43 replies to this topic

[HomerJHandley]

Had a search, and google but there seems to be a distinct lack of stick based 2 channel radios that are 2.4Ghz, the majority being the pistol type (which i cant get along with!)

I tend to bash only in the local park, but my current vintage receivers seem to be dropping like flies, and seem to be getting reduced distance as well.

So i have been looking for a cheap 2.4Ghz radio, but with features like multiple model memory, easy switching between receivers, and enough features to make it worthwhile.

there appears to be loads of different features on them, automatic Abs, throttle control/etc, all of them alien to me on my old acoms/futaba 27Mhz!

So can anyone reccomend such a unit that is in stick form? dont want to spend more than £90 or so for the base transmitter/receiver, and also want receivers to be reasonable as over time intend to have one per model, so will likely be 5+!

ta

[Jonny Retro]

I had no end of trouble finding cheap 2.4ghz setups myself, in the end I bought several Planet T5 combos... It doesn't meet your criteria in that it doesn't have multiple model memory, but it is cheap (£50) & good quality. I does need a mod though - it's intended for flight use. The Radiolink T4EU combo is even cheaper, has the same drawbacks, but also feels cheap & nasty, so I can't recommend it.

Sorry it's not really what you asked, but any info is good, right?

[HomerJHandley]

yup, seems the pistol crowd gets all the cheap ones!

thanks for the heads up, but it is a LOT more trouble and work than i would want, and TBH i would probably break it doing the mod!

[kaiser]

i've always wondered why stick radios are so popular in the uk.

back in the 80's we here in the us all had stick raidos, but as pistol grips started being released we all switched.

why didn't rc'ers in the uk switch?

[Mud-Plugger]

why didn't rc'ers in the uk switch?

...they just don't look right with our handlebar moustaches and bowler hats!

[Eddystone]

I've been using a a Core Code 2.4Ghz stick system for a while - seems excellent - lots of functions if you want them, 15 model memory, and fits into your price requirement.



Available from Modelsport for £84 Modelsport Core Code CR138

[gordb]

I know it totally blows the pricing requirement - but I love this 2.4GHz stick radio: http://www.kopropo.c...o...6&Itemid=90

[HomerJHandley]

I know it totally blows the pricing requirement - but I love this 2.4GHz stick radio: http://www.kopropo.c...o...6&Itemid=90

it does a bit!

[kaiser]

...they just don't look right with our handlebar moustaches and bowler hats!

EXCELLENT!

[TWINSET]

Modelsport's forum had news of an Etronix Pulse recently, looks like a clone of the 'Core' Eddystone mentioned;



Etronix Pulse EX3GPro 3-channel 2.4ghz DSSS Digital Proportional Radio System
Features
2.4ghz Crystal Free
3-Channel
EPA End Point Adjustment
D/R Dual Rate
Steering Sub trim
Throttle Sub trim
Servo Reversing
EXP Exponential Steering Curve Adjustment
EXP Exponential Throttle Curve Adjustment
ABS Anti-Lock Brake System
15 Model Memory
SPD Steering Speed Adjustment
SPD Throttle Speed Adjustment
ATS Automatic Start Feature
BK-Mix Brake Mixing Function
Mix Channel Function
Throttle Hold
Timer Function
ATL Brake Effect Adjustment
Servo Monitor
Charging Jack
ET1010 – £79.99 rrp

The Basic 2ch one was £39.99;


Etronix Pulse EX2G 2-channel 2.4ghz DSSS Proportional Radio System
Features
2.4ghz Crystal Free
2-Channel
Servo Reversing
Charging Jack
ET1000 – £39.99 rrp

[WW-nut]

Modelsport sell both the Etronix and Core 2.4ghz controllers; they look the same, but are different prices. Are the specs different to justify the £14 extra for the Core?

Core £84 --> http://www.modelspor...mp;ItemID=35518

Etronix £69.99 --> http://www.modelspor...mp;ItemID=36667

[30cms]

why didn't rc'ers in the uk switch?

the wheel type radios always feel like toys to me.

i have one but i can't get on with it. i have given it a fair go though.

i guess it really boils down to what you get used to!! it's probably easier to learn from scratch with the wheel type.


however it does seem that uk rc guys, have more of a preference to sticks than wheel.

[Gruntfuggly]

the wheel type radios always feel like toys to me.

+1

I may be a stickradio-snob, but whenever I use the wheel radio I feel dirty.

There is some sort of 'link' in my brain where the stick actually moves the servo arm, so what's with having a wheel to do it?

[bugjammer]

For cheapy 2.4 sticks check out the good old Hobbyking website
http://www.hobbyking..._Rx_V2_(Mode_1)
I believe this is the same internals as the Planet transmitter, so no adjustment, end rates or or model memories
and for extra receivers
http://www.hobbyking...z_Receiver_3Ch_

$6.49!! £4.49!!

[HomerJHandley]

Modelsport sell both the Etronix and Core 2.4ghz controllers; they look the same, but are different prices. Are the specs different to justify the £14 extra for the Core?

Core £84 --> http://www.modelspor...mp;ItemID=35518

Etronix £69.99 --> http://www.modelspor...mp;ItemID=36667

I asked Modelsport this exact question, and basically they replied

"Unfortunately we do not know as the systems are from different suppliers/distributors? We do agree that the spec is identical though."

obviously they could not say (the supplier may get a bit peeved!) but that to me reads that they are likely to be the same, as the spec is the same, for 2 different units they would at least try to have something the other doesnt!

[HomerJHandley]

Just bought one of the Etronix sets, lets hope they are as good as people say!

realised i have not used the cars due to the range issues, and as these are back in stock i got one.

There is probably only so long vintage receivers/crystals can last so fingers crossed this will cure the range issues i have been having!

[Live Steam Mad]

There is probably only so long vintage receivers/crystals can last so fingers crossed this will cure the range issues i have been having!

I had a bad Acoms orange receiver crystal in my MK3 receiver (ARC227) which reduced the range horridly even though the receiver had the full length 1m aerial wire. Once I changed it to a Futaba crystal, all was fine again and the range with my Frog was very good even in a built up area around cars in our street (at least 50m radius) without any glitches and that's on 27MHz AM using digital radio with no error protection or spread spectrum (2.4GHz radios use FM and the all these features that my radio lacks to get more performance). I only have glitch problems indoors and it's because of signal echoes from nearby large metal objects.

I agree that wheel radios suck. LOL.

I would also love a stick radio on 2.4GHz DSM that has a computer and is affordable, but I haven't looked into that kinda thing yet. I use Futaba's T6XS on 40MHz PCM1024 for my Styrene bodied RC models for safety (no glitches). I use shift gates from Ant (ant88) for steering and throttle.

Cheers,

Alistair G.

[essexboyracer]

I bought the £40 Etronix set a month or so ago for racing. My old Acoms 27am transmitter was having range issues on the furthest points of the track I race on. The Etronix is very basic (no epa adjustment e.t.c.), but works superbly. I've had no issues with range since i've used it. The receivers are around £23 though if you need to buy extras.

Best bit is the manual talks about setting up your rudder, so I guess it was made for boats

[HomerJHandley]

I have the next one up with the adjustments (most of them are Whats that all about then?! they must mean something to someone) and range issues are great.

I was in the park earlier (end of the street) and the car went the full length without any issues (loving it, as before i couldnt get 20 meters!) but didnt try any further away.

[Mouton]

The Futaba 3GR-2.4G is the cheapest "quality" stick type radio. However, I think it is too plastic for my liking. Thus, I use a wheel type radio as I think the Futaba 3VCS is too expensive for beeing an eight year old transmitter...

Regarding the difference in price for the two cheap transmitters that are the same:
Need I say LRP vs. Nosram or need I say LRP vs. Nosram vs. Tamiya?

It could also be like Corona and Jamara, same production line but different ID-number series so they will not bind to eachothers receivers.

[Live Steam Mad]

I've been using a a Core Code 2.4Ghz stick system for a while - seems excellent - lots of functions if you want them, 15 model memory, and fits into your price requirement.



Available from Modelsport for £84 Modelsport Core Code CR138

Does that right stick move up and down as well as left and right on that transmitter pictured?

If so, does anyone make a steering gate for it to cut out the up/down movement on that right stick?

Cheers,

ARG

[Live Steam Mad]

I see that ACOMS have a relatively new 2-channel 2.4GHz stick radio ;-

http://www.goldstars...ck-p-41913.html

...and Tamco also have a 2-channel 2.4GHz stick radio ;-

http://www.modelspor...products/367560

But the one thing that I don't like about 2.4GHz is that you first have to switch them on and then ALSO have to press a small BIND button on the receiver (like on PS3!). Not practical when your receiver for the Frog is in a rubber bag or in an SRB's radio box front section

I'm sticking with 40MHz FM (Hitec Ranger Sky, or Futaba T6XS with Ant's shift gates). Just also noticed that Carson has a 2-channel ACOMS made stick radio at 40MHz FM ;-

http://www.goldstars...fm-p-42082.html

...and FM removes the range problems and glitches that AM modulation has in certain conditions.

Cheers,

Alistair G.

[sosidge]

You only need to bind the radio to the receiver once.

Although personally I still run crystals and have no problems. No radio is perfect, there are certain situations where 2.4GHz will get hit as well.

[Percymon]

You bind the radio Rx once, preferably before installing into the car.

If you go with the Eurgle / Flysky / Hobbyking systems then the Rx are so cheap (ca £4 each from HK, £8 UK ebay) that you just install one into each car. My HK handset accepts 10 cars programmed in, so all adjustments are saved and ready for use.

total cost Handset and 10 RXs - ca £45 + shipping - call it £60

A single Acoms 2.4Ghz Rx is about £25 within the UK - i simply couldn't afford to use teir stuff with so many models, and there's no reason to either - Hobbyking is perfectly good for general use.

[bromvw]

You bind the radio Rx once, preferably before installing into the car.

If you go with the Eurgle / Flysky / Hobbyking systems then the Rx are so cheap (ca £4 each from HK, £8 UK ebay) that you just install one into each car. My HK handset accepts 10 cars programmed in, so all adjustments are saved and ready for use.

total cost Handset and 10 RXs - ca £45 + shipping - call it £60

A single Acoms 2.4Ghz Rx is about £25 within the UK - i simply couldn't afford to use teir stuff with so many models, and there's no reason to either - Hobbyking is perfectly good for general use.

ever had any import duty problems from Hobbyking ?