What radio system to buy ?

[Big roy]

Hi Huys, I am in need of a new radio for my boats, just found out the stick radio that came with my rigger is a airplane unit and I can not run it. So I want to get into a DSM radio, I really like the spectrum stuff, but I am not sure if the 3.0 is ok to buy. I dont have any 3rd channel set ups but I may set up a remote needle on my rigger next year. That being said I don't know if the 3.0 3rd channel would work or do I need to go to the 3.0R model? your thoughts? or would you reccomend another radio? Oh btw I just hate the cost of receivers at $90.00 a pop but thats life in the big pond. Maybe I can find a used system to cut back on the cost a bit

Roy

 

[Rokieboater]

Hi Huys, I am in need of a new radio for my boats, just found out the stick radio that came with my rigger is a airplane unit and I can not run it. So I want to get into a DSM radio, I really like the spectrum stuff, but I am not sure if the 3.0 is ok to buy. I dont have any 3rd channel set ups but I may set up a remote needle on my rigger next year. That being said I don't know if the 3.0 3rd channel would work or do I need to go to the 3.0R model? your thoughts? or would you reccomend another radio? Oh btw I just hate the cost of receivers at $90.00 a pop but thats life in the big pond. Maybe I can find a used system to cut back on the cost a bit
Roy

The Futaba fasst system works great for me.

Robert Holland

 

[maddog]

The first radio I ran was the spektrum and it glitched on me about the third run I latter found out that the spektrum was having alot of problems in boats so I got the fasst system and have not had a problem.

 

[M@MRacing]

JR it has a 3 year warranty on everything even after the 3 years they will honor the warranty.

 

[Don Ferrette]

Here we go again...........

So far the Futaba FASST system is the only one that has proven to be consistently reliable in the boat applications.

I have nothing against JR as they make some of the best 72 & 75mhz radios out there but their DSM surface gear ain't up to par yet, they are still having signal reflectivity issues near water.

The JR/Spektrum stuff is only warrantied for ONE year, this is directly from the web site-

http://www.spektrumrc.com/About/Warranties.aspx

This Spektrum™ product is guaranteed against workmanship and manufacturing defects for a period of 1 year from the original date of purchase. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser and cannot be transferred. Warranty repair will cover all units except those that have been modified, misused, improperly installed, or serviced by an unauthorized service center. As with all fine electronics, avoid exposing your equipment to extreme temperatures, humidity, moisture, or exposure to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

 

If you have any questions about the operation or installation of this product, please feel free to call a product support representative at 1-877-504-0233.

Bottom line, for now stick with the Futaba FASST system. I'm using the 3PK with the FASST module & the 603FS dual (one internal, one external) antenna RX's and am very happy with it. B)

 

[Chris Wittrig]

I've been using the Futaba FASST system for two years now in my 3PK and 3VCS (stick version of the 3PK) and in June of this year received my 4PK and have had exactly zero radio glitches and that system has been running in my tunnels, mono, sport hydro, and hydros of all displacements. I couldn't be happier with the performance and level of adjustments that can be made with these radios. Product loyalty will always factor in a decision, but performance speaks for itself.

 

[larcor69]

there's no question about the Futaba Fasst system, worth every penny for Boats!! hands down!!!!

 

[steve wood]

we just tested a spectrum module and reciever last saturday. boat ran out of range an made a hard right. el junko for boats, fine for cars

 

[Brad Christy]

Roy,

I've been running the Spektrum for a couple years now without any problems. I used the DX3 for a year, then switched over to the DX3.0. I like the position of the 3rd channel rocker switch better on the DX3.0 than on the DX3, it's more ergonomical. The 3rd channel works perfectly. With 125 points positive and negative, the resolution is almost too fine. I usually tick off five points at a time when chasing my needle on the fly.

I'll say it again: Any problems people are having with DSM are due to user error. You can't set up a DSM radio like you set up the 27 or 75 MHz radio and expect it to work properly. There are plenty of guys out there using the DSM radios without any issues. The reason for their success is that they accepted the fact that "this is something new" and some of their old habits will no longer work. As for JR vs FASST vs Spektrum vs whatever: They are all using the EXACT same technology. If you like Futaba, go with Futaba. If you like JR.................. You get the idea.

Thanks. Brad.

Titan Racing Components

BlackJack Hydros

 

[steve wood]

old habits, as in going deep off of buoy 1. i don't think so. not good enough for me

 

[TERMINATOR]

Roy,
I've been running the Spektrum for a couple years now without any problems. I used the DX3 for a year, then switched over to the DX3.0. I like the position of the 3rd channel rocker switch better on the DX3.0 than on the DX3, it's more ergonomical. The 3rd channel works perfectly. With 125 points positive and negative, the resolution is almost too fine. I usually tick off five points at a time when chasing my needle on the fly.

I'll say it again: Any problems people are having with DSM are due to user error. You can't set up a DSM radio like you set up the 27 or 75 MHz radio and expect it to work properly. There are plenty of guys out there using the DSM radios without any issues. The reason for their success is that they accepted the fact that "this is something new" and some of their old habits will no longer work. As for JR vs FASST vs Spektrum vs whatever: They are all using the EXACT same technology. If you like Futaba, go with Futaba. If you like JR.................. You get the idea.

Thanks. Brad.

Titan Racing Components

BlackJack Hydros

i belive you need to understand that they are all not the same, i have a 2.4 airtronics m-11 the one in question from steve wood here, and i watched it as chris and i switched modules and he tried it, i have been using it in my tunnels for a while and had no problems.. he installed it in a hydro 20 and it faded out about 300 foot off bouy 1 and died out.. it is mine and it is now for sale, i just made some plans to get a 4pk "and i do not like futaba" but i have to do what i have to do, i like the 2.4 but belive me i am a die hard airtronics guy and it is killing me they will not get on par with the other brand. so i have 6 2.4 recievers for sale and a module.. you need them brad? ill give em to you if you can make them work.

terry

 

[Brad Christy]

Terry,

Nope. I'm good on radios for a while.

I never said the radios were the same. I said they all operate on the same technology. There will always be differences in quality, features, etc.....

The question I beg of you is this: If it worked in your boats, but it didn't work in another, have you explored WHY the change in operation? Find that out, FIX THE PROBLEM, and suddenly all is good. This is the process I went through, and I can tell you I will NEVER go back to ancient technology.

I don't know if this is the case with Chris or any other's giving up on their DSM's, but I know there are alot of guys laying the antenna hoizontally inside the radio box because the MFR said it was OK in the manual. Not me. I was told early on by an RF tch. engineer that the more antenna you've got exposed to "open reception", the better. I reworked my radio box to accomodate this, and all my issues went away.

The 300 foot fade out off bouy one was a function of the failsafe, it just takes a while for the engine to shut down. Mine kept doing it off bouy four at our pond. It took me about three weekends to figure out it wasn't a fuel issue but the failsafe.

Thanks. Brad.

Titan Racing Components

BlackJack Hydros

 

[Chris Wittrig]

Terry,
Nope. I'm good on radios for a while.

I never said the radios were the same. I said they all operate on the same technology. There will always be differences in quality, features, etc.....

The question I beg of you is this: If it worked in your boats, but it didn't work in another, have you explored WHY the change in operation? Find that out, FIX THE PROBLEM, and suddenly all is good. This is the process I went through, and I can tell you I will NEVER go back to ancient technology.

I don't know if this is the case with Chris or any other's giving up on their DSM's, but I know there are alot of guys laying the antenna hoizontally inside the radio box because the MFR said it was OK in the manual. Not me. I was told early on by an RF tch. engineer that the more antenna you've got exposed to "open reception", the better. I reworked my radio box to accomodate this, and all my issues went away.

The 300 foot fade out off bouy one was a function of the failsafe, it just takes a while for the engine to shut down. Mine kept doing it off bouy four at our pond. It took me about three weekends to figure out it wasn't a fuel issue but the failsafe.

Thanks. Brad.

Titan Racing Components

BlackJack Hydros

I always expose just a bit of the antenna through the top of the box or the hull in the case of a hydro. Basically a height just a little longer than the length of an antenna cap. In the tunnel boats this does not come through the cowl, but rather just through the top of the box. Though I've seen the antenna laid down quite successfully in Brian Buaas' straightline boats but I'd prefer the little extra measure of safety.

 

[Don Ferrette]

As for JR vs FASST vs Spektrum vs whatever: They are all using the EXACT same technology. If you like Futaba, go with....

This is not true. They are using the same frequency spectrum but the technology in use behind each manufacturer differs substantially. The Spektrum system is DSSS or Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum. That system selects a channel and remains on that indefinitely until the signal is lost or removed. Futaba FASST continually changes frequencies every couple milliseconds. Also Futaba has the lowest latency time as well. I did the research before I made the switch to 2.4 because I wanted the best regardless of who made the radio. This also included talking to both Futaba & JR/Spektrum techs and guess what, the JR/Spektrum people said they currently did not recommend their 2.4 radios for boat applications as they were aware of a reflectivity issue with water. I asked them if they planned to address this and they may in the future but that they primarily were focusing on the car guys at that time. I ran JR radios for a number of years & still think they have some of the best aircraft radios on the market but the FASST system is the way to go for boats for me. B)

 

[LarryConrad]

I have run the 2.4 Futaba for two seasons without a problem. One member of our local club switched to the JR/Spectrum 2.4 radio this year and switched back to his crystal based radio system after having continuing problems with signal loss triggering his fail safe.

Larry

 

[moparbarn]

spektrum has upgraded their 2.4 systems recently. saw the new system at my lhs a couple of weeks ago. they added telemetry (similar to nomadio), also. not sure if they have resolved the issues regarding boat/ water use or not. had understood that the new system would address that, but don't know for sure. although i love my jr fm system, i would go with futaba fasst for 2.4.

 

[carlnoki]

As for myself, I love the Nomadio REACT system i am running.

No range problems, telemetry is there if you so desire to use it, 40 model memory, 3rd channel located exactly where it is needed most and astheticaly located (if that makes sense), 4 channels available, no Water reflection problems. With the exception of the transmitter housing (Multiplex manufacturer) it is made up in PA. All in all it is a great radio and the only thing that it cannot do is operate 2 receivers at the same time due to the telemetry built into the system. (futaba does not have the telemetry and CAN use 2 rec's. at once for twins). it is infinatley programmable using your laptop or desktop computers as well.

As a side benefit the transmitter makes a GREAT PHAZER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

in our district there are 2 Nomadio users and the rest are FASST useres except for a couple of Spektrum radios I believe.

So, basically, get what ever is most popular and RELIABLE in your area.

carl

 

[Big roy]

Ok so today I called Spektrum customer service and guess what? they told me that the DSM radios are not reccomended for use on water craft, guess the 2.4 has too many problems glitching and with the failsafes kicking in way too soon, just when you thought you had it remotely sorted out, lol. They told me to look at like a 10 model JR radio with 3 channels and crystals

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Roy,
I've been running the Spektrum for a couple years now without any problems. I used the DX3 for a year, then switched over to the DX3.0. I like the position of the 3rd channel rocker switch better on the DX3.0 than on the DX3, it's more ergonomical. The 3rd channel works perfectly. With 125 points positive and negative, the resolution is almost too fine. I usually tick off five points at a time when chasing my needle on the fly.

I'll say it again: Any problems people are having with DSM are due to user error. You can't set up a DSM radio like you set up the 27 or 75 MHz radio and expect it to work properly. There are plenty of guys out there using the DSM radios without any issues. The reason for their success is that they accepted the fact that "this is something new" and some of their old habits will no longer work. As for JR vs FASST vs Spektrum vs whatever: They are all using the EXACT same technology. If you like Futaba, go with Futaba. If you like JR.................. You get the idea.

Thanks. Brad.

Titan Racing Components

BlackJack Hydros

NOT the same technology,Futaba designed their own chip to fit their system,where as Jr uses an off the shelf version.

 

[Glenn Quarles]

As for myself, I love the Nomadio REACT system i am running.
No range problems, telemetry is there if you so desire to use it, 40 model memory, 3rd channel located exactly where it is needed most and astheticaly located (if that makes sense), 4 channels available, no Water reflection problems. With the exception of the transmitter housing (Multiplex manufacturer) it is made up in PA. All in all it is a great radio and the only thing that it cannot do is operate 2 receivers at the same time due to the telemetry built into the system. (futaba does not have the telemetry and CAN use 2 rec's. at once for twins). it is infinatley programmable using your laptop or desktop computers as well.

As a side benefit the transmitter makes a GREAT PHAZER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

in our district there are 2 Nomadio users and the rest are FASST useres except for a couple of Spektrum radios I believe.

So, basically, get what ever is most popular and RELIABLE in your area.

carl

Carl, where can I get one of the Nomadio radios?

Glenn