What is a good inexpensive 2.4ghz Radio & Receiver to get? Thanks

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

Additional 3ch Receivers are about $60

Do not get some piece of crap 2.4 radio, even like the little losi 2.4 or the traxxis. Get you a good radio go ahead and spend the money. A good radio is something that will last you forever. I run 7 different cars with my one radio I use the Ko Propo EX-5

you can usually find a dx3s for around $200 sometimes less and they are well worth it.

From what I have read, this seems to be a good radio (I may buy one myself). Although, since it looks identical to the Ansman sold overseas, I wonder if Airtronics really makes it or not. Also, it still uses 8 batteries, when the trend is moving to using only 4.

when they are moving to 4 batteries. eventually the transmitter is lighter.

It's made by Sanwa and uses Sanwa FHSS2 Rx. I wouldn't be surprised Sanwa is the OEM for some of the other branded radios out there. Also there is no trend in moving to 4 batteries. All of the top of the line Tx like MX11 use 8 batteries. All FM/AM Tx use 8 batteries. If you want a lighter Tx use a LiPo pack.

The OP's question has nothing to do with AM/FM. Neither did my comment. There are several newer model 2.4 ghz radios using only 4 batteries. I own two of them. The Losi 2.4 and the new Traxxas link 2.4. There is also at least one Futaba. I am sure there are more. To me, this is a good move, as good quality AA's are not cheap or light in weight. And swiching to LiPo....too much hassle for many of us that simply want to plug and play.

As I said there is NO TREND. Futaba isn't switching all of their radios to 4 batteries. Only the CHEAP non-FASST 2PL radio use 4 batteries. The recently released Futaba 3PM-X uses 8 batteries...that should say something about any "trends".

Sanwa isn't switching to 4 batteries either. Most likely those cheap radios from Traxxas/Losi are made by the same company that have a 4 battery radio...doesn't mean there's any trend happening in the radio department...lol. Oh and last time I checked 4 Sanyo (the best) 2700 NiMH AA cost about $15...lol.

Go lift some weights if an extra 4 AA NiMH batteries is too much for you...lol...or get a neck strap which is made for pansies.

OK big buff internet tough guy....you win. You clearly KNOW FOR A FACT more than anyone else what market trends are or are not. You are willing to pay $15 for 4 AA's, well I guess you are wealthy too....remember a big portion of the market is geared toward younger folks to whom that $15 is alot of dough. And no, the Losi and Traxxas are NOT made by the same manufacturer. They are different 2.4 technologies. But, I am shocked you did not already know that. Now, pardon me while I go lift some weights so I can be as manly as you. Have a great day!

Wow only someone who wears panties would go into a hissyfit over a single statement on the internet...

Oh and $15 for 4 Sanyo 2700mAh NiMH AA is not expensive. It's actually CHEAPER than alkalines in the long run. Now if you can't afford that then YOU SHOULDN'T BE IN THE HOBBY IN THE FIRST PLACE.

As I said there is NO TREND, just because some cheap crappy radios you get for free with a RTR car uses 4 batteries doesn't mean there is some kind of magical trend is upon the R/C world...LMFAO!!!

The Spektrum DX3R and DX3S both use 4AA batteries, but I wouldn't consider them low cost radios. Also, the M11X uses 6AA batteries, not 8.

Good to know. I have read really good things about the DX3R. Has anyone used this radio with a gasoline powered car?

I can’t claim to be positive, but the 2.4GHz radios do transmit at a considerably lower power, a significant advantage of digital transmission over the old AM/FM stuff. And the control portions are based on modern IC chip/board design, which these days mostly operate somewhere around 3.7 volts anyway.

I do suspect voltage will continue to trend down, as the circuits/chips will continue to be refined and become even more efficient, at some point (if not already) the higher voltage really isn’t needed and becomes mostly extra heat. Something that some have already had problems with on the receiver end.