What's the best transmitter?

[Darin Jordan]

Very Interesting. So Darin, do you use the AVC feature, and if so to what extent.


Thanks, JLH

I've tested it (for Spektrum), but no, I don't. I can see some points where it would help for certain applications (active Canard, etc.) but for general boat racing, it's more trouble than it's worth. A properly setup boat won't benefit.

[T.S.Davis]

I tried it too. Kinda make a mess of things.

[Erroneous]

Anyone have range issues with the DX4S ? I had 3 failsafes yesterday. I was getting easily twice the range with the old Airtronics MX-3FG $150 10 years ago. This Spectrum has terrible range, by terrible im talking 400-450 ft. Its impossible to try to go 90mph with this thing. Contacting support on tuesday. If its a faulty unit then ok, but if this is normal Futaba here I come.

[Erroneous]

To add... The runs yesterday where in the mountains on a lake with no obstructions no rc anything and no cell service. Interference is pretty much out.

[Fluid]

My DX4R PRO has a range of at least 900 feet, haven't tried it further out. What receiver do you have? How far out of the hull is the antenna? What are you using to power the receiver? Some are voltage sensitive.


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[kfxguy]

My dx4s works just fine. I never measured the distance but it goes as far as I can see.

[Erroneous]

My DX4R PRO has a range of at least 900 feet, haven't tried it further out. What receiver do you have? How far out of the hull is the antenna? What are you using to power the receiver? Some are voltage sensitive.


.

Was using the sr410, 6v from bec. Switched to the sr4210 on 5v no AVC. See how that goes

[Erroneous]

My dx4s works just fine. I never measured the distance but it goes as far as I can see.

I wish.. Id be happy with half that.

[Fluid]

Was using the sr410, 6v from bec. Switched to the sr4210 on 5v no AVC. See how that goes

How much antenna was outside the hull? You didn't fold over the last inch did you? Carbon fiber hull?



.

[kfxguy]

I wish.. Id be happy with half that.

Well you e got something wrong. I just ran 99.9 and 100.0mph a couple hours ago and my reached as far as I needed it too without cutting out. Sr210 receiver. 32" carbon fiber cat.


I'll tell you this, if your not using a seperate bec on your setup, then that's where your problem is. My 27" cat was cutting out until I used a seperate bec. Just a thought.

[Erroneous]

Well you e got something wrong. I just ran 99.9 and 100.0mph a couple hours ago and my reached as far as I needed it too without cutting out. Sr210 receiver. 32" carbon fiber cat.


I'll tell you this, if your not using a seperate bec on your setup, then that's where your problem is. My 27" cat was cutting out until I used a seperate bec. Just a thought.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...prod=de-vhvbec Mounted 4" from receiver. Ill run the 4210 and see what happens.

[Erroneous]

How much antenna was outside the hull? You didn't fold over the last inch did you? Carbon fiber hull?



.

As much antenna wire that fits in the stock zelos twin straw all the way up to the rubber stop via the stock receiver location. This wire is actually almost an inch longer than the airtronics'.

[Erroneous]

So in the end the DX4S is going back. Im looking into the Futaba 4PX. Im looking to do speed runs and this Spectrum just doesnt have what I need. I realize the Futaba is twice the price but if I dont get failsafes I'm happy. I can't fathom loosing $2000 worth of boat to signal loss. I'm glad others are happy with Spectrum, just doesn't fit my needs of 500+ft of range. 5 signal losses in two weekends is enough for me.

[kfxguy]

So in the end the DX4S is going back. Im looking into the Futaba 4PX. Im looking to do speed runs and this Spectrum just doesnt have what I need. I realize the Futaba is twice the price but if I dont get failsafes I'm happy. I can't fathom loosing $2000 worth of boat to signal loss. I'm glad others are happy with Spectrum, just doesn't fit my needs of 500+ft of range. 5 signal losses in two weekends is enough for me.

Something must be wrong with your setup. I run my boat in a lake that's 2000ft long. It will reach from one end to the other with me in the middle. I did change my aa batts to high voltage nizn batts which I highly recommend. I should have mentioned that earlier. It really helped. I've had range issues in the past but one reason was the mr series receivers which just didn't work well for me and adding the hv batts. I only use sr210 and 310 receivers now. I like this radio so much I'm chomping at the bit for the new dx6 to be released because I'll be getting one.

[Erroneous]

Something must be wrong with your setup. I run my boat in a lake that's 2000ft long. It will reach from one end to the other with me in the middle. I did change my aa batts to high voltage nizn batts which I highly recommend. I should have mentioned that earlier. It really helped. I've had range issues in the past but one reason was the mr series receivers which just didn't work well for me and adding the hv batts. I only use sr210 and 310 receivers now. I like this radio so much I'm chomping at the bit for the new dx6 to be released because I'll be getting one.

No biggie. Im running a hvBEC. Ive tried 5v and 6v output. Ive even run the antenna wire all the way sticking out of the straw. Was using the included receivers though. Customer service told me that 4-500ft is normal due to some government regulations. Futaba is advertising 1200ft. Spectrum is unspecified. Choice is easy. Will keep the ol duffer MX3FG just in case. You can see in my vid the range Im after. Not asking too much. The dx4s made it about 3/4 of that distance and took a bow. Wind blew it back my way. I should be taking the paddleboat with me but yeah.