Need help deciding on a radio

[Bollucks]

So I'm in the process of putting together a car to race at the local hobby stores parking lot races. Up till now I've just used a dumbo x6 for my Notorious or the slt3 that came with my Typhon 3s. Up until this point I hadn't given much thought to some of the extra settings or latency but with the new build and the expensive servo it has me wanting a better radio. Seeing as I have some spectrum receivers that came with my Arrma cars I was thinking of doing a dx5c, but then the reviews seem mixed and they seem to be slower then the sanwa or futaba radios. But I'm not sure if the slower speed of 11ms is going to be noticeable racing and I should go with a faster radio.

So if anyone has experience with these different radios I would appreciate some input. Looking at the Dx5C, futaba 3pv, and maybe the Sanwa Mx-6 or MX-S.

 

[KvConivore]

I have a EX5C with no complaints and have never lost signal with it. I'm sure sometime it will lose it but I really don't care to chase my rigs down so I keep the distance relatively close. I run my 1/5 gas baja 5b at the sand dunes and it does quite well with no signal loss.

 

[Armarookie43]

So I'm in the process of putting together a car to race at the local hobby stores parking lot races. Up till now I've just used a dumbo x6 for my Notorious or the slt3 that came with my Typhon 3s. Up until this point I hadn't given much thought to some of the extra settings or latency but with the new build and the expensive servo it has me wanting a better radio. Seeing as I have some spectrum receivers that came with my Arrma cars I was thinking of doing a dx5c, but then the reviews seem mixed and they seem to be slower then the sanwa or futaba radios. But I'm not sure if the slower speed of 11ms is going to be noticeable racing and I should go with a faster radio.

So if anyone has experience with these different radios I would appreciate some input. Looking at the Dx5C, futaba 3pv, and maybe the Sanwa Mx-6 or MX-S.

I have the DX5C, DX5 rugged and the flysky FS GT5. Honestly the GT5 is my favorite and it's cheaper! Smaller and easier to access the menu. Fast, and backlit display.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FlySky-FS-...-/133458884480?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

 

[biggman100]

I have the DX5C, DX5 rugged and the flysky FS GT5. Honestly the GT5 is my favorite and it's cheaper! Smaller and easier to access the menu. Fast, and backlit display.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FlySky-FS-...-/133458884480?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

I use a Fly Sky FS-GT3B and 3C for most of my stuff. They are cheaper than most of the radios out there, have a backlit display, multiple settings, and, in over 3 years, i have had zero issues with them. Receivers are also uber cheap, with the waterproof ones at right around $16 each. A lot of guys don't seem to like the FS stuff, but, except for one Dumbo RC i have (for a 2WD SCT), everything else i have is on FS radios (i am up to 14 trucks, 5 cars, and 2 boats currently).

 

[gotnitro]

I'm a Futaba fanboi. Pony up a few more bucks and get the 4PM.

 

[Bollucks]

I'm a Futaba fanboi. Pony up a few more bucks and get the 4PM.

Is it worth the money over the 3pv?

 

[gotnitro]

Is it worth the money over the 3pv?

IMO yes. 40 models to the 4PM, 10 models to the 3PV. I love my 4PM!

4PM

FEATURES​

T-FHSS SR (SUPER RESPONSE) AND TELEMETRY T-FHSS:
In addition to the T-FHSS telemetry system, we added a T-FHSS SR (Super Response) system that increased processing speed to further improve response. SR system does not support telemetry function. *R304SB and R304SB-E are not compatible with SR system.

T-FHSS MINIZ SYSTEM:
By changing to the MINIZ system in the receiver setting menu, you can use Kyosho Mini – Z Evo dedicated receiver RA-42. Dedicated receiver RA-42 requires purchase separately. 01004397-3 comes with no receiver.

TELEMETRY SYSTEM:
The T4PM transmitter has adopted the newly developed bidirectional communication system “T-FHSS”.

2.4 GHZ SS RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:
Frequency channel setting is unnecessary: Channel shifting takes place within the 2.4 GHz band automatically. This system minimizes the interference from other 2.4 GHz systems.

MODEL MEMORY FOR 40 MODELS:
Model names can use up to 10 letters, numbers, and symbols, so that logical names may be used. A model memory with different setups can be created by using the model copy function.

4 AXIS JOG BUTTON:
The (JOG) button can be operated in 4 directions: up, down, left, and right.

ESC-LINK FUNCTION (MC-LINK):
This dedicated function allows you set up the Link software so that your T4PM can control variable frequency and other data changes in Futaba speed controllers (ESCs): MC950CR, MC850C, MC851C, MC602C, MC402CR, etc.

S.BUS SERVO:
This is a special function that allows setting of the parameters of our S.Bus servo whose settings are changed by using PC Link software. In addition to the conventional wired system, it can be set wirelessly in combination with the R334SBS or R334SBS-E.

STEERING MIXING:
Smooth cornering is possible by independent left and right steering servo setting.

BRAKE MIXING FOR LARGE CARS (BRAKE):
Brake mixing of the front and rear wheel of 1/5 gas power cars and other large cars can be adjusted independently.

GYRO MIXING (GYRO MIX):
The sensitivity of Futaba car rate gyros can be adjusted from the T4PM.

4WS MIXING FOR CRAWLERS AND OTHER 4WS TYPE (4WS):
This function can be used with crawlers and other 4WS type vehicles.

DUAL ESCS MIXING FOR CRAWLERS CARS (DUAL ESC):
ESCs at the front and rear are controlled independently.

CPS-1 MIXING (CPS MIX):
LED lighting and flashing control using our CPS-1 channel power switch can be matched to steering and throttle operation by switch only.

ANTI-SKID BRAKING SYSTEM (TH A.B.S):
This function applies the brakes so that the tires of gas powered cars, etc. do not lose their grip on the road even when braking at corners.

THROTTLE ACCELERATION (ACCEL):
Gas power cars have a time lag before the clutch and brakes become effective. The throttle acceleration function reduces this time lag.

THROTTLE SPEED (SPEED):
Sudden trigger operation on a slippery road surface will only cause the tires to spin and the model to not accelerate smoothly. By setting the throttle speed function, operation can be performed smoothly and easily. It also suppresses battery consumption.

STEERING SPEED (SPEED):
When you sense that the steering servo is too fast, etc., the servo operating speed (direction that suppresses the maximum speed) can be adjusted.

RACING TIMER (TIMER):
The lap timer can record 100 lap times and total time. The timer can also be started automatically by trigger operation. The race time and audible alarm can be set. Re-/fueling time are indicated by an audible alarm. An up timer is also provided.

FUNCTION SELECT SWITCH (SWITCH)/DIAL FUNCTION (TRIM DIAL):
This assigns functions to 2 switches and dials (digital trim, digital dial). The step amount and operating direction can also be adjusted. Trim positioning at each model call is unnecessary because all the dials are digital.

TRIGGER POSITION CAN BE CHANGED:
The position of the throttle trigger can be moved forward and backward.

TENSION ADJUSTMENT FUNCTION:
The tension of the steering wheel and throttle trigger springs can be adjusted from the outside.

MECHANICAL ATL ADJUSTMENT:
Make this adjustment when you want to decrease the total travel of the brake (push) side of the throttle trigger.



3 PV

FEATURES​

TELEMETRY SYSTEM:
The T3PV transmitter has adopted the newly developed bidirectional communication system “T-FHSS”.

2.4 GHZ SS RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:
Frequency channel setting is unnecessary: Channel shifting takes place within the 2.4 GHz band automatically. This system minimizes the interference from other 2.4 GHz systems.

MODEL MEMORY FOR 10 MODELS:
Model names can use up to 4 letters, numbers, and symbols. The contents of the currently selected model data can be copied to another model.

STEERING TRIM:
Steering neutral adjustments can be made by moving the steering trim knob to the left or right.

THROTTLE TRIM:
Throttle neutral adjustments can be made moving the throttle trim up or down.

CHANNEL-4 TRIM:
At 4WS Mixing: The neutral adjustments of the rear steering servo can be made by pressing the +/- key.
At BRK Mixing: The neutral adjustments of the front brake servo can be made by pressing the +/- key.

SUB TRIM:
Use this function to adjust the neutral position of the steering, throttle, and channel 3 (4) servos.

STEERING DUAL RATES (D/R):
Use this function to adjust the steering travel of your model.

STEERING END POINT ADJUSTMENT (EPA-CH1):
This function is used to limit the servo movement to the left or right. This feature will compensate for any difference in right or left turning angles or radius due to the characteristics of your model.

THROTTLE END POINT ADJUSTMENT (EPA-CH2):
This function is used to adjust the forward and brake side servo travel. Each direction can be adjusted independent of each other. Use this feature to set the throttle servo travel.

CHANNEL-3 END POINT ADJUSTMENT (EPA-CH3):
This function is used to limit the servo movement to the left or right.

CHANNEL-4 END POINT ADJUSTMENT (EPA-CH4):
This function is used to limit the servo movement to the left or right.

4WS/BRK MIXING (SMX):
4WS mixing is used with crawler and other 4WS specification cars. The first channel controls the front side steering and the fourth channel controls the rear side steering. Brake (BRK) mixing is used when the front and rear brakes must be adjusted independently, such as in 1/5 GP cars, etc. This mixing uses the second channel to control the rear brakes and the fourth channel to control the front brakes.

STEERING SERVO REVERSING:
This function reverses the rotation direction of the steering servo.

THROTTLE SERVO REVERSING:
This function reverses the rotation direction of the throttle servo.

CHANNEL-3 SERVO REVERSING:
This function reverses the rotation direction of the channel-3 servo.

CHANNEL-4 SERVO REVERSING:
This function reverses the rotation direction of the channel-4 servo.

STEERING EXP:
This function is used to change the sensitivity of the steering servo around the neutral position.

THROTTLE EXP:
This function changes the sensitivity of the throttle servo in the throttle trigger forward side and brake side directions.

ABS:
This function simulates a dull size car’s anti-lock braking by pulsing the brake on and off rapidly. Model stops as rapidly as possible without skidding.

 

[LibertyMKiii]

It sounds like you are looking mostly for speed more so than features (beyond the normal stuff)
You may be best watching some review videos on radio delay.

This thread may be useful https://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-electronics/991213-radio-benchmark-program-results.html

 

[Bollucks]

I don't know if I am just falling for the hype of frame rates and all that stuff you can fall down the rabbit hole. I just want a good quality radio that isn't going to disadvantage me racing.

 

[LibertyMKiii]

I don't know if I am just falling for the hype of frame rates and all that stuff you can fall down the rabbit hole. I just want a good quality radio that isn't going to disadvantage me racing.

Any of the radios you are looking at are going to be pretty good. All brands are high frame rate these days.
I think it mostly comes down to the feel that you like.... I have found some are for smaller hands or feel cheap like the RTR Spektrum radios.

Some people experience fatigue and there is where the 3PV really shines. It is extremely lightweight, and more so with lithium batteries installed.
If you spend lots of time in the menu systems navigating the 3PV is a little weak there and other radios will shine.

I have owned several Spektrum radios, and 2 Futaba radios, Traxxas, and RadioLink. I would say I like the settings most on Futaba, but maybe because I owned those for the longest amount of time? I used both the FASST and T-FHSS protocols and found that both were good. I have never met someone who used Futaba and had bad things to say about quality.

I am currently running a RadioLink radio with no complaints. It does not feel as solid and fancy, but the range of the RC6GS V2 model is just amazing for my needs at 1600 + ft distances. Obviously that does not matter for your needs, but it is part of my experience/review.