Comparison: KO Mars EX-1 vs JR Racing XR3

[qua77ro]

I picked up the KO Mars EX-1 today from my LHS along with an extra set of crystals(for club races) and a case for it. I didn't want to carry my new radio freely inside my big rubbermaid plastic bin I use to move my R/C gear when I go out to run. Anyways... here are some pictures and then I'll give some initial thoughts.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid26/p5eaf7f710a4abe8f57654512a6ab28eb/fe458cba.jpg.orig.jpg
The heavy duty case made by hobbico(around 50 bucks).

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid26/pa571583dda38be77eefd25a645f9776e/fe458cb8.jpg.orig.jpg
another shot of the case.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid26/pd3fc50809bb9957552e7f233a418b0a7/fe458cae.jpg.orig.jpg
side by side image of KO Mars vs JR XR3.

XR3:
Manufacturer JR Radio Systems (http://www.jrradios.com/)
Street Price: $180.00
Frequency: FM, 75Mhz
Trims: Digital
Maximum Vehicle memory: 3
Display: LCD
Retail Package Includes: 1 FM receiver, 1 FM Transmitter, 1 set of crystals, misc. servo horns, Rx battery clip, and either 1 JR 550 Premium Race Servo, or 2 JR 250 Servos.

Pros: Fairly inexpensive entry level FM radio with multiple car memory. Easy to use, large LCD display, very intuitive.
Cons: Larger grip than other radios on the market, lacking some of the features hardcore racers will want. Low battery tone gets REALLY annoying, really fast.


Mars:
Manufacturer: KO Radio Systems (http://www.kopropo.co.uk/)(US site seems to be incomplete still)
Street Price: $240.00
Frequency: FM 27/75Mhz
Trims: Digital
Maximum Vehicle Memory: 10(22 with limited edition, higher price, no longer made I believe)
Display: LCD
Retail Package Includes: 1 FM receiver, 1 FM transmitter, 1 set of crystals.

Pros: Function packed, ready for hardcore racers. Active Brake Control system, Steering speed, 10 car memory. The list of functions goes on and on!
Cons: TOO many functions... well not really, but it's no where near as intuitive to use as the XR3. Smaller LCD screen.

In the end both radios are great radios in their own respect. The Mars being a higher end radio for more avid hobbyists, whereas the JR is a great entry level FM radio with plenty of goodies you won't find in your RTR radio equipment. The Mars will fit better in the small hands, as the JR radios seem to be a bit bigger. Both fit fine for me, but the Mars in my case is a bit more comfortable.

The case by Hobbico is very easy to setup for any radio. The foam used to dampen and protect your gear while in motion is pre-scored. Making it very easy to remove(no cutting needed really) by just peeling it apart. The foam lining the lid DOES require cutting if the radio steering wheel is too tall but that's easily done as well. It comes with a shoulder strap, and keys to lock the case.

So tomorrow will be the first day that I will get to really try out the Mars. Now to find someone to buy my XR3. :D

[ 08-27-2001: Message edited by: SteveP ]

[Mason Copeland]

How much are you asking and what will it come with condition etc.(the xr3 that you are selling)

[qua77ro]

link to my post on classified forum (http://www.rccaraction.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=11&t=002924)

and the radio condition is EXCELLENT!

[ 08-25-2001: Message edited by: qua77ro ]

[Railman]

QUA, You might want to keep your manual in the john for a little light reading. It's an excellent radio, and you won't be disapointed. It does take some time to use even 1/2 of the features though. I just took the module out & played with it while while watching TV to get familiar with the basic functions. Good choice.

[qua77ro]

Railman: Hehe thanks for the tip. The guys at my LHS are good friends of mine. I end up helping out there usually for a bit each day. One of the guys has the limited edition with the repositioned steering wheel, and the "black" antennae(whooop de dooo). He showed me some of the basics so the radio is set properly already for trims/epa/ABS. :D really cool guys...

plug here for Hobbycentral here in San Diego, CA.

Do you know if the KO charger for this thing can charge NiMH batteries? I plan on picking up 8 more Kodak Photolife NiMH AA(1500mAh, YUMMY) batteries to power this radio. I use them now for my Digicam and they work great. Well worth the 4 dollars a piece I paid for them.

[beef_flavored]

UGH! Buying this radio was too much for me...I can't handle all the settings and features! somebody buy it from me!

[qua77ro]

NO! hehe don't sell the Mars. Take some time and learn how to use it! I spent maybe an hour tops with it and now I'm familiar with all the functions through system levels 1 to 3. Just have 4 left to learn and I don't think there is too much in 4 I intend on using. It's a great radio. I loved the ABS feature, non-linear acceleration or steering. Just a great radio, give it some time! :D :D

[jeepinator]

qua77ro !
Great post. I love it when folks spend the time to do this kind of stuff. I just wanted to drop in and say thanks.
I considered the KO when my JR 756 went bad, but there just wasn't anyone using it, so I was a tad skeptical. Had I seen this post I would have benefitted from it.
Can't wait to read your observations after using it a while ;)

[qua77ro]

Forgot to give a review of the Mars after actually getting a chance to use it...
Well it worked great yesterday. I tested the "At Start" feature as well as the ABS system and the non-linear turning, and turning speed adjustments. All worked like a charm.

The At Start" feature is basically used once per race. When you are lined up, waiting to go you can setup the radio for this feature. Then as the race begins as soon as you touch the trigger to move the car(position of engagement is configurable) it goes to the throttle position you set it at, in my case WOT. So you have minimal lag between the initial take off.

The ABS(Advanced braking system) basically does what ABS(Antilock Brake Systesm) do on real cars, however it doesn't know when the wheels are locked. Instead when you brake bard enough(the point is configurable) the radio will pulse the braking action, preventing FULL lockup of the wheels. I tested this just for fun by turning off the ABS feature, and gunning the car to WOT till it hit top speed, applied the brakes fully(set to lock, normally the brakes are set just to slow down never lock) and turned very slightly causing the car to spin out... did the same thing except with ABS on and it didn't spin out... you're able to configure the pulse rate as well as the range of the braking action.

The non-linear turning feature was also tested today... it can be used to set the steering rate variable depending on the amount of turn you request. So at one setting you can have the steering VERY sensitive a the light turns which makes for very fast but somewhat difficult to control(at least for me) steering... setting it the opposite way will cause the light steering actions to be a bit more tamed making for a smoother steering response.

The turning speed function was very nice for testing out steering on LARGE scale tracks with long smooth turns. Basically it'll slow down the steering servo so it you have better control on wide turns. It doesn't work real well for hard corners though... so for me I doubt i'll really ever use it.

overall i'm VERY impressed, and I only know a few of the many features the Mars has.

[HauntedMyst]

I agree, very nice post! The only thing I would like to add is that if you do a search on Ebay on "aluminum case" you can get simular cases for about $30.00.

[qua77ro]

Jeep/Hauntedmyst: Thanks for the reply. You should see my write ups for my NRS4 RTR on HPI's website. As far as the case goes, I prefer to pay a little bit more and support my LHS. I don't mind paying 5-10% more sometimes than what I could find at say Hobbypeople, or bruckners. I like knowing WHO I am buying from. I'm good friends with all the guys at the hobby shop. I help out on occassion, get first dibs on anything that comes into the store.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/p0d199d87cf9ae683c9d185da5486735b/fe5b6e60.jpg.orig.jpg
My NRS4 A4, next to my real A4.

Here are some of my posts on my RS4.

newbie NRS4 tips (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021411.html)

MIP Shiny CVD Install (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021368.html)

Hinge Pin, some graphite pieces (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021468.html)

RRP Aluminum Disc Brakes, Turn Buckles, Rear Brace (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021624.html)

Front/Side belt tensioner install (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021655.html)

Hammad Ghuman Chassis install (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021840.html)

5 cell hump pack install (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/021895.html)

NRS4 RTR to Racer 2 suspension conversion (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022004.html)

GPM Ball Bearing Steering Ackerman (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022053.html)

best 3 dollar investment for your nitro R/C (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022084.html)

Engine Upgrade post (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022162.html)

Full chassis shots of my RS4. (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022212.html)

Links to a post with detailed shots of my car (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022312.html)

Sway bar setup (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022371.html)Was bored and picked it up, it sits unused in my tool box =)

handling kit, better shots of rrp brake setup (http://www.hpiracing.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/022468.html)