Which Radio System do you prefer and why?
 

Hey Guys,

I thought it would be interesting to start a thread to see which radio system people used? Also if you could report on what you liked and disliked about each radio system that would be helpful as well! I'm not looking to start a war here, just compare and contrast your experiences with various radios you have used.

I have owned in the last two years the following radios:

Futaba 3PM 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Pistol Radio System
Futaba 3PK 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Pistol Radio System with Spektrum modules and receivers (SM1000 and SR3000 receivers)
Spektrum DX3S 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Pistol Radio System
Futaba 3GR-FS 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Stick Radio System (The 3PM except the stick version!)

I have the following two coming tomorrow in the mail:
Tactic TTX240 2.4Ghz 2-Channel Pistol Radio System
Tactic TTX404 2.4Ghz 4-Channel Stick Radio System

Here are my thoughts on all the radios:

Futaba 3PM 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Pistol Radio System < Solid intermediate radio system for someone who needs model memory and some more advance setup features for their RCs such as channel mixing and EPA, etc. Good radio for a basher with a complicated setup or a person getting into racing. The only thing I don't like about this system is the 80 bucks for new receivers. Sold this radio system to get the 3PK

Futaba 3PK 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Pistol Radio System < Amazing radio system, more features than I thought possible in a radio system. Menus can be set to multiple setting depending on your requirements, however I would only really recommend this for a nitro basher or a serious racer. The only thing I don't like about this system is the 80 bucks for new receivers. I'm selling mine, not because its a bad radio, but its way more bells and whistles than I will ever use.

Spektrum DX3S 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Pistol Radio System < Lightweight weight and gets the job done, however telemetry is flaky at best and I felt like I might destroy the click wheel at any moment. I could feel flex in the plastic when turning the wheel or pulling the trigger . . . which really scarred me. Range was fantastic though and only taking 4 batteries was so nice.

Futaba 3GR-FS 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Stick Radio System < I love this radio system, still have it, its actually my wifes radio system because she doesn't like pistol radios because she is left handed. Same as the Futaba 3PM in every other aspects. However for her, it has way more features than she really needs at all. The only thing I don't like about this system is the 80 bucks for new receivers.

My thoughts on the radios I'm getting:

Tactic TTX240 < Going back to basics with this radio which I want. I found that to use the Futaba 3PK, I was turning off as many of the features as I could, I was constantly hitting adjust buttons or my son was (he's 20 months old and likes to sit with me when I use my monster trucks). The Tactic TTX 2-Channel 2.4Ghz is a no thrills radio system which is exactly what I want, I don't need EPA, Channel mixing and I have never had the need for the 3-Channel except on one Monster Truck that I'm building at the moment. Also it only requires 4x AAs and extra receivers are only 15 bucks on the Bay so its very cheap as well.

Tactix TTX404 < Again going back to basics with this radio system as well. While this is technically an Air system, I got this sytem for its ridiculous low cost of 40 bucks new. I want this system so I can have independent front and rear steering at all times for a monster truck I'm currently working on. Again no thrills, but that is what I want, less I have to worry about setting up. Also it only requires 4x AAs and extra receivers are only 20ish bucks on the Bay so its very cheap as well.

I will post more on my thoughts of these two radio systems once I get them in and start using them!

I know alot of people think model memory is a necessity however for me its just the 2.4Ghz, I don't like crystals and don't want to have to deal with them every again. I spend a ton of time getting the steering all aligned and centered on my models, so I discovered the only thing I used in model memory was to change the name on the screen of the current vehicle I was using.

I think if I did more nitro, this would not be true. I know when I tried nitro I had very exact system for throttle and breaking that change drastically on all my machines so I understand having to have model memory, however I run purely electric so it doesn't seem to be an issue.

Thanks
Disjaukifa

My main radio system is split between two radios - a Futaba 3PJS and a 3PK. I orig bought hem as FM radios - these were both orig PCM systems running the r113ip rcvrs. I have 30+rcs running and 20 of them are run with these two radios. With the advent of 2.4, the prices of FM based gear has dropped and I caught some incredible deal as people were unloading their FM based stuff to transition to 2.4. I bought 6 Futabe r113ip rcvrs, 2 new, neve ropened amd 4 used for $75, less than the cost of a single new r113ip rcvr. I've acquired a FM synth module at a similar price, getting it for $35 along with 2 older ppm mode rcvrs. I bought a used 2.4Ghz FAAST module along with 2 R603FS rcvrs just for curiosity sake. It seems like I've got crystals for every 75Mhz channel there is and its nice only needing to dial the synth tx module to the right channel for a given RC and you're ready to run.

I can walk in pick up the radio, pick up a few RCs I want to run and head out knowing that I've got the radio covered one way or the other. I do admit I like the short antenna that 2.4 lets you run, but its only a issue with a few MTs that I keep flipping over and killing the antenna on. In time, I'll migrate them to a 2.4 setup. When I 1st got back into this, I learned you can tell well cared for used radio equip pretty easily and have never had a prob with anything I've bought used. I have a few RTR radios I'm using - Tactic 2.4Ghz for 18th scales. They use no antenna at all which is nice. I haven't pushed teh range yet, but will soon.

I have 2 stick radios - a Futaba 6EX in my Trex clone and an older Futaba Skyport 6. I'm just getting into these.

In short 2.4Ghz has been great for me, its lowered the prices for my FM equip substantially!

Wow Duster! I thought I had alot of RCs, turns out thats not so true ;). Its weird because of how I have been on and off this hobby over the last 10 years I totally missed FM. I think I have only owned AM and 2.4Ghz radios!!! I think I have a Futaba FM radio in my garage at the moment that came with my Juggernaut, but I would have to look.

I know all my old radios were AM. Now that I think about it, I think I might have my original Hitec AM Radio in my basement . . . I'm going to have to look tonight when I get home, it would be neat to see if I still owned it!

-Disjaukifa

My first RTRs were AM - Traxxas radios made by Futaba and they glitched like crazy. I have a power line across my back yard and literally on my 4th time running my Tmaxx it took off and smacked the fence at WOT. It happened 2 more times before my 3PK showed up and FM put an end to any more interference. The 3PK has incredible range - I think I could drive far enough away that I could use binoculars to drive with. Quarter of a mile at least....

I've never had a FM based prob - except with a Castle esc, the r113ip rcvrs will not calibrate with a Castle esc - its a known prob and I have to run a non-pcm rcvr with a Castle setup. Most of my ppm setups are for Castle based systems. It did just about drive me nuts until I understood what the prob was though. Now, its good for a laugh or two!

Yeah no kidding! You can imagine my surprise from going from AM straight to 2.4Ghz! And I just realized my first 2.4Ghz radio was actually the Spektrum DX2.0 that I totally forgot about. I only had it like two weeks because I immediately upgraded to a DX3S because I got an incredible deal on one.

I don't remember much about the DX2.0 however . . . I only had the radio for like 2 weeks . . .

-Disjaukifa

Shot in the dark, but seriously when considering high end radio's the quality of the module/rx and feel count for more than anything. The radios out now have more features and adjustments than anybody would use. I just got rid of a 3pk w/ Spektrum and picked up a M11, but the only thing adjusted is EPA and Sub-Trim, everything else is untouched. I setup the timer, but I never hit the button in a race, and did experiment with 3rd channel mixing on the e-Buggy for brakes onetime.

When looking at a radio I want a 2.4 system that will stay bound, doesn't like to glitch, and has a user friendly failsafe. If the radio is too light like the spektrum radios, or the springs are too loose like the RTR radios, I won't even consider it.

1)Airtronics- It's what I have
2)KoPropo- It's what I want next
3)Futaba w/o FASSSST- It's what I've had, the FASST rx's cant take the heat

Radio
 

I have had a Spek DX2 &3 but sold them due to not enough model memory. (I had 7/8 cars running). I picked up a cheap JR-R1 and have no plans of ever selling it. (now have 2 of them) Like some of the other radios mentioned here they have more features than I need but it's good to know they are there.:)
One was fm but for some reason recievers would bind but had no range and the steering would freeze up after a minute or so.
The other was 2.4 spek. It is v/good but recievers are a bit pricey. I bought a corona 2.4g set from Hobbyking and am now going to get rid of the spek and but another corona set. They are very good and recievers are under $20 ea.

Terry

I was wondering if anyone else was using the Corona modules, so they seem to work well for you? Thats good to know . . .

-Disjaukifa

The FAAST Recivers Have Been Updated. They No Longer Have Problems. I Think The New Recivers Have Yellow Dots On The Case.

Corona
 

When I first started to use my corona set I found it sometimes was a bit hard to get it to recognise the reciever on start up but I have had no problems whatsoever for a long while so it must have been me doing something wrong. I buy the 4 channel recievers and the range is fantastic. It is suppose to be good for 1.5 km and I have no reason to doubt this claim. I can drive until I can hardly see my car and still have full control. At least it has always come back so far.:D
I would not hesitate to recomend the corona set to anyone.

Terry

I have had many TXs in my day. From the tin can Kraft to the KO Propo Eurus
and my favorite is the Eurus. Both me and my son use them.
The Eurus has a 40 model memory and a very easy to use navigation system.
More adjustments than I will ever need and it is a module based TX.
As far as modules I have am (27), fm(27 & 75), ad (mini z), 2.4asf(mini z)
and Spektrum 2.4. I have grown to like the feel of the KO w its drop down wheel and the new trigger is insane....The Eurus also came with a setting module so you can tweak KO digital servos, speedos and mini z s from the TX.
(You need to buy an interface) I also got the Speedmind bag for it so my investment stays protected. I also like the neck strap lanyard post that is on the TX.

Another KO guy here. I use an EX-1ur. I liked the Eurus, but it was just too large feeling for me. The EX-1 feels small and compact, which I like. I just wish it had the angle option for the wheel dropdown. Meh, anyway, it's damn fast and hasn't given me any issues at the track or when just tooling around the neighborhood. I put an Orca LiPo in it which seems to last forever between charges. I use a SpeedMind bag for mine as well.

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