ANy problem using this radio in a ship? I know a few of the guys use the spektrum...this is futabas entry. Looks like it should work ok. THanks, Dennis
I've got one I just installed in my Courageous. Works good so far. I currently have a worry about the battery life of the battery which came with it though. Does anyone know how long it will last, or have a recommendation of something to replace it with should it be lacking? Thanks.
Try it for yourself & see. Hopefully, you'll have to wait a good, long time to get your answer! If not, batteries can be replaced (& upgraded). JM
I will try it for myself, I was hoping there might be someone else's mistakes for me to learn from. I'm selfish like that, I'd by far prefer to learn a lesson like that because some other guys' radio ran out of juice and he told me, then to be the bearer of such "wisdom" myself! EDIT: So far, I am pretty happy with the radio. Everything is pretty straight forward and easy to figure out. With my old HF radio, when I'd use one channel, sometimes the others would twitch a slight bit. This happened with 2 different recievers. It's not happening at all on the new 2.4 radio.
I bought an aftermarket voltage regulator for the Spektrum; it soldered in and now the battery is good for a much longer period. I'm still going to put in a larger battery, but that's just in the name of overkill
Dude, just buy one in the store... I don't have near enough radios for my ships. I'd want more than it costs new because I have buttons and the VR mod. Honestly, buying a radio new is a really really good idea. Either the Vex robotics one, or one from Tower Hobby, or from almost anywhere reliable.
Does anyone have any idea what the max range of the futaba 2.4 ghz radio is? That lacking, what about the spektrum? If there are any range limitations I'd rather have an idea before my boat goes on a nice jaunt across the lake by itself!
I've used the Spektrum at long (naval) range... more than 150 to 200 feet. The Futaba is designed for full-size RC aircraft, so I'd expect its range will be considerably greater.
I tested my futaba 2.4 out to about 1000 feet with no control issues. I would suggest that if you can see your ship, you can control it. If you have metal stuff (like a fence) between you and the ship, it may reduce range.
One side note on range, 2.4 ghz radio's wont control your ship after it sinks, water absorbs that energy pretty quick. Its not really a big limitation just don't expect to be able to fire your guns after a sink to locate the ship if you are used to doing that with a 75 Mhz setup. I wouldnt let that stop you from buying a 2.4 ghz rig.
I have my Spektrum sitting open on the bench doing just that. Scary scary Not as scary as desoldering the old voltage regulator in it to put the new one in, but still...
