I am a newbe to RC and am getting ready to buy a Thunder Cat RTR boat. I have been seeing a lot on this site about all sorts of radios and issues. Is there a radio 101 thread I can read. Basically it sounds like there are AM radios, the "old" FM radios and the "new" FM radios. I am must interested in the farthest signal distance to control the boat and features is secondary. Anything and everything that it would be good for me to know is solicited to include makes and models of radios.

Ghz.

Most radios will give you control at least as far as you can see what the heck the boat is doing.

rageman ,
Range is sort of 'fixed' in that there is very little difference in power output between the various different brands/models of radios. Probably not enough difference to really make any difference. So, I would think that finding a system that 'felt' good in your hands, has the number of channels you want/need, and doesn't break the bank would be more like it. The choice between the 'mode' of use, AM, FM, PCM, or 'pickle in a pear tree', is sort of up to you. More expensive doesn't necessarily mean 'better', nor does it mean 'worse'. It's your wallet, have at it!
- 'Doc

(I'll make you this absolutely fabulous deal on an older tube type system that you have to haul around in a trailer. The optional power plant to run it costs extra...)

When I chose mine, I kept it simple as possible but still had some features. I knew I was going to try a third-channel mixture control for the motor, and picked the most basic, cheapest 3-Channel one of all the brands and it turned out to be a Futaba 3PDF (which is discontinued now of course - they love doing that every year or so)

It turned out it had some pretty nice features, as adjustable servo end points (less messing with control arm lengths), exponential steering and throttle control (makes up for what normally would be big jumps in control inputs - smooths out the control), and three model memory. Covers all my needs without being too fancy like some. The really high end car systems are totally confusing, and a boat wouldn't use half the features.

I'll put up the Futaba link, in case your interested. They have manuals online that are in Adobe which will make some good reading and you'll be able to find out what all the features mean when you go compare shopping.

http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/cars.html

I've owned everything from the cheapest AM radio ($50 Futaba Pistol Grip) to FM computer radios, and the range was always past what I would feel comfortable with operating.

If you ever run into a range problem with your set-up, odds are it's the reciever antenna not mounted properly, or standing too close with your transmitter to power company lines or transformers.

Ive always run a Airtronics Sport blazer AM 27mhz [X(] in my cat and never have had a problem *knock on wood*. Even ran it in my gas mono and never once had the failsafe kick in.


Like said...i go for simplicity with fuction when getting a radio. Currently ive been running the Hitec Aggressor FM 75mhz with no problems what so ever. Going to switch to the Hitec CRX only because i want to be able to use the same radio for all 3 boats All for under $150

Well guys this is all good news since some of the threads I have been reading here were compalining about radios, some of the very latest high tech FM, loosing control beyond a couple hundred feet. I was geting pretty paranoid. I just purchased a Thunder Cat RTR with an AM radio and was already feeling the need to pitch it for something more reliable range wise. So like I said this is all good news. I may upgrade radios later once the motor is broken in and when I get to know what features I wish to add if any.

JUST MAKE SURE BATTERIES HAVE A FULL CHARGE AND YOUR POWER SWITCH CONTACTS ARE CLEAN AND SEALED OFF FROM THE ELEMENTS AND GREASE UP AROUND THE SERVO OUTPUT SHAFT.

Personally i have never had any problem with AM car radios, so i own a airtronics MX-A and a MX-3. I have had the MX-A and had my truck almost a quarter mile from me and still worked perfectly. Best of all at 62 dollars, you cant beat it, or even the MX-3 at 109 dollars, and it has really nice features.
Dan

I use the Futaba 3PM. Fairly cheap with many great features.

Ryan

The only problem I ever had with a radio failure was when I had that cheap $50 Futaba, the battery stick that goes up into the handle slid down and it lost contact. Those eight cell battery holder sticks always cracked on the ends. That is what made that radio be put aside.

Rageman,

Either an Airtonics or Futaba will do the trick. I run both on different boats, just keep in mind, you were asking about a 3rd channel in another post. You will need to buy a radio with 3 channels to control the fuel mixture if that is what you are looking to do. In any case you can pick up a FM 3 channel radio for about a 100 bucks

Scott

I've been going back and forth between the Futaba 3PM and 3PM-FS Pro for a while. After a lot of debating, the 3PM seems to be the best bang for the buck. And since it will be controling my TC31, MGT and TC4, I also had to factor the cost of receivers. These high end radios that are out now have some great features, but when it comes right down to it, most basic radios will get your machine far enough away it's almost uncomfortable. The 3PM offers pretty much everything the recreational RCer needs, plus, it's HRS compatable. I like the idea of not have to deal with crystals, like the 3PM-FS Pro, but it seems like theres a possibilty of interferance. With a crystal, you're locked into the frequency.

I went back and checked. It was the Spectrum radio that was being described as having unusually short range issues. Apparently this is a very high end radio with a gazillion features which threw me into parinoia about range. Again it is nice to repeadedly hear that range is a non issue in reality for most radios.

Yes I am thinking about a third channel for mixture adjust as the eventual replacement for the stock AM radio provided with the TC31. Of course like a kid in a candy store I like all the features available for a price like rpm monitouring, head temperature monitouring. What are the pros and cons of AM vs FM radios for RC boats(only)?

Yes a spread spectrum radio from what I have read and heard has range issues. The futaba and the spectrum for sure, the futaba radio I got and will be returning says in the directions that it has a range of 80m. That will not work for me.


Paul


I did call futaba and did confirm that number with them.

rageman ,
The very first 'Spektrum's did have range problems. That has been 'cured' by 'Spektrum'. I use one and haven't had a range problem yet. Then again, I don't let a boat get too far away anyway (can't tell what the @#$ thing's doing). I also have a 27 Mhz AM radio which has about the same range. Both work fine, the extra 'do-dads' on the 'Spektrum' makes it a little more 'handy' at times (I never think about it's cost so don't have to worry about that part of it. Not that it isn't expensive, I just try not to think about it.).
- 'Doc

What radios have the capability of transmitting the rpm's the engine is turning real time?

it really just depends on your area and whats going on. With AM radios (especially 27mhz) you gotta worry about CB'ers with high power radios keying up and and walking all over your signal. But ive personally seen people having problems with the expensive radios so maybe it just comes down to luck?


Whatever you get...make sure you get a failsafe. I also try to find radios (i only use pistol grips) that have either a 70/30 or 90/10 trigger instead of the 50/50.

What is the least expensive radio that can still be set up to display engine rpm real time?

I didnt know they made a radio that did that, if they do I would like to know too?


Paul

I think one is the Spectrum but lots of complaints about range issues. I am hoping that there are others with better reputation for reliability and better yet lower price. It looks like only the new high band width FM radios. Even if there is a stand alone rpm only transmitter I would be interested for the right price.