Tactic TTX650 2.4 GHZ SLT Transmitter

Written by Chris Mulcahy. The only thing cheap about this radio is the price. Read an abridged version with a bonus feature video. Full review featured in the September 2013 issue

Features

2.4 GHz SLT Protocol Twenty-model memory User-assignable switches User-assignable channels Eight preprogrammed mixes Four programmable mixes Six-point throttle and pitch curves Large LCD display Quad-bearing gimbals Firmware upgrade jack Wireless trainer system Dual rates/exponential All-channel reversing/sub-trim/travel adjustment

Specifications

Frequencies: 2.403-2.480 GHz Protocol: Tactic SLT Modulation: FHSS spread spectrum Input power: 3.40-7.00-volt DC, four 1.5-volt alkaline or 1.2-volt NiCd/NiMH AA single cells; jack included for connecting optional 4.8-volt NiCd or NiMH pack (not included) Current consumption: Approximately 100-102 mA Low-voltage alarm: 3.20-5.60 volts (adjustable) Memories: 20 with copy function Stick modes: Two Display: 128 x 64 graphing LCD with adjustable contrast Channel controls: Reversing, end points, sub-trims, dual rates, exponential Timers: Count-up stopwatch; countdown flight timer Trainer system: Wireless Tactic SLT compatible

Includes

Tactic TTX650 2.4 GHz six-channel transmitter Throttle ratchet Four AA alkaline batteries

Pluses

• Programming flexibility. • Intuitive menus. • Wireless trainer. • Inexpensive receivers.

Minuses

• No screen backlight. • No slide or rotary switch.

Abridged Article Review

With Flyzone rapidly expanding their Tx-R fleet, and Heli-Max also expanding theirs, it was only a matter of time before Tactic released a transmitter that could handle more than a single model. For those who haven’t been introduced to Tx-R technology, it refers to the built in receivers used in these models. These receivers use the SLT protocol, which is compatible with the Tactic range of transmitters, as well as the AnyLink plug in module. The AnyLink module has a somewhat limited range, but allowed you to use your own transmitter. Up until recently, Tactic had just a four channel basic transmitter, which required setting up each time you switched to a different model. With the TTX650, they have brought to the table a new entry level six channel computer transmitter at a very competitive price. Combined with the inexpensive TR624 6 channel SLT receiver, you have a reliable system that you can use in most applications. What I wasn’t expecting was the incredible programmability of the feature rich Tactic TTX650. For this price point, Tactic gives you features that you don’t normally see on an entry level computer transmitter, such as a wireless trainer, unrestricted channel and switch assignment, user updatable firmware, quad bearing gimbals, plus it gives you the ability to store up to twenty models. The transmitter doesn’t just look good on paper either; it feels good in your hands. I fly “pinch” style, where I hold the sticks between my thumb and finger, so I automatically lengthen the sticks a little with each transmitter I buy. The red aluminum sticks feel good, and the quad bearings give the gimbals a silky smooth feel. Other physical features worth mentioning are the firmware and charge jack ports. The firmware can be updated by the user, but requires an optional cable to do it. The charge jack is only to be used if you upgrade your transmitter to a NiMH battery pack, instead of using the included “AA” alkaline batteries. The wireless trainer feature allows you to connect a student’s transmitter (any other Tactic transmitter), without the use of any cables. The trainer feature has a range of 15 feet, and makes handling the model a little less precarious with the trainer cord removed. I have to say that I am impressed with Tactic’s first computer transmitter. It’s strengths are its programming flexibility, switch and channel assignments, set mixes for each model type and four additional program mixes, its large graphing display, 20 model storage, and of course the SLT compatibility. The menus are all laid out intuitively, and for the most part I didn’t have to look at the instruction manual when learning how to program it. If I had to pick out any faults, it would be the lack of a backlit display, and I would love to see some sort of slider or rotary dial. That being said, you are getting a lot of bang for your buck with the TTX650 transmitter, priced at $149.97 it is jam packed with programming and features that you just can’t find elsewhere in a six channel unit. Read the complete review in the September 2013 issue of Model Aviation.

Video Highlights