My first transmitter

[TheObstacle]

Thought some folks here might get a kick out of this...

I bought this close to 30 years ago (well, actually my parents bought it for me ) at the same time as my first real R/C car, which was a Tamiya Sand Scorcher. I'm still using it today to run my ~25 year old Edinger (for more pics of that, see my intro post over in the RC10 buggy forum: http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=26052)

Front view

Throttle, throttle trim (center adjustment and fine trim), and 3rd channel lever. The red switch cuts steering servo travel by an adjustable amount.

A peek inside

Matching receiver, in place

[Charlie don't surf]

The wheel.and throttle are on the same side? How the hell do you hold it?

[Lowgear]

Just like the old brown box ones. You cradle it in your left arm/hand and steer with the right... Awkwardly.

[TheObstacle]

You cradle the box in your left hand, with your middle finger wrapped around the side to run the throttle, and hold the steering wheel with your right. It's basically the same position as a modern pistol-grip throttle, but the fingers of your left hand are straight against the back of the box instead of wrapped around a grip.

I don't find it awkward at all, but then I have been using this thing for almost 30 years, so I suppose I'm biased.

[TheObstacle]

If memory serves, the original wheel actually had 3 spokes with cutouts between them. Somewhere along the line that wheel broke, and I replaced it with one from a "brown box" model. (This model and the brown box used the same internal parts for the steering assembly, so they're interchangeable.)

[Charlie don't surf]

I'm right handed but drive left handed ( yep I'm amphibious ) so there is no way I could use that very cool!

[GreenHell]

The futaba fp-t3fg It was my first radio too. I fully plan on using it on my next vintage build.

[GJW]

the early radio's are unreal, nice collection man

[TheObstacle]

Just an update... I've converted this TX to 2.4 GHz. Full write-up is over in the tech forum, here.

[justinspeed79]

When I look at these old radios I can't help but wonder how in the world they were designed the way they were. They are just terrible. lol..... I think these old radios are the only thing in rc were I am actually glad that I missed them.

I do think its pretty cool that you still have it and still run it though. If I had started on one of those it may have turned me away from the hobby completely.

[orangejulius]

Very cool. Must bring back a ton of good memories!