Ohhhhh Mini,
I think I was high on the list for the 3PK module, but I am in Atlanta this week. If I found out you got my system I will have to go digging in the Craftsman toolbox!
Originally posted by minidriver
I received my Futaba Spectrum unit tonight. I threw it into my 3pk just moments before the first qualifier, so I ran it without any chance to "adapt" to any radio response changes. Ran indoors on carpet 2 qualifiers and a main, under flour. lights, wifi network in building, etc - a good test for the system.
I am happy to report that it worked flawlessly. No delays, no problems, with a Novak GT7 ESC, stock motor and Futaba digital servo. Control felt just like it should, no change from the stock transmitter module, and TQ'd in Stock sedan. Good Job Spectrum!
Ran into only two "problems". The included instructions do not tell you (at least not that I saw) that you have to set your 3PK off of HSR (high speed response, the standard receiver with the 3pk) to PPM. If you have it on hsr, it will not bind. Switch to PPM, it binds immediately.
The second "problem" was getting used to the new radio's weight balance. It seems weird to say so, but it is amazing how one gets used to having the long regular antenna up and waving around. When I first tried the spectrum, the radio just didn't "feel right" in my hand, I had removed the standard antenna. I asked my son to run over and retrieve the standard antenna from my pit and put it back into the radio extended. As stupid as it may seem, the radio "felt" better balanced running the spektrum with the old antena still on the radio and extended!! I think it will take a couple days of practice without the old antenna to get used to the new weight balance of the radio.
It is amazing how good old habits remain - such as waiting to turn on until all the drivers from the prior race had collected their cars and turned off their radios, obviously not absolutely necessary when you have a spectrum.
For those of you who have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Futaba Spektrum, it was worth the wait.