2.4ghtz Computer Radio

[wizard122]

There are sprays you can use that won't void your warranty I use Super Lube

http://www.super-lube.com/super-lube-multipurpose-aerosol-ez-68.htm

works great.

[BHChieftain]

I have not been able to compare radios so I have no actual data on this, but I do like the design of the MR3000 receiver which is water resistant and also has 2 antenna inputs in case one loses the signal. Theoretically, 2.4ghz and water don't like each other, so the more signal diversity the better. I also think it is a good idea to run at least one of the antennas up out of the hull as high up as possible to help with water-signal problems.

I ended up using the spectrum dx3S because I wanted model memory (I can run my primary boat and rescue boat on 2 different "channels"), but I also got the dx3E for my son which is a pretty good price.

-Chief

I just got back from a run tonight, and my boat took a violent tumble, and capsized. Took about 15 seconds for the flood chamber to right the boat, I hit the gas and
Nothin'! Transmitter lost the link and took another 15sec or so to to re-establish the link. I can't tell if it was due to the receiver or the esc... After the link re-established, the boat ran fine.

Chief

[Steven Vaccaro]

I was always a Futaba fan. Then I bought a Spektrum 2.4 and haven't turned back. Now that the dx3s radios are out, all my stuff is now on Spektrum. I haven't had a radio problem since I switched over. The are just so dam easy to program. The user interface and jog style dial with switch makes moving around the options as simple as can be.

[T.S.Davis]

The user interface and jog style dial with switch makes moving around the options as simple as can be.

Me too Steve. I had a heck of time navigating the Hitec menu on the CRX. The JR menu was better. I haven't even read the Spektrum manual. An idiot could work that thing. I'm proof.

I never worked the Futaba. All my Futaba were analog. As long as they've been at it, I'll bet their menu is pretty manageable too.

I haven't seen the Airtronics menu. My last one was from about 1984. Not for any particular reason though.

I wonder if all of the 2.4s take a bit to re-sink after the antenna gets submerged. I stuffed a couple with my Spektrums that way and had to wait a few for the sink. Still worked just had to wait for them to talk to each other.

[sailr]

The problems I saw with the Spektrums is that they would lose the link and take too long to recover. By then the boat was across the lake. Perhaps they have improved. I don't know. I waited for Futaba to come out with their FASST system (for my airplanes) before I went to 2.4ghz. Glad I did. The airplane guys were having trouble with the Spektrums too. I then bought a couple of the Airtronics 2.4's for my boats and they rock!

[T.S.Davis]

We saw that with the Spektrums before they came out with these marine rx's. The radio that looked like the JR. I think it was module. Now if it loses signal it goes into failsafe and stops. The only time that has happened to me is when the boats went sub surface. They sat until the link was established again.

I don't think I've ever heard a complaint about the Fasst systems.

There's so much great stuff out there it's getting harder to choose. They're all pretty good once you jump up to 2.4g. You just have to decide what features you want. Which ones you need. How easy is it navigate. That kind of stuff. All the computer radios have similar options as far as I've seen. Multi-model, rates, end point adjustments, timers, etc. Little different menu on each of them.

Hey, anybody ever mess with throttle punch on a boat? I saw that in my menu and couldn't think of a use for it.

[wizard122]

Throttle punch is use on EP RC cars works like traction control If you increase the punch it accelerates harder less it's softer good to use on slippery tracks I can't think of ant use in an EP boat maybe a nitro boat with a hot motor.

[AndyKunz]

The problems I saw with the Spektrums is that they would lose the link and take too long to recover. By then the boat was across the lake. Perhaps they have improved. I don't know.

You must have been seeing one of the car receivers (SR3xxx), not the Marine type (MR3000). The Marine protocol is almost exactly the same as the aircraft and rock solid. It has the same sub-second Quick Connect feature as the aircraft radios.

Andy

[sailr]

I'm talking about back before they came out with the Marine receiver which is fairly recent. I saw enough boats crashed to know I don't want one even if they have fixed it.

[Steven Vaccaro]

I'm talking about back before they came out with the Marine receiver which is fairly recent. I saw enough boats crashed to know I don't want one even if they have fixed it.

I have old ones, I have new ones. No problems on this side of things. Best radio system I've used in 26 years of playing with rc.

And just to clarify, I'm not sponsored, I don't get paid to use them and I don't get them for free.

[BHChieftain]

You must have been seeing one of the car receivers (SR3xxx), not the Marine type (MR3000). The Marine protocol is almost exactly the same as the aircraft and rock solid. It has the same sub-second Quick Connect feature as the aircraft radios.

Andy

Just a note, I have a new DX3S, with an MR3000. The two times my sycnron wiped out in a big way (with many tumbles, and underwater for second), I lost the connection and it took 5-10seconds to reconnect. But I still don't know if that is due to the radio link or the ESC doing something strange... but so far I've never had any problems as long as my boat stays above water.

Chief

[sailr]

You are a lucky guy and I'm very happy for you!

I have old ones, I have new ones. No problems on this side of things. Best radio system I've used in 26 years of playing with rc.

And just to clarify, I'm not sponsored, I don't get paid to use them and I don't get them for free.

[Steven Vaccaro]

You are a lucky guy and I'm very happy for you!

Funny, Funny. I dont think its luck. My kids have them also.
We run together constantly. No problems. Maybe I should start playing the lottery.