Radio Advice

[SweetAccord]

This question is for all members that have any experience with different RC radios.

Here is my situation. I have an Airtronics MX-3 which has never been used. In reading all the different advantages about 2.4 GHZ radios, should I sell the MX-3 as "new never used" and upgrade to 2.4Ghz or stay with the FM? In upgrading, I'm considering the Airtronics MX-3FHSS as it's the most affordable 2.4 Ghz I can find and has the same layout/features as the MX-3. Anyone had any issues with it that are using it in a fiberglass hull? I'm also fond of the Futaba line, any recommendations on one over the other?

Thank you kindly.

[Bill-SOCAL]

First, changing to 2.4 is not really an upgrade, despite everyone thinking that.

If you are thinking of buying a new radio I would get a 2.4 simply because it relieves you of ever worrying about interference from other radios and from most internally generated noise. It is also wonderful not ever having to go to the frequency board!!

Plus you never have to worry about some kid with a car or truck in the parking lot from causing a "situation".

But 2.4 is not perfect either. Some work better than others. I use the Futaba FASST 2.4 which has been flawless for me.

I'd ask around your area, maybe do some more investigation and decide which system is for you. However, if your present radio is working fine and you have no issues with channel conflicts and alike, I see no reason to get 2.4 because it is "better".

[oldshovelhead]

I like the JR Racing XS3 Pro.
10 model memory and the RS310 is a pretty small RX.

[SweetAccord]

So why should I get a XS3 exactly?

[oldshovelhead]

Here are the specs -

http://www.jrradios.com/Products/TechnicalSpecs.aspx?ProdID=JRP337275

For me the model memory and smaller rx were the selling points.

[bonewar]

Mx-3fhss

SweetAccord mate i use the mx-3FHSS i have had no problems , i use it for my sv27,maritimo cat,sv27 nitro . sometimes i run the boats along side the local sailing rc boys, i've never had interference, or glitches form this controller. so i would recommend it as a very good choice.bonewar

[Apples1]

i am also going to by the airtronics 2.4 FHSS, i have also heard good reports.

[azjc]

another nice thing about the 2.4ghjz radios is that you don't need to have the Rx antenea exposed..at least that is the case with my land models ( I am new to boats but expierenced with MTs and Truggies using BL and lipo setups)

[Bill-SOCAL]

another nice thing about the 2.4ghjz radios is that you don't need to have the Rx antenea exposed..at least that is the case with my land models ( I am new to boats but expierenced with MTs and Truggies using BL and lipo setups)

I will have to disagree with this. Simply because the antenna is shorter and easier to hide inside the boat or radio box is no reason to do so.

In fact, it is far more critical that you do in fact get the antenna up and out as much as possible.

The very short wavelength of the 2.4 gigahertz radios is easily attenuated/blocked by physical objects like motor, batteries, etc. And carbon fiber is a killer.

Even if all you can do is get a bit of it outside the boat I strongly urge people to do so.

On the Futaba FASST systems the actual antenna portion of the wire coming out of the RX is the short "bare" portion on the very end. It really is no big deal to get the antenna outside the boat and set in a vertical orientation.

[SweetAccord]

I will have to disagree with this. Simply because the antenna is shorter and easier to hide inside the boat or radio box is no reason to do so.

In fact, it is far more critical that you do in fact get the antenna up and out as much as possible.

The very short wavelength of the 2.4 gigahertz radios is easily attenuated/blocked by physical objects like motor, batteries, etc. And carbon fiber is a killer.

Even if all you can do is get a bit of it outside the boat I strongly urge people to do so.

On the Futaba FASST systems the actual antenna portion of the wire coming out of the RX is the short "bare" portion on the very end. It really is no big deal to get the antenna outside the boat and set in a vertical orientation.

I agree with the antenna statement, that is common knowledge actually if you do enough research. I guess my question is what is the REAL advantage of 2.4? I'm not concerned with antenna length or size of the receivers, how it looks or feels one compared to another.

I'm trying to justify to NOT use FM and go to 2.4Ghz. I have read where people have lost control with 2.4Ghz and people that state stay with a good FM radio. I have read where people use 2.4Ghz and have stated they NEVER had an issue. Some have said their range was shorter with 2.4Ghz and had glitching too. I know it's all about the setup and where they are running their models.

I guess I'm looking for someone that can say "I had FM and had issues" like this or that, "then went to 2.4Ghz and now its fine" and explain what the issue was. Maybe I'm asking too much of someone to state all that. I'm 50-50 on do I really need to spend the money to 2.4Ghz or just stay with FM? Maybe a poll of how may people use FM or 2.4Ghz would answer this question.

[Bill-SOCAL]

2.4 advantages:

1) no worry about frequency/channel conflicts
2) no worry of external interference
3) no worry about most internally generated RF noise (metal to metal, etc.)


Disadvantages:

1) some systems work better than others in boats.
2) cost can be high depending on how many RXs you need
3) most require the use of 6 volt receiver packs

Again, if your radio is working fine and you have no plans to buy a new one, then I would wait. However, if you are planning on a new radio, then when you buy it I would buy a 2.4 system.


I have the FUtaba FASST 2.4 system in 9 boats ranging from a 24 inch FE sport hydro to a very fast T-mono to two all out gas racing boats. I have never had an issue. The FASST system is one that has been shown to be very robust and reliable in boats.

[SweetAccord]

Disadvantages:

3) most require the use of 6 volt receiver packs

I have the FUtaba FASST 2.4 system in 9 boats ranging from a 24 inch FE sport hydro to a very fast T-mono to two all out gas racing boats. I have never had an issue. The FASST system is one that has been shown to be very robust and reliable in boats.

So with the Futaba do you have to run a receiver pack or can you use a BEC?

[Bill-SOCAL]

BEC is fine, especially in a smaller single servo FE boat. Larger boats, or ones with 2 or more servos are better off with out the BEC and use a receiver pack.

I have had no issues with the BEC in the SV power system that I have in 2 boats that I run the Futaba FASST radio in. They supply a steady 5.2 volts.

[SweetAccord]

Ok, so how much did you get the Futaba 2.4 for? Who has a good deal on it?

[Apples1]

Hang on a minute!!!!!!!!! i am just about to buy a 2.4 system and i have a full CF boat coming soon, will this work??????