Opinions on the Core/Etronix/Tamco 3ch radio.

[V6Jim]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1508807499...84.m1423.l2649

Getting started into this nonsense again and would value folks opinion of the above transmitter. Seems to be widely available at this sort of cost. There is also a cheaper 2 channel one with fewer features. Has anybody used these radios and are they reasonable value for money?

Thanks in advance for your opinions...

Jimmy

[dicky14]

hi mate, good radio for the money, ive got an early version of it which uses DSSS in stead of FHSS, the old one uses a direct signal and the FHSS uses a frequency hop signal, both work fine, used mine for 2 years now with no hassle, its as good as a £300 set and does everything you need, get it bought.

[Hpi_guy]

I have had both and in my pinion are better than a spektrum wheel in terms of quality and value

[VintageRacer]

My son uses one of the more expensive ones and a few guys I know also use them and I don't know of any problems. Lots of people reported binding problems with the earlier DSSS (black receiver) ones but the newer FHSS (blue receiver) seems to be fine.

[Col]

I had one of the etronix ones. I used it for 1 6min race and got rid.
Hated everything about it!

[V6Jim]

Originally Posted by Col

I had one of the etronix ones. I used it for 1 6min race and got rid.
Hated everything about it!

Could you expand on that... I was just about to click to buy!

Jimmy

[D20MCK]

Originally Posted by V6Jim

Could you expand on that... I was just about to click to buy!

Jimmy

I think if you have used a quality radio like a KO, Futaba or Sanwa you won't like the feel of these things. I use a KO Helios wheel and i really don't like the feel of the low end systems.

I have no doubt they have all the functions and work with no issues.

[V6Jim]

Originally Posted by D20MCK

I think if you have used a quality radio like a KO, Futaba or Sanwa you won't like the feel of these things. I use a KO Helios wheel and i really don't like the feel of the low end systems.

I have no doubt they have all the functions and work with no issues.

Well, now I'm concerned! I've used all sorts in the past, from top end Futabas to yer very basic Acoms and really have never noticed a huge difference. My favourite transmitter of all time, so far, was one of those white Futaba Attacks from yonks ago. I'll probably still go for it. It'll be OK.

Jimmy

[shaun m]

ive had my core rc one for about 18 months , its been used in different cars and never missed a beat !! my mate uses one aswell ...

[Col]

Originally Posted by V6Jim

Could you expand on that... I was just about to click to buy!

Jimmy

Basically what D20MCK said.
I went from a reasonable quality sanwa on 40mhz to an etronix on 2.4ghz. Whilst I had no problems with the specs and features it simply felt cheap, light and tacky.
I'm now running a high end futaba and don't have a clue what most of the features do, but it feels nice!

[Nightshade]

I'm with Col on this one. I had the Etronix FHSS version.

Besides not feeling very nice to hold - tacky and light, I had numerous problems.
Binding issues were a constant pain, but the ultimate killer was potentiometer issues. Each model memory channel eventually lost the ability to recognise full stick movement. 100% brake resulted in 20% being applied. For a while I could hop to another model memory but after all 15 were full, it was trash.

Having learn the lesson of buy cheap, buy twice, I spent slightly less on a used Futaba 3gr and never looked back. Feels far far smoother to my inputs and most importantly never ever misses a beat.

[NeilRalph77]

I started back with a DSSS and to be fair had no problems but my mate who i picked one up for at the same time had alot of binding problems within months and other lads at the local club had had theirs repaired and replaced and warned us against them, so i'd say stay away both mine and my mates went back his for not working and mine for just in case, I do however believe the FHSS was supposed to be an improvement.

[V6Jim]

Have purchased the Tamco version of this with the FHSS and the blue receiver. I'll let you know how it goes. £59!

Jimmy

[morpheus2010]

Raced with an Etronix Pulse EX3GPRO 2.4g FHSS Stick Radio System, Indoors and Outdoors.

Never had a problem with range drop out or binding issues. Decent capacitors on the ESC take care of voltage droop.

Use a Lipo tranny battery Turnigy 2650mAh Transmitter pack and top up charge every 3 or 4 weeks

Some problems can arise from poor connections/shoddy wiring on the car which applies to any setup.

Several club members I have spoken to said they do the business for them and to get anything better is a sizeable chunk of cash.

My only gripe is the manual is a bit sparse in explanation of features.

Regarding feel in use. Nice and light in weight. Sticks lengths can be adjusted to suit. Plenty of feature adjustments and memory store for profiles.

Expensive radio trannys can rotate the stick angles for fine adjustment but not a feature worth paying a packet for club racing.

[V6Jim]

Originally Posted by morpheus2010

Raced with an Etronix Pulse EX3GPRO 2.4g FHSS Stick Radio System, Indoors and Outdoors.

Never had a problem with range drop out or binding issues. Decent capacitors on the ESC take care of voltage droop.

Use a Lipo tranny battery Turnigy 2650mAh Transmitter pack and top up charge every 3 or 4 weeks

Some problems can arise from poor connections/shoddy wiring on the car which applies to any setup.

Several club members I have spoken to said they do the business for them and to get anything better is a sizeable chunk of cash.

My only gripe is the manual is a bit sparse in explanation of features.

Regarding feel in use. Nice and light in weight. Sticks lengths can be adjusted to suit. Plenty of feature adjustments and memory store for profiles.

Expensive radio trannys can rotate the stick angles for fine adjustment but not a feature worth paying a packet for club racing.

Thanks Morpheus and everybody else for their input. I feel sure the radio will be absolutely fine!

[arransmith27]

I still use a Sanwa Gemini 2 on 40 mhz, great radio and great value second hand.

As everyone appears to be on 2.4 these days, I never need to change crystal.

Appreciate my response isn't the question you asked, but some food for thought

[dicky14]

hi aaramsmith ive just purchased a gemini 2, waiting for delivery, what is your honest opinion of this radio and would you recomend 2.4 ghz conversion?

[Col]

Originally Posted by dicky14

hi aaramsmith ive just purchased a gemini 2, waiting for delivery, what is your honest opinion of this radio and would you recomend 2.4 ghz conversion?

I have one of those as well. Great radio with all the main features, feels reasonable and cheap to boot.
I don't think you can convert it to 2.4 as it has no module, but there is a Gemini X available (you'll have to import it) that is exactly the same, but 2.4...

[johnboy]

Originally Posted by Col

I have one of those as well. Great radio with all the main features, feels reasonable and cheap to boot.
I don't think you can convert it to 2.4 as it has no module, but there is a Gemini X available (you'll have to import it) that is exactly the same, but 2.4...

The Gemini 2.4 will be out in the uk soon

[arransmith27]

Originally Posted by dicky14

hi aaramsmith ive just purchased a gemini 2, waiting for delivery, what is your honest opinion of this radio and would you recomend 2.4 ghz conversion?

I use one myself, and have done for the last 5 years.

It's a great piece of kit, has every function you will need and is a quality product.

I have had offers locally to convert it to 2.4, but resisted as there is no need as most others are on 2.4 already - so i never really need to change crystal.

You won't be disappointed