DSM, Spektum, etc What is the deal with this new technology

[Seabass]

I live in the days of old school AM and FM radios with crystals. I have been looking into buying a new radio but what is the deal with these new radios and the technology. I see different radios out there and many say they can program multiple models in the radio. What are the components needed to run multiple cars with one radio? Do you need a module for each car? Do you just buy a reciever for each car, then turn the radio on and it finds the car's signal. I really need some help understanding this.

Additionally, I have been looking at radios but I have no idea on what to buy. Ideally I am looking for something that I woun't have any issues with but still remain on a small budget. Thanks for the help. One radio I have been looking at is the DX3. Does the radio come ready to go, or do you still need to purchase something else before it is complete?

Jake

[Prince Steve]

The new spectrum tecnology allows multiple racers to race at the same time without anyone worrying about who is on what frequency. ( Works 95% of the time ) You would need a new reciever for each additional vehicle you want to control. You woudl have to Bind with that vehicle so the remote recognizes that particular vehicle. The remote can be programed by naming each particular vehicle that you want to control. You then just switch the remote to that name of vehicle that you want to control. Also each manufactuer has a website that will explain how to use there products.

Hope this helps,
Prince...

[klavy69]

Ideally I am looking for something that I woun't have any issues with but still remain on a small budget.
Jake

Depending on your budget the dx3 can get pricey. I picked up a used radio for around $60 and then about $40 for a rx early on then had to end up around $60 for the last 2 rx. For the price and the simplicity of it Hitec is making a 2.4mhz radio that is pretty cheap. The LHS owner ordered a few in and I believe they are around $90 but the best part is the receivers are only about $30-$35 each which is where the money savings comes in. LHS owner has been using one for a few months now with absolutely no problems whatsoever. The radio itself went back to easy to set dials instead of a button that controls everything and seems to be pretty durable. Wish I could find my hitec link right now. If I run across it I'll drop it back in here for you to check out.
Todd

[templeofspeed]

If you are looking at jumping into 2.4ghz you may want to consider the KO Propo EX-5UR, currently there's a deal on them and it includes two receivers...

http://www.kopropo.com/america/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=138

[Brandon G]

If I were in your shoes, I'd take a hard look at this one:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXMV5&P=SM

DX3's are a reliable radio, but I have noticed that the full sweep servo travel is shorter than other's. The JR based (cheaper) radios with spectrum are the same way. Weird.

[Seabass]

Very nice, thanks for the sugestions. That KO radio looks like a pretty good deal and even better considering it comes with the two receivers. I appreciate all the help on this guys. It looks like I will be buying a new radio soon, all the suggestions are great.

Jake

[SoloGraphix]

If I were in your shoes, I'd take a hard look at this one:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXMV5&P=SM

DX3's are a reliable radio, but I have noticed that the full sweep servo travel is shorter than other's. The JR based (cheaper) radios with spectrum are the same way. Weird.

Even when adjusting the travel setting? On my DX3S I can get a ton of servo travel by adjusting the travel to 150% in the controller settings.

[Brandon G]

I've noticed this mostly in the 1/8 nitro, but yes, seems they dont drive them far enough...

[SoloGraphix]

I've noticed this mostly in the 1/8 nitro, but yes, seems they dont drive them far enough...

Think about what I said earlier, does the standard DX 3.0 even have that travel adjustment option like my DX3S?

[Brandon G]

Yeah, it does. Trust me, I've pushed the "+" button many times on the 3.0 in the EPA mode to know they don't travel far enough.