Which 2.4 system ?

[Steven Vaccaro]

Guys... on this reaction time test.. I think you need to consider that part of the reaction is going to be how fast your computer reacts...

I just took the test on my little Dell Mini-9 laptop, and the best I could do was 266ms... On my wifes Dell XPS, the score was faster....

In fact, I'd say part of the score includes the "Latency" of the computer/peripheral you are using to "click" for the test....

No such luck for me, I tried at work and I'm just as slow.

[AndyKunz]

Another issue is power. A recent test done by Spektrum showed that their systems will lose link when system power drops to 3 volts. They have a new deal that they call "instant on" or something like that where the lag of regaining the link when voltage recovers is near zero. In that same test the Futaba never lost link even down to a couple of volts. Almost all digital servos use a 3 volt single voltage so none of those work below 3 volts. But I like the idea of my system staying linked regardless of the system voltage. I have no idea how Airtronics handles low system voltage.

Actually, Bill, you need to watch the video more closely.

If the Fut never lost link, why did it not begin driving the servos after power was restored? The Spektrum quickly began driving servos again.

I personally suspect the Fut lost link, but the low voltage to the micro kept the micro from running and turning off the link LED (the micro needs enough voltage to keep its oscillator running). The output transistor simply kept its last known state (perfectly normal operation of electronics).

For those who are interested, this is the video Bill is referring to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwnM9...layer_embedded

Andy

[Bill-SOCAL]

Actually, Bill, you need to watch the video more closely.

If the Fut never lost link, why did it not begin driving the servos after power was restored? The Spektrum quickly began driving servos again.

The servos stoped moving below 3.o volts, which is the signal voltage for a Futaba FASST receiver. THe LED stayed solid green, indicating that the link was never lost. If analog servos had been connected they would have moved, but very slowly. With the Spektrum they would not move due to the link being lost.

I personally suspect the Fut lost link, but the low voltage to the micro kept the micro from running and turning off the link LED (the micro needs enough voltage to keep its oscillator running). The output transistor simply kept its last known state (perfectly normal operation of electronics).

Nice try Andy. If the link is lost, the LED goes red. Period.

[BILL OXIDEAN]

Actually, Bill, you need to watch the video more closely.

If the Fut never lost link, why did it not begin driving the servos after power was restored? The Spektrum quickly began driving servos again.

I personally suspect the Fut lost link, but the low voltage to the micro kept the micro from running and turning off the link LED (the micro needs enough voltage to keep its oscillator running). The output transistor simply kept its last known state (perfectly normal operation of electronics).

For those who are interested, this is the video Bill is referring to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwnM9...layer_embedded

Andy

I agree Andy, the Futaba lost link, and that delay was a perfect indication. If link was still there that servos would have snapped into action within milliseconds of power restoration..

[BILL OXIDEAN]

That's all cool... but I just tried it here in my work computer, and my new score is 172 ms...

Might be the difference between trying to use a touch-pad and a real mouse??

I feel much better now...

Oopss... spoke too soon... Just tried again, and now it's 156ms...

Might have to keep working at it, Steven...

You out-did me by a lot LoL..

[Bill-SOCAL]

I agree Andy, the Futaba lost link, and that delay was a perfect indication. If link was still there that servos would have snapped into action within milliseconds of power restoration..

Well we are looking at different videos then. The green LED stays solid green below 3 volts and the servos on both systems start moving again at 3.1 volts, so it beats me what you are seeing.

Perhaps you are talking about when the battery is turned off and then they turn it back on. The Futaba did take a tiny fraction to boot up, but then what they did not tell you is that they used the first generation of FASST receivers, which did take a second to link up the first time around. The current generation does not do that.

But the point still remains, drop the voltage below 3 volts and the servo stops because it requires at least 3 volts to work (digital needs 3 volt signal voltage). The SPektrum loses link and tells you it had an issue. Which is nice. The Futaba NEVER loses link as evidenced by the green LED. So dream what you want, if the LED is green it is linked.

[Steven Vaccaro]

You know what I get out of this. Run a charged pack and move on. If you are flirting with 3 volts you are not so swift.

[vvviivvv]

Just wondering... Does any one recommend a 2.4 system for a full carbon boat...? I'm probably going to get the spektrum dx3s with the marine reciever just wondering if anyone had used in full carbon before

I don't know anything about 2.4 and all that I just want a set up that will give me a fairly long range and be glitch free I don't need a reaction time of 0.46975955267....

Thanks

[JimClark]

I used it in a full carbon boat with no problems

[Bill-SOCAL]

In an all carbon boat the important thing, no matter what system you have, is to get the antenna up and out of the hull. CF is a killer to 2.4GHz signal. Absorbs the signal like crazy!!

[egneg]

Now that the Spectrum DX3.0 is also compatible with the DMS2/MR3000 receivers and I have an eagletree data logger what advantages does the DX3S have besides more $$$ and model memory. Is the telemetry info all that important once the boat is dialed in?

P.S. I had to try the reaction time test as well and averages are in the 170's

.

[AndyKunz]

If you're running for sport instead of competition, the battery voltage is pretty handy to keep an eye on your pack before you hit LVC.

Andy

[T.S.Davis]

Milliseconds? You have to be kidding. I've turned a lot of laps and milliseconds aren't going to win a race. I've used almost every brand of radio over the years. Never a Nomadio though.

Has anyone considered the effect of comfort on those precious milliseconds? Comparable speed with great comfort will win before those 50 ms will. Sorry Wilmer, I would never be able to get past the Airtronics lack of comfort. It's like a lap top on a stick. That thing is a tank.

My JR XS Pro is still super comfortable but the frequency clips can be annoying when the rest of the planet has moved on. It never failed me though so I stuck with it. Probably too long.

I tried a Spektrum at the nats. The most comfortable I've experienced. Another thing you can't get from anyone but Spektrum is an RX that will run in a cup of water. I had some massive leaks at the nats. No time to hunt them down. I still managed to win some heats. Set a record too. With a couple cups of water sloshing around in there.

I tried a Fut Fasst too. That one is okay for comfort but it's heavy too. Some like the weight. Makes them feel like they're holding on to something substantial. The Fut appeared to have a ton of features built into the programming. I didn't have time to mess with it. I'm sure the Airtronics does too.

They all have their positive attributes. Tactic is cheap. Futaba is tried and true. Apparently the Airtronics is quick. Speed wont sell me though. Not when the difference is 50 milliseconds. Now if it could drive for me. haha

Give me comfort over a few extra ms. Throw in some water resistant rx's and I'm sold. Another thing that might not seem like much but the Spek runs on just 4aa's instead of 8. Might explain the weight. How many aa's do you go through in a summer? Divide that in half.

[BIGDG357]

O.K. got the DX3S with the M3000 RX ( thanks for the combo Steve) didn't really do much research yet but I am wanting to know if the M3000 marine Rx is compatible with the telemetry system .I was about to order the module and sensors but wanted to make sure it will all work together.

[AndyKunz]

Telemetry requires the telemetry rx. The MR3000 is not a telemetry receiver.

If you want telemetry, you need to use the SR3300T. It has a 4" long antenna which you need to locate as high in the boat as possible. When using the SR3300T you probably won't have the same range as with the MR3000. Dial the boat in while running closer, then switch to the MR3000 for racing.

Andy