Best Value 2.4ghz RC sets

[David Wilson 14Participant @davidwilson14]

I appreciate that this is a broad question but I am looking to revamp to using 2.4ghz. The range in models and prices is a bit daunting so any helpful advice appreciated. My experience in most things is buying the cheapest is not usually the best solution, equally I'm not looking to pay for top of the range function, just a good standard model that's going to last and work well. Any thoughts and advice welcome.

[David Wilson 14Participant @davidwilson14]

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Spektrum DX5e. No computerised functions; decent build quality; full range receiver; servo reverse on all channels; UK service agent; Tx and Rx combo less than £90.
Dave M

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

I agree with Dave that the Spectrum is good stuff and I have used it.

A huge number of modellers I know go for the Planet stuff which is cheaper-around £50 for tx and rx. The basic rx doesn't come with a hard case although you can get them. They are simpler to bind than the Spektrum. Range is supposed to be less but I have never found it an issue with model boats. Rx's are (or were when I last looked) much cheaper than Spektrum so, as with all things, you pays your money etc.

Ian

[Tony Bell 2Participant @tonybell2]

Changing to 2.4Ghz causes some major problems as your new receiver will not output the same signal width causing your servos/ESC to give either a larger or smaller travel.

I and my customers have tested a few Tx/Rx and the lowest receiver ouput was 1278 – 1734 = 458us and the highest was 1042 – 2068 = 1026u8

No manufacturer will give you any data to help you make a choice.

Buy a Spectrum Dx6 with computer screen as you can adjust to get your existing settings. Will cost £25 more but will save you time and money resolving all your problems.

Read my article "Before Buying" **LINK**

Please contact me for any help. It's a minefield.

Tony

[David Wilson 14Participant @davidwilson14]

Many thanks for the replies. I've much to think about and read – appreciate the link to the article, Tony. Your general consensus appears to be the Spectrum DX5 or 6 but what about the Futaba 6EXP? I can't use the 6J as the model I am building has an Action Electronic P94 fitted which I understand is not compatible. The Futaba is a bit more expensive but my thinking is this might be a sounder investment or may be I'm just confused!

[Tony Bell 2Participant @tonybell2]

Why is Spektrum 6i not compatable? It's cheaper than Futuba and my customers rate it highly.

Your P94 only needs two channels to operate, any receiver will do. It's your receiver's max voltage that's the problem. Use a seperate battery to power the receiver.

The reason you cannot use the Futaba 6j as the receiver output "Frame Rate" is 13.6/6.8ms. If you are using an analog servo you must use a Tx/Rx system that can output 20ms. The Spektrum can but I don't know about Futuba as they do not give this information.

Tony

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

The 6EXA is fine. I used it to test every P94 I made before they were despatched, and I still reach for it as my preferred set for testing repaired units.The only downside is the price of spare receivers. Sit down before you check it out…………………

Dave M

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Dear All

I am finally dragging myself into the 21st century and buying a 2.4ghz set, the only problem is ……which one should I get…?

I have been looking at Spektrum DX5 / DX6, Futaba 6j, Turnigy 9X and Planet T5 but cant decide.

Paul

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I went for the Planet T5, mostly because the receivers are cheap and I have a lot of boats to refit. Almost everyone at the pond uses them.

The binding is a doddle.

Ashley

[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

I also have the Planet. I sailed the Goblin on Tilgate Park pond and had no distance issues, it got past the middle of the pond and I still had control. Though I did discover I had no prop, oh can't have everything.

Andy

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

My everyday set is a Hitec Optic 6. I sold both of my Futaba sets (6EX and 6J) and my Spektrum DX5 and kept this set. Planet 5 is OK but has low range and can suffer from interference – yes, even on 2.4GHz – because of the vast number of 2.4GHz signals around. The Hitec is rock-solid, very well built and has a proportional 6th channel (not just a switch). Nuff said.

Of course if you have an infinite budget then look here……….**LINK** I guarantee you'll hate me for posting that link!

DM

[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Dave

Is the Hitec Optic 5 any good?

Paul

[mike farrellParticipant @mikefarrell21522]

I agree with ashley as i have just bought the planet for the same reasons .distance for complete control is in excess of 150 meters so no i for me

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Posted by Paul T on 26/06/2014 19:38:02:

Dave

Is the Hitec Optic 5 any good?

Paul

Dunno, mate – haven't tried one. The main difference – apart from the obvious – is that the 6 is computerised while the 5 isn't.

DM

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

The literature for the T5 states that it is intended as a "park flyer" outfit, and does say pretty firmly that max range is 100 yards. This is probably OK at a lot of ponds, but on "my" lake that would be easy to exceed. With a small model, it might not matter because that could be beyond easy seeing, but with a yacht, 200 yards is easy to run out to, sometimes whether you want to or not.

http://www.jperkinsdistribution.co.uk/detail.php?JPNO=7710200&activepage=1&Navmain=R/C

and scroll to the bottom of the page.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

I use a Planet T5 at Papplewick, which is about 60 yds x 30yds. I have no problem here but the idea of using one at say Wicksteed is a bad one; it's a much bigger lake. The thing about radio range is that its loss isn't like falling off a cliff – it doesn't suddenly happen. As the model gets further away the transmitter signal becomes fainter, increasing the likelihood of nearer or stronger signals interfering with the link. Steve Dean has one of those unmentionably expensive radios in his AFOR alien and when switched on it can (and often will) zap every T5 within fifty yards because of their relative signal strengths.

Imagine it being like some hateful music which your neighbour insists on playing. Just because you don't like it won't stop you from hearing it if it's loud enough! Many clubs won't allow T5s in fast power boats, and I've heard that some clubs ban them altogether. Like Malcolm says, they are for small model aircraft flown very close by.

I'll have more to say about 2.4GHz radios in the forthcoming article in the MB Winter Special.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Not to bang on with this subject but does anyone have an opinion on the FlySky FS-TH9X

Yes I know its Chinese but then most things are made there these days, some of the helli guys in the USA have written some good things about them in comparison to the Spektrum units.

Paul

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

It really would be nice to know if there is any cross compatibility between the various makes of TX and RX, and between the various models that one maker might produce. At the moment, when looking, I just get a headache and put the evil day off rather than lock myself into a poor deal. I suspect that I am not alone.

[lnvisiblemanParticipant @lnvisibleman]

Firstly, I must apologise for any obsenities in this post.

At my local club, there are several ( including myself ) that use the cheapest RADIOLINK sets. The recievers can be as little as £10 so fitting out a few models is not a major problem.

NONE of us have ever had a problem with our units and the range is adequate for the club pond which is about 120 mtr x 60 mtr.

Mike

Slowly getting fit again and back to modelling soon.

Edited By lnvisibleman on 27/06/2014 22:19:39

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

I am one happy chap as Jane has bought me a Spektrum DX7s….

don't know what I will do with all those extra channels.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

We'll find something, Paul.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

The Spektrum DX7 is really good, its even got a hover switch……..although I've no idea how to fit a skirt to Brutus.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Hmmm…a hover switch, eh?? Ashley

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