Tx/Rx
The Tx/Rx system, also known as the electronics of a rc vehicle along with the servos, is the system that allows you to remotely control your Savage. The Tx (also known as the transmitter) is the device you hold when driving your vehicle. Most surface radios have a trigger and a steering wheel, at the minimum. Other common features on transmitters-
- End Point Adjustment (EPA) Allows you to control where the rotation of a servo ends. This shortens or lengthens one side of a servo's rotation. Affects one end of travel.
- Servo Reversing lets you reverse the direction of servos.
- Throttle/Steering Trim shifts the range of motion of the servo, affecting both ends of travel
- Computer Features. This can include anti-lock brakes, multi-model memory, and more.
- Built-In Failsafe
You will also see the number of channels a radio is. The minimum for a car is two, which means the transmitter can control two servos. A three channel transmitter can control three servos, and so on. There are three types of transmitters -
- AM - Uses crystals. There are 6 different frequencies available, ranging from 26.995 MHZ to 27.255 MHZ. The small number of frequencies means that another hobbyist running an AM radio at the same time as you are has a 1/6 chance of creating major glitching and causing you to lost control of your model. AM also has a smaller range than the next options.
- FM - Similar to AM in that it used crystals or a synthesizer, but it uses a higher frequency (75 MHZ) and has many more frequencies than AM. It is less likely to get interference and has longer range than AM.
- 2.4 GHZ - The newest radio technology. These transmitters can control your vehicle farther than you can see, so as long as you don't have a FPV camera on your Savage, you're golden. They have even less interference than FM, and don't rely on crystals for a set frequency. Many 2.4 GHZ transmitters search for a interference-free frequency to control your car, and keep another as a backup to switch to in case of interference. This is called frequency-hopping, and is known by different acronyms such as FHSS, FAAST, and AFHDS. 2.4 GHZ receiver antennas are also small enough to fit under the body, protecting them from tearing or damage.
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Stock Transmitters
HPI TF-3
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Comes stock in
- Savage X 4.6 RTR
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- Type: AM Basic
- Channels: 2
- Features: Servo reversing, Throttle and steering trim
- Street Price: about $30 (hard to find)
- Notes:
You will want to upgrade this fairly fast, if not just because of the antenna tearing off because of wheelies.
HPI TF-20
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Comes stock in
- Savage Flux HP
- Savage XL 5.9
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- Type: 2.4 GHZ DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) Basic
- Channels: 2
- Features: Servo reversing, Throttle and steering trim
- Street Price: $70 (ebay)
- Notes:
Useful Aftermarket Transmitters
FlySky GT-2
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- Type: Basic 2.4 Ghz
- Channels: 2
- Features: Servo reversing, Throttle and steering trim, Built-in fail safe
- Street Price: $20 (HobbyKing)
- Notes: This is a stable 2.4 GHZ system to buy if you're on a budget. It doesn't have many features, but it is a 2.4 system so the range is infinite, and without crystals or interference. And you really don't need ABS with a MT!
FlySky GT-3B
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- Type: 2.4 GHZ AFHDS (Automatic Frequency Hopping Digital System)
- Channels: 3
- Features: Servo reversing, Throttle and steering trim, Built-in fail safe, Multi-model memory, EPA Adjustment, Computer (ABS I think?)
- Street Price: $30 at some stores
- Notes: Cheap computer radio that hops frequencies just like high-end brands like Futaba! The only problem with it is that it's ugly.... but look at that price! These are for people who have multiple Savages, or want to have a computer radio without spending $250 for a Futaba.
