What is a good RC boat radio???

[madmikepags]

terry the T-hydro was me driving the wrong boat out of turn 2 at the Mi nats!!!

[flraptor07]

People are throwing around some crazy numbers here. Even the top of the line surface radio from Spektrum isn't $600.00....

You can get a QUALITY radio, with good model memory, and ALL of the features you could ever use in a boat, which is WAY fewer than a full-function Car would require, for $100.00....

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/dx3c-dsm-3-channel-surface-radio-SPM3300

20-model memory and every feature you'd ever need...

Darin, is there a wheel drop down available for this radio?

[Todd Fleury]

I have been using the Futaba 4pks-r for a year now. In all honesty, it is just a preference. Find what feels right for you and stick with it.

[Fella1340]

I said I bought a budjet radio, the system I want with all the features I need for one of my boats will be over$600 plus outfitting other boats.

[Darin Jordan]

Darin, is there a wheel drop down available for this radio?

No... that only comes on the "Pro" models... DX4R-Pro (The DX3R-Pro is no longer being made).

[gsbuickman]

Don't forget the Airtronics MXV, for a high quality radio for just under $100 with a lot of great features. I've seen them selling for $89 and they come with a h20 proof Rx.

http://www.airtronics.net/index.php/airtronics-mx-v-pistol-grip-with-w-p-receiver-3ch-2-4ghz-fh2-radio.html

Features:
• 3-Channel Full-Range 2.4GHz FH2 Digital Proportional Computer Radio for Cars, Trucks and Boats

• Compatible with all Airtronics 2.4GHz FH2 Surface Receivers

• 4-Cell Battery Holder for Lighter Weight and Improved Balance

• Easy-to-Read LCD Screen

• 10 Model Memory

• Servo Reversing All Channels

• Dual Rate Steering

• End Point Adjustment All Channels

• Exponential Steering and Throttle

• Anti-Lock (ABS) Braking

• Digital Trim Display

• Servo Sub-Trim Steering and Throttle

• 3-Character Model Naming

• Battery Voltage Monitor

• Ergonomic, Comfortable Feel

• Textured grip to prevent slipping

• Battery-Less Memory Retention

• Throttle Fail Safe

• Low Voltage Alarm

• Over 1000 Foot Range

• Compatible with Analog or Digital Servos

Transmitter Specifications:

• Output Power: 100mW (FH2)

• Nominal Input Voltage: 4.8v ~ 6.0v

• Operating Voltage Range: 4.0v ~ 9.6v

• Dry Weight: 11.64oz (330gr)

• Frequency: 2.4GHz FH2

Receiver Specifications:

• Nominal Input Voltage: 4.8v ~ 7.4v

• Weight: 0.25oz (7.1gr)

• Dimensions: 1.18 x 1.04 x 0.57in (30.0 x 26.5 x 14.5mm)

• Frequency: 2.4GHz FH2

• Fail Safe Support: Yes (Throttle)

What's In The Box:

• MX-V 3-Channel 2.4GHz FH2 Transmitter

• 3-Channel 2.4GHz FH2 Waterproof Receiver

• On/Off Switch

• Receiver Battery Holder

• User's Guide

Items Required, But Not Included:

• 4 'AA' Alkalkine Batteries or Equivalent Rechargeable Batteries for Transmitter

• 4 to 6 Cell Ni-CD/MH Battery Pack or 2S LiPo/LiFe Battery Pack

• Analog or Digital Servos to Suite Your Model

[madmikepags]

Yes agreed darin a good radio is not that expensive, but I have 1 radio for boats, one for Race cars and 1 for bashing cars, also my daughters and niece now each have their own radio. so thats 6 but those all cost less than $1000 all together, the price of the radios are not really the issue in my opinion, you can get a good futaba radio for less tha $100 but the recievers are rediculous especially for futaba.....almost $100 each!!! even doscounted they are over $80 I have close to 100 working models thats close to $10,000 in just recievers!!!!! I actually have been thinking of switching but I would need a financial winfall just to replace my boat recievers alone (35-40 running boats)

[gsbuickman]

The new h20 proof Rx from airtronics isn't exactly cheap @ $48 - $60 apeice. I am betting its a new standard Rx that they coated in epoxy to waterproof it like traxxas likes to do.

http://www.airtronics.net/index.php/receivers/2-4ghz-surface-receivers/airtronics-rx-37w-receiver-waterproof-2-4ghz-fh-2-3ch.html

[straitline]

Wow guys thanks for all the great information!! Some really good stuff... I'm leaning towards the 4PLS for my Zonda and Cheetah. I just need a reliable radio and peace of mind. GREAT INFO!!! Thanks

[stevendail]

Do you have to run a separate battery for the rx?

[tlandauer]

Do you have to run a separate battery for the rx?

That depends on whether your ESC has BEC or not. If it doesn't, you can either use a separate receiver pack or use a U-Bec to extract juice from the main pack.
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...od=de-sportbec
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...prod=de-vhvbec
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...as-010-0004-00
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...rod=ker-HWUBEC
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...as-010-0004-01

[nichismo]

Here we go again. I would suggest a high end radio like airtronics or futaba, or spektrum. Don't control your $800 boat with a $40 radio. It's just not worth it.

This greatly influences my natural thought process, but logically I just feel silly purchasing a radio and reciever for well over 200 dollars, when in reality I only need a snappy response and 2 channels, and Im choosing my own servos too anyway.

Im underway on my first build from bare parts and ive spent far more than id ever imagined, but that just makes it that much harder for me to decide.

I know I want to get a Futaba for sure, im wondering though if a 4PLS is worth it over a 3PL?

[flraptor07]

I've had quite a few different radios and I by far like my Futaba 4PL the best and that's over the Spektrum DX4R Pro I have too! The 4PL is the same radio as the 4PLS it just doesn't have Telemetry. Believe it or not, I've also heard good things about that new Flysky with touch screen.