The Futaba 3PDF FM [Archive] - Radio Control Zone

Oyster

01-12-2001, 05:49 PM

Anyone out there using the Futaba 3PDF FM radio for an electric offroad car? Would like to hear your opinions of the radio's performance. Racers only please. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

rvrrun

01-12-2001, 06:26 PM

I've had mine for 5-6 years and never a problem. I recently purchased a 3pjs just to be able to run different car profiles.

I like the feel of the pd but the pj is lighter (both have nicads). I did prefer the method of changing settings w/ the pd (analog vs.digital), but I am still getting used to the pj and all of its menus.

It just got to be a pain remembering to reverse the steering for car x, reset the trim and atl for car y, etc.

I have used it w/ futaba, airtronics, tekin and novak rx's and never had a glitch. All in all, its a great radio.

MS

Oyster

01-13-2001, 05:21 AM

I thought the PD was a CPU controlled radio. Has Futaba mislead me?

Sprite@

01-13-2001, 11:01 AM

It was the first FM radio I have used. I love it and it really has all the features you need, unless you want PCM. It's really light a balanced. I like mine a lot.

Oyster

01-13-2001, 08:21 PM

Right on! Maybe I picked out a good one. Thanks all! - Also, what seros are you all using?

Sprite@

01-13-2001, 10:04 PM

im using a 9402 in my tamiya but im putting a new z8450 JR digital in my NEW XRAY

tc3guy

01-14-2001, 12:07 AM

I love my 3PDF its my first computer radio and I havent had any problems with it.

Oyster

01-14-2001, 01:27 AM

Regardless, I'll have to use the S3003's that come with it for a little while. I doub't I'll be buying a 150 dollar servo anytime soon. For that price, you'd think it'd come with at least a Big Mac or something...

buggieracer

01-14-2001, 01:44 AM

Hey try a $40 Hitec 615mg servo it's got 110in oz of torque at 4.8 and even more at 6v.I use them in my 1/8 buggy and they have so much torque I have to limit their travel so they dont rip off their mounts.Why overspend on a futaba,jr,or airtronics?

Oyster

01-15-2001, 06:41 PM

No problem, I figured it out. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks for your opinions regardless. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

DC_Racing

01-15-2001, 11:22 PM

I love my 3PDF! I race sedan, but the controllers are the same, just set-up differently. Right now, I'm using a JR ds8417 servo. (Torque: 93oz; Time: .095@4.8v; $100) Untill you can afford a "top-line" servo, I'd run a HiTec 605. I'm not sure of it's torque, but speed is around .14. Mine was about $45.

rvrrun

01-16-2001, 12:09 AM

Sorry Oyster,

I was thinking 3pb when I read 3pd.

My appologies for the confusion.

MS