Topic: What Radio are you using (Read 5550 times)

Champdriver · « **on:** April 17, 2023, 10:46:16 pm »

Hi All

I just took the plunge on a Billings Fairmount Alpine and have a Spektrum rugged 5 channel surface radio, however ( and the wife doesn't know this yet) but I am wanting to add much much more than just the five channels to this build. My question to you is what radio are people using when greater than five channels.
Your feedback is appreciated.

Michael

BrianB6 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2023, 06:21:24 am »

Depends on what extra commands you need. O my Spectrum 5, I connected two of the channels to operate micro switches from mini servos. One is push on - push off to actuate the radar

Andyn · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2023, 06:35:05 am »

I’m using a Futaba 16IZ currently, nice radio and a big upgrade from my previous Jeti DS12

chas · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2023, 12:05:35 pm »

It all depends on what you want to switch and how you want to operate the functions. Action electronics who are a very highly company by many of us make an 8 way switcher that can be operated from one channel. It's not expensive either.

Barney Magrew · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2023, 02:23:56 pm »

Radio master t16 Open source. Really good, but it does take some getting used to.

DJW · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2023, 05:39:17 pm »

I use the FrSky Taranis Q X7S Access running OpenTX. Like you I wanted to play with more channels and am so impressed with what this system can do, I'm using an 8ch receiver with an additional 8ch via SBUS expansion. But it does come with a health warning, tearing hair out, beating head against wall... But if you like a challenge and want a very flexible system, it's very good. If you want it to be usable out of the box, it's not such a good choice.

Some more info here on how I'm using it: [size=78%]https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,65630.0.html[/size]

There's also a few more points on this page (message #308) of my Aquarama build and a video of the setup: [size=78%]https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64276.300.html[/size]

Hope it helps..!
David.

Champdriver · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2023, 09:06:51 pm »

Thank you everyone for your feedback!
I was looking in general terms for transmitters how many channels what brand and wether it was designed for air or marine, boy did I get so much more. I didn't even know you could get open source radio's that were fully programable all i can say to those that have them knock your selves out (apparently some of you have), I'm sure once rigged they work great but there're about a 1000 light years ahead of me (for now). From the comments though I get the feeling that anything from 10 -16 channels will run all the toys on a complex model and then some and that anything above about 5 channels you need an aviation transmitter.
I am keen for chas's comments on the ACTion 8 way switcher, I came across that the other day and thought that would be a good option. My question though is when switching does it sequence one by one through all 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, all) and then turn every thing on in the last sequence or can you select individually as you work your way through the switches( 1,2, 5, 3, 6,7 etc) selective. Also the distinct feeling i am getting from these forums is ACTion electronics is the go to shop for scale model boat electronic options or are there other companies that people would recommend that I am not aware of that provide similar??
Thank you everyone for putting up with a relative newbie, I'm sure i'll be back with more question especially when it comes to the electronics side of things (I'm a plug and play kinda guy for now).

Michael

gribeauval · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2023, 02:06:29 pm »

You could also use a Carson 14 channel radio set. They are intended for use in r/c trucks but work just as well in boats with lots of functions.

https://howesmodels.co.uk/product/carson-reflex-stick-multi-pro-14-channel-2-4ghz-radio-set/

Mike

chas · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2023, 11:56:38 pm »

Mike has just posted about the Carson sets, I'm considering one of these myself for a project I've just started, they look ideal for what many of us need, with lots of switchable functions. Has anyone on here tried one?
Michael, an email to action electronics about the switcher is worth doing, it's always best to get information from a manufacturer.

tsenecal · « **Reply #9 on:** April 21, 2023, 01:56:29 am »

there are two other relatively expensive (but not outrageously expensive) "truck" radios that might work... the "FlySky Paladin PL18 ev" and the "FrSky Tandem XE" both can be bought with "3D sticks" which add additional proportional rotary features to the main sticks, as well as a large number of additional knobs and switches... the Paladin is an 18+ channel radio, and the Tandem is a 24+ channel radio.

J.beazley · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2023, 05:53:40 pm »

im using a Futaba 18sz currently and only use 1 board that goes from boat to boat along with a Futaba 14sg as my now spare radio, still got a few Skysport 4 and 6 channel 40mhz sets which get used for bench testing stuff.

Jay

Champdriver · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2023, 01:06:29 am »

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and feedback. I have one more question, what is the largest number of channels that one has used on a build. I’m starting a Fairmount Alpine and have calculated that I would need 10 channels and that doesn’t include a working crane if I can figure out how to make it work. I would like to buy one radio to cover all my needs going forward for years to come. The radios I’m considering are the Spektrum NX 10 , IX 14 or perhaps a frisky. Thoughts and comments appreciated.

Damien Mac · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2023, 01:14:56 pm »

Using
Frsky Taranis X9D+ (left over from aircraft flying)
multiplex pico (converted to 2.4 frsky)
Futaba 6ex
also a few off brand 2.4ghz car type sets..

1275mini · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2023, 05:52:11 pm »

Jeti radios for me

tsenecal · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2023, 06:44:13 pm »

As champ driver knows from another thread, i am currently using FrSky.. but i started with futaba, now own several Robbe F series, as well as Radiomaster. I don't use Spektrum. Friend who loves them (spektrum) has me set them up for him. He has gone through 4 of them now, each either coming from the factory with issues that had to have warranty repair, or they will no longer work with newer receivers, so he either has to hunt for older used receivers, or buy a new radio.

Not to say other manufacturers aren't doing the same thing. The newest FrSky radio i have will no longer work with 70% of the FrSky receivers i own.

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #15 on:** July 02, 2023, 07:29:30 pm »

This popped up on Utube today - Hobby Porter CT01 8-channel: https://youtu.be/KojXuPD2r6Y

Barney Magrew · « **Reply #16 on:** July 02, 2023, 08:28:31 pm »

Radio Master

ColinB · « **Reply #17 on:** July 02, 2023, 11:04:47 pm »

Sataba circa 1984 (Futaba rebadged for South Africa)

Circlip · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2023, 10:01:37 am »

Sanwa Mini Two and Remcon Quantum Six.

Regards Ian.

Subculture · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2023, 10:18:25 am »

As recommended earlier in the thread, if you want lots of channels and flexibility go with a set that uses OpenTX, which could be FRsky, Radiomaster, Jumper, Flysky etc.

Really there are no limits with those systems, you can route any control to any channel, mix them to within an inch of their lives etc. etc. Learning the open ended architecture does require a bit of unlearning though if you're used to premapped systems.

There are a bewildering choice of models to choose from, but I would get one with a multiprotocol module built-in, which enable the set to work with most receivers on the 2.4ghz band. Most sets on Open TX will give you 16 channels, and many go to 32 or beyond with a second tuner- I think you'll find the main challenge is remembering what control does what!

One other thing that may dictate choice is the format. If you want lots of auxiliary functions, you're probably best suited to a larger format 'tray' type transmitter like the Taranis X9E.

Plenty of secondhand sets on the market, many people seem to treat upgrading their sets as a hobby within itself, so if you don't care about the odd scuff, or tech that is a year or two behind the latest and greatest, then you can get a bargain.

Nick-R · « **Reply #20 on:** March 05, 2024, 01:33:02 pm »

After returning to the hobby after a break of some 60 years, my first build was an Aeronaut Queen - nice kit and reasonably simple reintroduction. I bought a 6 channel Microzone set - transmitter and receiver. Six channels was future proofing but I only use two for speed control and steering.

I am currently building a Billings Nordkap and have purchased a second six channel receiver so as not to need to swap the first receiver about between boats. Seems to work perfectly well but I cannot speak to max range as my boats are never more than maybe 30-40 metres away!

There is some change in radio gear since I was 15/16 years old. Back then, I could only afford single channel gear. Pressing the transmit button caused a relay in the receiver to close, effectively acting as an on off switch. Steering was by way of a sequential servo - first press turn to port, next press turn to starboard. You could also get servos that operated a two position speed control (fast or slow) by sending a sort of morse code sequence of transmit presses. The transmitter and receiver I recall was a birthday gift and cost £14 which at the time was about the national average weekly wage so today’s gear is way cheaper in real terms.

1967Brutus · « **Reply #21 on:** April 15, 2024, 10:38:16 am »

Quote from: Champdriver on May 07, 2023, 01:06:29 am

I would need 10 channels and that doesn’t include a working crane if I can figure out how to make it work.

I know I am responding to a thread of about 1 year old, but...

Right now I am not going into HOW to make it work (because that indeed can at times be a real puzzle), but just as an example of what is possible with OpenTX:
It will allow you to, with the flip of a single switch, transfer your sticks from "manouvering" to "crane"...
So one moment you are controlling your prop, rudder, bowthruster and what not with the sticks, and a flick of the switch you can lift, lower and turn the jib and heave or pay out the runner with same sticks.
You can easily interlock functions that should not be operated simultaneously within the programming (there is not much of that in boats that I can think of, but alas, it is as infinite as your imagination) and you can set things up such that feedback from telemetry can control functions.
Just as an example, a waterdetector in the bilge can not only provide a water ingress alarm, but can actually, via transmitter, start a bilge pump.
A temperature value can start, stop or decrease or increase a cooling pump.
Now that does not sound all too exciting perhaps, but since it is progged in your TX, the equipment is NOT in your boat. You still need the detector and the pump, but you do NOT need a separate controlboard in your boat, which you first have to source (or build yourself) and of which you cannot monitor its functioning.

I use, for example, this functionality to control boiler pressure of my steamboat. I still need the pressure sensor (maybe 15 bucks from China) and the proportional gas valve, but I do NOT need an on-board specialized boiler control unit. It's a simple single line of programming in the TX, and another single line that allows for a manual override.

For me, OpenTX (or variants to it) is THE way to go when it comes to multifunctionality and above all, keeping things manageable.

Damien Mac · « **Reply #22 on:** April 15, 2024, 12:17:13 pm »

Yep open TX is great for that, I use it on a Frsky Tarranis for both for most of my models air,car,boat. I find the telemetry good for monitoring my batteries while models in use
I am thinking of upgrading soon to a frsky Tandem x20 I think or maybe the x18 just to try the ethos operating system.

1967Brutus · « **Reply #23 on:** April 15, 2024, 01:40:14 pm »

Using a Taranis X9D myself as well. Boats and planes, no cars, as I prefer the pistolgrip & steering wheel over sticks for that.

From what I gather, the Ethos system is less "open" than OpenTX, but I have no direct experience with it.

I used to be very conservative about telemetry ("We've flown for years without it, so why would we need it now?") but I freelty admit I was wrong... It is SO much more than just checking a battery voltage or a signal strength...

As soon as you realize that OpenTX can use ANYTHING as a control-imput, including Telemetry values, to control equally random things, an complete new world opens, not comparable to the change way back when from MHz to GHz. or even the appearance of programmable transmitters themselves. Suddenly the user has all kinds of automation that would reuire additional on-board equipment at his disposal.

Another function that has helped me greatly when developing gasoline conversions for glow engines (but that is an airplane thing) is the logging function.
I can however imagine the logging function also being VERY useful optimizing speedboats, both fuel and electrics alike.

Akira · « **Reply #24 on:** April 15, 2024, 02:29:13 pm »

I am in full agreement with you about Open TX.The functionality is amazing. My one disagreement is about ETHOS. While it is proprietary, it is a simpler system to use. Either way, OTX, Edge, Ethos and the other systems found in mi range to high end computer radios has changed the hobby for the good.

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Author Topic: What Radio are you using (Read 5550 times)