Overview

The Futaba T3PV 3-Channel Surface Radio with R304SB Receiver (FUT05003109-3) is a mid-range surface control system designed for RC car and boat enthusiasts who are stepping up in the hobby and looking to manage multiple vehicles with increased transmitter sophistication. Whether you're competing in organised events or enjoying casual weekend bashing, this steer-wheel radio delivers the precision, reliability and advanced features you need to fine-tune your RC cars and boats for optimal performance. Built by Futaba, a company that has been leading the way in radio control since 1962, the T3PV combines straightforward operation with rich tuning options that appeal to both intermediate users and serious competitors across the UK RC community.

This complete radio system arrives ready to use with both transmitter and receiver included. The T3PV transmitter features an ergonomic steer-wheel design, a clear LCD display, and 10 model memory slots so you can store profiles for all your vehicles and switch between them instantly. The included R304SB receiver supports Futaba's advanced T-FHSS bidirectional communication system with telemetry capability, allowing real-time data feedback from your model. Operating on a secure 2.4 GHz frequency with automatic channel shifting, this radio minimises interference from other 2.4 GHz systems commonly found in busy RC environments throughout the UK.

The T3PV is packed with professional-grade features ideal for car and boat competition use, from dual rates and exponential steering and throttle control to 4-wheel steering mixing for crawlers, independent brake mixing for high-performance vehicles like 1/5 GP cars, and even an integrated ABS (anti-lock braking system) function to help reduce skidding under heavy braking. With servo reversing, end point adjustment on all four channels, and intuitive trim controls, you have the flexibility to adapt this radio to virtually any surface RC vehicle you own.

Key Features

• T-FHSS Bidirectional Communication System with Telemetry — The T3PV transmitter uses Futaba's advanced T-FHSS technology that enables two-way communication between your transmitter and receiver, allowing real-time telemetry data such as receiver voltage to be displayed on the LCD screen, helping you monitor the health of your RC model during operation.
• 2.4 GHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Radio Communication — Operating on 2.4 GHz with automatic channel shifting within the band, this system eliminates the need for manual frequency selection and minimises interference from other 2.4 GHz systems, making it ideal for use at busy UK RC clubs and events where multiple radios operate simultaneously.
• Dual Radio Protocols: T-FHSS and S-FHSS Compatibility — The T3PV supports both T-FHSS (Futaba's newest bidirectional system) and S-FHSS (Futaba's proven surface radio protocol), giving you flexibility to work with different receivers and adapt to your specific needs.
• 10-Model Memory with Copy Function — Store profiles for up to 10 different vehicles, with model names supporting letters, numbers and symbols for easy identification, and a copy function to quickly duplicate settings from one model to another, saving time when setting up similar vehicles.
• LCD Display Screen — The integrated LCD display provides clear visual feedback of your settings, trim positions, and telemetry data, making it easy to verify your configuration before taking your model to the track or water.
• Steering and Throttle Trims — Mechanical trim controls allow you to quickly adjust the neutral position of your steering servo and throttle servo using the left-right and up-down trim knobs, essential for achieving perfectly centred control and efficient battery use.
• Channel-4 Trim with 4WS/BRK Mixing — A dedicated trim button for Channel 4 allows neutral adjustments of rear steering servos in 4WS mode or front brake servos in BRK mode, giving you independent control over complex multi-servo configurations.
• Sub-Trim Function — Fine-tune the neutral position of steering, throttle and Channel 3/4 servos independently of the mechanical trim, allowing precise calibration for servo offsets and ensuring consistent performance.
• Steering Dual Rates (D/R) — Adjust the steering servo travel independently from the transmitter stick movement, allowing you to switch between high-sensitivity steering for tight technical sections and reduced sensitivity for high-speed runs, all at the flick of a switch.
• Steering and Throttle Exponential (EXP) — Refine control around the neutral position by adjusting the curve of servo response, so small stick movements near centre produce smaller servo movements for precision control, whilst larger movements still produce full range travel for rapid corrections.
• End Point Adjustment (EPA) on Channels 1-4 — Limit servo movement in either direction to precisely match your model's physical capabilities, compensating for differences in turning radius or servo throw, and preventing over-travel that can damage linkages or reduce efficiency.
• Servo Reversing on All Four Channels — Reverse the rotation direction of any servo with a simple menu setting, eliminating the need to physically swap servo connectors or reprogram servo reversal internally, saving setup time and reducing installation errors.
• 4-Wheel Steering (4WS) Mixing — Dedicated mixing function for crawlers and other 4WS specification vehicles, allowing the first channel to control front steering and the fourth channel to control rear steering simultaneously, with proportional or independent adjustment as needed.
• Brake (BRK) Mixing — Independent front and rear brake adjustment for high-performance racing vehicles such as 1/5 GP cars, using the second channel to control rear brakes and the fourth channel to control front brakes, allowing you to fine-tune deceleration characteristics.
• ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) Function — Simulates a full-size car's anti-lock braking system by pulsing the brake on and off rapidly, helping your model stop as quickly as possible without skidding or losing directional stability under heavy braking.
• Compact and Ergonomic Design — The steer-wheel transmitter features an ergonomic grip and balanced layout measuring 43.1 cm × 25.4 cm × 12.7 cm, with a substantial weight of 1814g for confident control and stability in extended driving sessions.

Technical Performance

The Futaba T3PV represents a significant step up in radio control sophistication, offering the engineering quality you'd expect from a company that's been manufacturing radio systems for over 60 years. The transmitter operates on a 6-volt power supply and draws approximately 100 mA during operation, providing extended runtime from standard AA batteries (four required, sold separately). The 2.4 GHz frequency hopping system with automatic channel assignment ensures reliable communication across operating ranges up to 80 metres in typical conditions, with more than adequate distance for the vast majority of surface RC applications from small-scale racing to large outdoor terrain. The R304SB receiver included in this package measures just 35 × 33 × 12 mm, compact enough to fit inside receiver boxes on vehicles like the ARRMA Granite BLX and other modern RC cars, yet featuring four independent channels (though controlled by three from the transmitter, with the fourth primarily used for mixing and auxiliary functions). The T-FHSS bidirectional communication means the receiver continuously sends data back to the transmitter, enabling the telemetry system to display real-time receiver battery voltage and other diagnostic information, a crucial feature for avoiding dead-stick situations mid-race. Build quality throughout is robust, with the substantial 1814g transmitter weight providing a solid, professional feel that inspires confidence during competition use. The steer-wheel interface with mechanical and electronic trim adjustments means you can make quick adjustments trackside without accessing menus, and the 10-model memory system with copy function means you can spend less time configuring and more time driving.

What's in the Box

• 1x T3PV Transmitter (steer-wheel format with LCD display)
• 1x R304SB Receiver (4-channel T-FHSS compatible)
• 1x Mini Screwdriver (for servo horn installation and adjustments)

What You Need to Complete

• 4x AA Batteries for the transmitter (alkaline or rechargeable NiMh/LiFe options available separately)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Futaba T3PV suitable for beginners or intermediate RC enthusiasts? — This radio is specifically designed as a mid-range system for those stepping up in the hobby and beginning to accumulate multiple vehicles. It's not a basic entry-level radio for complete beginners, but rather targets users who already understand RC fundamentals and want advanced features like telemetry, 10-model memory, and sophisticated mixing functions. If you're ready to move beyond a simple single-channel toy, the T3PV is an excellent choice.
• What type of batteries does the T3PV transmitter require? — The transmitter requires four AA batteries to provide its 6-volt power supply. You can use standard alkaline AA batteries, or Futaba offers rechargeable options including the P-HT5F1800B NiMh battery pack or the LiFe P-FT2F200BV2 battery pack, which must be purchased separately if you prefer rechargeable operation.
• Can I use the 4th channel on the R304SB receiver with the 3-channel T3PV transmitter? — The R304SB receiver has four channels, but the T3PV transmitter only has three control channels. The fourth channel cannot be controlled via transmitter stick inputs, though it can be used to power auxiliary functions like lights or fans (which would always be on without control). However, the fourth channel is actively used in the radio's mixing functions for 4WS and BRK configurations.
• What mixing functions does the T3PV offer? — The T3PV includes two dedicated mixing modes: 4-Wheel Steering (4WS) mixing for crawlers and other 4WS specification vehicles, allowing independent control of front and rear steering servos, and Brake (BRK) mixing for high-performance vehicles like 1/5 GP cars, allowing independent adjustment of front and rear brakes.
• What is the operating range of the Futaba T3PV? — The T3PV system provides a controlled operating range of up to 80 metres under typical conditions, more than sufficient for standard RC car and boat use. The 2.4 GHz frequency hopping system with automatic channel shifting ensures stable communication even in environments with other 2.4 GHz systems operating nearby.
• Can I use this radio with different types of RC vehicles? — Yes, the T3PV is designed specifically for surface RC vehicles including cars, trucks, and boats. The 10-model memory system allows you to store separate configurations for different vehicles, and the sophisticated mixing and adjustment functions support everything from basic buggies to 4-wheel steering crawlers to high-performance GP cars with independent brake control.
• Does the T3PV have telemetry capability? — Yes, the T-FHSS bidirectional communication system features telemetry functionality, with the LCD display able to show real-time receiver voltage and other sensor data during operation. This allows you to monitor the health of your RC model's battery and systems whilst driving.
• How many models can this radio store? — The T3PV includes 10-model memory slots, each capable of storing a complete configuration including trim settings, dual rate settings, EPA adjustments, servo reversals, and mixing configurations. Model names can use up to four characters (letters, numbers, or symbols), and you can copy settings from one model to another.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Futaba T3PV 3-Channel Surface Radio with R304SB Rx FUT05003109-3 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.