What are the advantages of 2.4GHz transmitter set

[Tundra]

Hey folks,

I m using a 4 channel ATTACK transmitter from Futaba for my Tundra. I am wondering what are the advantages for those 2.4GHz transmitter over my existing one? Also any recommendation for a good 2.4 GHz transmitter?

[ae86owner]

I just know that you never have to worry about anyone having the same frequency

[Siggy]

I use an AM and FM TX for my F350 and Tundra hooked with an MFC-02 System.
I love the AM TX for this purpose, as controlling the light options is superb, and driving feels much smoother. People say TX with digital trims don't match well with the MFC-02.

Likewise I have a Futaba 4PK which is 2.4Ghz. It is unusable with the MFC-02. So I use this for the other Rock Crawlers and Scale Rigs and the rest of my cars/trucks. These radios do excellent work for on-road racing, where a super crisp signal for the steering and throttle is an advantage on the flat tracks.

Do note that there have been instances of 2.4Ghz glitching or RX does not mind to TX. It is uncommon and surely the manufactures would help resolve this issues. Yet I have heard some serious racers prefer to stick it out with their FM crystals, as these are said to be quite reliable.

[Flowmastered87gl]

I just know that you never have to worry about anyone having the same frequency

But now that everyone has them it seems my old radios work just fine... seems no one else has dinosaurs either... so the chance of finding someone on your same channel is rare now :D (I run 75 MHz AM channel 86,88,90) and have NEVER had interference at any of our comps. And we run for fun while others are competing.

[Siggy]

But now that everyone has them it seems my old radios work just fine... seems no one else has dinosaurs either... so the chance of finding someone on your same channel is rare now :D (I run 75 MHz AM channel 86,88,90) and have NEVER had interference at any of our comps. And we run for fun while others are competing.

:agree:This is very true, specially as prices of these radio can be had for below $100 and some have it in the RTR Package.

For many decades the Crystal Technology worked like a charm. Now with less users-interference, driving sensation/control seem to feel even better. :thumb:

[Mouton]

The choice of transmitter is quite personal. In many ways it is more personal than your choice of model(s). It depends on several variables. Here are my thought on how to go about when choosing a transmitter:

Stick/wheel and in case of wheel type also left/right handedness
Required number of channels
Required special functions (mainly programmable mixes)
Required size of model memory
Required frequencies

While most people are right handed and prefer wheel type radios I am left handed and prefer stick type transmitters. I currently need at three channels and two simultaneous mixes for my most complicated car setup. It is my CR-01 Unimog that has one mix program for crab steer and another for regular 4WS. Add to that the ability to easily turn the mixes on and of and change between them as well as also control the rear steering separately and the choice of transmitters is limited. If I continue down my list I currently have 19 models programed in my transmitter. Being stuck in the Tamiya quick sand, more are probably to come as well. Best then to have an expandable model memory. As most of my vintage Tamiyas use AM receivers it would be very expensive to only use 2.4 GHz. Other cars use FM receivers and some 2.4 GHz. What options am I left with? I went for a wheel type transmitter that can be setup for left handed control, but only because it is much cheaper than its stick type sibling (the 3VCS). I use the Futaba 3PKS with AM, FM and 2.4 GHz FASST modules (as well as an external CamPac).

I would strongly suggest you get a module based transmitter. Not only because it would allow you to change frequency band, but also because the part that is most prone to break on a transmitter is the RF-stage, which is in the module. Easier to live without if it breaks under warranty and cheaper to fix if it breaks after the warranty has expired.

You mention digital trims and Tamiya MFUs. Well, there are well known problems in that area, but there is a also a well kept solution to that problem for those who want modern 2.4 GHz technology and analogue trims. Again the module based transmitter. There are many old Futaba and JR aircraft transmitters on the used market that go for peanuts. Get one and simply buy a 2.4 GHz module for it. My other transmitter is an Futaba FC-18, which is an 8 channel transmitter that can be expandable up to 22 proportional channels (not that I would know the use for all of them). Like most other high-end Futabas it has an expandable model memory and I have a CamPac in mine. I only use FM modules in my FC-18. Surface legal frequencies for my Tamiya semi tractor truck and CR-01 Unimog and aircraft legal frequencies for my aircrafts. If I like, I can use the AM module with it. I like having the option of using the 2.4 GHz modules (TM-8 FASST or third party). The only flaw with Futaba's 2.4 GHz system is that you cannot use the same receivers for the 3-4 channel "surface transmitters/modules" as the 6-14 channel "air modules" and transmitters use a slightly different flavour of the FASST technology. They will not even bid to eachother, preventing use.

What are the pros and cons of any given frequency then:
AM

+Cheap, as cheap as it gets, mostly free with any RTR set.
+Interchangeability, any brand of receiver works with any brand of transmitter.
+Cheerful, it actually works, better and better too. The horrid glitches from the Dark Ages are long gone (chiefly ESCs from the 1980s that were prone to glitching)
You need to make sure no one else is using the same frequency.
-Still, relatively sensitive to glitches from worn brushed motors and gasoline ignition systems.
+ 27 MHz (AM and FM) is the only frequency band that has the exact same rules worldwide (meaning it is legal everywhere and that transmitter output is standardised).
-Does not work all that well with digital servos.

FM

+Cheap, if you settle for third party receivers cost is comparable to AM systems.
+Interchangeability, any brand of receiver works with any brand of transmitter, except for PCM and HRS receivers, which are not interchangeable between manufacturers.
+Cheerful, as more and more people move over to 2.4 GHz, many frequencies are free.
+Works like a charm with digital servos.
+27 MHz FM has since long been the international racers favourite as 27 MHz (AM and FM) is the only frequency band that has the exact same rules worldwide (meaning it is legal everywhere and that transmitter output is standardised).
-You need to make sure no one else is using the same frequency.
-High-end PCM and HRS receivers are still expensive.
-Only a limited number of transmitters have optional short transmitter antennas. My FC-18 has one that is only one foot long. Its range is about 2/3 of the standard telescopic antenna and thus fine for all my Tamiyas.

2.4 GHz

+Glitch free, even with gasoline models, worn brushed electric motors
+You never need to worry about anybody else using the same frequency.
+Short transmitter antenna, no risk of poking your (or your buddy's eyes out).
+Short or no external receiver antenna, which is great for a scale model and a basher/race that will not risk damaging the antenna and thus risk reduced range.
+Child proof (no long transmitter antenna to break and no receiver antenna that the child inevitably will try to pick the car up with).
+Works like a charm with digital servos. Many 2.4 GHz system offers higher frame rate and/or increased resolution when used with digital servos.
+Several 2.4 GHz transmitters weight less than their AM/FM counterparts due to fewer batteries.
-Cost, they are still the most expensive of the lot. Still there are cheap options out there.
-There can be a delay in response when you drive your car from a distance. The frame rate is lowered then you reach the farther end of your radio systems working range. This is easily mistaken for glitches, which they are not albeit the experienced behaviour might be the same. Please not this is only applicable when all channels are sluggish. Many mistake the time it takes sound to travel say 50+ yards as glitches as the sound is no longer in sync with the throttle movements on the transmitter.
-Virtually no interchangeability. You are stuck with the same brand of receivers as your transmitter.
-Binding issues. You always need to bind a new receiver to your transmitter. Moreover, there are reports of receivers that drop their binding and thus stop "listening" to your transmitter.
-Back wards compatibility, only a very limited number of 2.4 GHz transmitters are module based and allow you to use AM/FM modules. If you have many models, a 2.4 GHz transition will be expensive.
-Some countries where late to jump the 2.4 GHz band waggon. For instance back in 2007 when the IFMAR Worlds 1:10 elec buggy championships were held in Japan, only FM and AM were allowed. 27 MHz is the only frequency band that has the exact same rules worldwide (meaning it is legal everywhere and that transmitter output is standardised).

If you only need a simple transmitter, look at Futaba 2PL or the Eurgle 3 channel if you are on a really tight budget, which is around USD 45 (with a receiver). Eurgle's receivers are about USD 10 , which is extremely cheap for 2.4 GHz.

If you need 4+ channels, my advice is look at the used market. Look at aircraft transmitters from Futaba and JR that have 4+ channels, analogue trims and a standard module slot. If you find one they can easily be converted to 2.4 GHz by selecting PPM modulation and installing an 2.4 GHz module. Those are also available in many flavours, from cheap Chinese to expensive Japanese solutions. Most work flawlessly and you will end up paying less for more than would you have gone to your local hobby shop and purchased a brand new system (that still may not do everything for you, like analogue trims).

Best of luck!