FlySky Radios - Looking For a SMALL Transmitter / Controller

[JeepnMike]

I have searched the end of the internet (including Tamiyaclub) and am not finding anything conclusive as to what is the smallest pistol-grip controller out there. The best advice I have found is either stick controllers or Losi controllers which I think the only benefit is that it is lighter, and not necessarily smaller. That said, this one "looks" smaller and the price is fantastic for what this comes with. Does anybody have any experience with them or am I way off base? http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-gt3b-carradio-lcd.html Thanks!!

[Yello]

I have the GT3B. I also have its bigger, older brother the FlySky GT3.

It's small, I suppose. Then again it's probably only slightly less than average compared to other controllers. I can post pictures of it next to the DB01 if you want.

It's a good controller. And they have great reception - long distances. You never have to worry about it. And replacement receivers are cheap at 6 bucks.

Good battery life too. The only thing I don't like about it is its Dual Rate system. On the GT3, you could set your dual rates and then switch between them with a button. On the GT3B, Dual Rate is a pseudo dual rate; it's more like adjust EPA on the fly. Maybe I'm wrong and there's something I'm missing but I doubt it.

[JeepnMike]

Thanks for the reply Yello! By comparison to Futaba radios (size) what do you think? Weight? I hate to trouble you for a photo, but the DB01 size comparison would certainly help. You can always email if you like (again, totally at your leisure please): Michael.thorson@att.com. Thanks!!!

[TWINSET]

If it's any help, the Spektrum DX3C and DX3S pistol sets come with three rubber pads so you can change the size of the grip

The Losi pistols are deifintely quite small - I used to use a DX3S with a large grip and the Losi is tiny in comparison

[shenlonco]

I have searched the end of the internet (including Tamiyaclub) and am not finding anything conclusive as to what is the smallest pistol-grip controller out there. The best advice I have found is either stick controllers or Losi controllers which I think the only benefit is that it is lighter, and not necessarily smaller. That said, this one "looks" smaller and the price is fantastic for what this comes with. Does anybody have any experience with them or am I way off base? http://www.hobbypart...rradio-lcd.html Thanks!!

Hi there pretty small i have small hands and had one it's ok but don't get that model it's faulty the expo functions do not work they are backwards also.

get the newer model of it gtb3 i thinks the one.

I like my ko propo ex series radios they are good for small hands but cost alot more than a flysky

[JeepnMike]

Thanks for the additional replies. I did read about the KpPropo transmitters and about had a heart attack when I saw the price. This inevitably is going to get dropped.. LOL. It is nice to hear real world folks (thanks Twinset) giving suggestions. I am glad I haven't bought anything yet. It sounds like maybe I should be looking at Losi / Spektrum. From my short research last night, it sounded like the Losi controllers were re-"imaged" Spektrum units. It looks like Ebay is a good place for that kind of stuff. I am a little skeered buying used from someone I can't go after if it doesn't work. I will keep my eye open for good deals.

Thanks again!

[Yello]

This should give you an idea of the size dimensions of the FlySky:

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/2248/eeezgw.jpg

Definitely small. Probably not the smallest.

[TWINSET]

The Losi 'BND' transmitters are Spektrum compatible, I used my DX3S on a couple of their micro crawlers

The unit they supply with them is pretty basic, but might be small enough for you;

http://www.losiparts...ter-cln-/Detail

The other thing to consider is receiver compatibility - a 2.4g receiver from one company won't necessarilly work with another brand's transmitter.

[-=Jeff=-]

Is your GT3B hacked? or stock form?

I have a Traxxas TQI Controller, but my son wants it so he can get the dock for his iPod.. so I might switch to the GT3B. But heard the hacked firmware makes the Flysky better

[bugjammer]

check out the Flysky GT2B these have interchangeable grips for small hands and are mega cheap, I've been importing Flysky for 3 years now, fantastic bits of kit

[JeepnMike]

Lots of good info, thanks very much for all of the info and replies! (And thanks for the pic Yello!)

[-=Jeff=-]

I heard the GT3C also has the interchangeable grip..

I have seen good prices on the GT3B and GT3C. The GT2B Is a nice unit especially with the battery pack included (like the GT3C) but for the price you spend a small amount more and get the 3B or 3C..

Hmmm they are all nice

[shenlonco]

Hi I think this will be goood for you

http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-ct3c-3ch-radio-lcd-green.html

only weak part they say is the on off switch in the center of the steering wheel can break...guy's mount a new on off switch on the radio in another location... also do you want a fast response 2.4 radio because flysky is not the fastest 2.4 it's .22ms spectrum is .11ms but guy's kind of say spektrum stinks to many glitches... the cheaper futaba 2.4 systems are better

[waterbok]

what amazes me is that there are actualy no decent controllers for minors, think there are enough 4+ agged kiddies who would be able to use a pistolcontroller if they just could get a firm hold and be able to reach for the throttle. Would be an opportunity for FS and the likes. The Tamiya QD are a nice size for example.

I can make a compare picture of my DX3E, DX3C and FS GT3B if your interested

[JeepnMike]

I found a Losi LSR-3000 (pictured above from TWINSET) for $15 USD new from a local enthusiast. I am going to go pick up tomorrow and see how it "sizes up". I figure for that cheap I could always sell it if it doesn't do what I am looking for it to do. I found a Spektrum RX for it for $35 new on the web so I will be in it about what I would be for a new FlySky. If I get it home and it isn't small enough, I am going to heed the advice of shenlonco above and try the FlySky with smaller handles.

[waterbok]

If you are looking for a spektrum receiver there is one at Hobbyking, OrangeRX GR300, tried it and it works.

Here are some shots of different FS and Spektrums

[BadWagon]

I use a FlySky GT3C. It's the best bang for the buck (IMHO) out there. It comes with 2 grips (large and small) it's light and comes with a rechargeable lipo. I use an iPhone brick and the usb cable which came with it to charge.

The Rx's are cheap... dirt cheap. As far as the steering wheel power button issue, all that you have to do is open up the wheel assembly (3 screws i think) and snip off the little plastic guides. the guides are supposed to be there to protect the wires for the power button, but instead they pinch the wires, and that's where the issues are.

My 5 year old uses it well, though almost any Tx is gonna be a bit too big for an easy reverse (using only one finger). I've tried 3 or 4 different Tx's for Wyatt, and right now his 'Hopper has a Traxxas set up in it, but it's still not as good of a fit as my GT3C. I think with a little bit of modding, the trigger could be made to fit his smaller hands. I plan on getting him a GT3C and modding it to fit his hands.

The hack kits are GREAT, especially if you run a crawler or scale RCs. You can add up to 8 channels, with full mixing and a ton of other options. I started a thread about the hack kits not too long ago.

Hope this helps you out.

[JeepnMike]

Thread update for those in the same boat as me looking for a small radio for their kids. The Losi radio showed up today (LOSB0805). It is definitely lighter and seems decent enough. However, the grip itself is pretty big and the distance to the trigger is longer than that of my Futaba radios defeating my purpose. Between the radio (new) and the Spektrum reciever I am only $65 USD into it so no big deal. It will work a treat in whatever road car I am buying in the next couple of days. I am going to buy a FLY SKY GT3C tonight as an alternate, we will see how it goes with the smaller grip installed. I will let you guys know how it goes!

[BadWagon]

Let me know how it works bud.

[shenlonco]

yes that kit stock losi radio is **** it has the worst handel ever and don't fit your hand at all the flysky's feel way better.

[JeepnMike]

I hope others find this thread informative if looking for a radio for their kids (FLY SKY GT3C). I think it is safe to say I have found the smallest hobby grade radio. I have yet to use it so I am hoping it works as well as some reviews. It is LIGHT as well. The reciever I almost mistook for something else it was so small too. I wanted it to be small, but I also wanted the distance from the handle itself to the trigger to be as little as possible for a little hand to reach the trigger. Hopefully this picture comes through OK and provides perspective:

[BadWagon]

I think you're gonna dig the FlySky GT3C.

[-=Jeff=-]

How are you guys liking the Flysky.. I am torn between a GT3B/GT3C, GT2B or even a TQI 3 channel

[Daves956]

How are you guys liking the Flysky.. I am torn between a GT3B/GT3C, GT2B or even a TQI 3 channel

Speaking of kids, my daughters cars are all on a single TQ since she never messes with the programming that works real well. I use another TQ and a flysky and both have good and bad points. Last week I picked up a TQ reciever for 44 dollars and a flysky for 8. I think that sums it up... I have no plans for any more TQs at or near that price.

[-=Jeff=-]

I bought a FS-GT3B off of eBay.. once it arrives it will be my radio to use and my daughter will get the TQi