What's the best FM transmitter

[labmat]

Hi All,

I'm new to RC and was wondering what you guys think about FM transmitters. I'm going to get a new transmitter to replace my crappy AM one. However my local hobby shop has a small selection of transmitters. Which transmitter do you guys feel is the best in overall features vs price. I don't wanna spend more than $250.

Thanks for your insight.

Matthew LaBerge

[Hairball]

Ok, before someone else jumps on here and screams something to the affect of "AIRTRONICS M8 ALL THE WAY!!" I want to get my $0.02 in. :)

I currently run a Ko Propo EX1 Mars. I've owned a M8 before and just didn't like it.

The Mars has a ton of features and buttons and do-dads you'll probably never get around to using, but hey, its still cool to have them right? It runs about $240 and comes with the reciever only. You'll have to pick up a servo as well. Or just keep using the one you already have.

The M8 runs about $280 and comes with a reciver and two standard servos.

I suggest you go to you're local track and ask some people what they're using, and them ask if you can try them out. Like, hold them in your hand for 10 - 20 mins, and see if you still like how it feels.

Feature wise the only thing that compares to the Mars is the JR R1, but it runs close to $400, and the only thing its got over the Mars is a really big LCD screen. Cool, but not worth an extra $200. :)

On another note, Ko Propo crystals seem to be the cheapest around, only about $20 a set, where Airtronics run closer to $30.

Anyway, don't let anyone TELL you what radio to buy, go play with EVERYONE you can get your hands on, and then make the decesion, one of them is going to feel better to you then the rest.

Remeber, its your money your spending, so spend it wisely. :D

[jeepinator]

Good advice from Hairball. Hard to add anything to that.

There have been quite a few very informative threads on this topic. You should use the search engine ...

[SirSpeedy]

There is a reason that 90% of the Team drivers use an M8.

[Crazy Canuck]

This is a real nice can of worms.

The Lynx 3D, Futaba 3PJS, M8, XR3, and KO Mars are all really nice radios. Whichever you chose, it will be really good. There is no clear cut best.

[Railman]

KO has had their share of world chamionships over the years. Can't be all that bad! Regaurdless, it's still the best value any way you look at it. Their seems to be a recent surge in their popularity now that the distributorship, & servive issues have been settled. Still, you need to try different brands on for size before buying
to make a good choice...so many good ones to choose from.

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: Railman ]

[Bishop]

I would have though it would be more a case of what has the most/best features for the amount of money you pay?

I tend to think the JR units have good features for the price, with both the JR 2 and JR3 having digital adjustment.

Allthough I'm not expert, I'm just web surfing looking at the listed features on line...

[ScottPro2]

It'd be nice if I could find a HS that has more than 2 radios. I haven't stopped by my HS but I think they only have 2 models, the 3PJS and M8. I'm interested in checking out the KO and the JR R1 also. What the heck! You have to hold it.

[Bishop]

Actually yeah, that's kind of what is more important than anything, it has to feel good in your hand...

Some have thicker handles, great if you got large hands and long fingers like me, bad if you go small hands and short fingers...

[Hairball]

SirSpeedy Wrote - "There is a reason that 90% of the Team drivers use an M8. "

Hmm, is it because Airtronics PAYS them to use that radio?? Naa, that can't be it.

Brian Kinwald used a Futaba radio for YEARS until Airtronics offered to give him one and pay him to endorse it.

M8 are so popoular because 1) Team drivers use them so the public thinks it will make them faster 2) Team drivers run them, so most hobby shops sell what the team drivers are using.

I think I'm starting to see a trend here? Almost like a subliminal message... "Buy the M8... Buy the M8..." hehehehe

The M8 is a good radio, don't get me wrong, I just feel you can get a lot more for your money, thats all.

[jeepinator]

Yep, I agree pretty much. To claim something is good because "team drivers" use them is really not saying much. Take away any incentive (cash, free stuff, fame) and then see what they use.

Hey, Wonder Woman ONLY buys from Lense Direct because she doesn't trust those baby blues to just anyone ! So they muct be the best right ? :rolleyes:

Sorry for the sarcastic attitude, but that was a little thin.
I like the heck out of my M8, but my old R756 was way better for fit and feel. The M8 has more model memory and that cheesy "feature" called antilock brakes. Other than that my 8 year old R756 tromps the M8.

[SirSpeedy]

You got that all figured out don't you buddy.

Yes BK has a deal with Airtronics. I would say their team has maybe 15-20 people. Maybe even less.

But hey, you got it all down, so why did I just waste 2 minutes on you?

[Hairball]

I took you two minutes the write that? Man, you need to work on your typing skills!!! :p

[InspGadgt]

Well if your going FM you realy just can't go wrong no matter who the manufacturer is. FM radios are traditionally the high end radios of the brands so your not gonna get a lemon. I've used JR, Airtronics, and Futaba. Personally I like the balance of the Futaba and the ease of programming comparitive to the others. I also want to have the option to use PCM if I so choose so that rules out the Airtronics in my mind. Just my $.02

[LasagnaCat]

I also usually go with Futaba radios, owning a 3PDF and probably a dozen or so others back through the years to the Magnum SR. The Airtronics radios are fine too, and while everyone always suggests the XR3 I always feel like the build quality on that is a bit suspect.. My wife has an XR3 and compared to the 3PDF it feels like a toy radio, it's much flimsier feeling.. granted it is a little cheaper, but it (especially the "buttons" on it) just makes me nervous...

Also keep in mind that most of the radios endorsed and used by most of the people on here (including myself) have far more bells/whistles than we *need* them to have..

[qua77ro]

my XR3 vs KO EX-1 Mars comparison (http://www.rccaraction.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003883)

[NickBurns]

I have a lynx3d. Its pretty nice but its a little big. I don't know what ANY of the features do at all other then the trims. It took me about 1 hour just to get it to work like a 30 dollar AM radio. I'm sure it would be a lot better if I knew how to use it.

Nick

[Hairball]

Thats what manuals are for... :D

[SirSpeedy]

Nice.

Dude, You are alright. I take back all I said.

[jeepinator]

Sheeeesh !
Sorry SirSpeedy !
I totally did not intend to piss you off.

I was only posting my opinion of why sponsored racers use Airtronics. You were just a tad harsh don't you think ?

[ProRacer03]

Hehe I got a M8 I like it a lot. I didn't pay retail. I don't know who would cause it's outrageous for retail. Anyways, I like it. It feels better than the 3PDF for my needs. I have to say I still haven't learned all the functions, yet. I like it alot!

[Nairb]

The Multiplex Profi series radios are simply the best out there IMHO.
http://www.multiplexrc.com/tx_profi_car.htm

[chizzler]

well, m8's are great because youre not limited to using airtronics servos because you can use JR's servos as well ;)
if you cant afford the R1.........M8 :D

[ 09-06-2001: Message edited by: chizzler ]

[Penn-Jersey Nitro Club]

Hey guys; Just a newbie with a quick question. My new friend had his FM unit stepped on by a cheap 27 mgz AM unit while running our little short dirt track. How can that be? My tower 75 mgz radio is fine. What more can a FM unit do?? Thanks Jim C.

[Hairball]

Well, somebody had to say it. "GET THE M8!!" (with no reason given)

And, for the record, you can pretty much use any brand servo you want with any brand radio gear. May have to change the input plugs, but thats REALLY easy to do, and takes about 20 seconds.

[SirSpeedy]

My last two posts were to Hairball.

[jackhammer74]

for the money you can get any better than the JR XR3, I mean it comes with the receiver, and two servos.
In that price range $169 right now you won't find 3 model memory, which is cool if you got more than one car, and it's got all the nice digital trimmings.
I love mine. One thing though, I you get this I would advice you to get NICAds for it,
cause it uses alkalines like they're free,
Actually I'm sure most radios are the same.
Good luck in whatever you choose.

[chizzler]

Well, somebody had to say it. "GET THE M8!!" (with no reason given)


i did not see anyone say specifically to get the m8. i said if it was between the r1 and m8.

if youre directing that towards me you must clearly NOT be able to read.

oh and btw, big whoop if YOU can change the input in 20 seconds, i applaud you.

this IS a new person who asked about FM radios, and most likely someone without the experience may NOT be able to do it like YOU can.........

Matthew Lebarge - id say to go with the xr3 too, it IS a great radio at a great price! :D if you need a little more its a toss up to what you like and what YOU can get in the package with a good deal that will work for YOU.

;)

[Railman]

Matthew, There's lots of good radios out there. What you need to decide is whether you want to spend a little more, & get one that you won't need to upgrade in a few years. If your not shure if you'll stay with the hobby long, go with the medium priced equipment. If you're pretty shure you're in it for the long haul, don't skrimp now, you'll only regret it later. You'll end up wasting time learning new equipment, & end up spending more money overall. Don't forget about having to change receivers & crystals at a later date. That stuff can eat you up. If your willing to go to $250 or so you have a ton of options. Another consideration is that good equipment is easier to sell used, & is well worth getting repaired if the need ever comes up. Like I said before the radio is the most important piece of equipment you own in this hobby. Just my $.02 ;)
Joe

[HauntedMyst]

You guys all have a screw loose, every last one of you. Apparently, I need to come in once more and explain things.

Here is what you should do: Get the cheap blue Airtronics radio for $70 and spend the rest on 20 pairs of nice fitting boxers. Do you think Kinwald wins because the M8 is a superior radio? Not. He wins because he's not up there afraid his underwear will start twisting up like a boa constrictor with indigestion while he is racing. He's up there thinking "I make $100K a year playing with toys and my undies fit well"

[ 09-09-2001: Message edited by: HauntedMyst ]

[chizzler]

now thats a plan..... :D

[Railman]

Hm, It's hard to argue with logic like that!
Go for the boxers...while your at it make em silk! roflmao :D :)

[ 09-09-2001: Message edited by: Railman ]

[Hairball]

Oh man, someone has a sore spot. I said for the prospecting radio buyer to go out a try every radio that they could before they deceided on a radio. I mentioned that I was very happy with my Ko Propo EX1 Mars, and I wasn't happy with my Airtronics M8. The M8 is a good radio, I just wasn't happy with it.

Everytime this question is asked, someone says something to the affect of "GET A M8" with no reason why, no pluses or minuses about the radio, or why anyone should own one, other than the fact that Team Drivers often use them. Umm, ok. If you buy a radio because a Pro uses one... well, you get the idea.

You said "If you can't afford a JR R1, buy an M8"

Which is pretty much saying "BUY A M8" because I'd bet a few good dollars that once he looked at the price of a JR R1, he'd laugh and walk away. :) (All you R1 owers out there, you must make a lot more money that I do... hehe)

Anyway, I think this thread should be closed. There isn't anything more anyone can say to help this fellow choose a radio. After this point, he's going to have to make up his own mind.

Chizzler - Calm down, you're going to hurt yourself. :D

[Ras Thavas]

I have to chime in for the Multiplex Profi also. Great radio, best combination of features for the money.

[ProRacer03]

I liked the M8 because of the medium size screen. I had access to a cheap new one. All the functions that it offers. EPA blah blah. Way too many functions to list. I haven't even learned all of them 10 model memory. It is balanced in my hand, but doesn't work for my gf. Digital trim, Host of other features that I don't use and some that I am still learning. Basically I like it better than the 3pdf or Tx-2 blazer because it feels better doesn't feel cheap. Easy to carry w/ the handle on top long range. Doesn't drain the battery too much. For my nitro car it has the option to give it more gas for start up. I can control pretty much every aspect of the electronics.

Cons: expensive crystals. expensive. expensive 3 channel receivers. Too Heavy for my girlfriend.

[labmat]

All,

I'd like to thank you all for your opinions and for those of you who had a sence of humor and made me laugh. After checking out every radio I could I bought a Hitec Lynx 3D. It felt right and has plenty of features for me. Plus it was only $170, you cant argue with that and I was able to purchase an electric speed controler with the leftover money. Once again I'd like to thank everyone for their input It helped me out more than you can imagine

Matthew LaBerge
labmat@mn.mediaone.net

P.S. does anyone know of a good indoor or outdoor track in minnesota, preferably near minneapolis or the surrounding suburbs.