Futaba receivers 'E' version R304SB
 

Looking to pick up a Futaba 4PLS and see some come with the 'e' version of the R304SB receiver. I believe the 'e' version has an internal antenna. Curious if anybody had any thoughts on that (i.e. no wire). I have two 1/10 vehicles and an 1/8 scale buggy. Is the E version ok for 1/10? Maybe get the regular version for 1/8?

We use the E-version with built in antenna for all of Malin's electric vehicles (Xray XB2, XB4, XB8E, T4 and X12) and the normal version for the 1/8 nitro vehicles (XB8).

Works great ;)

Bent

Thats odd, I have the 4PLS also and I just looked in my radio box of my Losi SCTE. The RX I have is the R304SB. I picked up mine new last year.

http://www.futabarc.com/systems/futk...pls/index.html

According to Futaba's site, the 4PLS comes with the "non" 'E' RX.

I run R614FFE almost exclusively on my 4PKS-R. Works great.

AFAIK, the Japanese version comes with internal antenna receivers where as the locally distributed version, depending where you are from, comes antenna versions.

The internal antenna receivers are strictly for electric cars. They arent recommended for nitro applications or RC boat as there might be too much interference and range issue.

Thanks. Actually, the one I'm looking at is on a certain auction site via RC Mart coming form Hong Kong. My cars are electric (on medium size tracks) no plans for nitro. It's a good price for the radio and two RXs. Just want to make sure these (the 'e' versions) would be ok? Curious if/when I get it 'AFAIK' will be on the radio vs. Futaba?

You'll be fine with those receivers. I run them on my cars as well and dont have any problems

thanks!

The "e" rx's are designed for smaller tracks. Personally I run the 304 with the antenna the extra $10 is well worth the peace of mind. Just make sure you set the fail safe.

Actually no……the "E" receivers are made for electric powered vehicles.

No problem running the "E" receiver in the XB8E even on the very biggest of tracks.

Been doing this for years now without issues with both the 4PKS, 4PKS-R and 4PX :nod:

Bent

The E receivers are made for short tracks like mostly indoor electric tracks. That it works on larger tracks will not say it will work for everyone. It would be disapointing if you buy an E receiver and it works not for you. Be wise and chose save by getting the normal antenna version.

Nowhere in Futaba's littérature does it say that.

It says "Only for EP car models"

And our use of these receivers for the last 6 years in 1/8 electric offroad buggy confirms this.

Never ever have we lost signal even on the very largest outdoor tracks.

Receiver is mounted inside the receiver box in the Xray with no external antenna protruding.

For the 1/8 nitro buggies we use the regular receivers though.

Bent

I don't understand how a nitro vehicle can create any interference that would affect an 'E' receiver. Gas-powered, as in gasoline, yes, as it has an ignition system, but not nitro. It's theoretically as "quiet" an an electric EP vehicle...in fact, it's theoretically more quiet. Futaba probably won't change their tune/literature, however, as they're making an extra $10 every time someone needs a receiver for a nitro-powered vehicle.

Heavy Metal.. Rock on Braaap!!

There were some glitching issues with the Mugen MRX5. No one ever knew what was wrong but the receiver was close to the clutch where a lot is going on like vibrating metals and some friction of an a plastic (teflon is a kind of plastic) clutch shoe that probably can cause some static electricity. And yes, it did happen a lot with Sanwa receivers with an internal antenna. There were even instructions of how to mount the receiver.

The internal antenna is just close to the carbon and metals of the car. For sure with nitro models almost buidl in between the chassis and top deck and so it will get a weaker signal compared with an antenna up in the air sticking out of the car. I know today people do not like antenna's but when the antenna is faced upwards it will be the same sensitive all around. Whe you lay it down, it will become direction sensitive and not to mention close to the chassis/carbon it can loose signal strength.

All my antenna's are still wired and up in the air, just to be sure to receive with a maximum signal strength to outrule issues.. And yes, people can say there are no issues with laying down the antenna or using internal antenna's but still I do ot want to look up the issues that can (I do not say it will) be created.