Opinion on radio/tx

[dezslash]

I'm looking at getting a Airtronics M8 tx. what are every ones opnions on this radio. I like the way it feels but haven't run one.TIA.

[Rob #28]

They are ok, but heavy IMO.
My next radio will be a DX3R. Once you use one, you can't live without one.

[dezslash]

Yea been looking at that one too.I may pick it up for a screaming dea.what I really want an 2.4 because of my multiple cars.

[chiefmasterbeast]

yeah, i want the Airtronics cuz of the price. its gotten good buyer reviews on the sites ive seen it at.

[-desertracer-]

Nearly all aftermarket, non-RTR, radios are very good.
So ultimately it comes down to a few simple premises: does it feel good in your hands, does it offer the options needed for your use, you get what you pay for and you don't get what you don't pay for.




~ many things drop in price when they come out with a model to replace it

[infrontofyou]

I ran the M8 on 2.4 for a couple of years,Never had an issue one. I liked all the options too. It's still one of my Favorite radios, I would still be using it today,had I not gotten picked up by Nomadio.

[dezslash]

Thanks for all the input guys.May pick it up this weekend depending iff my LHS cuts me a deal on a DX3R

[Steve]

+1 on the DX3R they are killer.

[xredge]

Sept 30, 2008 9:16:48 GMT -5 -desertracer- said:

Nearly all aftermarket, non-RTR, radios are very good.
So ultimately it comes down to a few simple premises: does it feel good in your hands, does it offer the options needed for your use, you get what you pay for and you don't get what you don't pay for.




~ many things drop in price when they come out with a model to replace it

On these thoughts I want to get a good 2.4 technology radio before the next outdoor season starts. Right now I'm using a JR XS3 with the Slash, with my Savage a JR 2i when I get around to fixing it (the truck). My T3 which I finally just fixed is running the XS3, I still need gear for the GT and my Nitro Rustler and the new ones right now are stock. I've narrowed my choices down to 2 as I figure I really don't need the 4PK.

The 2 are: DXR3 and 3PKS with Fast. Now which one would you go with and why? For you that are knowledgeable about this subject. I've heard of some issues with the DXR3 so that is why I'm asking.

[dezfan]

I use the DX3R and it's easily the best radio I've ever owned.

[-desertracer-]

Oct 1, 2008 11:17:55 GMT -5 xredge said:

On these thoughts I want to get a good 2.4 technology radio before the next outdoor season starts. Right now I'm using a JR XS3 with the Slash, with my Savage a JR 2i when I get around to fixing it (the truck). My T3 which I finally just fixed is running the XS3, I still need gear for the GT and my Nitro Rustler and the new ones right now are stock. I've narrowed my choices down to 2 as I figure I really don't need the 4PK.

The 2 are: DXR3 and 3PKS with Fast. Now which one would you go with and why? For you that are knowledgeable about this subject. I've heard of some issues with the DXR3 so that is why I'm asking.

I'm sort of puzzled why you haven't utilized the multiple model option on those JR radios you already have by getting extra receivers for the trucks you currently own.
But if you're dead set on 2.4 ghz, all I am going to say is that I've seen people have "issues" with both the models you mentioned -- which goes to prove nothing is as foolproof as some would like you to believe. But part of the issue seems to revolve around using stock ESCs and other electroincs that for various reasons doesn't seem to tolerate aftermaket 2.4 gear.
As I said before, it really comes down to "does it feel good in your hands, does it offer the options needed for your intended use, do you really need it or are you getting it to just be getting it."

Just to add, people seem to be under the impression that 2.4 radio systems are the be-all and end-all in this hobby, so I'll just throw a couple of things out there regarding that idea: not all the name-brand pros have migrated (and there is a reason, because they can get anything they want), and about 15 years ago everyone had to have a PCM radio and when was the last time you heard about someone using one of those?

[xredge]

Oct 2, 2008 11:55:19 GMT -5 -desertracer- said:

Oct 1, 2008 11:17:55 GMT -5 xredge said:

On these thoughts I want to get a good 2.4 technology radio before the next outdoor season starts. Right now I'm using a JR XS3 with the Slash, with my Savage a JR 2i when I get around to fixing it (the truck). My T3 which I finally just fixed is running the XS3, I still need gear for the GT and my Nitro Rustler and the new ones right now are stock. I've narrowed my choices down to 2 as I figure I really don't need the 4PK.

The 2 are: DXR3 and 3PKS with Fast. Now which one would you go with and why? For you that are knowledgeable about this subject. I've heard of some issues with the DXR3 so that is why I'm asking.

I'm sort of puzzled why you haven't utilized the multiple model option on those JR radios you already have by getting extra receivers for the trucks you currently own.
But if you're dead set on 2.4 ghz, all I am going to say is that I've seen people have "issues" with both the models you mentioned -- which goes to prove nothing is as foolproof as some would like you to believe. But part of the issue seems to revolve around using stock ESCs and other electroincs that for various reasons doesn't seem to tolerate aftermaket 2.4 gear.
As I said before, it really comes down to "does it feel good in your hands, does it offer the options needed for your intended use, do you really need it or are you getting it to just be getting it."

Just to add, people seem to be under the impression that 2.4 radio systems are the be-all and end-all in this hobby, so I'll just throw a couple of things out there regarding that idea: not all the name-brand pros have migrated (and there is a reason, because they can get anything they want), and about 15 years ago everyone had to have a PCM radio and when was the last time you heard about someone using one of those?

I'm not dead set on going with 2.4 just weighing options and getting more confused with my thoughts weighing one thing against the other. And actually I do have 2 XS3 radios one I'm using rigth now and have one in the box brand new with servos. I picked the one up I'm using now for just the receiver but was cheaper getting them together. My thoughts really started when the receiver box doesn't fit in the Slash receiver box. I believe the newer receiver will though, and have to really trim the connections into the receiver. Along with this I have 7 vehicles now with maybe an additional 3 by spring, and have thoughts of several others down the road. And figure I need at least a couple more receivers. So if the cost is almost as much to go with the receiver for the XS3 wouldn't it make more sense to do the switch now. Also the XS3 has a 6 model memory. I've heard that this is a good radio and why I got it at first and just starting to learn all the settings and then learned a little more about the 2.4 at the track when I first went to it, and for racing I can also see it as a convience factor. Even though with the XS3 receiver all you have to do is turn the dials.

But teach me for those in the know? (being serious) as before haven't done much with a radio besides basic settings to make them run straight. And if it would be a better idea to stick with the XS3 why? As i said I only have 2 receivers right now.

My thoughts are right now at a beginnig point but also looking a little into the future and getting what I need the first time instead of having to upgrade in a year or so. Also I'm not really in the market right now (unless a deal comes through that another person is trying for me comes through and then it will be a 3PKS w/spektrum, but not sure right now if it will or not) but looking at making this purchase in the spring.

[zman280]

guess i am just too old school........


I run a JR XR2 radio w/ a dynamite micro rx. good ole' 75 am. Truck goes far enough that i wonder which direction its pointed, and works flawlessly.

[-desertracer-]

Oct 2, 2008 13:15:24 GMT -5 xredge said:

I'm not dead set on going with 2.4 just weighing options and getting more confused with my thoughts weighing one thing against the other. And actually I do have 2 XS3 radios one I'm using rigth now and have one in the box brand new with servos. I picked the one up I'm using now for just the receiver but was cheaper getting them together. My thoughts really started when the receiver box doesn't fit in the Slash receiver box. I believe the newer receiver will though, and have to really trim the connections into the receiver. Along with this I have 7 vehicles now with maybe an additional 3 by spring, and have thoughts of several others down the road. And figure I need at least a couple more receivers. So if the cost is almost as much to go with the receiver for the XS3 wouldn't it make more sense to do the switch now. Also the XS3 has a 6 model memory. I've heard that this is a good radio and why I got it at first and just starting to learn all the settings and then learned a little more about the 2.4 at the track when I first went to it, and for racing I can also see it as a convience factor. Even though with the XS3 receiver all you have to do is turn the dials.

But teach me for those in the know? (being serious) as before haven't done much with a radio besides basic settings to make them run straight. And if it would be a better idea to stick with the XS3 why? As i said I only have 2 receivers right now.

My thoughts are right now at a beginnig point but also looking a little into the future and getting what I need the first time instead of having to upgrade in a year or so. Also I'm not really in the market right now (unless a deal comes through that another person is trying for me comes through and then it will be a 3PKS w/spektrum, but not sure right now if it will or not) but looking at making this purchase in the spring.

I don't know, but in my eyes you're already ahead on transmitter - and by my count you're about 8 vehicles short of filling up all the model memory you have at your fingertips. That and a few receivers. I just don't know why you don't get additional receivers and save your money, or spend it on something else.

A lot of guys get the higher-end radios for all the whistles and bells and buttons, and use few of them. There was even a story about Adama Drake (I think?) recently in one of the RC mags, and he admitted he left all the settings on his M11 at their stock settings, never changed a rate.

But the deal to me is that while I could and can understand the "convenience factor" of getting a 2.4 system -- with so many people now running them it's almost as convenient being the only guy at the track not using one.
The other thing is that - sure you're adding RCs to the stable, but can you honestly tell me that you need to have all of them in running condition all on the same day? I see a lot of guys deep in the hole investing in all sorts of extra receivers and trasnponders and all I can say to them is, "and I've got how much extra money I can spend on goodies I can actually use?"

I mean if you had just cheapo traxxas or XRS transmitters and receivers, by all means step up to the plate. But you have a decent radio already, and now you're looking to spend more money --- for what?

It's still your choice and your decision...... and I'm sure others will chime in and tell me just how wrong I am.

[Steve]

2.4ghz is nice, especially at the track, but I can vouch for using AM / FM radios still.

I still use the stock radios on most of my trucks and they work fine, I have no problems with em. If I raced everyweekend I'd probably pick up a 2.4ghz setup.