What Radio

[Papa]

What radio tx/rx do you run? Its time to upgrade. Here are a few from my list: JR z1, xs3 pro, Futaba 3pkt, Airtronics m11, spectrum dx3, hitec crx, srx. I am thinking synthesized or 2.4ghz spectrum, if not, ability to upgrade module for spectrum down the road , digital. :C:
What do you think?

[Gustav]

I use a xs3 and it's good for the money and i like it but if i was to buy a new radio i'd definately go for a 2.4GHz,i think it'll become the new standard eventually,or i'd atleast get one that could take a 2.4GHz module,just depends how much you want to spend.

For racing i'd get a Nomadio Sensor,in this thread(page 4) Batfish was telling us about his and it sounds awesomehttp://www.rc-monster.com/forum/show...=&threadid=957 plus it's software is updated via download,and it gives you live data via vibration and beeps which you can actually make sense of while driving,for high temps etc.

If i didn't want live data,i'd get a JR Z-1 and a spectrum module(if they make one for it)
Edit:actually no the KO EX10 helios is cheaper and the same except it's not synthesised which would be a waste if you got the spectrum module for it,there is one for it i just checked.

I think the Spectrum DX3 DSM would be the best choice if you don't want to spend so much,it seems just like a xs3 but with 2.4GHz,and it doesn't cost much more than a xs3 either.

To be honest,the DX3 has all the features i'd likely use(apart from too few model memory) so i probably wouldn't bother with the Z-1 or similar high end stuff except for competative racing.(you can just use a little thing called throttle control instead. lol).

[Papa]

Funny, you sound kinda of up in the air as to what may be the best way to go. While I was at my LHS yesterday, I held both the Z1 and the dx3. Man tough call to make. I am ceratin that the specrtum technology will be the stuff in the not so distant future. Seems like if I went with the Z1 and added the spectrum module down the road, I would have as much money in it as getting the Nomadio. the Dx3 seems cool but like you said only three model memory and not as many adjustments "bells and whistles". To add to the confusion most of the guys at the local track run 3PK's.
Urgghh.... :P:

[MetalMan]

Why not just get the Nomadio Sensor now, and be happy for a while? It has some capabilities that many high end radios don't have, like computer connectivity, built-in telemetry, etc. If I had a budget that would allow me to get it, you can bet that I would.

[Gustav]

Yeah, i'm unsure which way to go myself,so that probably wasn't much help,i'd like to go to 2.4GHz but i'd rather not spend $500 for the Nomadio because i'd need to buy a couple of recievers on top of that so i'm not changing recievers over all the time.

So for me,depending on how much i want to spend, it's either the DX3 and do without extra model memory and all the throttle curve adjustments or KO EX-10 Helios(you can buy the transmitter for about $210 )plus the spectrum module (around $160).The KO is the same as the Z-1 but without the synthesised FM module,so it makes no sense to buy the Z-1(more expensive)if you're going to add a spectrum module.

The Futaba looks good but you can get the KO and 2.4Ghz module for the same money(ish).($370)At that money that's my choice,or for less money the DX3.

Edit:i agree with Metal Man,if you want telemetry as well then the Nomadio makes most sense,it's cheaper than a similarly high spec radio and then adding an eagle tree,even then for live data the Nomadio is better,the eagle tree does have a dash but i don't think it has the beeps and vibrations you can read while driving like the Nomadio.

The one thing the Eagle tree seems to have over the Nomadio is current reading but the Nomadio may have this in the future.

[Batfish]

I feel obliged to add to this thread :)

Yes, I have the Nomadio Sensor and I love it. Keep in mind that they're updating the transceiver (receiver) and I don't think it'll be ready very soon since they're waiting for regulatory approval. The version 1 transceiver doesn't have a working RPM sensor, but you can still get pack voltage and temperature.
If you don't mind waiting, and don't mind the cost, I'd definitely recommend the Sensor.
The biggest benefit to me right now is the telemetry since all of my vehicles are "project" vehicles. When I run the Brushless Jato at the track, I keep the temp reading up on the display and glance at it any time a marshall is righting the vehicle. This keeps me informed as to my temps all the time. I check the pack voltage before and after each race since I run lipo (to be safe). I have the Sensor set to vibrate if the speed control hits 150F, so I know if I'm running too hot, too.
I could go on about all the features of the Sensor for quite some time, heh :)

Also, to give a frame of reference; I've used these other radios as well:
Airtronics MX3
Airtronics M8
Traxxas TQ
Other assorted AM RTR radios
Futaba Magnum Junior

The Sensor literally blows them all away in terms of features and options.

[Papa]

In reality I ought to stick with the lower priced unit, but damn the nomadio sounds like its got some awsome features. I will not rule it out just yet. What's the story with the version 2 transceiver? I could probably hang on with a less expensive unit until the technology advances a bit.

[crazyjr]

Hey Papa. I have an XS3 JR radio and never had a glitch in 2 1/2 years so the pro is what i recomend or the futaba mag jr FM, if you don't go ultra high end

[Gustav]

I like the XS3 too,i have one but i'd definately get the DX3 for just $50 dollars more than the XS3 pro,i get lots of interference on FM, it has similar adjustability(apart from fewer model memory) and is 2.4 GHz.

[Papa]

When a manufacturer speeks of high speed resolution and frame rates are they speeking of the same thing? Is that something that the transmitter an / or the receiver is responsible for?