Tactic Ttx240 Radio First Impressions

[markbt73]

The other day I went to the local hobby shop with every intention of buying a new Spektrum DX3e. I have a DX5e two-stick that I've been using in a scale crawler for a while now, and I really like it, so I thought Spektrum's inexpensive new pistol-grip might make a good replacement for my aging Futaba Magnum Jr. in some other cars.

They didn't have a DX3e, an d I didn't really like the feel of the DX2.0. I was about to ask about the new Airtronics entry-level 2.4ghz model, when the clerk pointed out the Tactic TTX240. And its price tag: $69.00. I'd heard about this radio; Tower Hobbies has been pushing their own label version of it recently (for $10 more), but I wasn't sure about buying an unknown brand. But I figured for the price, it was worth a shot. As I was leaving, a re-re Fire Dragon kit leapt into my arms and demanded to be taken home, so I got that too.

The Dragon is built, the Tactic radio is installed in it, and I must say I'm impressed so far. The transmitter feels good; I'd say the quality of the plastics is right up there with my Futaba radios. The controls are basic, just trims, reversing, and steering rate, but they're big silver knobs that are clearly labeled and easy to turn instead of funny little push-buttons. The grip is on the small side; I have small hands so it isn't a big deal, but for someone with big meaty paws it might be an issue. The wheel has a stiff centering spring on it, which I like, and nice positive stops.

One thing I did notice: The trigger throw isn't 50:50; it's more like 70:30. It's no problem to set up an ESC, but for nitro cars (or for you five masochistic Luddites who still use mechanical speed controls) it might make setup more difficult.

Binding the transmitter to the receiver is so much easier than the whole plug-in-a-special-plug-then-pull-a-lever-then-sacrifice-a-chicken-while-chanting-your-radio's-secret-name procedure required for Spektrum radios: Turn it on. Push the "BIND" button with a bent paperclip. Ta-da; it's bound. You're supposed to be able to bind multiple receivers to one transmitter, too. I haven't tried it yet, but I will; receivers are only $25 each. Okay, fine; so there's no model memory. Really, how hard is it to re-trim your steering before a run? And for this price, are you really going to complain?

The best feature of this entire system, however, is the complete lack of a receiver antenna. No more feeding wires through tubes. No more poking a fifth hole in the body right through the roof. No more watching the dog run to the car after it flips over at the far end of the yard and start chewing on the antenna. It's ideal for scale projects, and it makes moving the receiver from one car to another as simple as a few pieces of sticky-back Velcro, should you elect not to purchase more.

One thing the receiver doesn't have, however, is BEC. I've got a TEU101BK plugged straight into mine, but I'm living dangerously; the instructions say that the receiver's input is only supposed to be 4.8-6 volts. It works, but I don't want to do it for too long. Luckily, I've been around this hobby long enough to know what dropping diodes are, so tomorrow I'm going to Radio Shack to rectify the voltage discrepancy. You can also just plug in an external BEC if you prefer.

So far, I'm really happy with this little radio. I plan to pick up a couple more receivers for some of my other bashers. I think it would be a great way to get an RTR out of 27mhz frequency-clip purgatory, and if you don't need the extra features (which, be honest, most of us don't) it's a perfect way to step up to 2.4ghz without shelling out Futaba or Spektrum prices. If I have any troubles with it, I'll report them, but so far I'm very pleased with it, and can definitely recommend it, especially for the price.

[cubsfan2009]

I'm running the Tower version in a couple of cars and love it. Zero glitching, more range than my sight will allow, and the no antenna is great. I love how small and light the Tx is and the short fold away antenna is great for mobility and easy operation. There isn't many adjustments on the Tx, but for just bashing it does great. When I go brushless in my E-revo I will be switching that over with a extra Rx as well. Currently the E-revo needs a 3 channel (Futaba 3pm) do to the 2 speed kit I have installed.

[Power Surge]

I'm running the Tower version in a couple of cars and love it. Zero glitching, more range than my sight will allow, and the no antenna is great. I love how small and light the Tx is and the short fold away antenna is great for mobility and easy operation. There isn't many adjustments on the Tx, but for just bashing it does great. When I go brushless in my E-revo I will be switching that over with a extra Rx as well. Currently the E-revo needs a 3 channel (Futaba 3pm) do to the 2 speed kit I have installed.

Everything he said +2

[taliesin]

Binding the transmitter to the receiver is so much easier than the whole plug-in-a-special-plug-then-pull-a-lever-then-sacrifice-a-chicken-while-chanting-your-radio's-secret-name procedure required for Spektrum radios