Recommendations for Entry Level 2.4GHz
 

I'm contemplating stepping into the world of 2.4GHz. I've had my JR XS3 for years, but something about not having an antenna poke through the body is very intriguing.

So, here are my requirements:
Multi-model Memory (at least 4)
Basic settings: trims, EPA, etc.
Inexpensive
Reliable

I can look up owners manuals and specs, but the last one impossible to determine. Like I said, my JR has been around a long time, and it's never given me any trouble. It looks like the DX3.0 has the same build as my JR, but 4 model memory barely meets my criteria. I'm unsure of the reliability of Futaba (3PM) or Airtronics (MX-3FG). Any other radios I should look at?

You might want to check out the DX3S. Comes with 2 receivers, telemetry, and now marine compatible too

For the money, I'd get this

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towj0224.html

or the new Airtronics

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/751548.asp

my fasst 3pm has worked flawlessly since ive owned it race twice a week and practice at least once a week no problems over a year plus ive owned it.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPZT7&P=SM

Take a look at this one. 10 model memory and enough functions for anyone.

For the money the new Airtronics one is way to go 100.00 with 10 modle memory can't go wrong.

Thanks for all the responses. Should I stay away from the Spektrum then? I'm looking at buying used, and spektrum recievers are definetly the cheapest!

New KO Propo EX-5 looks good for the price.

I would go for the regular DX3, learning a new menu can be a PIA, and its the same "case" as the XS3:nod:

I have had a jrx3 pro and i just receantily bought a dx3s and i had no problem learning the new menu actual the dx3s was easier for me to learn than the jr so im buting my bro one so we both can run and the receivers are good for the price i love my dx3s so i would highly recommend it

What is your budget and what are you running?

If you like cheap receivers, spektrum really is the way to go. I see used deals all the time.

--pakk

Cheaper the better.... that being said, I'm not in any immediate need for a radio system, as my XS3 is doing fine. I'm not a racer anymore, haven't raced in years. My boys are getting old enough to have an interest in RC, so I'm starting to pull some things out of the closet. I currently run an old T3 (that I'm converting to an SC truck), a MGT, and a TC3. I have three other TC's that I haven't run in years, plus assorted micro's any mini-z type cars.

I've noticed the spektum stuff going pretty cheap in the for sale forum (radios and receivers going for about $40 each), which got me interested in the 2.4GHz stuff. But it also made me wonder if the Spektrum stuff is good quality or not. Then I see that airtronics has a brand new system going for $100, and I've seen 3PM's going for <$150 with multiple receivers on eBay. So I want to be knowledgeable on entry level systems so I can act when I see a good deal.

Yeah, you really can't beat the price of spektrum receivers. I think the reason you see so many for so cheap is because people are buying the smaller faster receivers and selling the bigger slower ones.

Don't quote me on what I am about to say.

For DSM1, which is probably the most popular receiver in any flavor, racers are upgrading to the sr3500 which is tiny and some how is faster. So people grab those and sell of their sr300 and sr3000's. Then you are finding people have DSM systems and upgrading to DSM2. At that point people are selling their radios and multiple receivers at a package deal.

I agree with you. I like the idea of no antenna sticking out of my car. I also like not having a huge antenna in my face that I break periodically.

Going from your xs3 to a 2.4 is purely convenience. Yes, you will get better range and not have to worry about crystals. But if you have been to the track lately, 90% of people have gone to 2.4 so just about every 75 fm channel is open and you are synthesized. (off topic story, but last Thursday I was at a race. There were probably a good 30 people there and only two guys had 75fm, me and another guy. We happened to be on the same channel and I lost control of my car, but nothing broke. Guys at the track were laughing cuz there were two fm guys on the same channel. Ok, back on topic.) The 27 am channels seem to be crowded because of the slash.

And as far as features go, I really don't use any feature on my m8 that my XS3 didn't have.

If I were you, I'd look for a dx3.0. THe 2.0 only holds 2 models so that won't work. The dx3s is nice, but if your not going to use the telemetry, save the money for receivers. Another options is a m8. I got a used M8 for $40 on ebay. I think they normally go for around $75 or so. Then get a module. I sometimes see the older non pro modules go for $50 with a receiver. I have had the dx3.0 and currently use an m8. I just like navigating through my m8 a lot more. But dx3.0 and m8 with modules seem to be right around the same price with the dx3.0 being a little cheaper sometimes.

In that price range, I personally would not recommend anything else. You can go with the MX-3, but I think receivers are a lot more and harder to find.

Thanks for the response. Can I ask why you no longer use the dx3.0? This radio does seem to be the cheapest option, and evidently it is a good option.