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Best mid-level radio for a crawler?

Benbot

Benbot

Rock Stacker
Joined
Aug 27, 2014
Messages
98
Location
Columbus
I'm building a Wraith kit and I don't think my 15-year-old FM transmitter is going to cut it. What would you recommend for an entry to mid-level 3 or 4 channel radio? As this is my first RC in 12 years, I hardly need pro features, but would I be happy with a Spektrum DX4C or Futaba 3PL?
DX4C DSMR 4CH Tx w/SR410 (SPM4200W): Spektrum - The Leader in Spread Spectrum Technology
Futaba® 3PL 2.4GHz FHSS 3-Channel Computer Radio
Are there other transmitters I should consider? What should I look for? I'm budget conscious, but don't mind spending a little more if the features are worth it.
 
The 3PL is what I went with when I upgraded from the RtR short course remotes, I bought a second one for my crawlers. Although it's a 3-channel radio, it has an odd feature that allows you to use the included 4 channel receiver to implement 4-wheel steering and keep the third channel available for something else. It's got more features than I need but it's not overly complicated and it's Futaba quality. Also seems to be easier on the batteries than my other 2.4 and older FM and AM radios.
 
I suggest you get a hacked flysky. I ordered mine from overkillrc.com. I got the GT3C.
 
Futaba vs Spektrum--is one brand better than the other, or is this just a matter of personal preference?
 
Save yourself the worries of glitching and buy a Futaba. I use a 3PMX and my only complaint is the cost of the receivers but in the nearly two years I've used it with multiple crawlers I've never once had an issue.
 
People around me had some glitching issues with Flysky. Personally: no experience. But i am very happy with my Radiolink RC4G. Bought it at Asiatees and i find it to be a very reliable radio for $65,-
 
Benbot said:
Futaba vs Spektrum--is one brand better than the other, or is this just a matter of personal preference?
Click to expand...

I've read a lot of complaints on Spektrum (receiver incompatibility, unbinding issues, range issues), they're not all bad and knowing which receivers work with the new Spektrums helps, but I prefer the 20 years of 100% reliability I've gotten from Futaba.
 
Benbot said:
I would like to keep it under $200.

The Futaba 4PLS looks pretty nice with its real-time telemetry, but I really don't see what I would want those features for.
Click to expand...

That's what I was going to recommend for that price. It's a great radio! I don't use the telemetry but it's nice to know that it can if I ever need it. I like the 4th channel as I run a winch and LED lights that I can turn on or off with the remote. It's been stone reliable for the 2 years that I've had it.

I have been thinking about adding a temp sensor to my high dollar brushless motor which would be nice to have.
 
The Airtronics MT-4 fits into your budget ($180 from Tower after coupon) and is one of the best radios on the market. It has all the features you could ever use and rock solid signal reliability. Telemetry is nice for monitoring your motor temp and battery voltage just by looking at your radio.

The downside of all Airtronics radios is the receiver cost (but there are 2 waterproof versions available).
 
IMO the Futaba 4PL is very user friendly and very dependable probably the best value to function radio available. I've have two that have been heavily used and abused without any issues of any kind. Its just a solid performer and easy to use.

I also have a Spektrum DX3R for years its worked flawlessly as well but I'm not a fan of the function selector wheel its sloppy and just seems like a weak point. The pistol grip to trigger distance is way to large for comfort IMO and the receivers are also over priced unless you buy Hobbykings orange ones.

Good luck a radio is a very important piece of equipment you'll have for a long time so buy the best one you can afford they get better as the price goes up.
 
Eric0424 said:
I've read a lot of complaints on Spektrum (receiver incompatibility, unbinding issues, range issues), they're not all bad and knowing which receivers work with the new Spektrums helps, but I prefer the 20 years of 100% reliability I've gotten from Futaba.
Click to expand...

Ive run a dx3c and a dx4s for the last 3 years now the 3 in a scx10 and the 4 in my tf2 lots of water and mud and have never had a glitching issue.
 
Dx4c offers very little adjustment when using its aux channels in 2 or 3 pos. It just won't work with a 3 pos winch control. Futaba may cost more, but offers up a lot of features.

Flyskys made all sorts of glitching at the last comp I went to. Annoying, felt relatively rtr compared to dx4c and above. I have no interest in the flyskys, and while it fits budgets I wouldn't ever recommend one.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
 
I love my 4PLS. I chose it over the Spektrum because I didn't really care for the click wheel thing.
 
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