What Tx/ RX do you use?
 

I see very little posted here on RCM about Tx's. I loaned a cheapo unit out to a friend and have not seen it for quite some time. I am thinking about just getting a good setup. I would like a 3 channel but it is not required. Range is important and I hate the ant tubes.

I have heard rumors of 2.4 GHZ having range issues. Everything else needs a long ant.

2 or 3 recievers would be nice also. THe 2.4 receivers are costly.


Now on to the questions
1) What do you run and are you happy with it
2) What is the best?
3) What is the best deal?

I am thinking about the JR radio that comes with teh LST2. Seems to be alot of fleebay deals on them.

Highflier

I started with an rtr that had interference issues with the am radio. I started reading and at the time FM was considered best for range and lack of interference. I got lucky on ebay and bought a like new futaba 3PK that was won as a door prize at the Cactus State a few months earlier that year. He sold a bunch of stuff with it and after I got rid of everything I didn't want, I had a like new 3PK for $165 and some of my time.

I run 8 or 9 rcs off of it and have rxs in every rc so its just a matter of deciding which to take out to run - no rx switching etc. Later I scored a Futaba 3PJS that I use to run my 18th scales. Some of those are novak xxl rxs, but some also use same Futaba rx as my bigger scales. I have the flexibility to run ppm, pcm or hrs modes with both radios. I run mostly pcm and a few rcs on ppm, hrs requires digitial servos. Then 2.4Ghz started. I looked at what it would cost to switch both radios tx modules only and all 16 rxs - not going to happen, I'll spend the money on other rc stuff.

I've never had a prob with any of my setups and they have great range. I can drive them far enough away I have trouble seeing them. Don't really have an opinion on whats best, don't have experience outside what I own and some rtr am setups. I'm active on several forums and there seems to be probs with all of them, nothings perfect. Far as antenna tubes go - I'm not real fond of them either, but I use only Yokomo nylon tubes and make sure they're set up right from the start.

well I run futaba fm radios too. I have a 2pl and a 3pm. The 2pl is very easy to use, while the 3pm has tons of features. I notice better range with the 3pm, but I can still drive out of sight with the 2pm. I use futaba 3 channel receivers, and the cheaper hitec 3 channel receivers. Both work very well and I see no difference between the two. Both use crystals, I would suggest a synth 3pm transmitter, that way you can use synth receivers, or the cheaper crystal receivers. I have had excellent from all of my futaba products and would highly recommend them.

I currently have those two radios, a synth jr xr3i, and an airtronics synth 3 channel, must have 8 3ch futaba receivers, 6 hitec 3 channel receivers and a few jr receivers and a few airtronics receivers. I have had issues with the jr stuff, airtronics semms fine, but heavy.

I got the DX3R setup and fortunatly it wasn't as an extensive upgrade to switch as Duster would be looking at. I still have one more receiver I need to get. Usually 50-60 range on ebay for the sr3000. THe SR3100 run closer to the 100 mark. I the system works great no range issues and has enough model memory and bells and whistles for everything. I miss the flexibility of my old set up though and really had no problems with it. The DX3R just looked cool and was an impulse item walking out the door at the LHS. I use to run the Futabal 3pm FSpro and also had the JR XS3 and XS3 Pro. I ran all of the RC on the Novak XXtra's so swithcing between the futaba and JR was just a twist of the screwdriver. I liked both of theose setup. THe futaba had a couple extra bells but I ended up liking the feel of the JR better. They were flexible enough I could run three (me and couple friends) RC with out changing anything. I need a at least 2 DX2 to do that and then I can't use them with the new DS receiver. Man sound like I'm complaining. I did have a couple of issues with some interference but not sure it it was the receiver or what but don't get it in the same spots as I did before using the 2.4ghz.

The best is probably a personel preference. How does it feel in your hand make a big different. THe DX3R is cool looking is light and comfortabel. But a big disappointment for me is the steering wheel is farther from the grip then my old controllers. Got pretty good at steering with the thumb and holding a camarea or beverage in the other.

Anybody know where I can get a thumb extension?

I did have a problem with the dx3r LCD in temps below freezing. Lost the LCD completely but it came back about the same time as the feeling in my finger tips did.

I just bought the Futaba 3PM FASST from Tower it was 189.99 and I got a $20 off at checkout delevered its about $178, thats not much more than synthizied crystal setup, I saw a recent post of a guy that hooked up a 500mw amplifier to one and it increased the performance 300%, it comes stock with a 100mw transmiter, and in some countries its illegal to use the 2.4ghz band at more than 10mw since this is the same band that internet wifi is broadcast over.


you will need these 2 parts
http://www.hyperlinktech.com/item.aspx?id=1123


http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wi...e-extender.php


but the spread spectrum is nice especially if you race, so you dont have to worry about what channel you are on and what other people are on, and you will have a more responsive truck

additional RXs arent bad $80-90, and all can use the same TX buy a RX for each vehicle you run they are pretty simple to setup

I am currently using a JR XS3 which I have had since 2002. I was using a Spektrum DX2 radio last year but didn't like the feel of it. Will upgrade to another radio down the track but at the moment the JR XS3 works great and have no issues with it ever

I went ahead and bit the bullet 2 years ago and got a M11 w/ Spektrum and it's been great. Never had any range issues and I have 10 models programmed into it. I also picked up a Commonsense lipo for it and I swear I charged it only once in the past 5 months. And that's for at least two hours of use every week! As for the RX's I just watch Ebay for good deals and pick them up as needed. Whenever I sell a roller, I always keep my RX's though.

I use a Futaba 2PL Fm which I love asit is cheap, works fine and is the simplest radio to setup I have come across, just one button to change through all the different menus and the trim button to change whatever you want to change.

For what it is worht right now I have
RTR traxxas (range is not great on this unit.
Futaba sport (on loan)
Futaba JR (Qty 2)

It is just that the JR synth radio's can be had so cheap. ~75.00
THe dx3.0 sounds so convient. ~175.00

I still am no closer to making a decision

Highflier

i got mad one day with my stock am units and dead aa's so when i got home from playing, i jumped on tower and ordered the 3pks with thier 3pay deal. it was an easy way to get a top notch system.

I ended up geting 3 of the Spektrum DX3 systems over about a year's time. They all came with a 2nd Free RX.

My son and I have been using them in our Cars and FE boats and were happy with them.

Same here...M11 w/Spektrum Pro system with 8 vehicles programmed into it.

I do the same thing. I recently picked up a Spektrum SR3000 Rx for just under $30 shipped on eBay.

About a year or so ago I purchased a Nomadio React radio. It isn't exactly cheap at $300, but with this radio you certainly get what you pay for (and it helps that I got mine for $260). For its features, it's by far the least expensive radio out there...

-telemetry including RX voltage, main battery voltage, RPM measurement, and temperature measurement
-vibrating/audible alerts that can be set when a certain temperature or voltage threshold is reached (completely programmable)
-very lightweight with the included 4cell NiMh 800mah pack, I have a 2s 2100mah Lipo in mine with a 5v switching regulator and 2s Lipo alarm. Mine has almost no self-discharge, and I hardly ever charge it.
-compact compared to pretty much all other radios out there
-computer interface for programming the TX's settings and for firmware upgrade-ability
-compatibility with Spektrum RXs means that you can get a lot of receivers for cheap (I've bought some from coworkers at the LHS for $20 each)
-super adjustable settings for everything, with the ability to do whatever mixing you want (even for a RC tank!)

Downside:
-looks kinda weird/cheap

This radio has enabled me to do so many things I could never imagine doing with any other radio, without totally breaking the bank.

You can run Spektrum brand receivers with your Nomadia?

You most certainly can. I've used both the regular and Pro Spektrum RXs, and I would assume the micro would also work just fine.

I have a Spektrum DX3r and my son has my old DX2.0. I have had good luck with DX2.0 over the years with not glitching and good range, same now with the DX3r. Also it's nice not having to change crystals. Personal preference though i really like the way the DX3r feels in my hand.

I have a JR xr3 FM ! had it for 9 years, I can buy rx's for it for about $25 in discontinued bins at run down LHS's, has all the epas, 3 channels and a 4 model memory baby! and you all run synthesized channel spread spectrum processing or the like now, so I can use my crystals and you bail off my channel lol.. We will see how it works with the MMM and 6s, may have to join the new century :sarcastic:

I have a DX3R with 3 models on it right now and love it. Feels good in my hand, good battery life and light with only 4AA in it. Rxs are a bit expensive, thats why I still need one more but I found getting a losi rx is the cheapest route, my lhs carries them for $50 and thats what I'm running in my rustler vxl.

Are you talking about the RX that uses 4AA or the Transmitter?

O.k, just read it on their website. Any other radio's use only 4aa batteries?
On Amain website they have This product is NOT available for export to Australia and New Zealand . Why would this be?

I would have to say the nomadio react for $260 at amain (out of stock at the moment) and with a coupon of 20 to 30 off would be the best bang for the buck radio.

I have the nomadio sensor. The react is nice cause it has enough memory to store the firmware for both spektrum and nomadio reciever on the radio. With the sensor I have to have my laptop and install the other firmware back and forth.
React pluses:
can be used as a joystick for windows PC (Like drive Need for Speed with it.)
Has enough memory to switch between nomadio and spektrum recievers.
No antenna to break off.
Has vibration to warn you of things like temp, voltage low, or laptime/ pit time
4 channel radio (everything else is only 3 channel)
Very easy to change settings, very easy to use menu

Sensor Pluses:
Has a back light screen so you can see in dark.
Has a very big screen, easy to read even while racing.
Can swith between spektrum and nomadio, but you need a computer/laptop to do it.
Has sound and vibration alerts.
4 channel radio (everything else is only 3 channel)
Very easy to change settings, very easy to use menu

I also have a futaba 3PM. My complaint with it is I have to have the manual with me just to figure out what the screen says. The abbreviate everything. It is hard to just reverse your sterring servo, or something simple.

I dont have spektrum stuff because I can't justify spending more money for a slower radio that does not give me telemetry stuff right off the bat.
DX3R costs 309 at amain. only 3 channel, no telemetry ($70 more), less model memory
React is 260 (on special right now, normally 300 and out of stock)
or you could get the react with out reciever for 189 and use some old specktrum reciever you have laying around.

I would really like to try the futaba 4pk some day.

LOL old spectrum reciever laying around. You nuts, I still have some AM stuff in use.


A few post back somebody said something about a DX3 they got with a free 2nd reciever. Any hints on where that deal is??

Highflier

There was this just ended spek link

dx3 with free reciever
http://h1072749.hobbyshopnow.com/ser...tResultCount=2

These are some of the best deals on the DX3.0 (FYI, all DX3.0's include 2 - SR3000 Rx's...it's not a special deal):

$209.95 shipped
http://www.ultimatehobbies.com/istar...=SPM20300!1002

$217.49 shipped using coupon code JJDCPP812
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...oducts_id/9148

Wow - I was surprisedto only see one person wit a Nomadio reply here.

I started off using AM and FM radios/receivers for a while. I live close to the city and where I run is near a lot of nautical equipment and bot marinas and I had absolutely terrible performance with AM - it would glitch 25 feet out.

I used still use the DX3 that came with my LST2 from time to time, but still lots of interference and glitching where I am.

It took me about 1 - 2 years to break down and finally try out a DSM radio. I got a Nomadio React on ebay with two receivers on ebay for about $250. Definitely the best radio I haveever used.

Aside from features already mentioned, I love the telemetry - I can monitor speed, temps and battery voltage right from the controller. I can also setup alerts to vibrate or beep me if a threshold has been crossed on one of the telemtry sensors. It's been great for monitoring esc/motor temps and buggy speed. Never had a problem with range or glitching at all, range is easily over 1/4 mile+.

The PC software for setting up the React is awesome and you can control every component of the setup (it even has ABS braking configuration, servo speed settings, and you can setup channel mixing - all on the pc). Also, the remote is software controlled via flash memory - so update to the functionality of the controller can be produced via updates from Nomadio.

This is a top notch controller (although it may not look super pretty) made by a company that specializes in telemetry based projects for DOD contracts.

Highly recommended.

Nomaido questions
So how does the temp thing work. I can put a heat prob on a motor or Battery, then plug it into the receiver?
Then I can set a alarm say at 155 degrees to warn me to stop as motor is about to over heat?

How long do the batteries last? Are they standard AA rechargables. Looked like it tok just a 4 cell pack.

If I could find the right deal I might just go for one of them. All 2 of you guess gave it a rave review.

Highflier

you can have 2 (maybe 3) temps if you want.
It is a small 3 wire thing that plugs into the nomadio receiver. Then you can ziip tie/ glue the temp sensor on to the item you want to monitor.

In the radio you can set min or maximum temps that you want it to sound off/vibrate an alarm telling you it has reached a certain temp.

So you could monitor your ESC, and you motor if you had 2 temps sensors.



The sensor uses 4 AA batteries. and it lasts a long time. If I use energizers, it will last days (the biggest power consumer for the sensor is the back light screen display, which you can set how long it stays on for)

The react uses a battery pack, I have read that the stock pack does not last a long time. Some have converted it to a AA system with a radio shack AA harness. Or amain hobbies sells better packs for the react. Maybe the react owners can comment on their battery life.

One thing to caution is that about 2 years ago nomadio pulled out of the RC market, and shifted their focus to military contracts. I know for a fact they are still doing customer support. But that is why alot of places are sold out of stuff. Nomadio also used to do a lot of adverting on RC universe forums, and support on their own forums. But they dont do that anymore. If you have customer support issue, E-mail them and they will get back to you. (3 weeks ago I had to send in a receiver that was not binding, and they replaced it.)

It can be hard to get V2 receivers. All though nomadio said they recently had a batch of receivers made, and amainhobbies will have most of them in stock.


Read through their forums for more info:
http://support.nomadio.net/

I was a little concerned when I first bought the React because there was a lot of forum activity regarding problems with the springs in the steering wheel - but I have 2 Reacts right now and haven't had a single problem.

It uses a 4-cell NiMH pack - rechargeable. There is a mini USB port under the battery try that you can use to hook it up to the computer to charge the battery and connect it to the software (it shows up on the PC like a tiny flash drive). The software on the React has peak charging software built right in that comes up the second you connect a power source to the USB port. I find pc USB charging to be very slow, so I just plug it into my Blackberry USB charger (rated at 500mA) and get a nice charge to the radio in about 3-6 hours. I simply got 2 NiMH 4-cell AA packs from cheapbatterypacks.com with the Futaba mini-J connector and it works fine (pretty much an standard mini female connector will work).

As far as the sensors go, the telemetry is very similar to that in the Spectrum radios - it's just not an add-on and it built into the controller. There are probes for speed, temperature and voltage and you can plug-in multiple types of one particular sensor and the radio automatically picks it up during binding (oh yeah - binding is a button and not a stupid extra plug). For testing new setups I've run a temp sensor on the ESC, one on the motor, and a votlage sensor at the battery pack. Set an alarm for whatever high/low thresholds you want for temp and voltage and your hand gets buzzed when it's exceeded.

I'm attaching a few snapshots from the Nomadio software to take a look at.

A few more

and two more...

now that IS cool! ive got a jr xs3i with 2 recievers for $110 us posted to australia. thought it was a great deal.

dx3r with sr3100 receivers and the spektrum pro receiver.

I use a Futaba 3PK Super, with FASST

Best out there! No glitches, arms FAST, very responsive

Seems I'm the only one that uses Airtronics MX-3FHSS 2.4ghz setup. It's easy to use, no antenna to break off, and well balanced. I have 3 cars running of it right now with excellent range. The rx are really small, making it easy to install in a cramped area.

Nomadio React, very very very fast. Light and has 4ch and telemetry. works with spektrum modules too. All for less than 300.