2 or 3 channel RC

[vidam]

Help, I am new to RC world.

I am getting ready to order an RC controller. I am wondering if I need a 2-channel RC or a 3-channel one.

1-channel throttle
2-channel steering
3-failsafe

Do I need the 3rd channel for the failsafe picoswitch like this one? http://www.dimensionengineering.com/datasheets/Picoswitch-diagram.jpg?

Also lots of other people will probably have RC controllers in the FM frequency band. They have this new spread spectrum technology that claims that your frequency will never get mixed up with other people's like it did in FM.

[Private Reid]

I don't really get your link...

But i think to be on the safe side order a 3 channel

and you could always buy a cheap 3 channel RC car off ebay and use the gear from that to save money

[AndrewM]

If you have never invested in an RC controller, and there is the possibility of reusing it for other projects, get yourself a digital 6 channel controller.  The new digital controllers lock in between the receiver and transmitter so there is almost no chance of someone else controlling your device.  They can cost a little more, but in six months when you are trying to test something or working on another project you will be glad you made the investment. 

[Admin]

never get a 2-channel . . . there are a million things you can do with a 3rd channel

[airman00]

If you have never invested in an RC controller, and there is the possibility of reusing it for other projects, get yourself a digital 6 channel controller.  The new digital controllers lock in between the receiver and transmitter so there is almost no chance of someone else controlling your device.  They can cost a little more, but in six months when you are trying to test something or working on another project you will be glad you made the investment. 

agreed

I am currently saving up for a 6 channel

Vidam, what are you building?? I'm very curious. An 8 amp ( from your battery post) R/C vehicle  ?

[vidam]

Thanks to everyone who helped answer my question.

I chose a 3 channel FM Futaba RC transmitter/receiver from the local hobby shop today.

[Trumpkin]

never get a 2-channel . . . there are a million things you can do with a 3rd channel

Amen to that, I got a 2-channel a while ago and now I wish I had gotten a 3 channel. 

[airman00]

speaking of 2 channel radios.... I just got an old R/C car - looks custom to me - It has a two channel reciever and transmitter - it uses one servo for steering and one servo to turn a potentiometer which controls the motor.

Cool stuff. I'll take some pics of it soon and post a new topic with photos.


Anyway , on topic: Two channels are way too little , go with three at least