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Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

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Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

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Old 12-28-2008, 01:34 AM
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RcFlyer10X
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Default Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

If you guys had a choice between the Futaba 3PKs 2.4 Fasst systems or the Spektrum DX3r what would you chose? I have done some reading and there are alot of people who say the futaba system is a better system? Then there are people who say spektrum. What would you go with for a race system and why? I only want to do this once which is why i am going for one of these two.
Old 12-28-2008, 01:58 AM
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NitroVette
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

I have been using Futaba radios for over 20 years and have never had a problem. My first high end radio was a 3PB PCM 3 channel pistol that I bought in 1990 that still works perfectly. My son is using my old 3PJS, about seven years old and still working perfectly. Earlier this year I purchased a 3PKS and love it, this is the best radio I have ever owned. The 3PKS has a quality feel to it that other radios can not match, ergonomically it is just about perfect. The menus are well thought out and it has every adjustment and feature that you could need. It's an awesome radio.
Old 12-28-2008, 02:15 AM
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gtr
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

I would say the spektrum radio quality is suck.

I bought the DX3S on X'mas , just rolling the switch menu 15mins ....... the switch broken.[>:]

conclusion : cheap price cheap quality
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Old 12-28-2008, 02:22 AM
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gtr
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

DX3R display problem ......suck quality.

conclusion : cheap price cheap quality
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Old 12-28-2008, 05:06 PM
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RcFlyer10X
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Well it sounds like the 3PKs is my best bet?
Old 12-28-2008, 08:38 PM
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RcFlyer10X
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

What about the KO Propo EX10 radio with their 2.4GHz system? I haven't read too much about their system but i hear KO Propo is supposed to be a very good system.
Old 12-28-2008, 11:38 PM
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systemlord
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

The Futaba 3PKS uses high quality plastics that are tough, I have been using my 3PKS 2.4GHz radio for six months and would buy it again!
Old 12-29-2008, 12:07 AM
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SAVAGEJIM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

I agree, +1 for Futaba 3PK!

I have the original 3PK, two of them as a matter of fact. These were teh ones that were made in Japan before Futaba began to outsource their manufacturing to taiwan, and I can tell you, based on my two 3PK radio systems, the 3PKs is teh same, if not better, reliability wise and functions-wise.

I do not know about the 4PK, I think that is about when Futaba hired subcontractors from Taiwan to make their radios and other gear. I just hope that Futaba holds their sub-contractors to teh very same high standards the held themselves to when they made the radios in Japan.
Old 12-29-2008, 04:26 AM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

i have no experience with the 3pks but i have owned 2 futaba radios and all worked flawlessly. i still use one that is 8 years old. it's my favoutite radio. you can't go wrong with futaba
Old 12-29-2008, 10:34 AM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

FUTABA ALL THE WAY DUDE [8D]
Old 12-29-2008, 02:49 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

3PKS + Spektrum modules
Old 12-31-2008, 08:42 AM
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RcFlyer10X
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Well guys thanks for the advice. I ordered a Futaba 3PKs w/2.4 GHz Fasst System. Should get to my hobby shop today or tomorrow actually.
Old 12-31-2008, 01:13 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Beware of the over-heating FASST receivers. Make sure the Rx is below 122F (50C) or it will loose bind. That's what happened to me and that's why I suggested 3PKS + Spektrum.

It's a very nice radio, you'll be more than happy with it. IMO it's better than the 4PK because you can choose what kind of transmitter technology to use, the 4PK is fixed.

Old 01-01-2009, 12:54 AM
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KyJoe340
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

I couldn't fix glitching on my Fasst system. I would strongly recommend the 3PKS + Spektrum. I went with M11 + Spektrum.
Old 01-03-2009, 12:41 AM
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RcFlyer10X
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Well I got my 3PKs today. I was wondering since i am running it 2.4GHz do i have to keep the fm antenna on it? If i do remove the antenna do i have to use an antenna plug? will it make a difference? or just look better?
Old 04-21-2009, 04:04 AM
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superchevy446
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Which Spektrum receiver do can/you use with the Futaba 3PKS
Old 04-21-2009, 07:09 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

All Spektrum receivers compatible with the Spektrum Pro Tx module. DSM2 receivers will not work.
This assumes you already have a Spektrum Tx module for the 3PKS. FASST and Spektrum is not compatible.
Old 04-21-2009, 11:43 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Hi guys,

Plane guy getting back into cars with a question. Is the 3PKS .4 system set up for the 27 and 75 Mhz like the 10C is for airplanes? I want to be able to get the max utility out of something like this if I am spending this much coin.

Thanks!
Old 04-22-2009, 05:15 PM
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Steve.
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

If you buy a 3PKS 2.4g TX you can control 27MHz or 75MHz with optional TX modules. I have several different modules for my 3PKS which is what's great about the platform, it's backwards and forwards compatible.

This is your best bet to control 75MHz FM receivers:

https://www.ssl-stormerhobbies.com/c...ns&pn=FUTL8905

Additional TX modules are 27MHz Synth, 27 and 75 FM crystal based modules, and even AM. You can find them cheap on eBay too.
Old 04-22-2009, 06:34 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

Thanks Steve, that is exactly what I was hoping for. The 10C does that for the airplane/heli/anybody else that uses two sticks (special effects?) I'm going to invest in that radio, I believe that it will keep me busy for years.

Jim
Old 04-22-2009, 06:47 PM
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SManMTB
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

I think the 4PK will fail because it's not module based. I really don't see why they went that route.

3PKS >> 4PK
Old 04-22-2009, 09:25 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

ORIGINAL: SManMTB

I think the 4PK will fail because it's not module based. I really don't see why they went that route.

3PKS >> 4PK

Wah wah waaaah, thanks for playing. I wouldn't buy the 4PK just for that reason! I want the flexibility!

Jim
Old 04-26-2009, 09:35 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

I bit the bullet and ordered the 3PKS from Tower today, two receivers and club price minus $60, under $290 total!!!!
Old 04-28-2009, 10:12 AM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r


ORIGINAL: SManMTB

Beware of the over-heating FASST receivers. Make sure the Rx is below 122F (50C) or it will loose bind. That's what happened to me and that's why I suggested 3PKS + Spektrum.

It's a very nice radio, you'll be more than happy with it. IMO it's better than the 4PK because you can choose what kind of transmitter technology to use, the 4PK is fixed.

first time i have heard of this, is this happening to people who are using LiPo for power source or?? i have a 3pks using both FASST and 75synth and have no issues at all....
Old 04-28-2009, 02:41 PM
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Default RE: Radio Dillema Futaba 3PKs 2.4 vs. Spektrum DX3r

ORIGINAL: RcFlyer10X

Well I got my 3PKs today. I was wondering since i am running it 2.4GHz do i have to keep the fm antenna on it? If i do remove the antenna do i have to use an antenna plug? will it make a difference? or just look better?
You can take the antenna off. I just saw a tip someplace to try a carb cover or a glow starter cover to plug the hole. Keep the dirt out in case you ever need to go back to the lower freqs. My 10C has the antenna, but since it is barely visible when stowed, I left it in. The 3PKS (which I got via UPS today) will probably get its antenna pulled since it sticks up so much higher. When you use a Spektrum module on an air radio, one of the mounting schemes they supply requires you to remove the low freq antenna.

Jim


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