TheFridge189

I have $105 to spend on a new radio and receiver. My current radio is a Losi 2.4 ghz and it doesn't cut it. I want really far range, because everytime I run the boat I am worried to really upon her up because of the horrible range.

So whats the best Marine radio and receiver combo for $105?

F1TUNNEL

I think you should save a little longer and get yourself a Futaba system. You only get what you pay for and I dont think $105 will get you much in the quality department. A Futaba system will take your boat as far as you can safely see it, which is what you want. It is my belief that if you are going to spend money on a boat you may as well spend a bit extra on the radio so you dont waste money on crashes that are radio related. Buying a cheap radio system is like putting cheap tyres on a car.
I think I paid around the $250 mark for a Futaba 3PK system.
All the best,
Dion.

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

For around $90.00 the Futaba 2-PL 2.4 radio isn't a bad buy. I'm trusting one in my gas 'rigger.

wetsleeves

Futaba 2.4 here as well...

F1TUNNEL

Ron is spot on about the 2pl, I use one also in one of my nitro tunnels, but I prefer the 3pk for the extra functions on it. Both are good. Range is probably better on the 3pk.

Jackal1983

i had the futaba 6ex and swaped it for a spektrum dx7... far easyer to set up that the futaba software!!! just gotta use expensive spekrum maraine recivers!

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

If you're not too fussy and aren't racing you can pick up a good FM radio system for a decent price. I wouldn't hesitate to use any of mine in any boat that I have. Even for a racer with everyone going to the 2.4 gig radios it's opening up the frequencies that nobody is using any more which means you don't have to buy extra crystals in case of a frequency conflict.

TheFridge189

Thanks. I should've mentioned earlier thatIdont car AT ALL about the LCD screens and features. I just want good range and reliability. Could you send me a link for a specific one? Also it needs to be a radio and receiver combo.

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

OK, here's one that's so simple to set up you might not need the owners manual, http://hitecrcd.com/products/surface...-fm-75mhz.html . It has the basics, servo reversing, End-Point Adjustments (EPA's) and dual-rate steering. With my Futaba 2.4 Gig radios I feel like I should take the manuals with me when I go out. I liked my first one so much that I bought a second. Most of us don't need expotential controls, digital screens, multi-model memory, braking, 4-wheel steering, etc.

Scott Schneider

If a WHEEL kind of user .... Futaba's 3PK/S system either crystal or 2.4g is just OUTSTANDING offering more parameter adjustments than most could ever use.
But beyond the BLING of that, system is just rock solid and for most users spectacularly glitch free.

skidooman

I have very slightly used less than a dozen times futaba t3pm-mx with a box i would be willing to sell you for $105 if you are interseted.. no rx with it. i was given a spektrum setup and like it more for my truggies.

F1TUNNEL

Yep, 3pk is just super, and thats all you need if you have multiple boats-one controller for many recievers. And the functions are really handy. Yes i keep the manual handy, but then again, I still cant use all the functions on my phone!!! The 2pl can be a bit limited on the function side but is great for just running around. And because its range and reliability you really want I say go the 3pk, that is if you like the wheel of coarse.

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

That's nice but if you read his first posting, his budget is limited to $105.00.

G4Bama

I ask the same question on another forum and the answers where about the same. I will say thatno one makes a marine specific system. Spektrum does make a marine receiver but no marine transmitter. All radios used for boats are classed as surface and we just adapt them for our use. Keep in mind that cost is not always the best way to determine a products worth. An example of this is the Miss Vegas Duece which uses a Tactic radio system. I have never had any problem with this system and it is about as bare bones as they come but it works well for this application. I recently stepped up to a gas hydro and needed a system for this boat so like you I ask the same question. In the end I went witha FlySky radio system.A lot of people are using this radio and most posted good results and a few posted bad.In the end it boils down to what fits your needs best.

lrglnman

What about using a 2.4 aircraft radio? I have never read or heard of any law that says you cant use 1. That is what I am going to use. Hitec Arora. 9 channel. lots of options and switches to program to.

Mario Giordano

Here in Italy, most uses aircraft radios with rc boats, i also use it, new spektrum dx7s with marine reciever mr3000, a perfect couple. But if i hear the professional guys who race in championships, most prefer futaba fasst (almost all air), 0 interference.

Regards

Scott Schneider

Sad day when Users "Budget" there $1000 dollar + R/C boats with cheepo Radio gear ..... Cheap radios that glitch, have limited range, questionable overall quality, lack stable frequency lock between Tx & Rx.
Then there's servos ..... Can only speak for my own stuff, but typically have more than $105 in the servo's alone !!

Just sayin for the sake of why some of us still posted more expensive radio suggestions [:@]

F1TUNNEL

And I thought I cheaped out with the 3pk, all I see at the lake is 4pk!

danielplace

As others have suggested the Futaba Fasst 3PM-X is what you should save just a few more dollars to get. A good radio will make the whole expirience that much more enjoyable. Watch the forums or place some Want To Buy adds for one and someone might have a decent condition used one they aren't using anymore and be close to $105 possibly.

TheFridge189

How will a losi 2,4ghz spektrum radio work with a spektrum mr2000 receiver? Should be good right?

Mario Giordano

I think they are not compatible, anyway, if you are looking for great range, i think you must must point to a good radio.
What kind of boat you're running?

ByronRC

My Feedback: (2)

http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-gt3b-carradio-lcd.html

I've seen guys use these with great success. Gonna get one for my Easy V

Johnnysplits

Go to ebay...$68 Flysky GT3C works excellent. Comes with a lipo, charger, instructions on mini disk, low battery alarm, backlit lcd screen, and all the features you need. Light as hell, the whole antenna folds down when not using it, and it comes with two interchangeable hand grips.

TheFridge189

How will a Spektrum dx5e and mr 2000 receiver work? Someone is selling a combo for $60 on Craigslist.

Mario Giordano

Well, before the dx7s, i used the dx5e with air reciever ar500 and works very well, always runned over 100 meters with no problems, only sometime i got 2 or 3 seconds of loosing signal but i think it was a reciever problem (air), so if you go with marine reciever, will be better.
So, from my opinion, dx5e and marine mr200 or mr3000, will be a good choice.

Regards