Futaba 4PX users

[John Seybold]

Hi,

I'm currently using a Futaba 4PK and love the radio. It's the best transmitter that I've ever had, with that being said I currently have a lot of models on it and am considering getting another transmitter. I was looking at the 4PX, I somewhat like the idea of telemetry, but not sure how much I would use it. I wish it had built in GPS to read out MPH, also I wish I was able to use my current FAAST receivers with the new radio (fs603's).

So for those of you that use the 4PX, what's your opinion? Do you use the telemetry?

Thanks for any input,

John

 

[JamesShields]

I just bought a 4PLS because I could not see the advantage to the extra inputs. I think 4 is enough. I have not started to use the telemetry yet. But the radio is awesome.

 

[Joey Jones]

I've got a 4PX. I'm a new boater, but not new to RC. I really like the features, fit and feel. Since I was a kid, I was told "Buy all the radio that you can afford; You'll grow into it". Perhaps this is one of those cases.

At any rate, I have looked into the telemetry. Out of the box, the voltage telemetry works with no add-on sensors. I hit the button I programmed for it just to hear the female voice tell me "six point six volts" (LiFe RX battery). Sadly, she'll nearly always say that until it's dead! Such is the LiFe chemistry....It's still kinda cool, though. The RX voltage is also displayed in the top right corner of the screen (by default; You don't have to do anything).

If I could figure out how to get her to tell me my lap times when I hit the timer, that'd be great. I don't think that's possible, though.

I've done much study into the temperature sensor. I'm not convinced that it can survive a water environment. At ~$70, I'm not yet inclined to do the testing for Futaba. As for the other sensors, I haven't researched them.

-Joey

 

[Hydro Junkie]

The telemetry would be best used during test sessions. I have a 4PLS and, like Joey, found that having the RX voltage is a real asset. Then again, I am using standard 4.8 volt Futaba packs in my boat. The RPM and temp sensors are a nice "add on" that is more usable when downloaded into a laptop for comparing one test run to the next since, as we all know, taking your eyes off your boat is never a good thing and spot checking the temp or RPM is meaningless unless you can see how it compares to the rest of the the run.

 

[Chris Wood]

i like mine.. i like the screen. i am like you and it stinks you can't use the 603 recievers. There is only 2 or 3 recievers you can bind if you need to run TWIN receivers.

it is fairly easy to use. alot of the stuff is car stuff which is typical. i havn't used the telemetry. my issue is how do you run wires to a radio box and into the motor area and then keep the radio box dry? that is what i can't figure out how to do yet.

i wish i would have known about the twin receiver deal before i bought it. but i guess most modelers don't run dbls so it isn't issue for most

the one thing that drives me nuts.. it is dumb BUT everytime you unplug the battery to charge it. if you have a CLOCK set on the main screen it goes to army time so to speak. lol

other than that. i like it

 

[Mark Bullard]

I was going to buy one until I found it would not bind with 603 receivers. It would be nice if Futaba would make the new radio include all of there 2.4 receivers. It may just be simple as a software change. I think that the new 14 channel radio will do all of the aircraft receivers.

 

[ggeiselman]

I would like to get one, but with all the 603 receivers I have it doesn't make sense to get one. I was told by a Futaba rep that it could be done with a software change, but he didn't think Futaba would do it.