6 receivers. The less expensive (non-gyro equipped) FS-A3 performs much better.

TLDR; the best alternative radios I can suggest that I have direct experience with, that sounds like they might be in your target budget, are the RadioLink RC4GS, or RC6GS. Both radios offer minor telemetry function that doesn't require proprietary connectors/software, 30+ model memory, full featured adjustments (e.g. end point, exponential, sub-trim etc), and have a wide array of supported receivers that are very affordable. I've been wanting to try the Radiomaster MT12, but it looks like it has quite a learning curve. Some great but more pricey options include the FlySky Noble, and the RadioLink RC8X. Without going down the massive rabbit hole of going super hardcore with racing, for a servo I would recommend the Savox SC-1252MGP or the AGFRC B44BLS v2. Both are fast, light, small, and plenty strong. There are likely less expensive as well as WAY more expensive servos, but these are two that I've used with success.

Note: While the RCXGS v3 transmitters don't have a premium feel, if you later decided to upgrade to the RC8X, the receivers are still compatible.

Great, thanks! I was originally looking at an AGFRC B53BHP V2 for the servo. I would probably like to spend more than that, but if that is adequate for starters, no need to spend more I guess?

This is not my main hobby and I don't anticipate it being so, so I am probably just looking for something to start out with and see if I have fun racing. I end up going deep down the rabbit hole then I will get premium equipment when I cross that bridge. I was think $150 seemed like a good price for transmitter alone, but I see that the FS-G7P has a USB-C power which works as a game controller for VRC Pro, so maybe that will do well enough. It comes with a FS-R7P receiver, does that have the same issues as the 6 channel you mentioned?

Looking at the RC6GS V3, looks ok, not quite as "modern" as the G7P. Also it has a micro USB connector I believe, not sure if it works as a game controller or not, but I do have a major problem getting any micro-USB devices, I just hate the cables. I think the USB-C and working as a game controller directly features are some of the most important to me, because what I intend to do is practice in VRC Pro first to see if I even have fun racing.

Spektrum as varied lines of devices. The 6C is a continuation of the C line. It's a solid transmitter but it will not support the 5.5ms frame rate of their fastest (race) receivers. It only supports the 11 and 16ms frame rates. I wouldn't say it's a deal breaker, but switching transmitters later can be a pain since most receivers are brand/protocol specific. I would make sure whatever you pick has the the "features" you want. I run the DX5R and really enjoy it.

To run VRC-Pro, you'll need an extra receiver and an USB adapter.

I don't know that I would go "everything" Spektrum (and I didn't with my vehicles). I would look around at the car you are building and see what others are using.

What's the cheapest brand/model/combination of radio that is going to get me a fast frame rate?

Are you sure? That's not my understanding - I believe it will work as a USB game controller and thereby work with VRC Pro, in the same fashion as for example an FS-G7P.

Futaba 3PV with the T-FHSS receiver, gives you a 3msec frame which is the fastest possible with normal digital servo's

Sanwa MT44 if you want to use SSR but that requires special servo's (but normal servo modes are also possible) as also the Futaba 4PM with its possible 1.2msec SR mode

I think I am down to deciding between Futaba 4PM-Plus and and FlySky Noble NB4+ (new release) which both support 3ms latency (NB4+ supposedly even 1ms?). Learning toward Futaba but I do like the features and build of FlySky.

If you go lower than the 3msec limit you do need SR servo's, Both transmitters do support those.