PDA

View Full Version : what radio /servo system should i buy?????


spiderwc
08-13-2006, 01:21 PM
hello iam jsut wondering what radios you guys are running and prefer. i want to purchase a nice high end system .i have 2 very nice high end touring cars which are both nitro that need better radios than i have laying around the house .. so any recomendations on the radio and servo set up would be awesome and highly appreciated -thanks in advance

AreCee
08-13-2006, 01:26 PM
Futaba, Airtronics, JR, KO or Nomadio to name a few Also you can add the Spektrum system to all the above (except Nomadio). Take your pick after you go to your LHS and hold them and feel them in your hands before you make a decision. The feel is all subjective and all these radios are top line and perform well. So don't go by the suggestion of someone with big chunky hands if you have small thin hands because you won't be very happy then.

vtl1180ny
08-13-2006, 01:45 PM
You don't have to add the Spektrum Module to the Nomadio because it is already a 2.4ghz system and it is Much better than the Spektrum...

I own both the 3PK and the Nomadio and I'm in the process of switching all my cars over to Nomadio.... I WAS a long time Futaba user....

Check out www.Nomadio.net the price has come down a lot since it was introduced.

AreCee
08-13-2006, 04:14 PM
Duh!!! Didn't I say "(except Nomadio)" in conjunction to Spektrum, huh?

Better??? Different yes but better, in your opinion yes to others no.

Like I advised the original poster, to go to the LHS and actually look, touch and try the different radios rather than take an opinion as the gospel.

vtl1180ny
08-13-2006, 09:58 PM
If you want to go 2.4ghz go with a radio that is already 2.4, not an add on module...

AreCee
08-13-2006, 10:32 PM
If you want to go 2.4ghz go with a radio that is already 2.4, not an add on module...
So what? The Nomadio comes with a 2.4GHz module built in. If you understood radios then you wouldn't have made the statement above. Plugging in a module for DSM is the same thing as plugging a module in for FM or AM. It looks like the Nomadio lacks the adaptability that the others allow. I like the fact that I can just change modules so I can use 27MHz AM, 75MHz FM, PCM, HRS and other radio formats and not limited to DSM only.

That makes the module radios more versitile but then again it's my opinion vs. yours and totally subjective since one way is not any better than the other. ;) He/she may not like the way a Nomadio fits and feels in their hand, it is a bit unusual you have to admit. The only feature I like about Nomadio is that it uses a smaller battery pack so it's a bit lighter but I don't like the feel of the radio, again a subjective view. :D :cool: :)

So let's not start a flame war about who's toy is better and let the person planning on using this thing make their decision AFTER trying them out in the shop.

JoeMAXX
08-13-2006, 11:56 PM
How much money do you have to spend is my only question?

I run an older JR XS-3 synthesized radio system at $260.00 and have installed JR RS-310 receivers at $80.00 bucks a pop into most of my R/Cs and use the JR z650 142 Oz Steering Servos at $50.00 bucks. This is a lower end of Racing systems and price goes up from here.

spiderwc
08-14-2006, 09:29 PM
im willing to spend 500.00$ on radio gear for both of my cars .. i like the new airtronics m11 any suggestions on that ?

spiderwc
08-14-2006, 09:30 PM
ive been a futaba user forever since i started in r/c who knows when lol i also like the jr dx models with the spektrum any opinions on these models would be great . i also like the jr r1 transmitter looks very rich in taste

ambiotter
08-15-2006, 02:07 AM
Nomadio is the best radio out there at the moment IMO. Look seriously into that. Doesnt include any servos though.

vtl1180ny
08-15-2006, 12:39 PM
So what? The Nomadio comes with a 2.4GHz module built in. If you understood radios then you wouldn't have made the statement above. Plugging in a module for DSM is the same thing as plugging a module in for FM or AM. It looks like the Nomadio lacks the adaptability that the others allow. I like the fact that I can just change modules so I can use 27MHz AM, 75MHz FM, PCM, HRS and other radio formats and not limited to DSM only.

That makes the module radios more versitile but then again it's my opinion vs. yours and totally subjective since one way is not any better than the other. ;) He/she may not like the way a Nomadio fits and feels in their hand, it is a bit unusual you have to admit. The only feature I like about Nomadio is that it uses a smaller battery pack so it's a bit lighter but I don't like the feel of the radio, again a subjective view. :D :cool: :)

So let's not start a flame war about who's toy is better and let the person planning on using this thing make their decision AFTER trying them out in the shop.


Hmmm... I guess this long time Ham operator whose been in the RC hobby since the 70's and has worked for 1 of the largest electronics firms has no idea about radios....

The Nomadio DOES not come with ANY Module BUILT IN, it is a complete Digital radio designed for the 2.4ghz band.

The Spektrum module is a quick fix for the radio's it fits to be able to run them on the 2.4ghz band. Those radio's are Analog, not Digital. AM, FM and PCM are all Analog signals.

I too own a 3PK with the Spektrum module. Although it does work and transmit on 2.4ghz I wouldn't say it does it as well as a radio designed to output a digital signal. My 3PK is now just good for my Mini-Z's....

AreCee
08-15-2006, 04:35 PM
OK. It looks like you like it a lot.

lst the best
08-16-2006, 12:35 AM
futaba 3pk super it dose more than any racing radio even that m11

JoeMAXX
08-16-2006, 12:56 AM
The only problem I see with 2.4 GHz is used in older household telephones and network Wireless systems then can interfere with the signal. It is a widely used band which is why I bought 5 Ghz phones for my home.

I am a computer guy and my older 2.4 GHz phone used to mess up my Wireless computer system because they would end up on the same band and shutdown my home network. Many home computer wireless systems run on that same wave length and for bashing could interfere with the signal in a neighborhood with other 2.4Ghz systems.

I do not run a 2.4 GHz radio system but know that these signals can mix and many home phones and wireless networking routers run the same frequency and the channels can cross.

These are just some of my thoughts and maybe Spektrum runs above or below these other signals but who am I to know.

Speedst3r
08-16-2006, 01:10 AM
To those wondering about interference w/ the 2.4GHz might want to read this review. http://www.rccaraction.com/articles/spektrumDSM_4.asp

dallasv8
08-16-2006, 12:27 PM
i run a nomadio sensor and have never had a drama with it.absolutely awesome.i am left handed to and it only takes a minute to swap the radio to left hand.

vtl1180ny
08-16-2006, 01:11 PM
I work on my cars right next to my 2.4ghz wireless roter and have never had a single issue with the router disconnecting or the cars having any issues. I now have the Nomadio in 6 of my 24 RC's. I wish I could use it in my Mini-Z... haha

rezenclowd3
08-17-2006, 01:16 AM
I bought an M11 with Spektrum TX and RX that had the antenna mod mor $280 of ebay and love it! I also own the DX3 setup and love that too. For the price though, the M11 is great!!! Others like the Futaba 3PK/Super which is the one that I think looks the best, but I didnt like the feel as much. You can buy the M11 for $260-$290 at losipartshouse.com with or without RX. Quite a bit cheaper than the Futaba. If your willing to drop that kind of dough, I would spektrumize it. No hassles. Most people never experience any glitching with it, especially if your a nitro driver.

ambiotter
08-17-2006, 05:45 AM
The Nomadio has all the features of the m11 and more, for the same price.....

rezenclowd3
08-17-2006, 10:21 AM
The Nomadio is $450 versus the M11 $290 versus the 3PK $300. Mind you though, Im not sure if the 3pk price includes RX.

vtl1180ny
08-17-2006, 01:18 PM
Look around, you can get the Nomadio for $299....

highroller
08-17-2006, 01:30 PM
I've used for Futaba for years, newest include the 3PK (now 3PKS) and 3PM.
Prices of both vary with servo type, synthesize or non synthesized, HRS or standard PCM or FM. The 3PM FM was $129 with a standard 3303 servo, $149 with the 3305 with no servo price is $119. The 3PJ went in touring car using the 9405 servo, 3PM went in B4 with a 9402 (both are coreless, ball bearing with metal gears) 80 vs 89 torque for 9402 the 3PK are in pan cars 1/10 and 1/12 uisng the 3002 mini ball bearing, metal gear servo.

ambiotter
08-18-2006, 01:42 AM
Lets see, the nomadio tx and rx is $280. The m11 tx and rx is around the same price. Go figure.

rezenclowd3
08-18-2006, 02:34 AM
Hmm, the distributers that nomadio list all list them for $390 or more... Im not trying to start anything, just showing the "going" rate. They are all great radios. The all have about the same features as far as "tunability" go for the vehicles they are running. The minor differences are timers, telemetry. As far as operation, one can get help pretty much anywhere, and all are very easy to use. The 3 I talked about can be switched left/ right handed, and switches can all be programmed to what you like. Personally, I didnt even need the manual with either the M11 or 3PK. With a budget like yours though, go with what you like, and if you go with a compatible module based system, add the spektrum system. The no hassle, no glitching is a godsend.

rezenclowd3
08-18-2006, 02:35 AM
Sorry, update, unlimitedengineering.com has the Nomadio on sale w/ rebate for $340

7.5man
08-18-2006, 12:58 PM
Gentlemen:

I have owned many radio systems and have been using the Nomadio system for the last 5 months. I have never had a problem with the system at all other than my own dumbness for computer setups which I'm pretty bad at.

I have been in touch with Scott from Nomadio quite a few times and I can tell you all that either needing a quick reply by em or by phone there is no better company out there for service. I usually recieve a em back within an hr of sending it and this is even on Sundays. I live in Canada and I usually recieve a call back from them within an hr or 2 if I need to talk to a tech to help me set up the radio.

There is simply no better radio system company out there....the service they provide is outstanding. I know the other companies out there are not even on the same page with their service for their valued customers.

And to the Spektrum users your system is not even close to the speed of a Nomadio system running digital servos and that is a fact!

I'm a believer......:)

vtl1180ny
08-18-2006, 02:53 PM
I had a bad tranciever, mailed it out on Thursday got to them Monday, had new one on Wednesday.... Can't beat that for customer service... I've contacted Scott by phone and email and always had my questions and problems solved...

The new 2.4ghz Futaba is going to be using Nomadio's technology, Not Spektrum's....