Why do I need 3 channels?
 

This may sound like a mundane question but understand that I am getting back into rc after a nearly 20 year hiatus so please go easy on the old school noob! The last time I raced, the current car on the tracks was the JRX2! Obviously things have changed greatly since then when it comes to electronics. I have pulled out the old cars and they are ready to go but I'd like to update them a bit. I'm finding that the old radios aren't that smooth anymore. Probably due to the number of other things using those frequencies today. I'd like to update the electronics to be modern but I still want to run the old cars.

I have been lurking here for a while and have been looking at what systems many people use and have been trying to get myself up to date on how things work now. There is so much more to it today than I'd have ever dreamed possible back then. It seems that Spektrum is quite popular. It is what is recommended at one of the local hobby shops as well. I am still only running 1/10 electric buggies and that's really all I intend to run. I am not a die hard racer anymore but am not saying that I won't get really back into it again and go that route. I'd like to have a nice system that is reliable with good support that also works on race day should I decide to go that route.

I see lots of people have 3 channel radios now. Even in the electrics. Why? I don't see why I'd need a 3rd channel. I have only ever needed a channel for steering and for the esc. Why would I need a 3rd? I don't have rear steering or care about reverse. I don't need to run a starter for a motor since I'm electric. Is there something else about a 3rd channel that I'm not aware of that I may need it for later on?

Since I currently have 3 cars and could really only see myself getting another 1 or 2 down the road, I don't need the ability to have 1 transmitter work with dozens of different cars. I was thinking about going with the Spektrum DX2S. 2 channels with 5 model memory seems perfect for my needs. Is there something I'm missing? I do understand servos, batteries, ESC's and motors and have things in mind there as well so this is really only aimed at the transmitter. Would I really need to go up to a DX3? If I am only using 2 channels, I can really only see it as a benefit should I ever need more than 5 model memory but if I get that many cars I'd rather have more than one transmitter anyways. If I use a Spektrum system, will I have any issues running a Savox 1257 servo with it? I've seen some people complain of glitchiness with the Spektrum systems as well. Is this a problem with only them or is there something else going on?

Hopefully these are decently intelligent questions that aren't too stupid!

well third channels are used for nitro monster trucks with a reverse gear in the transmission. example would be a T-Maxx, Revo, Savage or an LST.

It's also used for electrics monster trucks and crawlers that would require four wheel steering like a Clodbuster style trucks or even a 2.2 crawlers that would have a a dig unit installed. Or even the Traxxas summit uses 4 channels (I believe) to lock the front and rear diffs. Even the old style Traxxas E-Maxx and the Tamiya High Lift uses the third channel to change the transmission between high and low gear ratios.

As far as radios go I have the dx3s IMO is a very good radio but it still lacks the features I want. The third channel is a 2 position only (servo goes left and right)in some applications like for crawling a 3 position third channel is needed for a dig (left * center * right) or for steering the rear tires.
Sorry if I'm confusing you and going off on third channel..... anyways I have never had a problem with glitching with my Spektrum system its been very reliable.

When racing, I plug my personal transponder into channel 3. Welcome Back :):tire::tire::tire:

oh yeah that too!!:smile: