M8 or Futaba 3PK?

[xray]

It seems like my M8 is getting dated with the all digital, 6 volt 3Pk. But, Futaba has yet to come out with a synthesized system.

Is Airtronics going to have a new radio soon then, while Futuba upgrades theirs?

I don't want to blow another $400 on a different radio, or ven more running gear, for it to change.

-Xray

[AreCee]

Originally posted by xray
It seems like my M8 is getting dated with the all digital, 6 volt 3Pk. But, Futaba has yet to come out with a synthesized system.

Is Airtronics going to have a new radio soon then, while Futuba upgrades theirs?

I don't want to blow another $400 on a different radio, or ven more running gear, for it to change.

-Xray

The 3PK is 9.6 volts (8x1.2) same as the M8. Neither Airtronics or Futaba have synthesized modules but you can use the Novak switch ($110) in the M8 and the Hitec Spectra ($90) in the 3PK.

The 3PK comes with either the HRS FM receiver or the PCM receiver, both versions include a Tx battery and charger. Also it comes with a wheel position adapter so you can lower the wheel and be similar to the M8.

The cost of each is close when you factor in the items you are getting. 3PK is $330. M8 is $270 with Rx and 2 standard servos add about $35 for a Tx batt and $20 for a wall charger and the price is close.

So go to your LHS and try each one in your hand to see if you like the feel.

BTW the M8 has been around for a few years and may be replaced soon. The Futaba is brand new and should be around for several years.

[TEM]

The M8's been around for a while. The last M8 was the limited with a backlit screen. But really, the radio already has everything you need. The 3PK certainly looks different. Also backlit screen. HRS no HRS, I don't think it's much difference. The new radio companies are conspiring; so that you MUST stick with their brand of accessories. Personal opinion; futaba has stronger signal than airtronics. They are both good radios that are trouble free; but thats just my personal opinion on the two. If you read the features list; new/old aren't so much different. While youre willing to spend so much on a radio; consider the JR R1, and the soon to arrive KO helios. Speaking of features changes; the R1PRO has gold colored wheel and buttons!.. WOW that ought to make you faster(it's working for me!). And the New helios; pivoting wheel. Features list same as the Mars. Higher speed transmission, etc.. Are we humans that fast????

[xray]

Originally posted by AreCee
The 3PK is 9.6 volts (8x1.2) same as the M8. Neither Airtronics or Futaba have synthesized modules but you can use the Novak switch ($110) in the M8 and the Hitec Spectra ($90) in the 3PK.

The 3PK comes with either the HRS FM receiver or the PCM receiver, both versions include a Tx battery and charger. Also it comes with a wheel position adapter so you can lower the wheel and be similar to the M8.

The cost of each is close when you factor in the items you are getting. 3PK is $330. M8 is $270 with Rx and 2 standard servos add about $35 for a Tx batt and $20 for a wall charger and the price is close.

So go to your LHS and try each one in your hand to see if you like the feel.

BTW the M8 has been around for a few years and may be replaced soon. The Futaba is brand new and should be around for several years.

Actually this is my second radio. I am looking into the 3pk. I have read in some previous posts that the transmitter synthesizer form Hitec will work, but it's just as easy for me to get the Novak gear for the M8.

I really like the 3pk already, but it doesn't have synthesis frquency capability. I don't reall want to spend another 200 on top of that just for the radio. Might as well get a JR.

BTW the 6 volts is for the receiver pack, check out the spec for the digital servos, they are quite fast.

-Xray

[nomac]

i don't mean to interupt but you mean to tell me that the hitec synthesizer will funtion in the 3pk? as in no crystals for the transmiter? and then to add the novak rx for total dail in frequencies?

that's sounds too good to be true 'cause my lhs is having a summer sale on those very items! tell me i'm not dreaming!

[Pro3/nmt105]

The hitec spectra modual will fit in the 3pk to make it syntheised but you must use a hitec syntheised reciever, unless you can buy a novak switch reciever for Futaba and Hitec radios. Futaba and Hitec use negative shift while airtronics and just about everyone else uses positive shift, so you cant use the reciever made for airtronics.

I think the 3pk is 12 volts, because mine has gone up to 11.5 volts.

[PCC]

Originally posted by Pro3/nmt105
The hitec spectra modual will fit in the 3pk to make it syntheised but you must use a hitec syntheised reciever, unless you can buy a novak switch reciever for Futaba and Hitec radios. Futaba and Hitec use negative shift while airtronics and just about everyone else uses positive shift, so you cant use the reciever made for airtronics.

I think the 3pk is 12 volts, because mine has gone up to 11.5 volts. HUH???!! This post is all wrong. The Hitec Spectra module will work with any receiver that the 3PK would normally work with and those include three different versions of Futaba receivers (R133F FM receiver, R113iP PCM FM receiver, and R203HF HRS PCM FM receiver and probably some of the older Futaba FM receivers) as well as the Novak XXTra and XXL (for Futaba) receivers. The Novak Switch module is a frequency synthesis module for the Airtronics M8 radio. It appears that Futaba will also be releasing a module to make the 3PK 27MHz AM compatible! Time to get a Mini-Z!

The 3PK is 9.6VDC. It uses 8 1.2V batteries (8X1.2=9.6).

[xray]

Note: Some Nicad 8x1.25 10v
NiMh 8x1.2 9.6v
Alkaline 8x1.5 12v

-Xray

[Pro3/nmt105]

Originally posted by PCC
HUH???!! This post is all wrong. The Hitec Spectra module will work with any receiver that the 3PK would normally work with and those include three different versions of Futaba receivers (R133F FM receiver, R113iP PCM FM receiver, and R203HF HRS PCM FM receiver and probably some of the older Futaba FM receivers) as well as the Novak XXTra and XXL (for Futaba) receivers. The Novak Switch module is a frequency synthesis module for the Airtronics M8 radio. It appears that Futaba will also be releasing a module to make the 3PK 27MHz AM compatible! Time to get a Mini-Z!

The 3PK is 9.6VDC. It uses 8 1.2V batteries (8X1.2=9.6).
I thought he wanted a syntheised reciever, I dont really see a point in having a syntheised modual but not a syntheised reciever. Might as well buy crystals for both if your gonna buy crystals for one.

There must be somthing wrong with my 3pk then, because after I leave it on the charger for a night It says 11.4 volts, Ill even take a picture. Do you guys have the magnum version?

[OldskoolGT]

There's nothing wrong with 11.4V. A fully charged AA puts out more than 1.2 volts

[PCC]

Pro3, I was merely stating that you don't must use a hitec syntheised reciever, unless you can buy a novak switch reciever for Futaba and Hitec radios because I have this exact combo and the only receiver I haven't tried with it is the HRS one (and I don't plan on getting one of those, neither) and it works fine. Not only that but I was clarifying that the Novak Switch is a FM synthesis module, not a receiver like you stated.

Yes, it almost does not make sense to buy Futaba's receivers when you have a synthesized transmitter but you have to remember that you can buy the receiver crystals by themselves.

[jnegrx]

I have the 3PK and yes the Hitec Spectra module woks in it. I was lucky in that i already owned a Linx 3D with the module and a xxtra receiver. In my opinion the 3Pk is the best radio. The xxtra works with any brand of radio.