Most
other systems require at least two buttons and/or switches to access and program;
the 2PL features just one button to scroll down the menu and one trim switch to
select the desired setting. | The
Steering Dual Rate lever is strategically located on the grip close to the trigger,
for quick and easy adjustment of steering sensitivity while driving. |
Xtreme
RC Cars, Issue 100 (March 2004) Words: Derek Buono Many
people can claim having a Futaba Magnum radio as their first radio. The original
radio was high quality and full of features like trim knobs and even servo reversing
(remember when that was an option?). For the first time in a while, the mid-level
Futaba line of radios gets an upgrade. The current generation of RCers that will
experience the Magnum radio for the first time will be treated to a list of features
that not only looks good on paper, but also feels good in your hands. And servo
reversing comes standard! Features Large
LCD Screen--The current trend is digital screens and controls, and the 2PL delivers
on a large LCD screen. It's easy to read, and none of the characters are distorted. One-Button
Selection--The 2PL simplifies the menu navigation with one large "Select"
button. At first, I thought that the button was the only thing you need, but you
actually use the steering and throttle trim tabs to adjust the functions once
they are selected. 10-Model Memory--For those
of us with multiple cars, the 2PL can store the settings for 10 different models,
and you can name each, as long as the name is three characters long.
Digital
Trims--All the setting are saved digitally, and you adjust the trims with three
toggle switches, one for the steering, throttle, and dual rate features. ABS--The
radio includes an ABS feature that pulsates the braking function in one of three
rates. End Point Adjustment (EPA)--One of the
best features is EPA. This allows you to limit servo travel in both directions
independently. It also has dual rate, which limits travel in both directions
Testing
I
do the same thing to every radio I test. I pull it out of the box and wiggle everything
I can on the radio. Whatever comfort/ergonomic test you call this, it gives a
good idea as to how solid the radio feels. Both the steering and throttle spring
rates feel good. The feel of the radio is of higher quality. The plastic is a
rich black, and nothing feels hollow when you reach the end of travel. This is
a great quality to have in a budget-oriented radio. Turning the radio on, I got
a chance to experience the LCD and the information it displays. The default screen
displays the model number and the current voltage. You can program a name for
up to 10 models, but it's limited to three characters. Once installed, the stock
servos will work well in most electric vehicles. Ours came with the Futaba MC230,
a great little ESC and a good buy even when you buy them together. I didn't run
into any problem with interference, and the only thing I could think that would
have made this a better radio is a third channel. Futaba just released a radio
aimed at T-Maxxers and other monster trucks that use a third channel. One other
thing that bugged me is that the fact that the ad for this radio implied that
you need only that one button. This isn't true. You actually have to use the trim
tabs, but the one button does make for a cleaner look. Conclusion
My
first pistol grip was a Magnum Jr. and back then, it was a great low-priced radio.
The new 2PL retains the quality and performance of the original. There are a few
ways to get your 2PL, and even at the most expensive place, with the ESC, you
get a great radio with a decent list of features. Sure, we wish it was FM, but
we wish all radios were, and for an AM budget radio, we like this one. Well now it's FM!!!!
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