New member / which radio system, servos, battery??? CR01 Toyota 40

[RG4X4]

Hi there, nice forum!!!

I'm a new member in Tamiya Crawlers and a beginner in the RC world :o)
I recently bought a CR01 Tamiya Toyota 40 kit (still waiting to get on my hands!!!), and I was reading that some people use 2, 3 or 4 channel radios... also that 2.4GHz are better... I need some help about what to get, I would like to get a stick system, not gun... I'm expecting to get the tlu-01 light system... so, what do you recommend? radio system, servos, battery and charger?

Thanks for your help!!!

[Arcocustom]

Hello there and welcome RG4X4. :welcomeani:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0096p?&N=N&C=&P=7&S=0000000&F=LXAUSM&L=EMOM0173&S1=FUTABA&S2=RADIOS&S3=&S4=

I use the Futaba 6EX 6-Channel 2.4GHz FASST Radio System myself, but I also use a Futaba 4GWD 4-Channel AM system. The 2.4 Ghz radios are virtually glitch free and there will never be a signal conflict or interference from another radio. The AM radios are use crystals on a certain frequency and can be a bit glitchy when using modern high-power motors and speed controls. I grew-up using AM technology, so I am accustomed to it's drawbacks and I use them on simpler rides when precise control isn't that big a deal. These days, modern ESC's have a fast switching rate and this can cause havoc on AM and even FM systems. Metal roll-cages and tubular chassis can also cause interference, so with the modern electronics, a modern radio that uses 2.4 Ghz is a real benefit. All that said, it's pretty much down to, "how much do you want to spend???" Hopefully this post has been helpful.

Best of luck with your build - Arco :Tamiya1:

[RG4X4]

Hi Arco,
thanks for your help,
I'm thinking about the "Futaba 4YF 4-Channel 2.4GHz FHSS Radio System"

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0161p?&I=LZ0198

What do you think? I guess it's a good choice for the price, and comes in combo with the servos...

Thanks again!!!

[DRW-FJ40]

Welcome & you'll have fun with the CR01. It's a fun truck to build and run. You need two channels at a minimum for ESC & Steering. If you are set on sticks, check out the ones Arco reccomended. You'll have more options if your open to a pistol. I started with a CR01 & am radio (to save money) & ended up upgrading to 2.4 more for the glitch factor. I use a NiMH battery, 4200 MAh gives me hours of run time & weght isn't to critical in a crawler but many do run lipo batteries. I have a basic Spektrum 3 channel 2.4 radio & like it & don't use the 3rd channel but will probably hook it up to a winch this winter. Futaba has a very reasonably priced 2.4 pistol out now http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAVSY&P=7. I use a HiTec servo: http://www.rpphobby.com/product_p/hrc35645s.htm & like it well for the $.

Some upgrades you may want to thing about are the tamiya carbon steel prop shafts & my favorite performance upgrade to date has been aluminum C hubs & knuckles which improve turning radius.

[McFig]

Like DRW-FJ40 said, all you need is a 2 Channel radio, unless you are planning on adding other things like a winch or a dig, or some other add-on that will require a channel to control. But your rig will always only need 2 channels to run.

[Arcocustom]

Hi Arco,
thanks for your help,
I'm thinking about the "Futaba 4YF 4-Channel 2.4GHz FHSS Radio System"

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0161p?&I=LZ0198

What do you think? I guess it's a good choice for the price, and comes in combo with the servos...

Thanks again!!!

No problem sir. :)

Well, it looks to me like an entry level system, and it is as basic as a 2.4Ghz radio can be, but it will certainly work for your model. The "Futaba 4YF 4-Channel 2.4GHz FHSS Radio System" does have mixing on channel 1 & 2, but it is pretty stripped-down, and there are no bells or whistles on this particular model. That mixing feature may be handy if you want to run both front and rear steering, which is possible on the CR-01.

That link you provided is for the system without servos. Take note that the servos included in the combo are very basic and do not have very much torque. You probably want to go for upgraded servos with more standing torque. Metal gears and around 200 oz. inches make a huge difference on the steering, because you can run it without a servo saver, and simply install an alloy servo arm.

- Arco