Can someone explain radios and receivers to me?

[goldmember]

I'm pretty new to R/C's. I recently purchased a used AX10. I've torn it down to nothing and rebuilt it with new parts and upgrades. It came with a Novak Rooster Crawler ESC and 55 turn brushed motor. My radio is a Traxxas TQ3 3 channel.

I'm just wondering if the Traxxas radio is a good radio to use. I have no problems with it but when I see some of the high end ones people are using it makes me wonder what I'm missing. What are the benefits from the high end stuff? Spektrum and Futaba's? Is it worth saving for an upgrade?

[chrisjlittle]

The TQ-3 is a pretty decent radio, but it's 27mhz AM, which is very susceptible to interference from other radios, power lines, motors, metal to metal contact on the RC car, CB radios, etc... Also there are only 6 (I think) channels that can be used in the 27mhz band, meaning only 6 vehicles can run without interference. Generally has the worst range, though this bandwidth is long enough to bounce off the ionosphere, giving you several hundred mile range. But only if your receiver has a 10 foot aerial, and you have a stupid powerful transmitter. So basically, that's limited to the CB guys.
75Mhz FM radios have fewer interference problems, and many of them are "synthesized" meaning you can change frequency without changing crystals. There are plenty of good 75Mhz radios, and quite a few more channels than 27mhz, but the trend is moving towards 2.4Ghz. Good range.
2.4Ghz radios operate at such a high frequency as to be virtually immune from outside interference problems. Also, the receivers are programmed to only accept signals from 1 transmitter, which virtually eliminates interference problems from other RC radios. I have range checked a DX6 at over a mile.

Common features of high end radios you don't have:
End point adjustments (necessary if you want to use digital servos)
Multiple model memory (saves EPA's, Trim and other settings if you want to use one radio on multiple vehicles without having to set everything over again. Real handy)
Anti-lock brakes. Useful on a fast car, useless on a crawler
Dual rates. This will, say limit the steering travel unless you hit the dual rate switch. Again, useful for a fast car, useless on a crawler.
Channel Mixing. This mixes 2 (or more) channels on one button/switch/steering wheel/trigger. Can be very useful on a crawler with 4 wheel steering or dual ESC's.
Most high end radios transmit more information faster, which is useful on a fast car, but you'll only notice if you can drive well.
Lots of confusing screens and such. Most take a few months to really figure out.
Much higher price tag.

Is it worth it? I use most of the features I've listed, so for me it is. But I also worry more than you probably do about dropping my radio

[goldmember]

Thank you very much for that explanation! I really appreciate it. It was exactly what I was looking for. I'll stick with what I have till it either breaks or I find out I'm having interference.

[SeanD]

The beauty of the TQ3 (besides being cheap) is that you can make some mods to it pretty easily/cheaply. I added the rear steering switch, put in EPA pots for both the front/rear steering and a charging jack - for next to nothing in cost and only a little bit of work.

I've had no issues with interference with my TQ3 - well, one actually. Believe it or not but my son's Gameboy adaptor was plugged in one day and whenever I drove near it, my truck would glitch. Certainly nothing to get worried about, that's for sure.

Here's the thread that might help you if you wis to pursue these mods:

My Modded TQ3 Update - Added EPA pots

chrisjlittle - thanks for the explanation of the various functions of the higher end radios. For a while I thought I was missing out on the advanced functions but now I see that my TQ3 is just fine for me - for now!

[bullet1231]

the tq3 is ok, but if you plan to compete, i will definately recomend upgrading to atleast a spektrum dx3 and mod it, they are cheap and have dsm tech. 2.4 for no hassle playing.