Guys...I need help choosing another new radio

[Hoghappy]

Ok...this has probably been beaten to death and maybe I need to post this on the FE forum but here goes. I am discovering that I really don't like my DX6 with sticks for my FE boats. The sticks are fine with the slow boats and the fast so long as I can just throttle up and leave it there....but for cornering where you have to slow down...the pistol type of radio is unbeatable for response and smoothness.

So here are my criteria:

1.)No ugly external receiver antenna...boats will use internal antennas.
2.)Can program at least 6-8 boats into it. 2.4 is a must.
3.)No problems with water reflection interference.

So what are my choices?

Thanks

Capt. Crash

[pompebled]

Hi Capt.,

Everybody has it's preferences, I for instance would not like to run my FE with a pistol grip, simply because I'm not used to it.
I was handed one to try at a boating meeting to have a go at the guy's boat, but wasn't happy with it at all.

I can point my FE where I want them to with my stick transmitter, to being all over the place and a menace to other boats with a pistol grip...

Can't advice you on what to get, I don't like the things, at all...

Regards, Jan

[CG Bob]

Spektrum DX3R (http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM3100) has a 30 model memory and will require rebinding your existing Spektrum receivers.

Futaba has several units; but their FASST system radios won't work with Spektrum receivers.
The Futaba 4PK (http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk4900.html) has a 40 model memory and 10 character naming. The 3PK 2.4 (http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk2015.html) has 20 model memory and 10 character naming.

[Hoghappy]

Spektrum DX3R (http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM3100) has a 30 model memory and will require rebinding your existing Spektrum receivers.




If this transmitter will work with my DX6 receivers...then that is what I need to look at. I also read that you can cut the antenna down to exactly 3.5" with no loss of signal on the receiver that comes with it.

Where did you read/hear that the DX6 AR6000 receivers will work with this radio?

Capt. Crash

[Hoghappy]

... http://www.spektrumrc.com/FAQ/tm.aspx?m=53

(It won't let me copy and paste so you have to follow the above link).

It doesn't specifically mention the AR6000...has anyone actually tried to run a park flier AR6000 receiver off the new DX3R radio?

If it works...would it have better range than the normal DX6 to AR6000 setup?

Capt. Crash

Email sent to Spectrum...maybe we will find out what they say.

[CG Bob]

From the Spektrum FAQ:Can I use the 3-channel SR3000, SR3100, or SR3500 surface receivers with my DX6? - The surface receivers use a different protocol and will not operate with the DX6.

However, I couldn't find the question: "Can I use the AR6000 with the DX3R?" So I asked the question to the folks at Spektrum, and am waiting for a reply. Since their website mentions the different protocols between air and surface receivers, it looks like you might have to buy surface receivers for those boats.

[LtDoc]

The only thing I'll say here is that you want to be very careful about cutting a receiver's antenna off, shortening it. On the lower bands it isn't -that- much of a range reducer, but at 2.4 Ghz, a little bit goes a long, long way. Lengthening it shouldn't be a problem, but shortening it certainly can be. That does NOT apply to the transmitting antenna at all, don't go there!
- 'Doc

[Hoghappy]

....the surface recievers use a different protocol. That is not encouraging news.

Capt. Crash

[spacephrawg]

Are these AM or FM radios we're talking about here?

[Massey]

If this transmitter will work with my DX6 receivers...then that is what I need to look at. I also read that you can cut the antenna down to exactly 3.5" with no loss of signal on the receiver that comes with it.

Where did you read/hear that the DX6 AR6000 receivers will work with this radio?

Capt. Crash


The DX3 recievers will only work with the DX3 TX. and the othere way is true for the DX6 TX and RX. I have tried this already. I have a SPektrum Pro module for my R1 TX, and the AR6000 recievers are cheaper than the ones for the DX3 and other "surface" Spektrum modules. So in order to swap to the 3 channel pistol type radio you will need to swap the RX. Also if you have one of the top end computer radios from Jr, or Futaba, KO... etc you may just be able to get the SPektrum module to convert your existing radio at less expence.

Good luck
Massey

[Hoghappy]

RATS...RATS....RATS! :(


So I guess I'm out of luck...the first of my criteria is important...no visable antenna....has anyone tried the new DX3 setup with the antenna run inside the hull?

Capt. Crash

[Massey]

RATS...RATS....RATS! :(


So I guess I'm out of luck...the first of my criteria is important...no visable antenna....has anyone tried the new DX3 setup with the antenna run inside the hull?

Capt. Crash


It works just fine. A friend of mine uses the DX3 in his Miss Vegas with no problems at all.

Massey

[Hoghappy]

It works just fine. A friend of mine uses the DX3 in his Miss Vegas with no problems at all.

Massey

Well that's encouraging! :) Do you know how he has it running...is it run inside one of the sponsons? I have the 1/12 Miss Elam on backorder and don't want an ugly antenna sticking out. I won't be running more than 75 yards or so away. I also would like to use it in my Crackerboxes...again no more than 75 yards away. I know that interference is NOT an issue with the 2.4 but reception may be another story.

Capt. Crash

[Massey]

He put the reciever in the box that Aquacraft makes for the boat. It is in the rear behind the engine. On the Proboat offereing the radio box is in the rear of the boat. I recommend using a balloon for the Rx and fill the bellows up with grease to seal them up better. Also get some clear duct tape to tape the hatch down, it works better than anything else I have used. It even kept the water out when I had my crash and flipped my 1/12th scale upside down. I run my Miss Elam over 75 Yards away and I am usually chasing or being chased by the Miss Vegas and again we have no reception problems. I hope this helps you

Massey

P.S. If you get the .15 version of the Elam swap the stock engine for an O.S. .18C-V RM it gives you a huge performance increase and it dropps right in.

[Massey]

WAIT!!! are you getting the brushless Miss Elam? OMG I just found it and I want one !!!! I need one!! *sigh* I need money first tho.

Massey

[Hoghappy]

oh yes...fassssst electric! :p

How are y'all running the internal antenna wire? And is this with the DX3R?

Capt. Crash

[Massey]

I have just let mine hang free in the cabin. My R1 module reciever has about 6" of antenna wire on it and that was not enough to reach outside of any of the hulls I have put it in. Also you only need to keep like 3 inches of antenna to keep max range. Check the instruction sheet for the correct length. My buddy with the Vegas just let the antenna exit the waterproof box and hang out under the cowl.

Massey

[Hoghappy]

I read somewhere that the antenna (if cut) has to be cut to exactly 3.5"....but I can't find it again. The Spectrum site says not to cut it....hmmmm

Thanks Massey

[CG Bob]

Finally got a reply from the Spektrum folks:
Thank you for contacting Horizon Hobby.
As for using Spektrum technology in watercraft, while you may have some
success in doing so, we do not recommend it as 2.4GHz does not function
well around large bodies of water much like you wireless routers or
cordless phones don't like hot water heaters and fish tanks.

Again, thank you for contacting Horizon Hobby, if you have any further
question, please feel free to contact us again.

Jeff
Product Support Team Member
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822


Futaba has a different answer on their website:
I would like to utilize Futaba's FASST system in my boat, are there any known issues when using 2.4GHz? Specifically, I recall reading that there were issues with "reflection" off the waters surface causing interference, is this true?

We are pleased to advise you that we have not come across any issues whatsoever during our extensive testing in the marine application. In fact two of our Team Futaba drivers, Mike Zaboroski and Jerry Dunlap, have recently won the Tunnel Hull National Championships using the Futaba FASST system

[Hoghappy]

Well I guess it's better late than never! :)


I already bought installed and tried out the Spektrum DX3R in my P-88 NAVY crackerbox with the antenna completely inside the hull but above the water line....and it works without a glitch. :D

What they may be talking about is below the waterline applications?

If I run into problems you can bet I will let everyone know. ;)

Capt. Crash

I'm sorry...I could NOT leave it alone....this is just brilliant! :rolleyes:

"2.4GHz does not function
well around large bodies of water much like you wireless routers or
cordless phones don't like hot water heaters and fish tanks."

Ok...I'm done! :D