What transmitter/3rd channel setup do you use?

[pagedm_f350]

Hi Guys,
I got my Hi-Lift for my birthday from my wife (she is awesome) and I got the 4 channel futaba radio aswell.
I have built the truck as standard (at this stage) and run it with that radio and I got to say I am not so happy with operating the truck with the 4VWD radio, it feels clumbsy and easy to bump all the trims etc.
I mean it would be good if I decide to get the MFU, but to be honest I don't think I will get the MFU, I am going to go 4-link setup and high turn motor like a 55T integy or maybe brushless novak crawler.

I did see some forums a while back with Hi-Lift owners running 3 channel pistol radios, I can't locate the posts anymore but I am pretty sure that the radio they had was programmed for the 3rd channel push button to sequentially go up the gears, e.g. 1-2-3 then 3-2-1
I remember it being an Airtronics possibly but without finding the post I can't be sure.

What radio gear and setup are you running? how do you change gears?

Thanks for the replies :Tamiya1:

[driftology]

ive been waiting for someone to ask this. im in the same boat, i hate using stick transmitters for road r/cs. i have looked everywhere for pistol but the 3rd chan is usually toggle. and im not ready to spend over 400$ for a pistol that can.

[mcovalsk]

I used a Futaba attack, easily I added a 3 step switch, one position 1st, center 2nd…etc. The conversion is quite simple, just the switch, a hole to place in the radio cage and 3 cables soldered to the potentiometer. You can also add some resistances of 2200 ohms if you like to keep working the train of pulses in the right way, but is not necessary really.
Also I added push buttons to be used with the MFC.

[4wdmt]

I use Futaba 3PDF on my Bruiser. The 3rd channel can be programmed to be on 3 step position. Works great, You can buy em cheap now on ebay.

[Thorsteenster]

Can I say ******* on this board? If so you can use a ******* TQ3 with the rear steer mod which turns the thrid channel into a 3 position.

[william]

I use the tra xxas tq3 radio with a new switch

borrowed from RCMT
I set up a tq3 for a blazer, and a hilux and they work mint. I've picked them up from e-bay for 33 bucks shipped to my door. Radio, reciever and crystals. There are lots selling without, but look for the whole deal it happens.

I now have done 7 of these radios. 1 hour max time to do it.

A switch from radio shack is 4 bucks, Purchase this switch, or one similar.

Must be a center off for shifting, rock crawlers want a momentary for rear steer.

http://rcmt.net/images/tq3_switch.jpg


Pull your crystal and batteries out.

Remove the 5 screws from the rear of the radio, #1 philips.

Seprate the 2 halves making sure the entire electronics stay in the front half.

Notice the grey center wire on the traxxas red rocker, this wire must go to the center of your new switch. The black and white go to the 2 outside terminals.

Take your iron, or gun and desolder these wires from the rocker.

I put my spdt switch up in the top of my radio so I need to lengthen the 3 wires.

A good idea if your going to drill is to remove anything close to your hole. I know, wrecked a steering pot and had to steal one from a 2ch radio. :banghead Dull drill bit :banghead

http://members.cox.net/willghobby4/hilux/tq31.jpg


Solder up the switch, and install in either the rocker hole, or the new one you made. If you mount it near the steering remove the extra (second) nut to stick the switch out farther.


http://members.cox.net/willghobby4/hilux/tq32.jpg

Put back half back on carefull not to pinch any wires.

Pop in the crystal, and batteries and test, servo reversing will change top and bottom positions, and there is a (screw driver) trim adjustment up front to center it.

[twisted]

the tq3 mod will posted is what i used. it works great.

[Suprachrgd82]

Supra is currently using an MX3. It doesn't allow for 2nd gear, but 2nd really doesn't seem that useful anyway.
(Can I say that here?)
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCHA7**&P=7

On the other hand, William's mod seems very intrigueing. Supra has every intent of investigating the possibility of this mod to an MX3.

The shift servo has a linear kit.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=000909382&I=LXCJG6&P=K

[william]

Supra is currently using an MX3. It doesn't allow for 2nd gear, but 2nd really doesn't seem that useful anyway.
(Can I say that here?)
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCHA7**&P=7

On the other hand, William's mod seems very intrigueing. Supra has every intent of investigating the possibility of this mod to an MX3.

The shift servo has a linear kit.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=000909382&I=LXCJG6&P=K


hmm, one wonders why one talks about oneself in third person.
oh
wait
one, plus one, plus the last one(self) equals three, yeah, yeah that's it :LOL:

[bigblazerboy]

why does it say that it needs a 4ch transmitter wouldnt a 3ch work jsut fine and the are cheaper just put a 3 position switch on it

[Suprachrgd82]

why does it say that it needs a 4ch transmitter wouldnt a 3ch work jsut fine and the are cheaper just put a 3 position switch on it

Additional channels are for the MFU, and other mods (tilt bed, independent 4 wheel steer, etc)

For basic ops, yes, the 3ch is more economical.

[bigblazerboy]

thats what i thought

[Mountymaxx]

I just did a t-maxx radio set up on mine---works excellent and is very easy to do! I filled in where the original switch was then drilled a new hole and placed the toggle there. Much nicer to operate than the 4 channels! Mountymaxx

[pagedm_f350]

Cool guys, thanks for all the awesome replies, it is a big help.


I used a Futaba attack, easily I added a 3 step switch, one position 1st, center 2nd…etc. The conversion is quite simple, just the switch, a hole to place in the radio cage and 3 cables soldered to the potentiometer. You can also add some resistances of 2200 ohms if you like to keep working the train of pulses in the right way, but is not necessary really.
Also I added push buttons to be used with the MFC.

mcovalsk any chance of posting some pics to show me your setup?

[mcovalsk]

Cool guys, thanks for all the awesome replies, it is a big help.



mcovalsk any chance of posting some pics to show me your setup?

Hi, it's exactly what showed William with the 3 ch pistol but in the Futaba 4 stick.

[Mouton]

I use the same 3 channel radio for my F-350 as for all my other ground vehicles (apart from the Hilux and Knight Hauler). It is a Futaba 3PK and it allows me to change gears swiftly.

However, it is not more economical than most 4 channel radios.:LOL:

[33 Over]

i have my tq3 hooked up right now and it works good, but i picked up a attack 4wd radio and want to use it as i will more than likely put in the light kit (mfu) jsut to keep this thing more stock.

i am having probs (which i will figure out probably tonight) with which channels to plug the servos and esc into. somehow my steering gets crossed over, i can shift gears but cannot throttle with the same toggle..........

like i said, i will prob figure it out tonight, but if anyone can put it plainly as to the exact channels to plug which into, i would appreciate it - it will only help me save time......

thanks !!