Transmitter shopping... I've Got Qs, thoughts? comments?

[ramit]

So it's been a long time since my last post.
Since then, I have a pile of RTR radios, and some very old old Channel based radios in kit 1/10 scale down in the shop with the rigs (1/2 are 2 sticks, before wheeled TX became a thing). (I flew a lot, so I stubbornly went to wheeled TXs way back when)
A few rebuilt a few times, never threw anything out, but did sell 1 ages ago, a Kyosho USA1, shouldn't have in hind sight. So sold nothing else. there after... I have a problem, ya I know... lol.

Probably have about 35 radio in total, and have one or two kits to finish, and cheap / "new" , but old radios set aside for them.. which I'm rethinking, cause I'm eying old Tamiya 1/10 and 1/12 kits I always wanted. I've been tested, ya I have Truckitis.
I don't want to keep adding to the pile for the kits or updating some of the others.

Just the RTR truck TXs in my office, never mind my shop.. (mind you, I've been doing rc trucks and planes since 1980.)
(All labeled, so I have an idea.)
(after a clean up, I was short one, one truck was missing its TX - no idea wtf it went,, Ebay to the rescue)

So I'm looking at future of those kit builds AND taking a couple of my Brushed 1/24 crawlers to a next level.
I've been reading the forums and watching YT vids...

I think I narrowed it down to 3 TXs ,,, pros / cons I see.
Your Thoughts / Comments / Discussions...
I'm not a fan boy of recent. Way back when, it was all Futaba for Planes and trucks and some Hi-Tech for basic 1/10 trucks.

Radiolink RC6GS V3
Model memory = 30 !!!!
2nd "wheel" (for rear wheel steer w/o mixing if I want.)!!!!!
Prices are very attractive for the TX and RXs !!!!!
I don't appreciate the UI , but the price for it and receivers are very very attractive. Just learn to like it?!
No external charging. Gotta rip the battery open / out.
I hear a lot of bad comments, but no cases of issues. I hear a lot of accolades too. Every mfger can have growth issues and bad days.
I have zero experience with them. But IIRC Amazon prime, easy return if issues out of the box.


(Flysky = Kyosho ? if true, a plus I think, form my very old experience)

Flysky G11P
UI seems well done, not a big fan of the joy stick, but for $100 less then the NB4+= attractive.
Model memory = 40 !!!!! Very Attractive
ANT inexpensive receivers, and all in one for $30. Seems great for old stock old brushed Tamiya builds !!!!!
External charging via usb c? seems so? If so, !!!!! (plz chime in)
I keep hearing good things, but new and hard to get is about the immediate problem, but by the time I'm ready to pull the trigger, hopefully the rush calms down.

Flysky Noble NB4+, Schwwwinggg.....
Price, top end of where I want to be.
luv the touch screen and UI.
Model memory =25. I'm comfortable with anything over 20.... thinking I'll might upgrade the radios in some of my older brushed 1/10 trucks.
External charging.
AFHDS3 Receivers, mid range priced, not bad, but not inexpensive , but nothing to write home about. I didn't see any all in ones, leaving me with cost of RX and ESC for brushed Tamiya builds. So this is not a great selection for cost effective switch over of some of my old brushed 1/10 scales. I have a couple of very hot 1/10 trucks, with for the time expensive motors and ESCs, so would only need RX for them. A few others with very basic ESC, would keep them. But new builds would need both RX and ESCs.
IF it wasn't for the recurring price for buying RXs and ESCs, it would be a "cry once" for me with this TX.


MT12
Price Fair (kit it up for 4in1 w/ battery ~$200)
extreme model memory !!!!!!! more than I'll ever need in the few years I have left.
Inexpensive Receivers. Maybe they will finally get back around to the surface market and do ANT??!! (I'm not racing, so I'm not wanting for AFHDS3 and it's price)
But ,NOT feeling like I want to be on the bleeding edge wanting, and waiting for updates per say.
As a EE , I really appreciate the innovation, open source, and community aspect, but, at this time, not looking for the TX itself as being a hobby itself, if you know what I mean.
BUT , with that said... the other really attractive thing with the MT12, I would * assume *, with the memory card slot, one could back up the TX settings / memories, that tickles my feathers. Back ups !

Is this a thing with these TXs ??? Glitch, and the 13 models saved, are gone, having to reset them all up again???
I've not read about it, but it's been the first worry wart on my mind as I research these TXs.
I've read about stories of loss of binding with certain older TXs, or a bad servo... but that's it.
Nothing we feared back in the day with channel based TX/RX and one radio per plane / truck. (Till I got my first 8chn 4 model / channel based plane TX. Few years later, stopped flying,, but don't remember having a memory loss issue.)

I'm thinking, unless someone talks me out of it, and or some other new factor comes into play, or a new radio comes out...
I'm think of the Flysky G11P ..... ????? Good UI, Screen, moderate price, inexpensive RXs, all in one RX/ESCs available, plug in charging. Great # of model memories......

TIA ....
?????????????

 

[bgredjeep]

I've been using radiolink for years. I had an rc4g that I used until I upgraded to the rc6gs. Gave the rc4g to a buddy and he's still using it.

I'm not a huge fan of the overall form factor of the radio, but it fits my hand well, and it's great for rear steer (made a lever to replace the vr knob). On something like my jimmys buggy, running 4ws and the front and rear dig functions is easy. The interface is dated, but easy to use and make changes. It's also less than half the price of the other options. I've never had range or glitch issues.

If i was looking to spend some money on a new radio today, I would lean towards the g11p. It's got the right controls in the right places to manage 4ws, which is oddly not a common as you'd expect.

I like the idea of the mt12, and it's got a good hardware layout, but i don't feel like learning a new way to manage settings every time I need to make a minor adjustment. Powerful, but painful.

 

[ramit]

I've been using radiolink for years. I had an rc4g that I used until I upgraded to the rc6gs. Gave the rc4g to a buddy and he's still using it.

I'm not a huge fan of the overall form factor of the radio, but it fits my hand well, and it's great for rear steer (made a lever to replace the vr knob). On something like my jimmys buggy, running 4ws and the front and rear dig functions is easy. The interface is dated, but easy to use and make changes. It's also less than half the price of the other options. I've never had range or glitch issues.

If i was looking to spend some money on a new radio today, I would lean towards the g11p. It's got the right controls in the right places to manage 4ws, which is oddly not a common as you'd expect.

I like the idea of the mt12, and it's got a good hardware layout, but i don't feel like learning a new way to manage settings every time I need to make a minor adjustment. Powerful, but painful.

Thanks,,, when I had the kyosho USA1 back in the day, the first thing I did was mod it for 4ws, using a 6ch stick radio modded up too . If I had the bux, my trail jeep would have 4ws, but my dreams are lived out in scale. But really like the position of the 2nd knob on the RC6GS , and do read a lot of people using them. I'm kinda shocked (during my research), I didn't see more with the same... but guess with you saying it's not too common... guess that's it.
I can see mixing maybe taking out the need for the well located knob, but do like independent control of the RWS. I did both on the USA1 back in the day.

I wouldn't do it on all my crawlers, but the itch is there, atleast one is going to get it. I didn't see such a smooth way ( as on the RC6GS ) to do an independent control of the RWS on the g11p?? Am I missing it?

 

[cul8tr]

RC6GS I've had it for a good while and I really like it. Some complain about the antenna but I've thought about trying mine without the mast but coil the antenna wire up.
I also have the RC8 radio for if when or ever I go racing which will probably never happen.

 

[89Industries]

Third vote for the radio link rc6gs.

I broke my external antenna thingy off accidentally but have no issues with just the wire sticking out the top.

It's super easy to get it to do what you want. I figured it out as a complete newbie getting it to change drag brake settings with a 2 speed transmission.

Plus the Rx are a reasonable price.

 

[cul8tr]

rx's on amazon 2 pack for $33

 

[ramit]

Third vote for the radio link rc6gs.

I broke my external antenna thingy off accidentally but have no issues with just the wire sticking out the top.

It's super easy to get it to do what you want. I figured it out as a complete newbie getting it to change drag brake settings with a 2 speed transmission.

Plus the Rx are a reasonable price.

rx's on amazon 2 pack for $33

Yea, saw the 2fer... saved in my cart along with the radio and the basic brushed ESC for $27. Yea, liking the prices.
Good to hear another vote easy to get to the needed basics.

I have no place to get my hands on one, but atleast with Prime, it's easy to return.
We almost had a club starting in the area, A new hobby shop opened up about 2ys ago, and they got permission to clear the lot next to the store that was unused but owned by the same landlord. Town got wind, and told them they had to get permits. With good faith they made a couple of nice but small dirt tracks, and crawler trails for 1/10 with levels, and another for smaller. But they couldn't let people use it till town blessed it and permits in place.. anyway after a year of working with the town and an unused track, they gave up battling the town. Would have been great for a quick lunch time runs, and a better chance to see some radios in person.

 

[GarlicBronco]

nb4+ buy once cry once. i absolutely love mine, its very comfortable and i have larger hands. it will do everything i ever need it to do for racing and for crawling. there are tons of receiver options and they are much cheaper than alot of other brands

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I loved my Radiolink RC4GS until I didn't. The external antenna is just asinine in this day and age. Also, I caught myself from falling with the Radiolink in hand and it never reliably returned to neutral after that. I've had other radios take much harder impacts without issue. So I'd avoid Radiolink.

The Radiomaster MT12 is an absolute bear to program from what I understand.

What "joystick" does the G11P have?

Of the ones you have listed, I'd choose one of the FlySky radios. I have the FS-GT5 and I like it and it does pretty much anything I need. That's a cheaper option you may want to checkout.

 

[JimrC]

The Flysky GT5 feels better in the hand but the Radiolink RC6GS V3 is much better value overall in my opinion for the price point with the added functions. Also, the antennae and steering controller can be purchased as spare parts, if needed. I also found the GT5 unreliable using the winch on Ch.4 but have not had one issue since swapping over to the RC6GS ... don't judge it on it's looks lol

 

[Ots]

Spektrum isn't a popular choice in this forum but my DX5 Pro does it all. Not an inexpensive option but if it winds up being the only one you need it's not as expensive in the long run.

 

[AlCaFour]

I have a Futaba T10PX and while isn't cheap I'm a firm believer that buy cheap and pay two times (or three...) it has 40 memory slots (and you can save them into a SD card to back-up them or store and swap them) so this can cover your needs.

Have 5 receivers for several of my models so I can move them between models without much fuss. Isn't small but is confortable to hold (imagine to hold it for 45minutes on a 1/8 onroad main without cramps.

Not so common here but worth to take a look (¿Maybe?).

 

[Ots]

Agreed - the mainstream brands like Futaba and Spektrum haven't much of a following on the forum but what they have to offer, at a price, shouldn't be overlooked. They are predominant in the market for good reason.

 

[Curb Crawler]

Can’t fault a GT5, I’ve had one for years, does everything I’ve ever needed

 

[cul8tr]

My bro runs futuba. Their rx's need to stay away from any and all water or he is done for the day unless he carries an extra rx.
Conformal does little for him. I gave him some dielectric grease but he's pig headed and won't try it.
Futuba is great for racing but their rx's are way to expensive for me as with most major brands.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

The only bad thing about buying an expensive transmitter is that if you drop it, fall with it, or get it wet out on the trails, it may not survive.

Also, some of the high-end radios like Futaba have insanely priced receivers. Again, if you get those wet they may go poof.

 

[Col_Sanders]

Agreed - the mainstream brands like Futaba and Spektrum haven't much of a following on the forum but what they have to offer, at a price, shouldn't be overlooked. They are predominant in the market for good reason.

Spektrum is way overpriced. I've got a DX5 Rugged and a DX6 Rugged. They feel and look like a $25 Temu radio, yet the retail price is 10x that. A 3 channel (SR315) rx is $60. 5 channel rx is $80. I got caught in a quick rainstorm with my DX6 Rugged and the thing quit working until I could get it home and blow it out. How rugged is that?

Futaba on the other hand is great, but they are pricey. My 4PLS lasted me ~10 years. The only reason I'm not running Futaba is that I want a 3 position momentary switch by my thumb for winching and the 4PLS and 4PM did not have that. Their receivers are also expensive.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Spektrum is way overpriced. I've got a DX5 Rugged and a DX6 Rugged. They feel and look like a $25 Temu radio, yet the retail price is 10x that. A 3 channel (SR315) rx is $60. 5 channel rx is $80. I got caught in a quick rainstorm with my DX6 Rugged and the thing quit working until I could get it home and blow it out. How rugged is that?

Futaba on the other hand is great, but they are pricey. My 4PLS lasted me ~10 years. The only reason I'm not running Futaba is that I want a 3 position momentary switch by my thumb for winching and the 4PLS and 4PM did not have that. Their receivers are also expensive.

The Spektrum build never bothered me. They are light which is often misconstrued as cheap. They are definitely no worse in build quality than FlySky or Radiolink.

It was awesome when HobbyKing sold the OrangeRX receivers that were knockoff Spektrum receivers. They were like $10 or something insane and I don't think I ever had one fail.

 

[Col_Sanders]

The Spektrum build never bothered me. They are light which is often misconstrued as cheap. They are definitely no worse in build quality than FlySky or Radiolink.

It was awesome when HobbyKing sold the OrangeRX receivers that were knockoff Spektrum receivers. They were like $10 or something insane and I don't think I ever had one fail.

Light isnt really the problem I have. The stupid rubber bumpers on the rugged keep popping out and are kind of a pain to get back in. The lanyard hoop is flimsy and rips off easy. The vibration that I cant figure out how to turn off rattles like crazy. The small plastic wheel feels cheap and crappy. There are no right and left arrows for menus, just up and down. If it was a sub $100 radio, none of that would bother me, but it is $279. $329 for one with a rx. For that money you can get an NB4+ with a rx. Build quality on that thing is excellent. It has a full touch screen, rechargeable battery, more channels as well.

The Futabas I had were light but they felt solid.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Light isnt really the problem I have. The stupid rubber bumpers on the rugged keep popping out and are kind of a pain to get back in. The lanyard hoop is flimsy and rips off easy. The vibration that I cant figure out how to turn off rattles like crazy. The small plastic wheel feels cheap and crappy. There are no right and left arrows for menus, just up and down. If it was a sub $100 radio, none of that would bother me, but it is $279. $329 for one with a rx. For that money you can get an NB4+ with a rx. Build quality on that thing is excellent. It has a full touch screen, rechargeable battery, more channels as well.

The Futabas I had were light but they felt solid.

Oh yeah I have no experience with the Rugged, but it definitely doesn't seem well-liked!

My Sanwa MT-4 is the only radio that has ever made me bleed. The SOB cut me when I was trying to change batteries. Plastic should not be razor sharp.