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View Full Version : What's the best long distance radio??



DK535
12-12-2012, 08:12 PM
Finishing a build and need a long distance great radio setup for my big mono? Any suggestions?? Not a fan of spektrum and tactic seems to be hit or miss with distance. My Traxxas Rx/Tx from my Spartan worked real well. Suggestions?

kevinpratt823
12-12-2012, 08:26 PM
Many would say Futaba.

DK535
12-12-2012, 08:43 PM
Any futaba in particular?

KartRacer
12-12-2012, 10:12 PM
Read a test on rc soup or big squid and it showed Futaba at nearly twice the distance of other brands.

Doby
12-12-2012, 10:40 PM
Why is distance so critical...you won't be able to tell if its coming or going .

mtbenjamin77
12-12-2012, 10:52 PM
any futaba 3prka or 4pk-r just be sure to keep the rx dry

oscarel
12-12-2012, 11:17 PM
Flysky GT3B tested to 2 miles, not sure you'd need much more than that.

http://www.jrcbd.com/showthread.php?t=50047&p=592813&viewfull=1#post592813

devo
12-12-2012, 11:38 PM
Buy a futaba. I have tactic, spektrum, and futaba radios and I would rate them 1. Futaba (never loses signal as long as you keep it dry) 2. Tactic (rarely loses signal) 3. Spektrum (regularly loses signal) others may have different opinions but I wouldn't have a flysky as I have witnessed 2 major crashes over the receivers failing

Chilli
12-13-2012, 12:14 AM
Futaba 3PM. You can a used one for a reasonable price on ebay. Despite some saying you do not need an antenna outside the boat, mount one anyway for maximum range. I'm with devo that the Futaba recievers can glitch if they get wet. Nothing a shot of wd40 and burst of air won't immediately cure.

iamandrew
12-13-2012, 05:08 AM
im still blown away by my crappy GT 2 and GT 3 HK radios, all still working well!

DK535
12-13-2012, 05:47 PM
Wow guys thanks for the input !! I need a glitch free long distance combo for a large 65" mono build and need good range.

DK535
12-13-2012, 05:48 PM
Wanted to avoid a antenna if possible

Chilli
12-13-2012, 06:36 PM
Let me elaborate on the Futaba wet reciever glitching. Then only time I ever had a problem with my Futaba FASST radio is when the boat flooded and I didnt take time to ensure the reciever was dry before the next run.

If you want maximum range, the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver must be unobstructed. Anything less and your rolling the dice.

LiPo Power
12-13-2012, 07:07 PM
2 on that:



Why is distance so critical...you won't be able to tell if its coming or going .

jkr
12-13-2012, 07:14 PM
There is also UHF signal for extreme ranges.Many people use them for fpv with range <25miles but you need a tx with module.

keithbradley
12-13-2012, 07:34 PM
Skip the flysky stuff. Bad news when they malfunction.

DK535
12-19-2012, 08:08 PM
Okay guys I'm sold on the Futaba. What's the best setup Rx/Tx then? Fasst system?

raptor347
12-19-2012, 08:31 PM
I've run Fasst for years, very reliable. I run stick radios so I started running an 8J FHSS system last year. Either system works great. I've never had one come unbound (except for one very wet receiver), even in my very small carbon SAW boats at pretty good distances.

My .02
YMMV

Old Sloppy
12-19-2012, 08:57 PM
Wanted to avoid a antenna if possible


Most any 2.4 system will have extreemly short antenna length, keep in mind that altitude is a major factor in extreem radio range. (I don't think you REALLY want 6,000 feet range) if you do, stand on a hill or a ladder for maximum range.

Having said that, I personaly mount my Futaba reciever with the antenna inside the fiberglass hull, up high near the top of the transom.

I get super range with that setup, at about 1/3 of a mile away ( around 2,000 feet away)

I can barely see my model (radio range exceeds your vision) and the sound is delayed due to the distance, it has a wierd effect on your senses...

KartRacer
12-19-2012, 09:19 PM
I bought this one. Seems to be very good. Have always had good luck with Futaba.


Futaba 4PL 4-Channel 2.4GHz S-FHSS Radio System

DK535
12-19-2012, 10:08 PM
Wow sloppy that's crazy!

Darin Jordan
12-20-2012, 10:58 AM
If you are running a modern Spektrum system, using the MR-series RX's, and you are "regularly losing signal", you are doing something wrong, or have the worst luck on the planet...

DK535
01-15-2013, 05:59 PM
Ok guys time to order.... The Futaba FHSS system or the FASST system?

gb tiggycat
01-16-2013, 04:43 PM
FASST is more expensive , but probably has the edge on features

Old Sloppy
01-16-2013, 07:18 PM
fasst

borgie
01-16-2013, 09:00 PM
try these one they seem to never lose signal if you have the RX in a ballon http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23165__Turnigy_GTX3_AFHDS_2_4ghz_3_Channel_Radio _System.html ,these radios have all the digital screens and buttons like the spektrum and futaba and they also have a real good range

DK535
01-17-2013, 11:23 AM
Thanks everyone for your input ordered a FASST system last night