I see you offer a voltage protector (SPM1600). What is it, what's it for, and do I need one?
The BEC output of certain electronic speed controllers is unable to provide enough power to operate high current draw digital servos. Loss of control of a vehicle, especially during hard acceleration and when the battery pack is almost empty can be a symptom of this. The purpose of the voltage protector is to provide the power needed to maintain control during such periods of time. The voltage protector is a capacitor that can be plugged into any available channel on the receiver. This situation is most common when running 4 cell (oval or one twelfth scale) with an ESC that has a low power output, but with most ESCs this is not a problem.

Can I run a personal AMB transponder with my Spektrum system?
The AMB transponder can indeed be used with the Spektrum system. All that has to be done is to plug the transponder into any available channel and if a channel isn’t available use a Y-harness.

What is the difference between the Standard and the Pro Series modules and receivers?
The Pro Series modules and receivers use higher-grade reference crystals for an improved RF link. In addition reaction time is reduced to 3 milliseconds. The Pro Series equipment uses a conformably coated receiver board that makes it water resistant, fuel and dirt proof.
The smoke grey receiver and module sets are also new and are fuel resistant. Both systems are compatible with the optional telemetry system.

What is the voltage range of the SR3000 receiver and can I use a 2-cell Li-Po pack direct?
The receiver can manage up to 9.6volts, but in reality it’s the servo’s that are the real limiting factor. Check with the servo manufacturer that you are using for specific details.

Early on, some drivers were saying the Spektrum system was noticeably slower than their conventional system and switched back. Why was this?
Spektrum has made significant improvements since it was first introduced. The hardware and software technology available in the current systems are faster as well as having an improved RF link, and are more durable and robust than before. If the system is used for pure racing purpose and only the best will do, the Spektrum Pro Series module and receivers are the fastest available.

How long will my transmitter battery last?
The Spektrum module is incredibly efficient and will actually last twice as long as a current 27 or 40MHz system. A specific time can not be given due to the fact that it depends on the battery in use; however and Airtronics M11 with brand name alkaline batteries will operate for over 7 hours using the Spektrum system.

We have several Wi Fi systems and Wireless Routers running at our indoor track. How will this effect the Spektrum system?
These systems typically operate on the 2.4GHz band, and while they do occupy some of the bandwidth (channels), they must abide by FCC rules and incorporate collision avoidance. So while these systems can reduce the number of potential operators (there are 79 possible), the systems will operate harmoniously and not cause each other interference.

What is the range?
Under most conditions, farther than you can see your car!

There are three versions of module systems available for my Futaba 3PK. What are the differences?

Standard
The standard version is the least expensive of the three versions, and it’s compatible with the optional telemetry system. If you’re not a serious racer and are into the hobby for fun this package is for you. Using this system requires that the 3PK be placed into PPM mode.

Pro Series
The Pro Series module and receiver features a faster response time, improved RF link performance, a conformably coated receiver that resists water and dirt, and the module and receiver cases are smoked grey and are fuel resistant. As with the standard version, the transmitter must be programmed in PPM mode to operate. The Pro Series system is compatible with the optional telemetry system.

HSR System
The HRS system operates with the 3PK in high speed HRS mode, giving it the fastest possible response. In fact the Spektrum HRS system can only be used in HRS mode. This system is designed for serious racers that demand the quickest possible response. Telemetry is not compatible with the HRS system and only two channels (steering and throttle) are operational.

Can I use telemetry with my HRS system?
The system isn’t compatible with Spektrum’s telemetry package. If you want to use the telemetry use the Pro Series module and receiver, which will offer near-HSR response time and allow you to utilize the telemetry.

How fast is the HRS Spektrum module?
The system’s response time is only 2.6ms!

Can I use the Futaba HRS system in other Futaba transmitters?
The HRS system will only work with the Futaba 3PK in the HRS mode. Other Futaba radios don't support HRS and are not compatible.

Will the standard SR3000 receiver work with the HRS module?
Special programming is required on the receiver for the SR3000 to work with the HRS module. So unfortunately no, the standard SR3000 receiver will not work with the HRS module. The HRS receiver is not compatible with Standard or Pro Series modules and the SR3000 receiver is not compatible with the HRS module.

How many channels does the HRS system support?
The HRS system transmits two channels only. Not transmitting the third channel reduces the response rate.

What functions does the telemetry offer?
The telemetry system offers head temperature, battery voltage, rpm or speed, and lap time for gas cars. For electric powered the system records rpm, motor or battery temperature, main battery or receiver battery voltage and lap times.

How does the lap timer work?
An infrared lap trigger is placed on the edge of the track with its beam facing outward across the track. An infrared sensor is mounted in the car and each time the car passes the beam a precise lap time is recorded.

How accurate is the head temperature for nitro engines?
The reading is accurate to within one degree of the actual temperature. A contact type thermister is mounted at the base of the head and gives real time temperature to your pit man via the handheld unit. This is a huge benefit for gas car racers.

If I plug in all the telemetry options then there is no place to plug in my personal transponder?
There is a dedicated telemetry module which plugs into the receiver. The telemetry sensors plug into that. If all the receiver ports are in use you can use a Y-harness to allow a personal transponder to be plugged in.

I'd like to monitor my 2-cell Li-Po receiver pack with the telemetry to prevent damaging my pack, over-discharging it. Can this be done?
This can be done by simply presetting the voltage alarm to 6.6 volts (for a 2-cell pack). When the critical voltage point is reached, the handheld unit will vibrate to indicate that it has reached that point and thus saving the Li-Po pack.

How does the voltage sensor hook up?
The voltage reading is actually taken internally. Whatever voltage the telemetry module is being powered by is the voltage that will be displayed on the hand-held unit, thus you automatically get the receiver pack voltage. A harness is provided that can be soldered to another source (like the main battery that powers the motor) if you wish to monitor the voltage of something other than the receiver pack voltage.

How many laps will the handheld unit record?
The handheld unit records up to 99 laps giving lap times to 0.01 seconds for each lap.

Can Spektrum cause interference with other non-Spektrum radios or can a non-Spektrum radio cause a Spektrum system interference?
Spektrum operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band. That's 2,400MHz. Because this frequency band is located so far away from our currently used 27MHz and 40MHz systems, Spektrum and conventional systems have no effect on each other.