Good 3 channel radio

[Ron Olson]

OK, who says that I don't ask questions? :) Here's one for you.
I'm looking to buy another 3 channel radio system for a boat that I'm going to order soon. What I want has to be FM but the big thing is a FAST 3rd channel. The radio that I have now, the 3rd is slower than winding an 8-day clock. I don't need the big model memory or excessive bells and whistles, just a good radio system.

[Doubledog]

Ron asking questions... The world came to a stop for a moment. LOL

[Ron Olson]

I have no brand loyalty, I already own a Futaba, Hi-Tec's, Airtronics, Ace, JR and who-knows-what else.
I've got in mind a no-holds-barred project for the Winter, what it's going to be for sure yet I don't know. Right now it's split between a Sport 20, Sport 40 or maybe even a (gasp!) Gas boat!

[Doubledog]

Gas? I've heard you mention that several times before. You'll be pleased. Just a bit larger than most rigs as you've seen. Heck, the 3.5's can still ride under the stand on one of the gassers so no need to worry about room. :D

You saw the AM Stingray I picked up from Int'l Waters? Thats one of three winter deals for me. No more after that. Would like to sell the Cali Drag but no rush.

[Ron Olson]

Space really isn't a problem. I have a shelf in my truck that the boats go on and all of the other gear goes underneath.
OK, now how about a 3 channel radio that people really like?

[butchg]

I really like my Hitec Aggressor.. It is 3 channel and FM and at a great price to boot..

[Ron Olson]

Thanks, that's one that I'm looking at. I've liked Hi-Tecs through the years, especially the servos but up until a few tears ago the transmitters were butt-ugly and cheap looking.

[Watercadet]

Ron I have seen a few guys putting a larger wheel on the 3rd channel knob of a M8 and it goes pretty quick. The Aggressors will meet your needs though, and for less.
Adam

[Bash_N_Thrash]

I like my Airtronics MX-3 (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCHA8**&P=7). I use it for my T-maxx and NTC3 at the moment but it holds 5 models in memory so some day I will use it for my boat. I dont use the 3rd channel at this time so I'm not sure how fast it is but the radio in general is a great FM radio for the price. Here (http://www.airtronics.net/MX-3%20Manual%20Web.pdf)is a copy of the owners manual it lists the specs on the second page.

[Doc]

Ron,
If the 'third' channel on most three channel transmitters is too slow, try a four channel radio. Channels three and four are usually just as 'fast' as channels one and two, so then it would just be a matter of how fast is the servo. If you like the 'pistol' type radios then you'll probably have to change to a 'stick' type, but I certainly don't know that for sure. I think all the manufacturors make a 75 Mhz FM transmitter so the 'brand' shouldn't be a problem. Besides, everybody needs an 'extra' channel now and then...
- 'Doc

[Ron Olson]

Thanks for the help. I ordered the radio today, a Hi-Tec Aggressor 3 channel FM. I also ordered the boat for it to go in, a Phil Thomas Sport 40 with the stealth cowl and a MAC .45 to go in it. All of the hardware including the radio was ordered from Gary Pruesse. Boy, did I spend some money today!

[Watercadet]

That ticket couldn't have been under four figures...

[Ron Olson]

Yeah, I don't want to know how much I spent yesterday but it was fun. I had Gary on the phone and was IMing Phil at the same time at one point.
Yes, Christmas is coming before Halloween this year!

[Chilly]

Hey, Ron...what are you gonna use the 3-rd channel for? I have one of those Agressors, and the 3-rd channel is operated by a pushbutton only. So, push it once, the servo travels to one endpoint, push again, and it returns to the other endpoint. I don´t know if the button can be exchanged for a pot or something to get a more normal operation, but I thought you should know this... If it´s not too late...=/

[Ron Olson]

My plan is for a mixture control. If it doesn't work out for that use, I can always put it into another boat that could use a system upgrade.

[Chilly]

Alright...I planned on using mine for trimtabs, but had to ditch that idea, since the operation of the system was not what I was told... But hey, now I know what places NOT to get stuff from..=)

[Watercadet]

The MX3 is that way too. That is why I went M8. It's knob is linear. There is also a 3Ps on the listbot that is a steal for $75. It is just as good as the M8 but with 3 model memory.
Adam

[Chris LaPanse]

The CRX has either linear or shift modes, but linear is incredibly slow.

[Chilly]

By the way, is there anyone here who knows if it is possible to actually mod these radios to have a linear 3:rd channel instead of this push-button setup? If there is, please tell me, and I will attempt it. And, make a How-to about it in the process! That´s a promise... :)

[Ron Olson]

Gary called me this morning. He couldn't get me what I wanted, it seems that getting one on an even numbered frequency is a little hard to get right now from his distributor. He's going to send me something else, I'm not quite sure yet as to what, but it may be a Hi-Tec Ranger III. He seems to know how to get his hands on those.

[Chris LaPanse]

As I said, the CRX (as well as many other HIGH end radios) come with linear stock, but as it is controlled in the same way as (digital) trim, it is slow. Good for some things, not for others. I would not try modifying a radio, as you might mess something up (especially with that mod), and you would definitely void the warranty.

[Ron Olson]

I asked the same question on another site after I got my JR XR-3 if there was any way to alter the super-slow time on its 3rd channel. Some of the electrical experts said that it couldn't be done because of the circuitry used in the transmitters and yes, it would void the warrantry.

[Chilly]

I realize that it would void the warranty, ofcourse. But, I got the answer i searched, it´s not possible to mod the radio. If thare had been any that you guys knew of, I couldn´t have cared less about the warranty though. As I said, I was told before that the seller led me to believe that the third channel was linear operated, I kinda lost faith in this seller being standup and righteous if this thing broke down without me messing with it even.. Ah, never mind, I´m just ranting today, slept badly for a couple of nights. Thank´s for the info guys!

[Ron Olson]

I got the radio along with a pile of other goodies today. Gary sent me the Hi-Tec Ranger III. I was expecting the knob on the top left side but it came with a lever on the top right. I'll drop some batteries in it tomorrow to see how it works. It'll be strange going back to a stick radio but this thing does have other cool features on it like the throttle idle-up lever.
I did pick up a JR XR-2i today at the LHS to install in another boat, which one, I don't know yet for sure. I have some boats that could use a radio system upgrade.

[Watercadet]

Did you just file your extension finally :D :P

[Ron Olson]

This radio system is nice. I'm ditching the standard servos for H-81 MG's for carb duties and a high torque HS-605BB for the rudder. The reciever is cool too, it's small with an LED idiot light that will remind me to shut it off when I'm done running. I picked up some waterproof switches to replace the stock one also. Now I have to get used to using a stick radio again, I haven't used one much since I was crashing planes.

[Chris LaPanse]

What reciever is that?

[suck my wake]

i was looking at the ranger 3 is it a good radio i seems to be the nicest dual stick radio out there. could you tell me some features it has

[Ron Olson]

Sure. Mines been sitting in the box waiting for me to get far enough on my new boat to install it but I was playing with it the other day, checking things out. The 3rd channel is a slide lever on the upper right side, I think that some of the older ones had a knob on the upper left. It does have servo reversing and ATV on both sticks and a tiny reciever with an LED "On" light to show that it's on, a nice feature for a small RX. Standard servos, only 2 of them which I swapped out for 2 H81-MG's and a high torque rudder servo for my use. When I said small RX, it's slightly larger than the power switch!
It will be different for me to use as I got used to using pistol grip radios but I'll catch on.

[ejp]

Hey, ron. What did you pay for that radio? Do you like it?

[Ron Olson]

Ejp, I couldn't tell you off hand what I paid for it as it came with a big order of hardware. I'll have to see if I have a copy of the bill yet. I do know that I got a good price on it as the person that I ordered it from has better prices than places like Tower. I'm thinking that is was around or slightly less than $100.00 .

[suck my wake]

ron is this the radio system you got.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=HRC132752
im just wondering cuz i think im gonna order one

[Ron Olson]

Yup, that's it! Great price on it too! It's hard to find any FM radio system for that price, usually the reciever alone is almost that much.