I am getting back in to the hobby after a 5+ year break. Lipo's and 2.4 radios were just really coming on to the scene when I left so I have no experience with any of it. I'm almost a noob it seems with all the newer tech, but have 25+ years experience in the hobby over all. My question is, I have an M8 radio with the Novak RX/TX that you can dial in the frequency and all what was high end Airtronics servos in all of my old gear. The servos are still blazing fast and strong as far as that stuff goes, but until I have the funds to replace all of my radio gear am I going to be able to use this stuff running lipo batteries? I definitely need coaching on what stuff I need to look at as far as everything electronic. I plan on heading out to a track in the near future and see what everyone is running and I'm sure I'll ask questions there as well, but if you're feeling helpful and want to give me some info to read in the meantime it would be greatly appreciated. I was running and racing nitro for the last few years before taking the break. Now it seems brushless and lipo has taken over the industry and want to get back into racing. I'm guessing it will be better to sell my nitro stuff with the radio gear in it since they don't have to deal with the higher voltage issues of a lipo car/truck? Thanks in advance.

You can run your ESC, servos, brushed motors with Lipos but for your radio use NiCD/Nimh/Life. Lipo does not like to be left in the fully charged condition too long.

I got back since 2000 last year so even Nimh back then was new when I retired.
When you're ready to get a new 2.4Ghz radio, get a new digital servo, new ESC, and brushless motor.

Thanks for reply. That's what I'm getting at. I'm looking to change to brushless and sell the majority of my nitro stuff. I'm in the process since I already have it in converting my Revo to a brushless E-Revo. I'm trying to piece together what I need as funds become available to make the transition. I just can't dump $1000+ right off the bat to get a new radio, batteries, chargers, etc. I'm excited to get back in to the hobby with all the new goodies but I've got to prioritize what's essential right off the bat and what I can get away with for now with what I already have. Back then $100 bought you a killer servo. Now it seems especially if all of my servos won't work with the new stuff that good competition servos are $150-$200. I definitely want to get back into racing so I don't want to buy stuff twice in getting something on the cheaper side only to repalce it later with a better unit. Keep the responses coming guys and gals. I'm open to all suggestions in what to run, as well as what I can run with what I already have, etc. Thanks again.

bad things about old rc things : Electronic
Good things : plastic, steel quality, design, memories..

u can use ur electronics such as servo esc etc2 with an old radio system,
its hard to pair it with newer radio system.

If you do plan on running any nitro I'd check the servo and receiver specs to see if they mention operation up to the 7.4V nominal of a 2S lipo receiver pack. Or post up the model numbers and hopefully someone can confirm if they are good to go. Be aware that lipo packs can't be fully discharged without damage. Keep track of run time and recharge before they dump.

I know a good portion of my servos are Airtronics 94157 and 94158 I believe without going out and looking at them. I am pretty sure they'd work with 7.4V becsause of back in the day with running 7-cell packs. The one thing I don't know or recall is if they're considered to be digital or analog. That I'll have to look up unless someone knows off the top of their head. I went to OCRC yesterday and talked to the manager and got a pretty good education. I'm definitely excited to be back and getting back to the racing scene. I'm just not looking forward to basically having to start over and spending a ton of money. Once I get past the majority of the basics, things will settle in and won't be so bad. Thanks guys for the help. Keep the info coming.

I think at minimum you will want to find out the motor class you want to race in (21.5T, 17.5T, etc) and find the appropriate ESC that will be able to handle it. For the most part, even the basic ESC's can handle up to about 13T in blinky (no electronic timing) mode.

The other is the 2S Lipo and charger. You can probably still use your radio, receiver, servo no issue. You will just look ancient with the telescopic pole sticking up. But no biggie. At least you probably wont have crystal frequency issues.

I still have my ancient JR R1 and R1 Pro radios with ZPCM, PPM receivers, along with about 20+ side by side NiCds that still hold a good charge and a box full of brushed mod motors. I use the batteries week nights on my older chassis along side NiMh sportpacks as I can keep them charged without issue unlike Lipo's.

I pulled the trigger on an Airtronics MT-4S radio tonight. It will be a good radio to get back into things without breaking the bank. Will I get a M12S down the line? After holding it today, absolutely!! I loved it, but I think this other radio will have everything I need for awhile while I piece together everything else. Will probably be running 17.5 to start and get my mojo back. Still deciding on what servo to run. Thinking of sticking with TLR being that's what I've always run and really like what I'm seeing with the 22 3.0. Will probably start with a 22T 2.0 since it's more what I was used to although it was nitro with my XXX-NT Adam Drake Edition. I haven't had a buggy since the XX and XX-4 days. Anyone have suggestions on good speed controls. I'm looking at Team Orion and Reedy to start. Those seem to be what is really popular. Thanks again for the help. I'm getting closer to being back on the track. Keep it coming.

Shawn- congrats on your new radio. I read great things about the MT-4S.

Thank you very much. I had a chance to get back to OCRC and picked up a TLR 22T 2.0 to start out. I also picked up a Shuur Speed 70A power supply for whatever charger I decide on. I know what the rest of the electronics will be. Just need to save a bit more to pick the rest up. Excited to build the new kit. Was a tough decision comparing them but had to stick to my roots.

Sounds good, sounds exciting! Have fun with your new gear.

The one thing I REALLY appreciated on these modern radios is that the LCD is backlit. Besides the binding we need to do, the other features in the radio is not too much different from my old R1 or your M8.. probably.