Tactic’s
TTX650
Tactic enters the computer radio system market!
By Jim Wiggin PHOTOGRAPHY: JIM WIGGIN U
nless one has been living under a rock these days, a few dollars can’t buy as much as it used to. Trips to the gas station to fill up Jess, my Jeep, usually hover at $50.00 or more a tank and groceries are not much of a bargain ei- ther. So when a company announces a 20- model memory, six-channel computer trans- mitter for under $200.00, you can bet that this frugal (read cheap) New Englander will take notice. In an era where everyone’s hob- by budget is shrinking in some manner, it is nice to know there are still a few bargains out there to be had. So when Carol Pesch from Hobbico asked me to review the Tactic TTX650 2.4 GHz transmitter I was more than eager to see how it would match up against other well-established systems available on the market today.
Tactic is a relatively new name to the R/C world. They got their start with the Flyzone micro series of planes around 2009. They be- came known for their simple yet reliable 2.4 GHz system installed within the Flyzone micro models. Then in 2011, Tactic made a huge contribution to the modeling world when they introduced AnyLink. Now, no matter what transmitter brand or model you
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had, one could fly a plane with Tactic’s SLT (Secure Link Technology) receiver in it. Suddenly the Flyzone micros as well as the larger models were available to a larger au- dience thanks to AnyLink’s technology. To see more on the AnyLink technology, see Frank Fanelli’s excellent and in-depth report in the January 2013 issue of FLYINGMODELS. Soon after Tactic started offering a simple 6-channel system that was 2.4 GHz and of- fered a wireless trainer function. I can attest that this makes training the budding pilot a bit easier than doing the two-step over the trainer cord as in the past.
Don’t let the name Tactic or the price fool you however. This radio has features that many higher end radios simply don’t have. There are 6-channels with programming to allow you to control both airplanes and helis, a 20-model memory, switches that allow both dual rates and exponential on the rudder, el- evator and aileron channels, a large, easy to read LCD screen, ball bearing gimbals that are adjustable, and, like the six-channel be- fore it, a wireless training system. Not to mention that binding the radio to your fa- vorite SLT protocol model is an easy one-step process.
Other great features include the throttle position alarm. If the throttle stick is in any position but full down and off, an alarm will get your attention. This is a great feature for the electric pilot. A bat- tery cut-off alarm is also included and is also user programmed depending on your use of alkaline, Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries. You can even personalize your radio fur- ther by programming your name into the main system set up.
The ball bearing gimbals are smooth with a solid feel throughout all deflection directions. Like many transmitters, the gimbals’ tension can be adjusted to as firm or loose as you like. Stick lengths are also adjustable, great for those who fly with thumbs or fingers. Digital trims as well as the servo end point adjustment are stan- dard. The case has a nice ergonomic feel to it that is light but not toy-like at all. While not included with my review unit, a neck strap may be attached to the unit for those inclined to do so.
Overall I was impressed with the feel and look of the transmitter so it was off to my workshop to see how the models I own would benefit from the TTX650.
JUNE 2013
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