4 Channel Radio

[mudbeast2]

Looking at 4 channel radio's, I have always used Futaba's but I saw this Traxxas that docks with your Iphone & will work on up to 30 rc's. I want a 4 channel for my future 2 speed trans & 4WS system. So i'm looking for some input on what everybody is using.

[rangair94]

I run a 4pl. My buddy has one of the traxxas ones that doesn't dock with an iphone but it looks the same. The channel functions are weird. We had to change out switches to make it work with a winch. I don't really like the way the traxxas feels to use, it does not feel anywhere near as nice to use as my 4PL.

[jeepguy5]

The first gen traxxas 2.4 2ch can be modded to 4ch. There post on here for mod. And can find them cheap. And can mix the rx and tx to all work together.

Sent from my HTC Hero S using Tapatalk 2

[Charlie-III]

My son runs a Futaba 4PL on various rigs, including a dual ESC 2.2 MOA. He likes everything but new RX costs. He used a modded Traxxis radio for a while, he likes the 4PL a lot better.

I run a hacked GT3B on my dual ESC 2.2 MOA, I like the way it feels & works & new RX's are ~$10 each. I also run a Futaba 3PM-x with a WantAmix to run dual ESC's. It works well but the RX costs are a bit high.

[rangair94]

You can run a r2106 receiver with the 4pl which you can find for around $30. Still a a lot more then the flysky but not as much as the $50 for the one that comes with the 4pl.

[juswin24]

I use the 4pl and I use it with the r2106 also. Great radio and is comfortable. Have not had any issues at all.

[vwmopar]

I'm also looking for a 4 channel system. I like the features the 4pl has but not fond of the price tag. The hacked gt3b or c seems like a good option but is a hacked gt3b as good as a 4pl? There has to be a reason for the large price difference.

[YJ_Driver]

Originally Posted by vwmopar

I'm also looking for a 4 channel system. I like the features the 4pl has but not fond of the price tag. The hacked gt3b or c seems like a good option but is a hacked gt3b as good as a 4pl? There has to be a reason for the large price difference.

My opinion about Futaba is that they are likely the most durable and reliable radio out there. You can go to any forum and find people that had issues with the cheaper brands, but complaints about Futabas are rare (except for the price that is). I have six 20 year old Futaba radios and they still all work.

This is not to say they are the 'best' radio as that all depends on your needs. I have a 4PL and for the most part I love it, but it does lack some features that a hacked GT3B/C would provide: momentary 3 positions switches, backup and restore model memory to a PC, and do s/w upgrades at home. The last would only be necessary to gain new features as their s/w is so reliable there's no need for bug fixes.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by vwmopar

I'm also looking for a 4 channel system. I like the features the 4PL has but not fond of the price tag. The hacked GT3B or c seems like a good option but is a hacked GT3B as good as a 4PL? There has to be a reason for the large price difference.

Originally Posted by YJ_Driver

My opinion about Futaba is that they are likely the most durable and reliable radio out there. You can go to any forum and find people that had issues with the cheaper brands, but complaints about Futabas are rare (except for the price that is). I have six 20 year old Futaba radios and they still all work.

This is not to say they are the 'best' radio as that all depends on your needs. I have a 4PL and for the most part I love it, but it does lack some features that a hacked GT3B/C would provide: momentary 3 positions switches, backup and restore model memory to a PC, and do s/w upgrades at home. The last would only be necessary to gain new features as their s/w is so reliable there's no need for bug fixes.

+1.....every RC radio I've owned (since ~1976?) has been a Futaba. I think I've had a couple of issues (likely talking 7 different radios or more, still have most of them and they work) over the years.
Last Futaba I bought was a 3PM-x 2 years ago, nice radio for ~$150. I have to say, the GT3B feels a little cheaper, but does an awful lot for the price.

[vwmopar]

Yj driver what do you use the 3rd and 4th channels for.on your 4pl? I'm running a traxxas emaxx 3906 2 speed trans and 4 wheel steering. The shifting is nothing special it just needs to shift it and then hold it. I think after what you said I'm going with the 4pl.

[k goodrich]

Check out the classifieds for a used 4pl. I bought a 4pl because it can do everything i need and built by a very good company. If you have any questions about it Harley has some GREAT vids on home to program it

[YJ_Driver]

Originally Posted by vwmopar

Yj driver what do you use the 3rd and 4th channels for.on your 4pl? I'm running a traxxas emaxx 3906 2 speed trans and 4 wheel steering. The shifting is nothing special it just needs to shift it and then hold it. I think after what you said I'm going with the 4pl.

Not much so far, and on different vehicles: 4WS (tried the mix and manual through DT), manual lockers, 2 speed tranny, and motor reversing relays. But I plan on using winches and I'm making a custom controller that will also need a 3 position momentary switch. I may just end up hacking a DT into SW2 or the pot.

[Dtempleton]

So will the traxxas radios work with 4ws?

[vwmopar]

Also considering the airtronics mt-4. One thing I like about the 4pl over the mt-4 is the back lit display. Anyone have any experience with the mt-4 or both? I'm just trying to do research before I spend $200+ on a radio that might not have what I'm looking for.

[Richterat83]

I love my hacked flysky gt3c. You can check it out Sunday, I'll have it with me

[Crawllife]

I have use the 4pl and also picked up the mt4 to experiment with. The main reason people go to the mt4 is for the lever on the back. It helps with proportional dig. In your case, I'd go 4pl

[badhoopty]

i got a hacked gt3b and love it.

[anuthabubba]

Originally Posted by vwmopar

There has to be a reason for the large price difference.

Have heard this question asked all my life. Such as, Why pay that much for a bicycle (or whatever) when you can get one at (insert discount department store name) for $49.95? The answer is QUALITY! Quality of design and implementation.