Radio Control?

[Big Jim]

I want to refit the radio control in my Merlin. It has two servos still in place but nothing else.
I have been looking at various systems from various sources such as chuffed2bits.
I don't know which road to go down. A Spektrum DX5e or the Ripmax Saturn. I don't mind spending the money for the Spektrum if it will do what I want.
I would like to use the control for other locos as well, possibly I/C or Battery. I know I can do it with the Spektrum and the extra RX units seem cheaper than the Ripmax.
The other option is a 20 quid ebay cheapy.
What do people think? How universal is the Ripmax?
What should I do?

[Gremlin]

I' ve got a Spektrum, nice to be able to program models.
The other set is a PLanet, works just as well and can have other receivers bound to it, just reset the trims.
Haven't tried the real cheapie ones but I guess if they work, that's great and money in your pocket.

[Chris Cairns]

The main problem with 2.4GHz systems is the standards adopted by the various manufacturers can vary which limits which receivers are suitable for which transmitters.

A look through various Radio Control Forums comes up with very little information on the Ripmax Saturn 2.4GHz system, but it seems you are limited to their receivers (at £19:99), and the TX uses 8 x AA cells.

Similarly the Planet 2.4GHz system is limited to their receivers (from £14:99), but the TX only uses 4 x AA cells.

With the Spektrum 2.4GHz systems you can use the cheap Orange RX receivers which are readily available for just under £8. The DX5e will bind to a limitless number of receivers but they must all be the same type (DSM, DSM2 or DSMX).

For a cheap DSM system have a look at my Topic here - http://gardenrails.myfreeforum.org/about8102.html I used the same 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter for both locomotives with 2 Orange R615 DSM2 receivers. Downside is there is no servo reverse available on the throttle channel (it is available on the other 3 channels) and the aerial is not hinged so you need to make sure the aerial is not pointing at your model for the strongest signal.

Chris Cairns.

[vjoneslong5040]

I use the Spektrum handsets as well, though I didn't know about the orange receivers - have forked out for the spektrum ones! Doh!

I bought a Planet T5 off ebay second hand for my Countess. It was okay, but I acquired a Spektrum set second hand a few months later. It gives you a little more flexibility when adjusting the throw of servos than the Planet did. 3 out of 4 now have the Sprektrum sets, while my Planet now does service on my Bagley.

Its sometimes worth keeping an eye on ebay for second hand sets, I've got a brand new Spektrum set for less than half price with receiver, and a few other budget sets for £10-£15.

Another suggestion is the budget sets from Giant Cod/Giant Shark which I think Chris Bird has mentioned in the past. I have one of those fitted to my other diesel.

http://www.giantshark.co.uk/product/168 ... ransmitter

Hope that helps! Its alot more plug and play than I thought when I first started.

[tegfan railway]

I have a radiolink tx that I have used with model aircraft, I have both the computerised and non computerised both have proved good value and to be honest more durable and reliable than spektrum stuff though not as pretty!

[Big Jim]

Thanks for the advice and pointers folks.
I have ordered a Spektrum unit which I look forwards to playing with. At least they don't look too hard to program.