Futaba 4PL Setup, Tips, Tricks & Help

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Russellx

Trying to decide if i should get the 4PL or use my Spektrum DX7. I'm building the xr10 kit right now and almost set on ordering two FXR s over the novak m2 dig esc.
Does anyone know if it will work on the dx7 or should i just get the 4PL?

The DX7 can donor but there is a reason nobody uses stick radios on comp 2.2 rigs. They just aren't consistent. Pistol radios are much better for a reliable driving expierence.

[k goodrich]

thanks for the reply jeepcj i thing i will wait for the updated version

[cave-man]

OK guys I just ordered my 4PL from RPP so in a few days be ready for some tardo questions.

[ynmech]

Quick one for ya Harley, I just ordered one up. I'm replacing my M11. How would I set it up to run with my Novak M2? I want the biasing to work, that's why I'm switching radios. I don't have the manuel yet.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ynmech

Quick one for ya Harley, I just ordered one up. I'm replacing my M11. How would I set it up to run with my Novak M2? I want the biasing to work, that's why I'm switching radios. I don't have the manuel yet.

I have to look more at the M2. Honestly though the M2 is a huge waste. This radio can do more and do it better with better ESC's. I'd sell the M2 and get a couple good ESC's.

What does the M2 require for buttons?

[Mini]

Oh boy tommrow is the big day. I feel like a little kid waiting for Santa lol.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by Harley0706

I have to look more at the M2. Honestly though the M2 is a huge waste. This radio can do more and do it better with better ESC's. I'd sell the M2 and get a couple good ESC's.

Interesting comment. Going with an M2 saves space & cost, what does dual ESC's gain over an M2?
Not arguing, just trying to learn.

BTW, I have a Futaba 3PMX that I will likely use for a 2.2 rig, have been looking at options for ESC's and the M2 was looking good.
My son may get a 4PL to replace his Traxxis modded (added dig switch) TX.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

Interesting comment. Going with an M2 saves space & cost, what does dual ESC's gain over an M2?
Not arguing, just trying to learn.

BTW, I have a Futaba 3PMX that I will likely use for a 2.2 rig, have been looking at options for ESC's and the M2 was looking good.
My son may get a 4PL to replace his Traxxis modded (added dig switch) TX.

The biggest problem with every Novak ESC I have tried again as of late is the old drag brake technology. The hold is not as good, not as adjustable, and the free wheel when trying to slowly descend down a hill on power.

I wanted to switch to Novak ESC's to get away from brushed stuff but had to go back quickly (except in the mini which I am still not happy with).

The M2 does not allow for the adjustment that the 4PL can give you in mixing. Easily adjusting the percentage you want to adjust by, or allowing you to have multiple adjustment options on separate buttons (say 10% on one and 20% on another for example).

I also don't see the size savings with the M2. The wiring gets very messy from every example I have seen with the large cap and external BEC as well as the wire gauge used. As we have seen and proven as of late the large wire diameter is not crucial for crawlers. I see why it is done for the high amp draw stall ratings but it is a major con for me.

I think the packaging of dual Tekins or dual Castles is cleaner and allows for better tuning of a rig through their programming abilities. I don't see the M2 grabbing many top podium spots in the future and I think this radio with dual ESC's will.

I think the M2 is a better fit for radios that don't have the advanced capabilities of the 4PL, such as the 3PMx or DX3R. I think anyone who is starting from scratch and is willing to buy this radio is better off buying Tekins or Castles in my opinion.

[Charlie-III]

Harley, I appreciate your comments. I have a 3PMx, my son may be getting a 4PL.
He runs 2.2 shafty & I may end up with a 2.2 MOA.

Just asking questions so we spend money once, not twice.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

Harley, I appreciate your comments. I have a 3PMx, my son may be getting a 4PL.
He runs 2.2 shafty & I may end up with a 2.2 MOA.

Just asking questions so we spend money once, not twice.

No worries man. Someone once told me that I am very opinionated

[gdl357]

I find it fantastic that a person would share so much information of their life experiences to help others .

Damn Harley, I am so greatfull of your post about the m2 vs tek. You have saved me so much time in research since I have always been a Nitro guy and am just now venturing into electrig rigs and it's so complicated.

I thank you.

[slobin3d]

I've setup about a half dozen different XR-10 now, I've done the Novak Dig ESC and found that it doesn't have enough power to hold the front or rear wheels in a dig, and you tend to roll your tires your trying to lock. I've done Sidewinders and FXR's with the punk dig, It seems to work better, I don't know if the dig send power to the motor to hold them in place or if the shut power completely off, but on carpet and with losi boss claws and the punk dig will lock the wheels over the novak ESC. The dual esc sidewinder with the dig maxxed out works well but it seems to have to be maxxed to just function, With dual FXR's you seem to have the most control and tuneability, I set up most with between 60 and 75% drag to get them to lock up and fine tune from there.

If you can afford it the Dual FXR is your best setup

[Harley]

Originally Posted by slobin3d

If you can afford it the Dual FXR is your best setup

Yes. This is what I run in all my rigs right now.

[gdl357]

Originally Posted by slobin3d

I've setup about a half dozen different XR-10 now, I've done the Novak Dig ESC and found that it doesn't have enough power to hold the front or rear wheels in a dig, and you tend to roll your tires your trying to lock. I've done Sidewinders and FXR's with the punk dig, It seems to work better, I don't know if the dig send power to the motor to hold them in place or if the shut power completely off, but on carpet and with losi boss claws and the punk dig will lock the wheels over the novak ESC. The dual esc sidewinder with the dig maxxed out works well but it seems to have to be maxxed to just function, With dual FXR's you seem to have the most control and tuneability, I set up most with between 60 and 75% drag to get them to lock up and fine tune from there.

If you can afford it the Dual FXR is your best setup

What would you recommend with the dual FXR in XR-10.

35 turn, 45 turn or 55 turn, standard or hand wound.

Thx

[Harley]

Originally Posted by gdl357

What would you recommend with the dual FXR in XR-10.

35 turn, 45 turn or 55 turn, standard or hand wound.

Thx

I run dual FXR's and 35 turn Holmes Hobbies Handwounds. Here is my XR build thread: Harley's XR10 #AX50062

[ynmech]

Originally Posted by Harley0706

I have to look more at the M2. Honestly though the M2 is a huge waste. This radio can do more and do it better with better ESC's. I'd sell the M2 and get a couple good ESC's.

What does the M2 require for buttons?

I think it just needs a way to use one button for the actual dig(3 position switch), and some how to bias or dial one of the motors down(linear). The M11 does not give the option to set two modes for the 3rd ch. Does that make sense? I do have access to 2 FXR's but they are in use in two different trucks. If all else fails I can go without a scaler and swap the other one out of my buddies berg and have him use the M2, he has a DX3R that I'm using right now.

Thanks,
Vince

[slobin3d]

Originally Posted by gdl357

What would you recommend with the dual FXR in XR-10.

35 turn, 45 turn or 55 turn, standard or hand wound.

Thx

45t's handwound if you can afford them

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ynmech

I think it just needs a way to use one button for the actual dig(3 position switch), and some how to bias or dial one of the motors down(linear). The M11 does not give the option to set two modes for the 3rd ch. Does that make sense? I do have access to 2 FXR's but they are in use in two different trucks. If all else fails I can go without a scaler and swap the other one out of my buddies berg and have him use the M2, he has a DX3R that I'm using right now.

Thanks,
Vince

The two buttons are no problem at all to do to use the M2 but if you can con your buddy out of the FXR I would do it!

[Harley]

Originally Posted by slobin3d

45t's handwound if you can afford them

You're just afraid of wheel speed

[slobin3d]

a 45t on 3s with a little custom massaging has plenty of wheel speed