Radio Equipment
There are 2 main categories of radio transmitters. Stick transmitters have 2 sticks, one you push forwards and backwards for the throttle and brake/reverse (left hand stick) and one for the steering (right hand stick). Trigger (or steerwheel) transmitters have a finger trigger which you pull towards you for throttle and push away for brake/reverse and then a wheel on the side which you rotate clockwise to turn right and anti clockwise to turn left. Which is best? Well it is down to personal preference, generally dictated by what you have used before - some people from the Playstation generation may find sticks easier as the controls are closer to a Playstation joypad. It is worth noting that using “stick” transmitters for cars is a very UK specific thing, the vast majority of the world uses Trigger type and so these are made in much larger quantities – thus its fair to say you can get more features for less money on trigger transmitters so if you are starting from scratch, trigger is probably the way to go!
There are 3 main frequencies for surface (i.e. on the floor or water!) models, 27mhz, 40mhz or 2.4ghz. These relate to the frequency at which the radio equipment operates. 40mhz and 27mhz have several “Sub frequencies”, i.e. 27.100, 27.105, 40.205. To change the frequency you have to generally change crystals – if two models are on the same frequency then they will interfere with each other. This should be avoided as much as possible as a model that is not in control is dangerous. 2.4ghz systems don’t let you choose the frequency or change a crystal, when you turn on a 2.4ghz system, it will scan the 2.4ghz band and find a sub-frequency and pick a sub frequency that is not being used. If another system is switched on, it does the same and so will see you have one sub frequency so it will pick another. In short, 2.4ghz systems will eliminate the chance of you getting interference from other radio systems. With a 27 or 40mhz system you may get interference if someone on the same sub frequency turns on their radio system. This is controlled at most clubs so that if two people use the same frequency then they are generally put in different heats so as not to clash but there is always a chance of interference.
Which should you get? The cost of 2.4ghz systems has fallen in recent times such that you can get basic entry level systems for as little as £35. That said, many people are switching to 2.4ghz so you may be able to find a good 40mhz system second hand that has many more features than you could afford on a new 2.4ghz system. A few things to keep in mind.... if you are looking to get one transmitter and multiple receivers (so you can use several different models), then check the price of spare receivers, Futaba 2.4ghz ones can be very expensive but others can be more reasonable. There are also 3rd party compatible receivers available now – for example FRSKY make a Futaba FSST compatible receiver which is around £25 as opposed to £70 for the Futaba item. Another thing to keep in mind is that 2.4ghz systems are generally not cross compatible so if you use a Spektrum transmitter then you need a Spektrum receiver. When purchasing a radio system, check if it comes with a servo for the steering. Some do, some don’t but you can generally say that very cheap systems that come with a servo mean it is a very cheap servo – which means your wheels will move slower when turning the car. If this is the case, you may need to look at a separate steering servo. The final point is that several models of transmitter have “modules”. These removable modules allow you to keep the same base transmitter (which may be a Futaba) and then insert a Spektrum Module, the module being either 27mhz, 40mhz or 2.4ghz
A basic system will have a channel reverse system and a trim for each channel. Top systems will have 30 – 40 adjustments that can be made and store settings for 10-20 different models. Rather than explain each different feature, below is a link to the manual for a Futaba 3VCS. This unit has every imaginable feature for electric and nitro cars (including ABS functions!), therefore if you see a system and are not sure what one of its advertised features is, this manual will probably tell you as there is a very good chance the 3VCS has that feature. However you will find most manuals are downloadable from the web now.
http://manuals.hobbico.com/fut/3vcs-manual.pdf
I would suggest that if you can afford slightly more than the basic system, it is worth spending the extra to get one with EPA / ATV settings and steering dual rate. These are not absolutely essential but can be a big help. For example EPA / ATV can be adjusted by good mechanical setup, dual rate can be simulated by not moving the stick all the way to its extremes!