JR XR3 or Futaba 3PDF

[the_yawn]

Which one is better? Both look ver good.

[Rc1oGtMaN]

I personally think thay Futaba sets the industry standard for FM radios, but you might like the JR more. Both are basically the same. I don't know much about the XR3, but I can tell you that I have had a very good experience with Futaba. They are very balanced radios, making them seem light. I really think it's up to you on what you like. Try holding both of them, if you have access to these radios. Feel should be the determining factor between these two radios.

[the_yawn]

Is the rechargeble batteries worth it?

[TC3Racer]

yaaawwwn i'm way tired right now but excited and cant sleep. anyway, i would go with the JR XR3. I have heard tons about it and about to get one for myself. It really does a good job with reducing glitches and just a really reliable radio. I dont think I really care which one you get cuz trust me both are GREAT. The Futaba is also an excellent radio. I think which ever radio you get you will be pleased. :)

[HowieStern]

the Futaba has a rounder, and more padded grip than the JR does.... so i prefer the grip of the PDF over the XR-3.... otherwise, the JR is a bit cheaper, but both have nearly the same features... and both look pretty cool...

peace out.... :)

[Gutter Ball]

I like my XR3's(I have 2). It was hard to choose, between XR3, 3PDF, and the 3PJ. They all felt nice and balanced. The cost factor did it for me. JR receivers and crystals were cheaper than Futabas.

[the_yawn]

Hey guys, you answered my first question, but did any of your guys see my question about batteries. Thanks.

[Matt Russell]

hey Yawn- depends on what batteries you're talking about... Any recharables pay for themselves over time, and plus i believe they keep their "peak" voltage for a longer period than your typical energizer and whatnot. try to find NiMH (metal hydride) as they don't have a memory - you can zap them when they're sligthly low and not damage the battery.

I have the XR-3 and love it. it's a good thing to have FM for a nitro vehicle (which i have)AND plus you get the added benefit of that 3rd empty channel for a T-maxx, or boat, or something that you might get in the forseable future. Oh, and the glitching factor is low.

but everyone here is right: hold each one in your hand, and pick by feel as long as the features that you want are in each radio.

BTW - the only thing my XR-3 doesn't have that i wish it did: is a control over the throttle trigger to bring it up gradually when you come off idle.
-Skip

[mike]

I also have a xr 3 and it has been a good radio, but it has gone back for repair(broken spring)and took 2and a half months to get back.
I have also been using futaba radios since about 1975 and have never had problems.the crystals are about 2.00 more around here.
if i had to chose again i would go with futaba.

[FilthyPierre]

I have an XR3, it's great for a cheap computer radio. However, like most radios, it is built to run 8 x 1.5V cells, which is 12 volts. If you put rechargeable NiCd's or NiMh cells in you will only get 1.2 volts per cell or 9.6V in total. You may find with only that much voltage your signal is weaker and your radio "run time" will be less than if you use standard alkaline cells. Less voltage = weaker signal = more glitches/more prone to interference etc.
I found that I could only get 2 meetings out of regular alkalines, so I ended up going with rechargeable alkalines - these put out 1.5V per cell and last a whole meeting. They have different properties than NiCd or NiMh; you shouldn't let them run all the way down, in fact they're supposed to get better the more often you recharge. So far I've had no problems with them. And they're cheaper than NiCd or NiMh because they don't last as long, but so far I've been using one set of 8 for about 6 months now every second weekend. They are made by Grandcell (Malaysian company) but I believe Rayovac makes them as well.

[Rc1oGtMaN]

I'm about to give the Rayovacs a try in one ofm my radios. I like how they use a charging dock so you don't have to have an AC jack on your radio. Right now I have nicad's but they don't last long enough for me. I'll keep you posted on the rechargable alkalines. -Mark

[CBlakeNS]

I would personaly go with the jr xr 3 it is a top notch radio and its great!!

[Gutter Ball]

I use Dynacharge rechargables in my XR3 and they last me 2 race days (almost an hour), with some time left for bashing! After I charge them and load them up, the LCD says 11.1. 1.2 X 8 = 9.6...dunno where the extra 1.5 volts comes from :) I tried the Rayovac's, but you only get 100, +/- a few, charges before they die and they only last about 30 minutes more.

[HauntedMyst]

to answer your question simply, yes, get the rechargable batteries. But don't get the JR set, its too expensive. Dynamite, I believe makes one for about $25 for the XR3 and it's great!