Radio discussion

[Wasted wages]

OK... let me start by saying it really bothers me to even have to make this post, but being that NAMBA is going to DSM and I'm sure IMPBA will soon be following suite,,, it's just a matter of time until crystal radios will no longer be legal to race with.

I still think that crystal radios work fine, and I will continue to use mine for as long as possible.
But I also feel like it's not safe or fair to others when we all spend big money on our boats to race, and a radio failure or interference could wipe out another person's boat.

So, time has come for me to get some new radio gear. Typically, I wouldn't even question it and go straight to Futaba.

But, I would like to hear some other points of view on what others are using...I'm not interested in telemetry or all the bells and whistles, 7 channels, stick radios, etc.
4 channels tops... No Amazon garbage.

So what's everyone using for DSM ?

 

[Hydro Junkie]

I have a pair of Futaba 4PLS T-FHSS transmitters with the R304SB receivers that came with them. Yes they have a limited telemetry and many of the bells and whistles for various configurations of land vehicles, not that I use any of it. They work well with the boats but, unfortunately, the transmitter has been discontinued. The closest thing Futaba sells right now is the 4PM.
If you're looking at something that's more of a "bare bones" system, you might consider the FHSS 3PRKA or T-FHSS 3PV. The former doesn't have telemetry, the later does but you can use a non-telemetry receiver with it. The drawback with both of these have to do with range, that being 20%(roughly 60 feet) shorter(under optimum conditions) than the 4PM or my 4PLS.
The biggest issue is price. According to the Futaba USA website, the three radios cost:

• 3PRKA $95(includes an R203GF receiver)
• 3PV $150-180(depending on which, if any, receiver is purchased with it)
• 4PM $250-340(depending on which, if any, receiver is purchased with it)

Hope this helps

 

[Wasted wages]

What about Spektrum / JR Airtronics ?
Are they still around?
Anyone use them ?

 

[Hydro Junkie]

Sorry Frank, never used Spectrum and the one Airtronics transmitter I had I couldn't really use as it was too small for my hand. Needless to say, I let it go a few years ago during the forum's Christmas give a way

 

[Grimracer]

The 3PV would be a great choice with a 304RX. The system is SOUND, SIMPLE, and SAFE.

Use a 400mm antenna and install it just like your meghrz system.

The feel of the radio is nice, light weight too. (less critical I know)

Here is a 10cent overview I did on the system. I found it more then I expected.



Grim

 

[Tom Foley]

Let me start by saying that it is absurd to eliminate a proven radio platform from racing for no other reason than it makes race setup easier . OK said it . Done .

 

[Bill Gibson]

As a DSM radio and FM radio owner i so agree with Tom 1000%! Its ridiculous.......DSM radios are NOT FAIL PROOF!
EVEN Futaba which are the best in the business! I will use my FM radios to the last day they are allowed!

 

[Wasted wages]

Let me start by saying that it is absurd to eliminate a proven radio platform from racing for no other reason than it makes race setup easier . OK said it . Done .

Agree 1000%....but you can only fight city hall for so long ..

I'm resigned to having at least one transmitter, and a few recievers, so I can start to race again...
I just don't want to spend a small fortune replacing perfectly working, known good equipment...

Sad part is, to get to the same level of quality radios that I currently use, is not going to be cheap..

 

[Bill Gibson]

What about Spektrum / JR Airtronics ?
Are they still around?
Anyone use them ?

I use Spectrum for aircraft, no problems........Still use a 20 year old Hi-Tec 3 channel FM radio on a Sport 40 hydro, absolutely no problems!

 

[Grimracer]

I worked with RF engineers at Hobbico. It was good. Should have taken the time to learn more.

in the end and in testing.. make mine Futaba.

Grim

 

[DeanJohnson]

Hi Frank,
I'd also suggest avoiding Spectrum. I've personally experienced numerous glitching issues; albeit in RC cars, but would prefer the glitch in the car vs boat, so for me, once I started experiencing glitching, I switched to Futaba. Since making that change I have not experienced one radio malfunction that wasn't of my own doing (selecting the wrong model).

If you're open to 2nd hand radios, I would suggest checking out www.rctech.net. The site is geared toward the RC car market, and those guys love nothing more than the latest and greatest electronics, so you can pick up slightly older models for a hefty discount when they "upgrade" their equipment.

You and I crossed path's this past weekend at the club meeting in Dallas.... I'm the guy that showed up to the meeting a wee bit late with my son. If you're attending the race this weekend, I'd gladly have a chat about the pros and cons of some radio equipment.

Dean

 

[SayMikey]

As we all old farts know some years ago the FCC outlawed some freqs.Could it be possible the powers to be at NAMBA know something we dont? I have not used a crystal radio in a long time and would not consider it in any boat again

 

[longballlumber]

To be clear, I have No issues with the use of FM radios.
Out of curiosity though, those that still use FM crystal based radios, when was the last time you sent the radio out to be “tuned” in? It’s my understanding they can and will de-tune over time loosing valuable range/performance. Additionally, I was always taught they were tuned on the specific crystal frequency they were sold with and you weren’t advised to stray away from that frequency more than one (maybe 2) channels. Otherwise you would be affecting radio performance. Heck I remember the days of transmittres being sent out to get “gold sticker” certifie.

 

[Tim Kish]

I switched to DSM a long time ago, and didn't even think about anything other than Futaba.
I have no problem paying for a quality product that has never let me down.

 

[Grimracer]

It is indeed.. RADIO BOAT RACING!

Grim

 

[Tom Foley]

But there are no problems with all the new fly by wire controls in cars or full size boats so new tech is always better right ??!! 5G lol !!! I have both species FM and 2.4 but still . Hey some people actually don't like beer , imagine that ?

 

[Wasted wages]

You know, I never had a radio sent out for tuning...ever. Everything from box wheels to Magnum PCM 1024 radios...switched crystals at will, staying with in 2 channels up or down. Never had issues.

Again, my deal is being forced to switch from a known good working platform, "just because"....

Speaking of 5G...guess what ?
if you have been on a 4G LTE cell phone, you are going to be forced away from that technology very soon. 2G, 3G, 4G are being done away with.. many alarm companies, automobile manufacturers are all scrambling to figure out what to do now..

You know, I really don't need to know what my coffee maker or refrigerator is doing at home,,, some new technology is just stupid and unnecessary..and clutters up the airwaves..

 

[Bill Gibson]

You know, I never had a radio sent out for tuning...ever. Everything from box wheels to Magnum PCM 1024 radios...switched crystals at will, staying with in 2 channels up or down. Never had issues.

Again, my deal is being forced to switch from a known good working platform, "just because"....

Speaking of 5G...guess what ?
if you have been on a 4G LTE cell phone, you are going to be forced away from that technology very soon. 2G, 3G, 4G are being done away with.. many alarm companies, automobile manufacturers are all scrambling to figure out what to do now..

You know, I really don't need to know what my coffee maker or refrigerator is doing at home,,, some new technology is just stupid and unnecessary..and clutters up the airwaves..

 

[Bill Gibson]

EXACTLY! I too have never sent in a radio of any kind AM or FM for any type of repair or tune up..........other than when i had a few narrow banded to meet 1991 specs! Never had a single crystal failure either.......The oldest radio i have is a 45 year old AM Futaba 2 channel 2 stick on 26.995 and i wouldnt give it a second thought as to use it in an airboat or playboat for just sport running.....

 

[Grimracer]

but. you would not race it....... ?

Grim