3PK or 4PK
03-29-2008 | 04:09 PM
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From: Paphos, CYPRUS
3PK or 4PK
Hey guys, i have a question. I'm planning on buying a good radio for racing. I want only Futaba, so i can't accept other radios. So, i read a bit of these two and i can't find many data. So, i thought that you may know something that i do not. However, i wonder if these two have a major difference in performance (i mean electronics, memory, that stuff). I saw that the 4PK has a rechargeable battery of 1700 mAh. Does the 3PK has one too? Can i upgrade those batteries to MUCH MORE? Anything you know, please share it. I'm all "eyes" 
Oh, and what are the differences between the 3PK and the 3PKS? Thanks.
Oh, and what are the differences between the 3PK and the 3PKS? Thanks.
03-29-2008 | 06:36 PM
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From: Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
RE: 3PK or 4PK
I am looking to upgrade my radio too, and from reading I think I too want to go Futaba; from reading here it appears that the futaba fast system is better than the spektrum. So I am tossing up on 3PM, 3PKS and 4PKS.
I am hoping that with the release of te 4PK, some hobby shops might put a clearance on the 3PKS and I can get a good deal.
As far as differences and features, I know that the 4PK has the module built in unlike the 3PKS. This link has some good discussions on it:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3771272
I am hoping that with the release of te 4PK, some hobby shops might put a clearance on the 3PKS and I can get a good deal.
As far as differences and features, I know that the 4PK has the module built in unlike the 3PKS. This link has some good discussions on it:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3771272
03-29-2008 | 06:53 PM
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From: Macon,
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RE: 3PK or 4PK
You do not want my opinion as it is not Futaba and the radio I use has features Futaba does not have. Nothing like pushing a button and knowing my receiver pack voltage or pushing another button and knowing my engine temperature and know it is not a Spektrum with all that add on stuff as my radio comes with it. 
03-29-2008 | 08:54 PM
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From: Siberia, CANADA
RE: 3PK or 4PK
4PK is 2.4ghz only. It is a pure digital radio and uses less batteries. 3pk is modular but is not native 2,4ghz. Also heavier. Just get the one that fits best in your hands.
03-29-2008 | 09:07 PM
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RE: 3PK or 4PK
I wouldn't trade or sell my 3PKS with FAAST for anything in the world, it's the heart and soul of my RC lifestyle, the ergonomics and balance are amazing, the features are out of this world. IF and only IF if I didn't have one, I would buy the 4PK without a second thought, but I don't really see any major advantage to it, you can get off paying a ton less for a 3PKS with the Faast 2.4ghz system and have literally the same radio. I think the combo 3PKS+2.4ghz is near like $150 cheaper than the pretty much identical 4PK, but it's I guess a matter of how much you wanna spend.
I had a Nomadio Sensor 2.4ghz radio system before I happily sold it for the Futaba, the design, features and quality of those Nomadio's are pure crap in comparison to the top quality performance of Futaba. The thing I always refer Nomadio to now since owning one is, if I wanted to buy $350 worth of Fisher Price toys, I would have bought $350 worth of Fisher Price toys. The React is also no different, not to mention is horrid reliability. Nomadios selling point is being able to hook it up to a computer via USB and further adjust features, but sorry that's not a feature if I can't adjust those things on the fly, which can be done easily with a KO Propo, Airtonics, or Futaba pro radio.
I dunno how this got in to a Nomadio bashing rant, but I guess it did.
I had a Nomadio Sensor 2.4ghz radio system before I happily sold it for the Futaba, the design, features and quality of those Nomadio's are pure crap in comparison to the top quality performance of Futaba. The thing I always refer Nomadio to now since owning one is, if I wanted to buy $350 worth of Fisher Price toys, I would have bought $350 worth of Fisher Price toys. The React is also no different, not to mention is horrid reliability. Nomadios selling point is being able to hook it up to a computer via USB and further adjust features, but sorry that's not a feature if I can't adjust those things on the fly, which can be done easily with a KO Propo, Airtonics, or Futaba pro radio.
I dunno how this got in to a Nomadio bashing rant, but I guess it did.
03-29-2008 | 10:22 PM
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RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: RevToTheRedline
I wouldn't trade or sell my 3PKS with FAAST for anything in the world, it's the heart and soul of my RC lifestyle, the ergonomics and balance are amazing, the features are out of this world. IF and only IF if I didn't have one, I would buy the 4PK without a second thought, but I don't really see any major advantage to it, you can get off paying a ton less for a 3PKS with the Faast 2.4ghz system and have literally the same radio. I think the combo 3PKS+2.4ghz is near like $150 cheaper than the pretty much identical 4PK, but it's I guess a matter of how much you wanna spend.
I had a Nomadio Sensor 2.4ghz radio system before I happily sold it for the Futaba, the design, features and quality of those Nomadio's are pure crap in comparison to the top quality performance of Futaba. The thing I always refer Nomadio to now since owning one is, if I wanted to buy $350 worth of Fisher Price toys, I would have bought $350 worth of Fisher Price toys. The React is also no different, not to mention is horrid reliability. Nomadios selling point is being able to hook it up to a computer via USB and further adjust features, but sorry that's not a feature if I can't adjust those things on the fly, which can be done easily with a KO Propo, Airtonics, or Futaba pro radio.
I dunno how this got in to a Nomadio bashing rant, but I guess it did.
I wouldn't trade or sell my 3PKS with FAAST for anything in the world, it's the heart and soul of my RC lifestyle, the ergonomics and balance are amazing, the features are out of this world. IF and only IF if I didn't have one, I would buy the 4PK without a second thought, but I don't really see any major advantage to it, you can get off paying a ton less for a 3PKS with the Faast 2.4ghz system and have literally the same radio. I think the combo 3PKS+2.4ghz is near like $150 cheaper than the pretty much identical 4PK, but it's I guess a matter of how much you wanna spend.
I had a Nomadio Sensor 2.4ghz radio system before I happily sold it for the Futaba, the design, features and quality of those Nomadio's are pure crap in comparison to the top quality performance of Futaba. The thing I always refer Nomadio to now since owning one is, if I wanted to buy $350 worth of Fisher Price toys, I would have bought $350 worth of Fisher Price toys. The React is also no different, not to mention is horrid reliability. Nomadios selling point is being able to hook it up to a computer via USB and further adjust features, but sorry that's not a feature if I can't adjust those things on the fly, which can be done easily with a KO Propo, Airtonics, or Futaba pro radio.
I dunno how this got in to a Nomadio bashing rant, but I guess it did.
03-29-2008 | 10:44 PM
#8
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RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: RevToTheRedline
Please explain "fixed the bad batch"
Cause as far as I know they are still poorly made, feature less in the field and overpriced.
Please explain "fixed the bad batch"
Cause as far as I know they are still poorly made, feature less in the field and overpriced.
03-29-2008 | 10:49 PM
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From: Rainsville,
AL
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: annie_himself
I heard a few racers who got the first 50 or so hated them but they got better as time went on. I forgot exactly what was faulty on them.
ORIGINAL: RevToTheRedline
Please explain "fixed the bad batch"
Cause as far as I know they are still poorly made, feature less in the field and overpriced.
Please explain "fixed the bad batch"
Cause as far as I know they are still poorly made, feature less in the field and overpriced.
I guess they fixed it (if they fixed it) pretty recently. I couldn't tell you the number of people locally that had Nomadio products that dumped them because of issues for Airtonics of Futaba radios.
But hey if you got one and it's not being an issue, more power to you. But that won't change my outlook on them.
03-29-2008 | 11:48 PM
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From: Kent,
WA
RE: 3PK or 4PK
I have a great radio, and for the money you just can not beat it. So it is not backlit. Wah.
You really should check out the Spektrum DX3R DSM2. The thing is bad ass, and the scroll wheel..... Oh yeah.
I thought about buying the 3PK. Just didn't like the feel of it. Keep an open mind, and at least check it out. Besaides, until April 30th, you can get a free reciever with purchase.
You really should check out the Spektrum DX3R DSM2. The thing is bad ass, and the scroll wheel..... Oh yeah.
I thought about buying the 3PK. Just didn't like the feel of it. Keep an open mind, and at least check it out. Besaides, until April 30th, you can get a free reciever with purchase.
03-30-2008 | 11:44 AM
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From: lansing,
MI
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: 46u
You do not want my opinion as it is not Futaba and the radio I use has features Futaba does not have. Nothing like pushing a button and knowing my receiver pack voltage or pushing another button and knowing my engine temperature and know it is not a Spektrum with all that add on stuff as my radio comes with it.
You do not want my opinion as it is not Futaba and the radio I use has features Futaba does not have. Nothing like pushing a button and knowing my receiver pack voltage or pushing another button and knowing my engine temperature and know it is not a Spektrum with all that add on stuff as my radio comes with it.
03-30-2008 | 11:50 AM
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From: Rainsville,
AL
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: Osirisf16
Thanks of all the info guys, but still...wanna more Anyone know about the batteries?
Thanks of all the info guys, but still...wanna more
Anyone know about the batteries?
03-30-2008 | 12:25 PM
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From: Dead Center,
RE: 3PK or 4PK
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
You can also turn on the radio without sending out radio signals to adjust servo speeds. If the servo is to fast or slow, just go in and program it to move faster or slower and it will save the selection and wont be sending out radio signals. Next time you turn on the car and radio, the changes made will already be made.
Strap clip, love this touch. Get a neck strap, clip it on, place around your neck and you have both hands free to carry a car, starter box, fuel or a smoke and still have the radio with you.
It beeps. Forget to turn it off? If you do, it will beep at a set amount time without movement.
Bigger screen for reading. Its always looking for clear frequancies for the fasstest time.
There is so much good stuff I could just keep going on and on. Besides, your pit man can tell you the temp your running, or you can tell just by the way it drives if its to lean or fat, I can.
Oh, drop down steering wheel, 7 diffent led lights, shoot, if your left handed you can change it to be a left handed controller, ie gas brake with right hand and steering with left.
Best thing, its the fasstest radio out to date.
You can also turn on the radio without sending out radio signals to adjust servo speeds. If the servo is to fast or slow, just go in and program it to move faster or slower and it will save the selection and wont be sending out radio signals. Next time you turn on the car and radio, the changes made will already be made.
Strap clip, love this touch. Get a neck strap, clip it on, place around your neck and you have both hands free to carry a car, starter box, fuel or a smoke and still have the radio with you.
It beeps. Forget to turn it off? If you do, it will beep at a set amount time without movement.
Bigger screen for reading. Its always looking for clear frequancies for the fasstest time.
There is so much good stuff I could just keep going on and on. Besides, your pit man can tell you the temp your running, or you can tell just by the way it drives if its to lean or fat, I can.
Oh, drop down steering wheel, 7 diffent led lights, shoot, if your left handed you can change it to be a left handed controller, ie gas brake with right hand and steering with left.
Best thing, its the fasstest radio out to date.
03-30-2008 | 12:36 PM
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From: Paphos, CYPRUS
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: nascardad24
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
You can also turn on the radio without sending out radio signals to adjust servo speeds. If the servo is to fast or slow, just go in and program it to move faster or slower and it will save the selection and wont be sending out radio signals. Next time you turn on the car and radio, the changes made will already be made.
Strap clip, love this touch. Get a neck strap, clip it on, place around your neck and you have both hands free to carry a car, starter box, fuel or a smoke and still have the radio with you.
It beeps. Forget to turn it off? If you do, it will beep at a set amount time without movement.
Bigger screen for reading. Its always looking for clear frequancies for the fasstest time.
There is so much good stuff I could just keep going on and on. Besides, your pit man can tell you the temp your running, or you can tell just by the way it drives if its to lean or fat, I can.
Oh, drop down steering wheel, 7 diffent led lights, shoot, if your left handed you can change it to be a left handed controller, ie gas brake with right hand and steering with left.
Best thing, its the fasstest radio out to date.
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
You can also turn on the radio without sending out radio signals to adjust servo speeds. If the servo is to fast or slow, just go in and program it to move faster or slower and it will save the selection and wont be sending out radio signals. Next time you turn on the car and radio, the changes made will already be made.
Strap clip, love this touch. Get a neck strap, clip it on, place around your neck and you have both hands free to carry a car, starter box, fuel or a smoke and still have the radio with you.
It beeps. Forget to turn it off? If you do, it will beep at a set amount time without movement.
Bigger screen for reading. Its always looking for clear frequancies for the fasstest time.
There is so much good stuff I could just keep going on and on. Besides, your pit man can tell you the temp your running, or you can tell just by the way it drives if its to lean or fat, I can.
Oh, drop down steering wheel, 7 diffent led lights, shoot, if your left handed you can change it to be a left handed controller, ie gas brake with right hand and steering with left.
Best thing, its the fasstest radio out to date.
But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
03-30-2008 | 12:37 PM
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From: Macon,
GA
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: nascardad24
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
03-30-2008 | 12:42 PM
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From: Rainsville,
AL
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: Osirisf16
Nice answer But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
Nice answer
But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
I'm putting a 3S ProTek 1700mah lipo in my 3PKS for 2 reasons, first one being lipos are lighter and have no self discharge (well they do but its very little comapred to nicad/nimh) and the second reason being that after a while of using the stock 700mah nicad its starting to lose its capacity as nicads do, so its time for a replacement.
As for getting me through the day, 700mah does it no problem at all.
03-30-2008 | 12:43 PM
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From: Paphos, CYPRUS
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: Osirisf16
Nice answer But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
ORIGINAL: nascardad24
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
You can also turn on the radio without sending out radio signals to adjust servo speeds. If the servo is to fast or slow, just go in and program it to move faster or slower and it will save the selection and wont be sending out radio signals. Next time you turn on the car and radio, the changes made will already be made.
Strap clip, love this touch. Get a neck strap, clip it on, place around your neck and you have both hands free to carry a car, starter box, fuel or a smoke and still have the radio with you.
It beeps. Forget to turn it off? If you do, it will beep at a set amount time without movement.
Bigger screen for reading. Its always looking for clear frequancies for the fasstest time.
There is so much good stuff I could just keep going on and on. Besides, your pit man can tell you the temp your running, or you can tell just by the way it drives if its to lean or fat, I can.
Oh, drop down steering wheel, 7 diffent led lights, shoot, if your left handed you can change it to be a left handed controller, ie gas brake with right hand and steering with left.
Best thing, its the fasstest radio out to date.
The 3pk fasst system for sure. It beats the radio that tells temps, and has better features. Handle vibrates at a preset time; example, you get 8 min run times, set the time for 7 min and you know you have one min to pit, or next time by pit lane.
You can also turn on the radio without sending out radio signals to adjust servo speeds. If the servo is to fast or slow, just go in and program it to move faster or slower and it will save the selection and wont be sending out radio signals. Next time you turn on the car and radio, the changes made will already be made.
Strap clip, love this touch. Get a neck strap, clip it on, place around your neck and you have both hands free to carry a car, starter box, fuel or a smoke and still have the radio with you.
It beeps. Forget to turn it off? If you do, it will beep at a set amount time without movement.
Bigger screen for reading. Its always looking for clear frequancies for the fasstest time.
There is so much good stuff I could just keep going on and on. Besides, your pit man can tell you the temp your running, or you can tell just by the way it drives if its to lean or fat, I can.
Oh, drop down steering wheel, 7 diffent led lights, shoot, if your left handed you can change it to be a left handed controller, ie gas brake with right hand and steering with left.
Best thing, its the fasstest radio out to date.
But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
03-30-2008 | 12:45 PM
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From: Paphos, CYPRUS
RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: RevToTheRedline
You can put a 2700mah NiMH pack in the 3PKS if you want, you can put a 3300mah 3S lipo in it if you want, but why would you want to, are you going 2 weeks racing without the ability to charge it?
ORIGINAL: Osirisf16
Nice answer But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
Nice answer
But from all the features, i'm aware of the battery. The 3PKS got a 700 one, and the 4PK got a 1700. Can i change the 3PKS's battery to 1700 or even more?
2700 you said? Nice. I prefer to stay away from Lipos untill the little "explosion" problem they got is vanished.
03-30-2008 | 12:47 PM
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From: Rainsville,
AL
RE: 3PK or 4PK
There are premade packs for the 3PK all over the web, made with various NiMH cells, like there are a few on ebay right now made with 2700mah Sanyo nimh, premade 8 cell flat packs ready to go with connector, or you can get crafty and make your own pack.
Before you get too concerned about not having enough capacity with the 700mah pack, I'd say try it first.
Before you get too concerned about not having enough capacity with the 700mah pack, I'd say try it first.
03-30-2008 | 12:49 PM
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From: Paphos, CYPRUS
RE: 3PK or 4PK
How about the time those batteries give you on the track? How long is the 700 one gives you?
Sure i'll try but i wanna know what is with that radio first. I can't buy it like this.
Sure i'll try but i wanna know what is with that radio first. I can't buy it like this.
03-30-2008 | 12:59 PM
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From: Macon,
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RE: 3PK or 4PK
All so the radio that tells temperature and RX battery voltage all so beeps and vibrates if you RX or TX battery is low or if your engine over heats. I think the 4 PK is going to be a decent radio but for the money you would think it would have more features.
03-30-2008 | 01:02 PM
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From: Rainsville,
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RE: 3PK or 4PK
ORIGINAL: 46u
All so the radio that tells temperature and RX battery voltage all so beeps and vibrates if you RX or TX battery is low or if your engine over heats. I think the 4 PK is going to be a decent radio but for the money you would think it would have more features.
All so the radio that tells temperature and RX battery voltage all so beeps and vibrates if you RX or TX battery is low or if your engine over heats. I think the 4 PK is going to be a decent radio but for the money you would think it would have more features.
I've only been in nitro a year and I've never felt the need that I have to know the temperature every second of every minute I'm running, it's just not an issue, get it tuned for the race and forget about it. To me the temp sensor feature of the Nomadio is just another cluttered up wire to add to the system that I couldn't care less about.
Until Nomadio gets their act together with build quality, field features and design, they won't get my attention. I'm truly glad you feel happy with your purchase of Nomadio but I'm sorry to say it's not up to par with the competition.
