Any problems with Futaba 3GR 2.4GHz

sunbeam · #1 22-10-2011

Hi,

I'm tyring to get myself a reliable TX RX combo, but finding it hard to get any info (not including Matty and Dave)

I've had a 3GR in the past and had black out problems, but that was about 2 1/2 years ago.

Has anybody out there in RC racing land had any problems at all with the Futaba 3GR 2.4GHz set ?

Please reply, as I'm stuck and I don't want to be smashing up any more cars with bad radios. I've had the worst luck in the world so far with land bassed 2.4 sets

Thanks.

Chris Green · #2 22-10-2011

Hi mate,

I had a 3GR for about 18 months, when they first came out.

Mine worked faultlessly. At the time, the cost of a spare receiver was very high (£70 iirc), but I understand there are cheaper alternatives available).

They are quite plasticy, especially compared to a top end set (3VCS, or KO 3 etc).

If I had £190 available, I'd be looking to buy a 2nd handd 3VCS to be honest, based on build quality alone.

Do you currently have the etronix set with a black receiver, or the later blue version?

sunbeam · #3 22-10-2011

Hi,

I have the blue one. I thought this one was the good one? A club mate, I've just found out, has also had problems with the Etronics system.

Thanks for the reply.

mattybucks · #4 22-10-2011

I've known a few people to have problems with that system. My advise would be buy the best TX you can afford even if it means buying second hand. It the most important bit of Rc kit you'll own.

If a few friends have a couple of different tx's, ask if you can pick them up and have a feel. You want to go for a TX that feels good to hold, and is reliable. Any of the top brands are good.

Dazzler · #5 22-10-2011

If you're happy to consider 40mhz, I would say the Ko esprit 2 type r is by far the best radio I've owned.. Great feel, 100% reliable. (I've had the esprit 2, 3 and currently have a 3vcs)

The older ko's in my opinion were much better build quality than the esprit 3..

I've had and seen many people with binding issues at some point with 2.4 sets... Normally just as you switch on to chuck your car down on the line. The type r can be brought cheap, and very few people now are on 40mhz..

Receivers will also be cheap to pick up..

JACKOR33 · #6 22-10-2011

Rob,

I also had the blue etronix set and had 8 months trouble free , then it started playing up at calidcot and put my losi into the wall at the end of a straight

luckily it's a strong car!!

I got a Futaba 3GR 2.4 and its been 100% solid and the car responds quicker i'd recommend it for the sub £150 price bracket

cheers

dave

Chris Green · #7 22-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by JACKOR33

Rob,

I also had the blue etronix set and had 8 months trouble free , then it started playing up at calidcot and put my losi into the wall at the end of a straight

luckily it's a strong car!!

I got a Futaba 3GR 2.4 and its been 100% solid and the car responds quicker i'd recommend it for the sub £150 price bracket

cheers

dave

I'm getting a bit concerned now. I've recently bought an Etronix system.

To be honest, I assumed that if the radio system failed, the failsafe built into the speedo would cut power to the motor? Saying that, do speedo's even have failsafes built in?

Is it possible to get a 3GR for £150? the ones I've seen are £190+

sunbeam · #8 22-10-2011

Thanks for the replies guys

I've had no luck in finding a 3GR with RX for a low price. JE Spares seem to be the cheapest I can find at £198.99. It was the same a few years ago when I bought a set. Futaba seem to hold their price.

It looks like I'm going to have to spend big money on a TX set, but the Etronics has to go for sure.

"Can I have some money Mr Bank Manager?"