Limitless Radio for SpeedRuns? (and Noble NB4 discussions)

[LibertyMKiii]

I edited the chart on post #1.
The new RadioMaster MT12 with the eLRS protocol may be the new go to radio for speed use.

The Express LRS protocol is known in airplane RC use to have 30km range with 100mW output.

The MT12 FCC version goes upto 250mW output.

We know that ground radios don't have the range of air use due to ground reflection, all the obstacles, and crowded 2.4ghz radio frequencies, but either way this radio sounds like a solid option where a signal booster is not needed.

I will likely order one soon.

 

[CharlieA]

Radio equipment often is a topic of discussion when doing speed runs. It is quite easy to eat up 1000' of road doing 100 mph and this distance required grows significantly as you go faster. Pretty quickly you will find that a RTR radio wont safely maintain radio connection to the car.

Radios are an interesting subject as everyone has their preference, especially in the racing scene. Some features are very worth having for speed run use. I came up with this list of features that pertain to speed use. They are listed in order of what I feel is most critical:

1. Range/Latency
2. Steering expo settings (low steering during minimal steering inputs) (you shouldn't be steering sharp during 100+ speeds)
3. Throttle Expo (although I think the ESC does a better job on this one)
4. Throttle control?
5. Gyro

Diving into some of these topics
#1. Range
We are seeing that using the dual antenna RX originally used to airplanes/drones provide significantly better range. I personally tested the RadioLink RCG4s v2 with the dual antenna RX beyond 1500' one direction (meaning this radio could do over 3000' range if you stand in the middle of the run)
People are doing the same with Futaba radios, and possibly this could help the Spektrum radio range?
Boosters are an option. The extra battery to power them, modified wiring, heat generated in the amplifier is all extra issues to deal with (that may not be necessary depending how fast you want to go). A signal booster can make almost any radio a great long range radio. I believe the boosted signal also reduces latency at longer distances.

#2 and #3 are personal preference so I am mostly skipping these. I will comment that the steering expo has a very different feel between Futaba and the RadioLink systems.

#4 Throttle control
This is a touchy subject as many purists feel you are cheating. I believe you should learn to drive the car to 120 on your own to understand the why and how behind this electronic aids as they relate to grip. My thoughts on this is that if you are really pushing for big numbers 150+ crashes happen SOOOOOO often, it would be nice to avoid one of the ten possible things that wants to destroy your car. Having some consistent throttle inputs allows you to more accurately test changes to the car and ultimately try to hit record numbers.

#5 Gyro
Gyro is another touchy subject, like #4 purists do not like the idea of stability control helping.
From what I hear the primary benefit is during braking at the end of the run when you cannot see the car well and radio latency is high. Again if it can save you from a $1000+ crash then why not? After all Nic Case used one in his 202 mph RC Bullet.


Radio list that I used and range noted beside: (***updated 12/27/2023***)
Edit added 12/27/23 RadioMaster has released eLRS protocol gound radios that are supposed to have insane range without a signal booster.

Brand	Model	Rx type	Range
Traxxas with antenna		RTR	700
Traxxas without antenna		RTR	700
Futaba	3PV	FHSS	700-1100
Futaba	3PM-MX	FASST	1200+
RadioLink	RC6GS V2	Dual antenna 7 ch	1600+
Noble NB4	FGr4s	Internal antenna AFHDS	450
Noble NB4	FGr4 v2	Single antenna AFHDS	800 +/-
Noble NB4	FGr4 V2 (with 2nd antenna added)	Second antenna added and longer, both setup above body	1700+
Radio Master	MT12		3000+???

I am currently interested in the Noble or FlySky NB4. This integrated throttle control feature looks nice, as well as the display. Curious about what dual antenna RX might work with it?

I installed a signal booster on my rc6gs and my signal seems to go in and out on the transmitter but it is still working at the same time. Is this normal?

 

[LibertyMKiii]

I installed a signal booster on my rc6gs and my signal seems to go in and out on the transmitter but it is still working at the same time. Is this normal?

Rf signal broadcast should be on or off. That is not normal.

 

[CharlieA]

Any idea why it goes in and out?

 

[LibertyMKiii]

Any idea why it goes in and out?

I have no idea. Start with the basics and check the connections. Inspect everything...