Radio for brushless vehicles

I am about to buy a radio, and I can get a futaba 3pk system for the same price as a spektrum dx3. THe futaba comes with a rechargeable battery, but the spektrum comes with an extra receiver. The futaba is also a discontinued model since the 3pks came out. Which would be a better choice for brushless? Does brushless behave better with 2.4 ghz or fm?

3pk pros: rechargeable battery, more adjustability, upgradeable
3pk cons: discontinued model, not 2.4ghz

DX3 pros: 2.4 ghz, extra receiver, cool antenna
DX3 cons: uses alkaline batteries, not as adjustable or upgradeable

Anyone have any suggestions, since my current futaba magnum junior is over 12 years old and has seen better days.:007:

[BrianG]

I really like my Spektrum DX3.0. What features/adjustability are you looking for?

[poconoblmaxx]

I really like my Nomadio React. Its $300 with usb programming all the bells and whistles including telemetry feedback. Transceivers are pricey at $100 each for additional vehicles.

[glassdoctor]

I recomend checking out the new 2.4ghz radios from Futaba and Airtronics... similar to the Spektrum and Nomadio DSM radios. Pretty loaded but not as pricey as buying the top of the line + DSM to go with it.

I like my Specktrums, but they aren't very customizeable. BTW, if you experience what appears to be glitching, go with an external BEC, no matter what cell count you are running.

[MetalMan]

When the MX-3FHSS comes out I'm thinking I'll buy it. Tower Hobbies has it listed for $190 and Late April:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPNM6&P=7

But I can get an Airtronics MX-3S 75mhz for $96 brand new (with my employee discount). Decisions, decisions...

What kind of batteries are you guys using in your transmitters. I know the high-end ones have rechargable packs, but what about the more budget minded transmitters? I dont want to have to keep using alkalines, but the voltage of rechargable AA is 1.2 instead of 1.5, so i dont think you can use them in transmitters.

[squeeforever]

Yea, you can use rechargables in your transmitter. I use Duracell Supreme 2650mah AA's in my M8.

[jnev]

I was really considering the MX-3FHSS. I know a person at my LHS so hopefully, I'll also be able to get a discount.

[MetalMan]

I ended up getting the MX-3S 75mhz (one with two servos) for $96 ($103 with tax). My guess is that the employee discount from Hobby People on the MX-3FHSS will be ~$130-140.

[jnev]

Metalman - Out of curiousity, do you think there will be the MX-3FHSS radio systems at the big sale next to the store you work at?... the one that is at the end of August I think?

[MetalMan]

The warehouse sale? That sale is usually for items that were returned, that they then sell at a low price. The only way there would be a MX-3FHSS there is if it were returned.

[jnev]

Oh, I see. Because I remember last year there was the MX-3s for $50 each!! My brother ended up selling some on ebay for mroe and made a nice profit. I bought one, and then stupidly thought I didn't need it, so I sold it. Now I ma in search of a nice radio system again.

[ssspconcepts]

Originally Posted by elegal

I am about to buy a radio, and I can get a futaba 3pk system for the same price as a spektrum dx3. THe futaba comes with a rechargeable battery, but the spektrum comes with an extra receiver. The futaba is also a discontinued model since the 3pks came out. Which would be a better choice for brushless? Does brushless behave better with 2.4 ghz or fm?

3pk pros: rechargeable battery, more adjustability, upgradeable
3pk cons: discontinued model, not 2.4ghz

DX3 pros: 2.4 ghz, extra receiver, cool antenna
DX3 cons: uses alkaline batteries, not as adjustable or upgradeable

Anyone have any suggestions, since my current futaba magnum junior is over 12 years old and has seen better days.:007:

A lot of folks will have different opinions...but I like the Spektrum DX 3.0 so far. It performs well and offers quite a bit of flexibility in terms of adjusting exp/epa. I also really like the fact that you can add telemetry and get real time data from your car (e.g., motor temp, voltage, speed and RPM). By the way...you can purchase rechargeable batteries for the Spek and recharge them using your RC charger (all you need is a 9V battery adapter and an extra Deans (or Tamiya) plug. You can see my telemetry mounting scheme at

http://picasaweb.google.com/ssspconcepts


I have heard a lot of good things about Nomadio...but the React is significantly more expensive...especially if you are installing telemetry on several cars.

[squeeforever]

Personally, I would go with the React. It's just a better radio...