Futaba T4PM Plus 4-Channel Surface Radio with 3x R304SB Rx FUT05003211-3

Overview

The Futaba T4PM Plus 4-Channel Surface Radio with 3x R304SB Rx (FUT05003211-3) represents the pinnacle of mid-to-high range surface radio control systems, engineered specifically for RC cars, buggies, trucks and tanks. This comprehensive bundle includes the advanced T4PM Plus transmitter paired with three R304SB receivers, making it an exceptional choice for enthusiasts who operate multiple models or need backup receivers. Whether you're a competitive racer looking for a reliable RC car radio UK-based retailers trust, a weekend basher seeking dependable control in the backyard, or a seasoned competitor demanding professional-grade features, the T4PM Plus delivers the precision, responsiveness and versatility that modern RC driving requires.

Futaba has established itself as a leader in radio control since 1962, and the T4PM Plus exemplifies decades of engineering expertise. This 4-channel surface steerwheel system combines cutting-edge technology with intuitive user design, featuring Futaba's legendary T-FHSS SR (Super Response) protocol alongside traditional T-FHSS and S-FHSS transmission modes. The transmitter's lightweight and compact construction makes it comfortable for extended driving sessions, whilst the ergonomic grip and well-positioned auxiliary controls ensure your hands remain naturally positioned whether you're steering through tight corners or managing complex throttle inputs. The high-resolution backlit 2.7-inch LCD display provides crystal-clear visibility of all model data and settings in any lighting condition, from bright outdoor racing venues to dimly lit indoor carpeted tracks.

With 40 model memory slots, comprehensive mixing capabilities and full telemetry support, the T4PM Plus is a practical and capable radio system favoured by RC drivers across the United Kingdom and beyond, from newcomers discovering the hobby to race-winning competitors who demand absolute reliability and performance. The inclusion of three R304SB receivers means you can set up multiple vehicles simultaneously, perfect for clubs, families or serious hobbyists who run several RC models. This package represents outstanding value and versatility for anyone serious about RC driving.

Key Features

• 4-Channel Control — Full four-channel operation provides independent control of steering, throttle and two additional auxiliary functions, giving you complete command over complex vehicle dynamics including separate front and rear brake control on large competition vehicles.
• T-FHSS SR (Super Response) Protocol — Futaba's advanced T-FHSS SR system delivers increased processing speed and lightning-fast response times, ensuring ultra-reliable control with minimal latency whether you're track racing, off-road racing or bashing in your back yard.
• Multi-Protocol Support — The transmitter supports T-FHSS, S-FHSS and T-FHSS SR transmission modes, providing compatibility with a wide range of Futaba receivers and offering flexibility for different driving scenarios and advanced applications.
• Backlit 2.7-Inch LCD Display — The high-resolution colour LCD screen with automatic backlight makes reading model names, settings and telemetry data easy in any lighting condition, from bright sunlight to evening track sessions.
• 40 Model Memory Slots — Store up to 40 different vehicle setups with custom model names (up to 10 characters each), allowing you to quickly switch between cars, buggies, crawlers and trucks without reprogramming, and use the Model Copy function to create variations of the same vehicle with different setups.
• Telemetry System — Real-time telemetry display shows critical information including receiver battery voltage and temperature directly on the transmitter screen, allowing you to monitor system health and make informed decisions about when to recharge or take a break.
• Comprehensive Steering and Brake Mixing — Independent steering and brake mixing functions enable smooth cornering and sophisticated brake control across front and rear wheels, essential for 1/5GP competition vehicles, crawlers and large-scale trucks.
• Advanced Gyro Mixing — Futaba car rate gyro sensitivity can be adjusted directly from the transmitter, allowing fine-tuning of stability control for vehicles equipped with gyroscopic stabilisation systems.
• 4-Wheel Steering (4WS) Mixing — Purpose-designed function for four-wheel steering vehicles including rock crawlers and specialist crawler builds, enabling independent front and rear steering control.
• Dual ESC Mixing for Crawlers — Front and rear electronic speed controllers can be controlled independently, perfect for crawlers and vehicles requiring separate motor management.
• Tank Mixing — Specialist function designed for track-equipped vehicles, allowing proportional control of left and right track speeds for realistic turning dynamics.
• CPS Mixing (Custom Program Mixing) — Flexible custom programming function allows creation of advanced control combinations tailored to your specific vehicle requirements.
• Exponential Control — Adjustable exponential curves for both steering and throttle channels let you fine-tune control sensitivity, creating smooth, progressive input curves that suit your driving style and vehicle characteristics.
• Throttle Speed Function — Prevents tyre spin on slippery surfaces by smoothly ramping acceleration, making the system ideal for indoor carpet racing, icy conditions and reducing battery drain through inefficient wheel spin.
• ABS (Pulse Brake) Function — Simulates anti-lock braking system behaviour by pulsing the brakes, preventing wheel lockup and maintaining traction during hard braking manoeuvres.
• Engine Cut Switch — Allows you to cut motor power instantly without touching the throttle, useful for safety and testing.
• Three Timer Functions — Includes up timer, down timer and lap timer with 100-lap recording capacity, auto-start triggered by throttle input and total time logging for comprehensive race practice analysis.
• Racing Lap Timer with 100-Lap Memory — Record and review detailed lap times across 100 consecutive laps, with automatic start triggered by throttle operation, essential for competitive racing and practice sessions.
• S.Bus and S.Bus2 Compatibility — Full support for Futaba's S.Bus servo protocol and S.Bus2 systems allows advanced customisation and integration with Futaba servos and ESCs for demanding applications requiring sophisticated control.
• Display Switch Function — Program and adjust settings safely without transmitting a signal, protecting the safety of others at the track and allowing offline configuration.
• Function Select Switches — Two assignable switches allow you to assign various functions with adjustable step amounts and operating direction, expanding operational flexibility.
• Trigger Position Adjustment — Move the throttle trigger forward and backward to match your preferred hand position and driving style, accommodating different grip preferences.
• MicroSD Card Port — Save model data and entire transmitter software to microSD card for backup purposes, allowing easy restoration of settings if needed.
• Software Updates via MicroSD — Futaba regularly releases transmitter firmware improvements; simply download updates to a microSD card and load them into the transmitter to access new features and performance enhancements.
• LiPo and LiFe Battery Compatibility — Use rechargeable LiPo or LiFe battery packs instead of disposable AA batteries for extended operating time and cost savings, with full compatibility built into the transmitter's power management.
• S.Bus Servo Parameter Control — Set parameters of Futaba S.Bus servos using PC Link software, enabling advanced servo configuration without manual adjustment.
• Motor Controller (ESC) Link — Direct link to ESC systems allows adjustments and monitoring of speed controller parameters through the transmitter interface.
• Gyro Link — Direct communication with Futaba gyro systems enables live adjustment of gyro sensitivity and function without separate gyro programming devices.
• MINI-Z System Compatibility Mode — Compatible with Kyosho Mini-Z Evo dedicated receiver RA-42 (sold separately), allowing use with premium miniature competition vehicles.
• Intuitive Menu System — The straightforward, logical menu structure allows quick intuitive adjustment of settings and parameters, making the system accessible to newcomers whilst retaining the depth needed by competitive drivers.
• Three R304SB Receivers Included — This bundle includes three matched R304SB receivers, providing redundancy and allowing simultaneous operation of multiple models without purchasing additional receivers.

Technical Performance

The T4PM Plus transmitter represents a significant technological achievement in RC surface radio design. Built with meticulous attention to engineering quality, the transmitter features robust construction throughout, with carefully positioned controls that minimise accidental activation during intense driving. The backlit 2.7-inch LCD display utilises high-contrast technology ensuring visibility in varied lighting conditions from bright outdoor racing tracks to indoor carpeted venues. The ergonomic grip design has been refined through feedback from competitive drivers, distributing weight evenly across your hand to reduce fatigue during extended driving sessions. The transmission system operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band, the same standard used by modern RC systems worldwide, ensuring regulatory compliance and freedom from interference. The T-FHSS SR protocol delivers super-fast response with increased processing speed, providing the millisecond-level responsiveness demanded by competitive racers and serious hobbyists. With efficient power management, the system delivers dependable range and solid battery life whether you're using four AA alkaline batteries (included) or upgrade to rechargeable LiPo or LiFe battery packs for extended runtime. The 40-model memory system uses flash memory storage, meaning all your saved configurations persist even after battery removal, providing permanent backup of your favourite setups. The comprehensive mixing engine can handle complex control scenarios with multiple simultaneous functions, including dual ESC control for crawlers, independent front and rear steering for 4WS vehicles, and sophisticated brake mixing for large competition vehicles. The microSD card port supports modern memory cards, allowing backup of model data and firmware updates without requiring a computer connection. All functions are controlled through the intuitive menu system with dual-layer programming to prevent accidental changes to critical settings. The display switch prevents signal transmission during programming, ensuring track safety. The transmitter has been designed specifically for surface vehicle operation, with no functions dedicated to flying vehicles, allowing focus on the features actual RC car, buggy, truck and crawler drivers need. The receiver set includes three R304SB units, each providing four-channel decoding with reliable signal recovery and failsafe functionality to ensure safe operation if signal loss occurs.

What's In The Box

• 1x T4PM Plus transmitter (black, 2.4GHz)
• 3x R304SB receiver (four-channel, T-FHSS/S-FHSS compatible)
• 1x Dry battery holder (for four AA batteries)
• 1x Mini screwdriver
• 1x Hex wrench set
• 1x Comprehensive instruction manual

What You Need To Complete

• 4x AA batteries for the transmitter (alkaline or rechargeable NiMH recommended)
• Optional: LiPo or LiFe battery pack (3.7V or higher) to replace AA batteries for extended runtime
• Optional: MicroSD card (for firmware updates and data backup)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Futaba T4PM Plus suitable for beginners? — Yes, the T4PM Plus is designed to be accessible to newcomers whilst retaining professional-grade features for advanced users. The intuitive menu system allows quick setup without overwhelming complexity, and the comprehensive manual provides clear guidance. The four-channel format is ideal for learning basic car control, whilst the advanced features like telemetry and mixing functions allow you to grow into more sophisticated driving techniques as your skills develop.
• What batteries does the T4PM Plus transmitter need? — The transmitter is supplied with a dry battery holder for four AA batteries. You can use standard alkaline AA batteries (included with many RC kits), or upgrade to rechargeable NiMH AA batteries for cost savings. For extended runtime, the transmitter is fully compatible with LiPo and LiFe battery packs, allowing you to replace the four-battery holder with a rechargeable pack for significantly longer operating time between charges.
• How many receivers does this package include? — The FUT05003211-3 bundle includes three R304SB receivers, giving you immediate redundancy and allowing you to set up three separate vehicles simultaneously without purchasing additional receivers. This is exceptional value compared to purchasing the transmitter alone and buying receivers separately.
• What is T-FHSS SR and why is it important? — T-FHSS SR (Super Response) is Futaba's advanced transmission protocol that delivers increased processing speed compared to standard T-FHSS, resulting in faster response times and more immediate control. For competitive drivers and those who demand maximum precision, this translates to measurably better lap times and more predictable vehicle behaviour. The transmitter also supports standard T-FHSS and S-FHSS for compatibility with various Futaba receiver models.
• Can I use the T4PM Plus with my existing Futaba receivers? — The T4PM Plus is compatible with any T-FHSS or S-FHSS Futaba receiver, providing flexibility if you already own compatible equipment. The three included R304SB receivers are ideal starters, but you can mix and match with other Futaba surface receivers depending on your needs.
• Does this radio system work with 4-wheel steering vehicles and crawlers? — Yes, the T4PM Plus includes specialist mixing functions for 4-wheel steering vehicles and crawlers, including independent 4WS mixing and dual ESC mixing for front and rear motors. The brake mixing also supports independent front and rear brake control for complex vehicles like 1/5GP competition buggies.
• What is the racing timer function and how is it useful? — The lap timer can record 100 consecutive lap times, calculate average lap time, and track total time. It can be set to auto-start when you trigger throttle input, making it perfect for practice sessions at RC car clubs or competitions. You can review your fastest laps, identify consistent weak points on the track, and measure improvement over time.
• Can I save my vehicle settings and switch between models quickly? — Yes, the T4PM Plus stores 40 complete model setups with custom names (up to 10 characters each). You can instantly switch between completely different vehicles with different steering/throttle settings, mixing configurations and trim adjustments. The Model Copy function allows you to create variations of the same vehicle with different setups (perhaps an aggressive race tune and a safe practice tune).
• What is telemetry and how does it help? — Telemetry is two-way communication from the receiver back to the transmitter, displaying real-time information including receiver battery voltage and temperature directly on your transmitter screen. This allows you to monitor system health during driving, identify when your receiver battery is running low, and check for overheating issues before they cause reliability problems.
• Is the T4PM Plus waterproof? — The transmitter is not designed for water immersion. However, the included R304SB receivers feature robust construction suitable for typical moisture exposure in RC vehicles. Always keep the transmitter dry and protect it from splashing during water-based RC operations like boat and water-buggy racing.
• What is the Display Switch function? — The Display Switch allows you to program and adjust settings without the transmitter broadcasting a control signal. This is essential for safe track operation—you can modify settings at your pit area without risk of accidentally controlling your vehicle whilst others are driving on the track.
• Can I update the transmitter firmware? — Yes, the T4PM Plus supports software updates via microSD card. Futaba periodically releases firmware improvements that add features and optimise performance. Download the update file to a microSD card and load it into the transmitter to access the latest version.
• Is the T4PM Plus compatible with S.Bus servo systems? — Yes, the transmitter includes full S.Bus servo support, allowing you to control parameters of compatible Futaba S.Bus servos directly through the transmitter using PC Link software. This enables advanced servo tuning without separate servo programming devices.
• What scale vehicles can I use with this radio? — The four-channel format is ideal for most RC car scales from 1/24 mini vehicles through to large-scale 1/5 competition buggies. The brake mixing function specifically includes tuning for large vehicles like 1/5GP buggies, but the system works equally well with smaller scales and scale crawlers.
• Can I use this with Kyosho Mini-Z vehicles? — The T4PM Plus includes a MINI-Z system mode in the receiver setting menu, providing suggested compatibility with the Kyosho Mini-Z Evo receiver RA-42 (sold separately). This allows you to use the transmitter with premium miniature vehicles.

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 T4PM Plus 4-Channel Surface Radio with 3x R304SB Rx FUT05003211-3 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.