Futuba 3PM 2.4GHz MX TX & R603FF RX

The Futaba 3PM-2.4GHz MX radio was designed with all types of surface vehicles in mind. Whether you bash in the yard, race on the weekends, or rock crawl, the 3PM-X has something for you.

In this review we will look at the basic features as well as the vehicle specific features of the 3PM-X.

Keep in mind this radio wasn't designed for the professional team drivers, but rather those of us who dream about being pro drivers and don't have the money to spend on the 3PK and 4PK. The 3PM-X offers a good alternative for those on a budget.

Included in the box are the 3PM-X transmitter, R603FF receiver, on/off switch, instruction manual, and decal sheet.

The 3PM 2.4GHz MX radio is well built. I've had a lot of transmitters go through these hands, as most of you have, and I can say this thing feels tight. There is no slop or unwanted resistance in any of the controls. The steering wheel is incredibly smooth and the trigger is without slop.

The foam cushion on the satin chrome steering wheel is comfortable and the trim adjustments are easily accessed.

The antenna rotates half a turn which allows it to be angled toward the right, left, or anywhere in between on the control side of the radio.

Let's take a look at some of the features of the 3PM 2.4GHz MX transmitter.

FEATURES
2.4GHz FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) sends twice as much information to the receiver at eight times the resolution of standard systems for incredible control and smooth servo travel. Frequency channel setting is unnecessary. Shifting the channels takes place within the 2.4GHz band automatically and minimizes interference from other 2.4GHz systems.



The 3PM-X offers a ten model memory. Each of the models can be named with up to 3 characters. There is also a model copy function to simplify using the same model with different settings.



A function "Auto Detect" is used to automatically determine which mode is in use. The two modes are HRS and PPM. The active mode is displayed on the start up screen.



The 3PM-X includes digital trims which are displayed on the screen for 3 seconds when adjusted. The digital trims include steering trim, throttle trim, steering D/R, and throttle ATL.



Adjusting the digital trim step function will change the amount of trim adjustment applied with each click of the trim lever.

This adjustment works on DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4.



Steering dual rate adjusts the amount of angle, or steering throw, the wheels will turn. It is adjusted using the digital trim lever and is displayed on screen.



Throttle acceleration (ACC) is used to minimize the lag before the clutch and brake engage on gasoline and nitro engines. This gives the smooth and responsive feel of an electric vehicle.



Steering speed can be adjusted if the servo seems to operate to quickly for your driving style. This can be beneficial to correct over steer.



The anti-skid braking system function applies the brakes so that the tires of a gasoline or nitro powered vehicle don't lockup and result in loss of control. The brake servo actually pulsates like full scale ABS brakes do to ensure control through the entire braking process.

The amount of return, cycle speed, and delay can be fine tuned to accommodate your driving style and track conditions.



Brake mixing is used to adjust the amount of braking used on the front and rear tires independently. This function is beneficial for large scale vehicles with a separate servo for front and rear brakes.



The racing timer can be set to start automatically by the throttle trigger or by using a switch. Up timer and down timer can be selected. A lap timer can record 100 lap times and the total run time. You can also set the race time.

An alarm can be set to help schedule pit stops.



The four wheel steering (4WS) mixing is used with crawlers and other vehicles that have four wheel steering. The SW1 switch on the transmitter's handle is used to toggle through four different steering configurations.

(F1)=reverse phase which turns the front and rear tires in opposite directions for sharper turning. (F2)=The "same phase" turns the front and rear wheels in the same direction (crab steer) for shifting the vehicle to the side while remaining aimed in the same direction (driving sideways). (F3)=Front wheels only. (F4)=Rear wheels only.

2cy mode toggles between F1 and F2.
4cy toggles all phases.



In specific functions, two rates can be set up, and switched with the SW1 switch simultaneously during a run.



The function select lever assigns a function to different levers (digital trims and switch levers). Trim positioning at each model call is unnecessary because all the trim levers are digital.

This is where you can personalize your radio trim levers by assigning the functions where you want them.



Function select switch assigns a function the two installed switches.



The adjuster function is used to apply steering wheel and throttle trigger neutral position and operating angle corrections.

The steering wheel tension can be adjusted from the outside using a phillips head screw driver.

Adjusting the mechanical ATL using a phillips head screw driver adjusts the trigger stop position. This will effect the amount of throw in the braking controls.

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