Hitec 3D or Air M8?

[ronb]

I've held the Hitec Lynx 3D in my hand and appreciate the feel of the lower streering wheel. But it feels a bit cheap. Though I do like the idea of using the Spectra synthesized module. All the top dogs seem to use Airtronics M8. If the price difference isn't a concern, which is recommended? :confused:

[digex]

I personally use a hitec lynx 3d and totally enjoy it. I think you will be very happy with either one, to be honest. I would suggest that you go to the lhs and hold an M8 in your hand too, than compare the 2. Get the one that works best for you. One thing to note is that the menu system on the Lynx is deemed by some to be difficult to navigate while the M8 seems to be pretty intuitive. I don't have a problem with either one, but you might want to try the menu systems on them both before you sink the cash into one.

[Nairb]

Sorry to deviate, but I love the feel of my Multiplex Profi 403. It was only $160 and just as good as (even better in a lot of ways than) an M8 or 3D. It'll even do AM AND FM. <a href="http://www.multiplexrc.com/tx_profi_car.htm">Check it out!</a>

[ 05-20-2001: Message edited by: Nairb ]

[XXXER]

Nairb's remote does rock, i love it, and i am going to invest when i pony up the cash.
Brian----Go to CHAT!

Also, i have heard that with that large LCD screen of the Lynx, it drains the batteries quite quickly, so get the charger, and some rechargeable batteries

[ 05-20-2001: Message edited by: XXXER ]

[Ras Thavas]

Hey Nairb, all your posts convinced me. I got my Multiplex last week and used it Sat. in the races. It is a sweet controller. Now I just have to figure out how to use all the features :)

[Roach Racing]

Ras - One little known feature of the multiplex is, aim it at the bar code on your car box pull the trigger and it will input the radio settings for you. :D

But seriously I have a 3d and I am going to be switching to a M8 soon I just think this is a better option for me. for the price the mutiplex does rock.

[mavrick0611]

M8

[TC3andPEDE]

Nairb,
Can you tell me where did you buy the Profi 403 for $ 160 ?
My lhs don't carry them.

thanks!

[Nairb]

Go right here: <a href="http://www.multiplexrc.com/tx_profi_car.htm">Multiplex USA</a>. They're easy to work with and very helpful.

I found that the radio is very easy to program and tweak settings on after just one pass through the instruction manual. Enjoy!


Oh yeah...Corey's just jealous. He says stuff like that because he knows it's just too cool for him to use; it would look out of place. :D j/k

[ 05-21-2001: Message edited by: Nairb ]

[Obi112]

I don't think I'd be able to buy the transmitter and a receiver at the same time so does the Multiplex work with an Airtronics AM receiver? And if I do upgrade my receiver to FM, which brand should I get?

[XXXER]

It will work with any reciever, AM, FM, any brand, if you replace it, get a XXL from Novak, or a Phaser from LRP, orange or blue, take your pick, but remember, you must get crystals when you do buy FM

[Obi112]

I thought I read that the Profi car only works with a certain type of receiver (either negative-shift or positive-shift). I just want to make sure my receiver is the right kind before I think about buying. (another note: will it work with Hitec's dual conversion receiver?)

[SirSpeedy]

M8.

There IS a reason so many use it.

[jeepinator]

SirSpeedy, could you elaborate ?
I'd kinda like to see someone add some personal experiences. The WHY kinda stuff.
Like WHY do you think it is better. What features do you like. Stuff like that.
I have a JR 756, PCM version. It is getting a little old and I like to keep up on the latest.
What does the M8 have that the 3PS does not ?

Personaly, I thought the menus on the Lynx 3D unit were odd and not very intuitive. The anti-lock brakes are novel though :)

[Nairb]

So far, my Profi 403 works flawlessly with a Novak Polaris (AM) receiver and a Futaba AM receiver. I read the same thing you read, and I gathered that Futabas were the ones it WOULDN'T work with, but guess what? It does. Just make sure you use the Rx crystal that was made for your Rx.

The manual itself said nothing about what receivers you could & couldn't use. My experience so far is that it will work with anything. I'll check it with my brother's Airtronics next time we drive together.

That's my experience so far.

[LosiXXXNT'er]

I personally use the M8. At my work we have the Hitec one, and it IS cheap, maybe because im used to buying airtronics, and have all my life. The M8 is much more "interactive" and easy to use, and it has an anti-lock brake feature in it as well (hidden, upper lfet of screen). But dont listen to what people TELL you is better, go to your LHS and grab em both, and see which one fits your needs and is best for you. Driving STYLE also plays a part in the radios.. And maybe im old fashoned, but id rather have the actuall cystal in my radio rather than turning a dial.... think about it..
Good Luck

[Obi112]

Thanks Nairb. I'll probably do a little more research before I buy, because I have to wait a while. The only way I'll be able to buy a new radio is if I get a summer job and save up.

[Nairb]

"And maybe im old fashoned, but id rather have the actuall cystal in my radio rather than turning a dial.... think about it.."

HUH!? I've thought about it and I don't see how buying sets of crystals and being limited to the ones you buy could be ANY better than having a self-contained unit that will let me use any frequency in the possible 30. I'm not saying I like the Hitec, but I LOVE the idea, it's brilliant.

[Ras Thavas]

I called and asked about the receiver, and they said it would work with Futaba AM but not Futaba FM. I am using it with a Futaba AM in one of my cars and it works great. I also bought a Novak XXL for another car and it works with that. One of my local hobby shops was nice enough to let me try it on a receiver before I bought the receiver.

[cabbynate]

M8
Nothing feels as good on the track as an M8. I have friends that have them all and you fell more in touch with your car with the M8.
And they are so smooth.They don't feel cheap.They are the best. Why do think so maney pros us them? ;)

[derekjr_1]

NIARB > I think you need to pick up a sponshorhip with MultiPlex. Your selling more of their products than they are. Keep up the good work man. I wonder how we can get in touch with them to get you sponsored. I cam going to email them and let you know, later's.

[KLKLRL]

I Heard a rumer that the hitec modual will work with some other controlers. Has anyone else heard of this and if so what controler??? :cool:

[Nairb]

Good idea, Derek. :D

Yep, the Spectra Module will work with some Futabas radios.

Here's the offical word on using receivers with Multiplex radios: "It will work 75mhz am receivers and 75 mhz FM receivers by airtronics, JR, and Hitec Positive shift. ... If the Novak XXtra is the one that can dial in frequencies then it will work fine. However the Novak XXL doesn't seem to work well with the Multiplex transmitters." <--stright from Eric @ Multiplex

[Ras Thavas]

Narib,

The Novak XXL comes in a variety of styles. I got the one designed to be used with Airtronics FM systems and it works just fine with the Multiplex. The only bad thing about it is my LHS only sells airtronics crystrals in sets, so I had to buy 2 transmitter crystals I did not need. I suspect the XXL designed to work with the Futaba FM will not be compatable, as the people at Multiplex told me the radio will not work with Futaba FM.

As soon as tower gets an XXtra in I am planning on getting one, nice to know it will work ok.

[Nairb]

Thanks for the info, Ras. That makes sense to me.

[markd469]

I doubt you can go wrong with either the M8 or 3-D. I'm using the Hi-tec for about a year and am very happy with it. If you get it, get the Spectra module model. You get the Spectra and four receiver crystals. I've since bought 5 additional receivers and run it with all my cars. The menu is a little counter-intuitive, but easy enough to figure out. Once you know it, its great.