Tactic is not new to the world of RC; Tactic brand radios have been included with ready to run cars for some time and I know for a fact, many modelers choose Tactic radios for their RC cars, trucks and even boats because the SLT technology is very reliable and the radio has great range. Perhaps the best feature of Tactic sport radios is their low price. There are a lot of reasons Tactic radio’s are chosen and now there is a new choice of radio in the surface line, the TTX200. The Tactic TTX200
is, well, we’ll cut right to it, it’s a funky looking radio. There’s no over the top shapely flare to it, in fact, its a minimalist design consisting of a handle, wheel, trigger and control panel in a compact form. This unique look still boasts some cool features though, like Secure Link Technology and digital trim, yes digital! All this in a package under $40 for the radio alone. Sound interesting?
THE GOODS
If you can’t stop staring at its unconventional radio shape, it’s ok, we keep on staring at it too. Its a design of necessity, handle, wheel, trigger and some buttons. The Tactic TTX200 has a solid feel to it so it should be tough for those who put their equipment through torture. As you would expect from a modern radio, it is 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology and it is easy to link to the included TR325 receiver. Linking is done through Tactic’s SLT system or Secure Link Technology. Once your radio and receiver are linked, there are no worries about interference or a dropped signal.
Starting at the large handle, the four AA batteries to power the unit are stored inside of it and are accessed by a lower door with a sturdy lock/release tab to keep the door shut. The handle does have some texture to its grip and of course the bright red Tactic logo. Above the grip is a standard size wheel with three spoke design. The wheel is wrapped in foam which we were impressed to see on a radio at such a low price. Located in front of the grip is the trigger with 50/50 trigger split and a firm spring to keep the trigger centered.
Now lets talk internals, or more importantly its features and functions. To turn the radio on, there is a simple slide switch on the control panel. You’ll know the radio is on as indicated by a red LED light. On either side of the on/off switch are the steering and throttle trim buttons, but that’s it, no other buttons! The Tactic TTX200 is a digital radio, so all of the trim functions are digital. The buttons are typically used for centering your trims. But they do a little more. Hold the top button of either trim while turning it on and it will reverse that particular servos operation. Need to adjust your steering end-point? You can do that too by using the buttons to adjust the end point while turning the steering wheel in the direction you need it adjusted.
THE WORKS
The Tactic TTX200 arrived just in time as one of my kids wanted to drive a Tamiya buggy from my workshop and I had pulled the radio for another project. For installation, you’ll need to mount the receiver into your car. On the radio side, you’ll need to install batteries. Then you may need to link the radio using the steps outlined in the manual. Once the radio talks to the receiver, then you can go and set your reversing, trims and steering endpoints. It took just a few minutes to set up our radio and we were ready to go.
Of course Dad gets to try the new toy first, so I drove the Tamiya buggy around the yard a few laps. The radio had a good feel to it and after a few minutes, the mindset of holding a funky looking radio was gone and the Tactic TTX200 felt natural in my hands. Then I sent the buggy clear across my one acre yard and there was no sign of issues. the Tactic system has a strong signal.
Ok, ok, so the kids were up next and they’re really more of my durability testers. They have no problem in trying to crank the steering wheel farther than it should go. They had the throttle pinned and wrenched on the wheel back and forth. Both boys had a great time behind the wheel and seemed to be able to hold the radio without issue. The only problem I did notice, was that the grip was so big, their 7-year old fingers had a hard time pushing reverse. The would actually stop turn the radio around in one hand and use their steering wheel hand to engage reverse. Adults shouldn’t have an issue, but kids might find the grip rather large.
WRAP-UP
The TTX200 is a sport radio and it’s already found in some Axial kits as the included radio. But just because it comes as an RTR radio doesn’t mean you can’t use it elsewhere. The TTX200 is a great radio for those looking for a budget system or in my case someone looking for an inexpensive stand alone radio to pair with a car. The Tactic TTX200 feels comfortable in an adults hands and its digital functions are pretty impressive for a transmitter priced so affordably. Sure, its appearance doesn’t follow the norms of a radio, but its looks grow on you and its compact size makes stowing it away in a travel bag easy.
