GHz Handset Recommendations Please.

[Grumpy pants]

Hello everyone,

I feel ready to buy a reasonable quality handset that I can use for a number of cars.

All recommendations will be greatly received and also info where to buy and also which additional receivers to get and where from.

I run pretty basic models but I do plan to buy a High Lift and ideally the handset will be idiot proof!

Thank you

G.p

[AndyForbes]

When I moved over to 2.4Ghz. I picked up a Flysky GT3b for £30. Also available as Absima Cr3p for around £50.

Its feels cheap and plasticy, but that's probably because its cheap and made of plastic. What swayed me was additional receivers are £5.

It may not be suitable for a High Lift, as the 3rd channel is an on/off switch, rather than 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear.

I also looked at the Spectrum Dx3c which was better quality, but at the time additional receivers cost £20+. You can now get 3rd party receivers made by orange for £6.

[ChrisRx718]

I have the Core RC / Etronix Pulse wheel and trigger 3ch setup, like a few others on here.

Better built than a Flysky, similarly the 3rd channel is a switch rather than something variable.

Again the major attraction was the cheap receivers, sub-£10 from Hobbyking. The newer HK3100 is a tiny piece of kit too and looks like it should be a lot more expensive than it actually is!

I'm just waiting for more stock in the uk and I'll be ordering more!

[Fruitfly01]

+1 on the Core Code handset (sticks for me) and HK3100 RX from HK. Anything I run has this combo in it, and no problems so far

The RX is tiny

[JeepnMike]

For what it's worth, I have a Futaba FASST 3PM-X which is $180 USD, I also have a Flysky GT3C which is $45 USD. Driving, the only difference I can tell between the two is that the Futaba is heavier which can get annoying. In terms of performance, I can't tell the difference. Where I CAN tell the difference is the price when you want to buy extra receivers.. The Flysky RXs are $7 USD. The Futaba RXs are $90. If anybody wants a high end radio, I may have my Futaba for sale soon.

I am not sure if Flysky is your answer, but I am becoming pretty fond of the budget 2.4g radios out there. They are disposable cheap, RXs are cheap, small, and easy to get, and they perform surprisingly well. I would take the budget route.

[ChrisRx718]

TBH any radio with adjustable end points (EPA) and preferably an LCD display with menus will be more than enough. The Core RC Code I mentioned has a 15 model memory too, which is almost my whole fleet (eesh, don't like to think about it like that!)

[mr crispy]

If you want a simple 2 channel system that's great value for money these orange FlySky GT-2 are hard to beat.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=161289386471

Just you're basic 2 channel pistol TX with a 3 channel receiver. No LCD displays just the trims, EPA knobs and the on/off switch under a flip up section at the back. Spare RX's are around £6, about the same size as the one pictured in the post above and they have built in fail safe. I was expecting it to feel cheap and flimsy but it's actually a nicely built, quality handset and well worth the minimal price.

I found the grip was just the right size to be able to use one handed. I liked it so much I bought 2

[Grumpy pants]

This is all great info chaps, thank you very much all of you.

I really like the look of the Absima as the display looks cool and I'm happy with sticks or wheels.

The Core looks like it is very easy to set up and the receivers being so cheap is a big bonus.

I've been using some of the Flysky cheapies and they are great value, they feel much better quality than I had expected for the price as well. Have you got any idea how many different cars I can run off one handset?

G.p

[XV Pilot]

I have recently started using a Spektrum DX4S, having run out of model memories on my DX3C, and I am liking it a lot!

It is a well-built and well-finished handset with a quality feel, not quite up there with Sanwa, Futaba and KO, but significantly better than Absima, Flysky and similar. And with 30 model memories, it can handle a decent fleet of runners.

I particularly like the ways in which the switches can be assigned, with options such as 3-position (good for gearshifts) and momentary (good for winches) as well as the usual on/off and linear functions. Plus there are other nifty functions such as servo speed adjustment, so you can set it to ease your gearchanges home rather than snap-shifting.

Not that the DX3C was bad either. It doesn't have quite the level of adjustability as the DX4S, and it only has 20 model memories, but it also has the 3-position switch option, as well as all the usual electronic subtrims, travel adjustments, expo, mixes, etc that you would expect from a good computer radio.

Both are very easy to program, with an intuitive interface. And of course, both work with the very affordable Orange RXes, as well as the full range of Spektrum surface receivers.

[JeepnMike]

This is all great info chaps, thank you very much all of you.

I really like the look of the Absima as the display looks cool and I'm happy with sticks or wheels.

The Core looks like it is very easy to set up and the receivers being so cheap is a big bonus.

I've been using some of the Flysky cheapies and they are great value, they feel much better quality than I had expected for the price as well. Have you got any idea how many different cars I can run off one handset?

G.p

I know the GT3C can pair 10 RXs for what it's worth.

If I was buying another, I would be torn between Spektrum as XV Pilot mentioned, and FlySky. I currently only have 11 cars in my stable, a few of which (kids cars) have their own dedicated transmitter. If I had a fleet, you may want to consider Spektrum. I know I would avoid Futaba purely for the expense of their receivers. It is fun to shop though huh?

[AndyForbes]

I think you can run as many cars as you want off the Flysky. The 10 model memory only relates to saved settings.

[berman]

I just bought another 6 Orange Rx receivers for my Spektrum at $9.99 a pop.

This is the biggest advantage to the Spektrum DX3C in my opinion.

But their DSM technology is getting quite congested now, especially because of the above cheaper radios receivers etc. I have had 3 runaways and 3 snapped steering springs (common issue) in the 6-8 months I've owned this radio. I now only use it for cars I don't particularly care about.

I have 4 Futaba FHSS radio's and 1 FAAST, all brilliant radios but the downside is that you still have to buy OEM receivers and the FHSS are about $30 each and the FASST usually twice as much.

I have a couple of hobby king radios, my favourite being the HK-310,

cheap to buy, cheap to get recievers for, and easy to use. I entrust my 80kph Kyosho DRX and my Baja 5B SS to this radio.

[BigSteve]

I have the Core RC / Etronix Pulse wheel and trigger 3ch setup, like a few others on here.

Better built than a Flysky, similarly the 3rd channel is a switch rather than something variable.

Again the major attraction was the cheap receivers, sub-£10 from Hobbyking. The newer HK3100 is a tiny piece of kit too and looks like it should be a lot more expensive than it actually is!

I'm just waiting for more stock in the uk and I'll be ordering more!

Hi is it the pro etronix pulse with the lcd screen. If so how do you bind the different rx's. I've tried reading through the manual and I've found the model menu but get stuck after that. Sorry if this seems a stupid question. If I could understand how to bind multiple rx's I would definitely pick up some cheap rx's from hobbyking.

Steve.

[shenlonco]

this radiopost radio is supposed to be much better than flysky and comparable to the bigger name brands read all about it here.

http://www.ultimaterc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205672

[ChrisRx718]

Hi is it the pro etronix pulse with the lcd screen. If so how do you bind the different rx's. I've tried reading through the manual and I've found the model menu but get stuck after that. Sorry if this seems a stupid question. If I could understand how to bind multiple rx's I would definitely pick up some cheap rx's from hobbyking.

Steve.

Steve,

It is indeed. I just turn on the transmitter and receiver, the receiver should have a red LED come on. Press the button and within a second or two the LED should turn green.

The transmitter will use the settings shown on the screen if you do it this way around, so if it's a new model you might want to start with setting up a new profile and selecting that before you get the two to bind.

[BigSteve]

Steve,

It is indeed. I just turn on the transmitter and receiver, the receiver should have a red LED come on. Press the button and within a second or two the LED should turn green.

The transmitter will use the settings shown on the screen if you do it this way around, so if it's a new model you might want to start with setting up a new profile and selecting that before you get the two to bind.

Hi thanks for the reply. If I understand correctly in order to bind multiple rx's you need to create multiple profiles/models on the tx. This is the part I'm having difficulties with the actual creating and storing different profiles.

Steve.

[Percymon]

I've no complaints about my Hobbyking / Flyshy GT3B either, well other than the fact I should have bought two years ago - its been fautless, the RXs are cheap (HK / Eurgle / FrySky etc) and set up is easy and a clear display. But as already mentioned the third channel is on/off -ok for a set of lights, or maybe a winch but thats it, it won;t operate a three speed model like a high lift or Bruiser.

I recently bought a Spektrum DX6i - to be honest its still in the box, waiting until i have a few hours to learn how to drive it - I will probably never use half its functions (i can't see me every needing more then 4 channels realistically), so half the knobs and switches will be redundant. I bought it on the basis of it being more than I can see me ever needing (well, at least for the next 5 years )

[ChrisRx718]

Switch transmitter on

Hit 'Enter' button (menu appears)

Scroll with "-" (minus) button

Reach option number 8 "Model"

Hit 'Enter' button again

Model Name appears, together with three options below "SEL"(select) "EDT"(edit) "CPY"(copy)

Scroll through the buttons with the "+" plus and "-" minus buttons

With SEL highlighted, hit the 'Enter' button (Model is now highlighted)

Scroll up/down with the plus and minus buttons, which on pressing are accompanied by a single long "Beep"

Your first model should be in slot 1, so you may find that you can't scroll down (minus).

Scroll up (plus) until you reach the first model with a default name (ie: mod02)

Hit 'Enter' button to select that model

You can then edit the name with the EDT option

Exit back out, then bind with the receiver.

Happy days!

The beeping doesn't get any less annoying by the way!!

[berman]

Switch transmitter on

Hit 'Enter' button (menu appears)

Scroll with "-" (minus) button

Reach option number 8 "Model"

Hit 'Enter' button again

Model Name appears, together with three options below "SEL"(select) "EDT"(edit) "CPY"(copy)

Scroll through the buttons with the "+" plus and "-" minus buttons

With SEL highlighted, hit the 'Enter' button (Model is now highlighted)

Scroll up/down with the plus and minus buttons, which on pressing are accompanied by a single long "Beep"

Your first model should be in slot 1, so you may find that you can't scroll down (minus).

Scroll up (plus) until you reach the first model with a default name (ie: mod02)

Hit 'Enter' button to select that model

You can then edit the name with the EDT option

Exit back out, then bind with the receiver.

Happy days!

The beeping doesn't get any less annoying by the way!!

Heh, from memory you have just described the instructions for the HK-310. I wonder if they have a similar interface

[ChrisRx718]

It's identical, even down to the casing. Only exception being the branding and I get a chrome steering wheel instead of black - I bet you're jealous!

[Grumpy pants]

Thanks for the info everyone, it is all good and very much apreciated.

I like the look of the Spectrum range the most, to be fair any of the handsets would work well for my limited use, but I feel that I would prefer something a little better than the budget Flyskys.

I think I down to 1 of 3..

DX6 Del with a R/X £84.00 New

DX3C Del with a R/X £80.00 New

DX4S Del no R/X £100 New.

I'm leaning towards the DX3 on price over the DX4 and I have a slight preference to wheel over sticks.

What do you think?

All opinions gratefully received and considered.

[Percymon]

Thats a phenomenal price for a DX6, about a third off normal pricing !

Are you sure its a DX6 and not the cheaper DX6i ? - the i is the older version (still current) with less intuitive menus. Also factor in the self centering kit for the ratcheted left lever (assuming you buy a mode 2 unit) - ca £9 delivered from the spektrum parts depot.

[Grumpy pants]

Thats a phenomenal price for a DX6, about a third off normal pricing !

Are you sure its a DX6 and not the cheaper DX6i ? - the i is the older version (still current) with less intuitive menus. Also factor in the self centering kit for the ratcheted left lever (assuming you buy a mode 2 unit) - ca £9 delivered from the spektrum parts depot.

Your are right it's a DX6i @ £84.00 The I is about 50% higher in price and more than I need to spend.

Thanks Percymon for the tip off!

[XV Pilot]

Thanks for the info everyone, it is all good and very much apreciated.

I like the look of the Spectrum range the most, to be fair any of the handsets would work well for my limited use, but I feel that I would prefer something a little better than the budget Flyskys.

I think I down to 1 of 3..

DX6 Del with a R/X £84.00 New

DX3C Del with a R/X £80.00 New

DX4S Del no R/X £100 New.

I'm leaning towards the DX3 on price over the DX4 and I have a slight preference to wheel over sticks.

What do you think?

All opinions gratefully received and considered.

The DX3C and DX4S are both nice to use and easy to set up, with menus that are pretty self-explanatory. I used the DX3C quite happily for several years, until my fleet of runners outgrew its memory, and I moved onto the DX4S.

Is the DX4S worth the extra 20 quid? For the extra money, you get an extra channel, 10 extra model memories, a bigger screen with a backlight, an extra switch mode (momentary), a few other things you can adjust, eg servo speed, and with the latest version, AVC compatibility. Is this worth it? I suppose that depends entirely on if you are going to use any of these features.

[Grumpy pants]

The DX3C and DX4S are both nice to use and easy to set up, with menus that are pretty self-explanatory. I used the DX3C quite happily for several years, until my fleet of runners outgrew its memory, and I moved onto the DX4S.

Is the DX4S worth the extra 20 quid? For the extra money, you get an extra channel, 10 extra model memories, a bigger screen with a backlight, an extra switch mode (momentary), a few other things you can adjust, eg servo speed, and with the latest version, AVC compatibility. Is this worth it? I suppose that depends entirely on if you are going to use any of these features.

I prefer the look of the DX4S.

Do you use the GR300 R/X with your handset?