Spektrum or FM

[sdartt]

I have no radio or receiver, starting new. Should I go for a FM unit or a Spread Spektrum DX 2.0? I'm leaning to the DX 2.0

[SJFE]

I have both. I perfer the DSS system to the FM. I will addmitt that the FM may have a "slightly" better reaction time to control inputs. I say that only because of what I have read. I have never noticed a difference. I run a DX3 and have never to date had to place the antenna out side of a hull. This has been the same in large and small compact hulls. Do this @ your own risk however. Both systems can be found with multi model memories.

IMO the best FM system is the KoPropo Z1 on 40mhz. I have read very good things and know a racer who has used the system for a long time now with no problems.

What it all boils down to is what you have to spend. You can get a nice FM system for well under 100 dollars while a DX2 or DX3 system will cost upwards of 150 & additional rx units are 80 a piece.

I hope this helped you out.
Tom G

[sdartt]

Thanks, I think I will go with the DSS system, I have read about some add on's that will send info from the boat, like temp etc., back to the radio while your running. Very interesting!

[SJFE]

Yes the Spektrum telemetry systems are very nice. I have yet to invest but it's on my long list of "wants". Keep in mind this is not a replacment for a data loggers like the EagleTree or DPR.

[Eodman]

I went from AM receivers to Spektrum and am very happy with the product! no experience with FM! When I made the jump it cost me $249.00 each .. it included the receiver, 2 servos & radio! I bought two of them, 1 for me & 1 for my son! I happened to hit a scratch off lottery ticket for $700 and change so it was found money!

[SJFE]

scratch off lottery ticket

I work with a guy who is completely addicted to those things. I was shocked to find out what he blows per day on them. Lets just say in a months time it's 3 times more than what I invest in my hobby.

[Eodman]

Tom, I'm an occasional buyer ... the determining factor is if I happened upon a newly introduced game otherwise I don't buy!

[SJFE]

I do my 4 dollars a week on the mega game. 2 bucks Tuesday & 2 bucks Friday. It's my shot @ the RedNeck retirment fund....lol.

[JimClark]

Check out the Futaba Fast 2.4 also

Jim

[Flying Scotsman]

If, I was in the market today. I would give 2.4ghz a long look, if I had one or two boats. For multiple boats the cost gets high due to the receiver cost. For me to change over from FM. The cost for receivers alone would be $700.00. But 2.4ghz is the future then it will 5.0 and then 6.0!!! Just look at the telephone industry over the last 5 years.
Douggie

[SJFE]

Speaking of costs Douggie I went and invested in 3 DSS rx units. Then I bought an FM system with 2 synth rx units. At the time I had 5 water ready boats. Now I have only 2 boats planned for the season. Another lesson learned from over buying hulls. I'll hold on to all of it for future investments though .

[sdartt]

Good info. and advise. Thanks Guys
The good thing is SJFE mentioned a data logger, now I have to research and find out what that is, if I need it and whats the best one to buy. My starting into this hobby may just kick start the national economy!

[SJFE]

The data loggers really take the guess work out of setting up and tuning in performance. It's a minamal investment in the total scope of geting into this hobby.

[sdartt]

I will have to check and see if Spektrum has a logger, if so that would be sweet.

[SJFE]

No they don't. The watts up , eagletree and dpr are the only ones I know of.