Futaba 3PM 2.4G receiver antenna length

[vashon10]

I have purchased online a Futaba 3PM 2.4G system based on the good reviews. I've never actually seen it in person, but my question is about receiver antenna length. It is apparently 210mm long (futaba tells me), yet I see stubby short antennas in trucks using 3PM receivers, they don't even extend out of the body.

I'm confused, since I thought all 2.4G systems usually had very short receiver antennas. Have people shortened the 3PM antennas ?

[George16]

You can coil some of the antenna inside your rx box. All my trucks are setup this way so everything is underneath the body. Just don't cut any!!!!

[JThiessen]

My Brother in Laws antenna was long...before he accidently got it caught in his spur. The manual says that you shouldnt shorten it, but it appears that it works ok.

BTW...I'd REALLY think twice about going with the Futaba over a Spektrum. My 3.0 is ten times easier to use, and the manual on the Futaba is not worth the paper they printed it on.

[vashon10]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

My Brother in Laws antenna was long...before he accidently got it caught in his spur. The manual says that you shouldnt shorten it, but it appears that it works ok.

BTW...I'd REALLY think twice about going with the Futaba over a Spektrum. My 3.0 is ten times easier to use, and the manual on the Futaba is not worth the paper they printed it on.

Hi, I'm actually in Renton. I did check reviews and it seemed like it wasn't hard to find threads complaining about something on both systems. I have already purchased it, as I mentioned, so I'll just manage (maybe even enjoy LOL). I was able to get it for less than $150 shipped (new), so I went for it. My AM is getting interference around power lines and in wooded areas, so 2.4G should help.

I think George16's idea of coiling it, sounds easy. I wouldn't want to cut it, since that would definitely devalue the system, in case things don't work out and I want to sell it. I was just curious if people were actually cutting it.

[George16]

I accidentally cut one and I experienced range issues with it. It's now residing in my son's crawler so there are no range issues now :).

[NoControl]

If the receiver antenna is short when you bought i wouldn't worry, i got one with my 3PK and the rx antenna doesn't even reach the top of the body, but as far as i can tell i can drive teh truck 2.5 city blocks (thats as far as I've tested it to, I could still probly go further) and still have perfect signal.

I am also waiting for my 3PM to arrive with an extra receiver. From what I read in the manual, the antenna itself is very short but appears longer because of the "coaxial cable" that connects the receiver to the antenna.