Planet T5 2.4ghz radio system
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a couple of months ago, I decided to follow in the footsteps of some other members of the club and try a new radio. The radio i have chosen to purchase is the new Planet T5, is a no frills radio, similar in functionality to the Futaba skysport IV, but with a retracts switch added as well.
What you get
The radio package I brought was just radio and receiver, without any servos or charger, the transmitter module has a small JR (center neg) charging socket, so if you get a charger for the DX61, which also uses 4x AA cells, you will be able to charge batteries in the radio itself using the side mounted jack.
The Transmitter
Unlike many radios on the market, this particular radio is what can be considered entry level, with no computer menus to worry about, this makes it an ideal radio for someone who is just getting into the RC hobby, whether it be airborne or surface modelling, though like any 2.4ghz radio, if you are a submariner, dont bother. (this has more to do with the dynamics of the waveband than the actual radio itself, 2.4ghz is not able to penetrate the water).
The power for the radio is from 4x AA cells, you can either use 1.5v single use disposables, or as in my case 4x 1.2v rechargables, for this i am using Sanyo enloops.
The layout of the radio is very tidy, with 2 very smooth acting stick gimbals, the throttle has a nice positive feel to it, and with each increment easily felt and is available in Mode1 and Mode2, though I have opted for Mode2, simply because i like the left hand throttle. On the top of the radio, there is a small flick switch for ch5, which unusually has two speeds, slow and normal, this is i presume for the flyers who want to have a more scale retract speed, rather than going in at full speed.
the centre part between the sticks is where the On/Off switch is located, with the display for the voltage being located at the top of the facia, rather than like the Futaba 6EXA which has its display located towards the bottom of the facia, and as it is a 4-AA pack, when the voltage gets to around 4.6-4.4v, it will be time to come in and change the batteries.
Unlike most radios that use 2.4ghz, the Planet t5 comes with traditional slide trims, ok its not very high tech, but manual trims have been around since the dawn of RC sets from futaba and hitec. and to be honest if they work, why change it?
To change servo direction, the servo reverse controls are easily located behind a tinted flap on the facia, just below the right hand stick and can be moved with a small screwdriver or a finger nail.
Binding the radio
this process is remarkably straight forward, turn on the radio, turn on the receiver and with a small screwdriver, press the button down on the receiver. yes its THAT simple.
The Rx that came with the T5 is a 6channel unit, about the size of USB memory stick, with a small single antenna on it, range is stated as good for 100m (300ft), which at that distance most models will be difficult to spot.
I have yet to put the boat on the water with this radio, however initial impressions, as someone who is used to computer radios are quite positive, if you want a radio that does exaclty what it says on the tin, then give this one a try. retails in the UK for £50, which is around $75 to $80 US
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Topic: Planet T5 radio, a review (Read 25173 times)