The best R/C equipment

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Dear All

Which is the best R/C transmitter and kit for quality, range and reliability.

Paul

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Futaba and Spektrum still have a good reputation for premium quality gear. But a lot of the cheaper brands are quite adequate for model boating applications.

No doubt Dave M will weigh in here….

Colin

[Peter FitnessParticipant @peterfitness34857]

As Dave M said somewhere, that's one of those questions that if you ask 10 modellers you'll get 11 different answers

I have good Futaba and JR gear from my RC flying days, but have found the cheap 2.4Ghz units to be perfectly adequate, and reliable, for model boating.

Peter.

[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

Hi Paul

I use the Planet T5. Has good range, as I found out when the Goblin sailed off into the distance on full sail, with a small rudder and not much control. Bigger rudder fitted.

But as other will no doubt attest to, you get what you pay for these days.

Andy

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

I really like my Hitec Optic 6 — 6 channel digi set. Recently bought a 2.4ghz module & rx. Set has 8 different model data control function capability and If I ever did venture into submarines the 40mhz module could be plugged back in.

Realistically an aircraft/heli set and my only criticism is that there are just too many features for us mere boaters. The servo EPA (end point adjustment) on all channels is a really useful function for us though.

I can't see me ever wanting to buy another set (other than the set failing).

Tony

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

I have four sets at the moment:

Hitec Optic 6 2.4GHz
Planet 5 2.4GHz
Hitec Ranger 3 40MHz FM (converted to 4 channels)
Robbe-Futaba F16 40MHz FM

I have sold my other Futaba, Hitec and Spektrum sets. IMHO there is no "best one" from these as they all have their various uses, but if I had to chose just one for its flexibility then it would be the Hitec.

DM

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

(That's the Optic 6, not the little Ranger!)

DM

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Thank you all.

Range is an issue and the set must have 6 fully working channels and be very easy to operate.

Does this help refine your opinions.

Paul

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Paul

• Most so-called 6-channel radio sets have four proportional and two switched (on/off) channels. Exceptions are the Futaba 6J and Hitec Optic 6, which both have 5 proportional channels (the Hitec is a little weird and splits one auxiliary channel between two levers as standard). I don't know of a set which calls itself 6 channels and actually has 6 proportional channels available – apart from the Robbe-Futaba F16, that is.
• The F16 and Optic 6 are compatible with your P94 dual speed controller whereas the 6J isn't.
• All three sets have full range and their computerised functions are fairly easy to understand (the manuals are very clear). The F16's software has had all of the confusing – and useless – aircraft and helicopter computer functions removed; it is a dedicated truck and boat radio set.
• F1 Hobbies are listing both the 6J and Opitc 6 for around £115 for the Tx/Rx combo. The F16 is currently listed at 199 Euros (£165) from Engels **LINK** (from where I bought mine) and includes the 5th and 6th channel linear sliders for the Tx. It is, however, a 40MHz set. All UK suppliers I could find list it at well over £200.

If budget isn't a prime factor and sailing alone or with just one or two others is usual then I would buy the 40 MHz F16. Of the other two (both of which I have owned) I prefer the 2.4GHz Optic 6 – simply because I use P94 ESCs.

Gentlemen – the floor is yours.

Dave M

Edited By Dave Milbourn on 07/02/2014 11:45:46

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Provided that you don't get an "indoor/park" outfit, transmitter range should not be a problem. Legal requirements pretty much ensure that everything has the same very modest output power. Range is more a receiver question, but generally, provided that the aerial is sensibly mounted, you will have control as long as you can see what you are controlling.

For reliability, stick with the big names as Dave suggests. The low price options are great, but there is always a question mark over their quality control.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi All

It might sound grand but price isn't a problem whereas quality and reliability is paramount. Has anyone had any problems with any of the 'quality' products.

Paul

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Now the next question……..and it could be a contentious one.

Which are the very best speed controllers and other electronic wizardry…. I should say that at the moment I am fully sold on ACtion equipment and so any other kit will have to be very good.

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Paul

You could look at the Multiplex Cockpit system. I have a 40MHz version ( no longer available) but currently sold as a 2.4GHz system. This has the usual 2 dual axis sticks and two side of the case mounted slider switches and a retract switch. Perhaps even more interesting, is that you can change the main sticks from self-centring to no friction at all to ratchet just by turning special screws on the back of the tx case. The system can be programmed either by computer or via the inbuilt screen and a touch and turn knob. The current version also includes a number of telemetry options. there are the usual rate and 'snap' switches etc. You can change 'modes' electronically and 'mix' virtually every channel.

Multiplex is owned by Hitec but I believe is manufactured in Germany and the Hitec shares some of its features. A full set with two receivers and some other bits and pieces is around £260. In the UK it can be obtained direct from Multiplex UK ( just Google Multiplex r/c and scroll to the web address with UK at the end) and selected major retailers. I use my 8 year old synthesiser 40MHz set in a submarine with no problems. Very well engineered and the current version can be had with a red carbon fibre case!

The Rolls Royce is Jeti at around £1000, but you can fly a bomb laden drone with that system. – One of my club members has one and it tells him live time rpm, battery power, consumption etc all on an inbuilt screen. it is metal cased – no obvious plastic anywhere and as he says, probably the last set he will ever buy!

Paul Freshney

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Paul

One other thought – the Multiplex Cockpit is 'a slim' set, not chunky. The Spektrum Dx7 and Dx8 sets do much the same as the Multiplex and are better built than the Spektrum Dx6i but are quite bulky. Apart from the submarine, I have standardised on Spektrum 2.4GHz, only because if something doesn't work, then I have another set for comparison. There is a new Spektrum Dx6 set coming in June according to Al's Hobbies.

Electronic speed controllers? Action, Mtroniks and Hawk brushless all have worked fine with Spektum and Multiplex for me.

Paul Freshney

Edited By Paul Freshney Editor of Model Boats on 08/02/2014 08:22:55

[shipwrightParticipant @shipwright]

Paul,

Inevitably these comments can only reflect personal experience. The only manufacturer that I have used for speed controllers is Mtroniks. I have used Microviper Marine 10, Viper Marine 25 and 40 – all for Brushed motors. I also have used G2 Hydra 15 for Brushless. None of these products has given me any problems.

Ian

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Thank you one and all for taking the time to answer even though you must be wondering why I am asking such basic questions.

I am researching equipment for my bait boat project and wanted as many first hand opinions as possible so that I could make an informed decision.

Thank you all again

Paul

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