Spektrum Dx4s vs Futaba?

[gsbuickman]

I was always fond of synthesized FM radios like the JR XR2I & XR3I radios. They were reliable, you didn't need crystals & the model memory and features were nice for an FM radio. I've run all kinds of 2.4 radios including spekky, futaba, ko-propo, tactic, flysky & numerous off brand systems, they've all had they're ups & downs, primarily features, or lack or need of some things......

Recently I did a partial trade deal with l8rg8r on my Futaba 3PM cause he likes futaba. Now I am running a nice Airtronics M11 w/ a spekky module & 6 SR3001 Rx's that I got from Rick in the deal.

This thing has been flawless & if I didn't have the manual I'd need to contact NASA on operating the dang thing. Its got a 30 model memory & every bell, whistle and option i've ever seen on a radio. It's even telemetry compatiable. Hopefully it continues to work nice for me. I did find a dead spot on the water with my villain the other day. I hit the dead spot the boat drifted for 5' & took loff again. Only time will tell.....

[kfxguy]

I have a spektrum dx4s with a dual antenna. Carbon fiber hull. Should I run the second shorter antenna outside the boat too?

[Fluid]

What receiver? An antenna inside the hull will be pretty well shielded....



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[Rocstar]

I have a spektrum dx4s with a dual antenna. Carbon fiber hull. Should I run the second shorter antenna outside the boat too?

I assume you are referring to an MR3000 or MR200 RX. Mine work well in CF hulls with just the longer antenna outside in a tube.

[kfxguy]

Sorry. Mr200

[Doug Smock]

I really like my DX3S. The only issue I've had is some of my MR3000 and MR200s don't play well with some Hitec and Futaba servos.

It is my understanding that this will take care of that. http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/D...x?ProdID=SPMCP

I use a Futaba 3pm without issues. It's a great radio but not as user friendly as the Spektrum. It doesn't get any easier than the thumb wheel.

It's about time for the Airtronics salesman to show up. lol

[forescott]

What about the older pro boat 2.4 radio that has the losi 2.4 transmitter. I just picked up a NIB formula fastech with this radio, but had a couple of losi 2.4's with the same transmitter (different land receiver) that had really poor range.

http://www.proboatmodels.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PRB3750S

[tlandauer]

What about the older pro boat 2.4 radio that has the losi 2.4 transmitter. I just picked up a NIB formula fastech with this radio, but had a couple of losi 2.4's with the same transmitter (different land receiver) that had really poor range.
http://www.proboatmodels.com/Product...rodID=PRB3750S

For a long time I was using this Proboat tx, it worked flawlessly, I had the DX3E from a combo package deal they offered on the Stilleto, so I use that one, but I still run my MG and Pursuit on this unit. Receivers varies from MR200 to MR3000. Those old Losi radio was not the same IMO, they did not have the EPA dials and as you said those receivers really had very short range.

[kacordy]

I really stirred up some great reviews of radios. I always run the long lead of the mr200 out of the boat as long as possible in an antenna tube. 100% no loss of contact.

Allen

[Darin Jordan]

In my boats, including my SAW boats, many of which are either all carbon or have carbon hatches, etc., I run either an MR200 or MR3000 and I usually only run the long antenna about 2" or so out of the hull... just enough to get the "silver" tip to clear all the hatches, etc., and that's it.

At the SAWs, where you'll drive the FURTHEST away during the drive out to the runup, I don't recall ever seeing a glitch or loss of signal.

On bigger boats (more carbon, etc.), running this tip of the antenna up higher makes sense.

The smaller antenna generally just needs to be laid inside the hull.

[kfxguy]

In my boats, including my SAW boats, many of which are either all carbon or have carbon hatches, etc., I run either an MR200 or MR3000 and I usually only run the long antenna about 2" or so out of the hull... just enough to get the "silver" tip to clear all the hatches, etc., and that's it.

At the SAWs, where you'll drive the FURTHEST away during the drive out to the runup, I don't recall ever seeing a glitch or loss of signal.

On bigger boats (more carbon, etc.), running this tip of the antenna up higher makes sense.

The smaller antenna generally just needs to be laid inside the hull.

Sounds like my antenna is getting shortened. Lol. Thx!

[TheShaughnessy]

Sounds like my antenna is getting shortened. Lol. Thx!

i hope you aren't planning on cutting your antenna shorter. the tip is the only part that matters. Kinda confusing the way you wrote it.

[iridebikes247]

I run a futaba 3 pmx.

Never have glitching problems and the range is ridiculous for FE, no one in their right mind would ever need to stretch its range capabilities with a boat. "the tip is the only part that matters," this holds true in all senses of the statement....except with the radio, try to get at least 2-3 inches of antenna out and you'll be good. Futaba 3pmx is $170 on ebay and is worth every penny, glitching is completely unacceptable even if its for a split second.