JR XS3

The XS3 is the latest radio offered by JR. JR has a reputation as one of the leaders in RC radios, and once again they're raising the bar for their competition. As you look through the list of features below you might wonder what makes this radio so special, for explanations of these functions, see the Radio/Receiver Section of the site.

• Adjustable Throttle Deadband
• Channel Mixing
• Digital Trim
• Dual Rate
• End Point Adjustments
• Fast Frame Modulation
• LCD Display
• Lap Timer
• Servo Reversing
• Six Model Memory
• Static/Panic Brake
• Three Channel Operation
• Trim/Sub Trim

You might say big deal. Plenty of other radios offer those features or at least the ones I need. However the biggest feature offered by the XS3 is the fact it allows you to never have to fool with a crystal again. Think about that for a moment. With the 30 channels offered by the 75 MHz version of this radio, that comes close to assuring you that you'll never have a frequency conflict again. With crystal sets running around $20 each, it would take you $600 to duplicate this feature alone with a standard radio.

System Mode Menu

Changing the channel is simple. On the radio you simply hold down the scroll and channel buttons while powering the unit on. That takes you to the System Mode menu that allows you to change the channel, as well as other several other options. These include managing the 6 stored model profiles, frame rate speed, and auxiliary channel functions. The four buttons below the LCD display allow you to set any item in the System Mode menu. This is basically the same layout as several other JR radios, and due to it's well thought out design, works very well.

Function Menu/Grip Buttons

Standard radio functions are available through the Function Menu anytime the unit is turned on. To access the settings with this menu, once again, all you need to use is the four buttons below the LCD display. However, for steering and throttle trim, JR has conveniently placed switches that allow you to adjust their trim settings on the fly as well. These buttons are placed in close proximity to the steering wheel so they can be easily accessed.

JR didn't stop there. They also placed a set of switches that control the Dual Rate trim and the Brake Trim near where your thumb would normally rest. This way they can be easily adjusted while driving. Right below these switches you'll find a programmable button which can be used to control several different functions, including third channel operation, emergency steering, or function as a lap counter.

Steering Tension

If that isn't enough customization for you, one can also adjust the tension of the steering assembly. Turning a screw located under the steering wheel increases or decreases steering tension, depending upon which way you adjust the screw. This can dramatically affect the feel of the radio.

RS300 Receiver

On the receiver side of things you simply set a couple of potentiometers to the same channel as the radio. That's all there is to a change channels for the receiver. There's no digging through your pit box for crystals only to find that you don't have a set for an available channel, as using the synthesized radio you have all the channels available to you.

Included Servos

Not only did JR pack a ton of features into their radio, but they also decided to include an excellent set of servos to round out the package as well. The Z590M is a high torque metal gear servo that can take more than it's fair share of punishment when used as a steering servo. While a servo with a little more torque may be desired by some this servo will work very well in most applications. The Z590MM and the Traxxas 2055 are rated nearly identical, so this servo will offer similar performance as the 2055. A metal gear servo in a radio set is not something you see offered very often, and serves to show that JR is trying their best to stay one step ahead of the competition. They also included a Z270 plastic geared servo. While not as tough as the Z590M, it will handle throttle and brake functions on most any nitro powered car or truck just fine.

Conclusion

JR has set a new standard in radios. Synthesized units have been available for airborne RC's for a while now, and aftermarket options are available for high end land-based radios. However JR is the first to take a land-based radio, roll it in as a standard option, and given it a very affordable price tag. Retail price for the tested combo is only $239.99. A smart shopper can find it for quite a bit less, which makes it even more of a bargain. On top of that, throw in JR's 3 Year Warranty and this radio looks better all the time.

One final thing to keep in mind if you are looking at purchasing this radio. It's offered in two versions, 27 MHz and 75 MHz. Both versions are FM, and other than the frequency on which they operate, they are exactly the same. However my advice is to buy the 75 MHz version. Since there are 30 available channels in the 75 MHz range, as opposed to 6 in the 27 MHz range, you'll get more available channels for your money by buying the 75 MHz version. So what are you waiting for??? It's time to jump on the synthesized bandwagon and throw away all of those spare crystals. You might even clear out enough space in your pit box for a few new tools!!!

Comfort 8 Instructions 9 Operation 9 Quality 9 Value 10

Overall Score 9.0

Rants	Raves

Model Names Can Only Be 3 Characters No ABS LCD Fonts Can Be Hard To Read At Times Reverse Polarity Charging Jack

Great Value Comfortable To Hold And Operate High Torque, Metal Gear Servo Included Makes Channel Conflicts History

Reviewed 08.27.2003