Since I just received my Nomadio Sensor and there seems to be a lot of interest in it I figured I would write up a little review of what I have found so far. Thus far I have not actually used the radio so this is what I call my “Out of the Box Experience”. First impressions can mean a lot and this is what I have found when opening the box and examining the system.

We unpacked the system and found everything packaged nicely. The main parts included the transmitter, a small bubble wrapped packed that included the receiver (transceiver actually), a software CD and the NiMh batteries and charger. Also included was a “quick setup” sheet. There is no printed manual with the unit. You have to load the software and print out the manual yourself using the pdf file on the CD.

Ergonomics

One of the big features noted is the ergonomics of the transmitter and they have done a great job at that. The angles of the wheel really let your arms and wrists fall in a natural position.

The handle is nice and fat and has a crosshatch pattern on for grip. I find that the plastic used just seems to be slippery despite the crosshatching and it makes me wonder just how slippery it will get when my hands get a little sweaty. I will be wrapping the handle just to make sure it doesn’t get slippery in use.

The trigger is slightly further away from the handle then I would personally like, but it is not really uncomfortable. What I did notice is that when pulling the trigger there seemed to be some drag in it making the movement not completely smooth… like there is a little flashing catching on something when it is pulled. If the trigger is pulled when holding the transmitter right hand (left handed use) the trigger works smoothly,

The trigger spring is also a little stiffer then I would like but there are not adjustments for the spring tension.

The wheel has a nice foam cover and is just the right size for me. Here again the spring tension is what I would consider way too tight and there is no adjustment for the spring tension. I also found a very slight drag in the wheel when turning it in the “left” position.

Overall the transmitter is well designed for average to large hands. I am not sure the transmitter would be comfortable in smaller hands.

Fit and Finish

Some will like the design of the Nomadio and some won’t. I like the looks of it as it put useful design first before what many would expect a transmitter to look like.

Examining the transmitter I find a number of areas where fit and finish is below par. Many of the joining seams for the case do not fit properly and have gaps. The on-off switch is not centered in the case opening and also feels like it is dragging on the case when move it’s postion. Combine this with the dragging of the trigger and wheel disappoints me a bit for a $500+ radio.

Since this is Nomadios first venture into consumer RC gear I would venture to guess that these problems will be addressed in later versions and what I have found are just version 1 teething pains.

Switches and Such
There are a number of switches that allow you to change settings on the transmitter. 5 trim switches are provided but none of these switches are positioned in such a way that would allow you to easily use them while racing. I have found that during a race I may want to adjust my braking or steering trim. This would not be possible to do with the way the switches are positioned.

The 3rd channel switch is located on the handle and falls right under my middle finger. This is be an ideal placement for use with a shiftable 2-speed transmission… unfortunately I don’t have a vehicle that uses a 2-speed transmission.

The steering trim switches are located on the right and left sides or the transmitter (for left and right hand use). There are also 3 trim switches on the rear of the transmitter for throttle and steering trims.

On the rear of the transmitter are a cluster of buttons for the main settings of the transmitter. The switches have a rubber button instead of plastic that we normally see. The switches have a nice snap action to them giving you some great feedback letting you know you have pushed them. I found that a couple of the buttons had some drag in them and didn’t have that nice “snap” feedback to them.

I have not actually used the radio yet but I could not find a way to reassign the trim buttons for different functions. I am used to my 3PK where I can assign any function to any button. I may want to be able to quickly change the braking point using the right button rather then the button they want me to use.

Since the transmitter is completely software controlled I would suspect that this feature could be added in later versions of the software. That is one huge advantage of this radio, that features can be added at any time through a software upgrade.

Receiver / Transceiver

Included in my kit was the Version 1 of the receiver. This thing is huge! The antenna is attached using a small coaxial fitting making the space needed to fit even larger.

To Nomadios defense they will be sending out Version 2 receivers free to all owners of the version 1 receivers once they are ready to ship. V2 receivers will address the size issue and will include an integrated antenna so this is like getting an extra receiver for free.

Software

To get the most out of the Sensor system you will have to have access to a computer. This allows to update the software in the transmitter and the transceiver. The software version included was version 1.0.2 and version 1.1 is in beta testing. Who would have thought that someday you could beta test software for an RC radio?

After the installation of the software it started to update the software in the transmitter. Here is where I made a mistake. I really wanted to try out the unit so I only let the batteries change about an hour and stuck them in the transmitter. During the transmitter upgrade it reboots the transmitter a number of times. One of the reboots was taking a long time and I figured that I didn’t let the batteries charge long enough and I ran out of power. So I disconnected the transmitter from the computer to put in some regular dry cells.

When I went to start the upgrade process again I found the transmitter was “dead”. Searching the Nomadio tech forums I found out that this has happened to others and that you needed to reupload the original firmware into the transmitter. I though for sure I had turned my brand spanking new radio into a brick but in a few clicks it was back running again and updated.

The Digital Desktop software allows to set and control all aspects of the transmitter and also lets you upgrade the software in the transmitter and receiver. This includes not only all trim and servo settings but also to sounds and vibration feedback. I really like the idea of the vibration feedback as it allows you to get warnings about the condition of your vehicle while it is running. Such feedback could be low receiver pack voltage or engine over temperature.

One thing I did find annoying is the default boot sound that plays when you turn on the transmitter. You can hear what it is by clicking the link below. Luckily this, or any of the sounds can be easily changed (or turned off) in the Digital Desktop software. I may have to a find a “Are You Ready to Ruuuummmmbbbble” sound to replace the default startup sound. Or what would be cool would be to be to tie a sound into the 3rd channel switch so your transmitter says “Leader Coming Through” when you want to pass someone LOL!

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/showphoto.php/photo/7989/cat/552

I look forward to trying V1.1 of the software and I hear that V2 has some really cool updates that will be included. To me this is the biggest feature of the unit making options virtually unlimited.

Misc.

The transmitter uses only 4 AA cells for power. This helps make the transmitter by far the lightest full featured transmitter on the market. If you run long races that is something to seriously consider when purchasing the radio. Included with the unit are 4 NiMh cells (850mAh) and a 17 hour charger. There is no charging jack on the transmitter so the cell have to be removed from the radio and charged using the included 17 hour charger. While I would have liked to have seen a faster charger you can easily use dry cells in the radio. It only takes 4 cells so your transmitter battery bill should decrease by half if you use dry cells!

The system is advertised as including the voltage, temperature and RPM sensors. The RPM sensor was missing from my box. I’ll have to contact them and see about getting the RPM sensor.

Conclusion

While this is not a full blown review I felt that this detailed “out of the box experience” would still be interesting to those considering Nomadio Sensor system. This system has great possibilities despite the few issues that I found. Is it the perfect radio system? It’s not perfect but for a first generation product it’s not bad.

I am sure that I may not make many “friends” at Nomadio for the issues that I have pointed out above. They are not meant to degrade the product but to point out areas that can be improved. Every product can be improved and they should take this feedback as an opportunity to make improvements. I also feel that cushy “everything is wonderful” reviews that we see so often in magazines do nothing to give possible users the real information they need when making a decision. Any review you will see on these pages will be honest (in my opinion) reviews that give you not only the good stuff but tackle the bad stuff head on.

I will post updates to this review as I have had a chance to further use the Nomadio system. Your comments and questions are welcome.

This is the end of the Out of the Box Experience review. Your comments and questions are welcome.

One of the local shops where I race had one. All I can say is for $500 some odd $ that the programming and software might be new and exciting, but what a piece of cheap plastic junk.
The owner of the shop told one of his employees to pack it up and send it back, he was that disgusted with the overall quality of the case,trigger,wheel,switches, ect.
Put that technology into something like a z1 or m8 and I would be proud to own something like that. It is on par with my cheap rtr rc18t transmitter.

We know the plastics need to be improved. We are working in them everyday. Throw out the first light bulb because the glass was not formed as nice as a vase?

The RF link with the Nomadio is the most advanced on the market. The software is always in development and will be. The system gets better with age. :wave:

You only get one shot at a first impression. Maybe they should have released the first batch at a reduced price giving the quality?

I thought I would post an update to my previous "out of the box" review.

I sent my Sensor transmitter back to Nomadio to address the concerns that I pointed out in the original post. With the transmitter I included a note that included:

Rear buttons feel "mushy" when pressed.
On/off switch hard to operate.
Gaps in case where they fit together (fit and finish).
Dragging in the trigger.
Dragging in the steering wheel.

Now some may consider these things as being picky. I could live with the dragging trigger and steering as they are not all that bad. But, this is a "Lexus" priced radio system, I would expect that it has "Lexus" type feel and manufacturing quality and not Chevy quality.

Not to dis the Chevy fans out there but for those that have felt the quality difference (and seen the price differences) between the two know what I mean. While the Chevy does a fine job, the Lexus just has that silky smooth feeling to all of the controls and projects an overall feeling of solid quality construction. You can just feel the extra quality that you should demand for the price.

In about a week I got the transmitter back. The issues with the rear buttons and the on/off switch were addressed. The poor fit/finish and dragging trigger and steering wheel are the same as what they were when sent out. No note was included letting me know what was done.

After examining the radio further I now discover that the travel of the steering wheel is about 10 deg, less in one direction then the other. Not a huge deal as you can adjust that out using the EPA but it does give you less sensitivity in that one direction.

Figuring I would give them the benefit of the doubt, I emailed my contact at Nomadio asking them about the issues that were not addressed. If I am reviewing something I normally do this so they have the chance to provide any answers to the questions I may have. After 4 days I have yet to receive a reply to my email.

I love the technology that this radio system can provide but so far I have found the execution sub-standard.

Another update: I resent my email today and got a reply... seems they didn't get my previous email. We are looking to address the remaining issues.

We know the plastics need to be improved. We are working in them everyday. Throw out the first light bulb because the glass was not formed as nice as a vase?

The RF link with the Nomadio is the most advanced on the market. The software is always in development and will be. The system gets better with age. :wave:


Problem is that the basic wheel radio is not new technology. Hank says it best when you pay $500 for a lexus, you do not want to get a cavalier.
You can hop up the cavalier with new engine management and a hot motor and you still have a cavalier.

The RF link with the Nomadio is the most advanced on the market. The software is always in development and will be. The system gets better with age. :wave:
Are you saying....dont buy the first run. Thats what im hearing.
I never did understand the logic behind trying to get people to buy your product before development is complete. I do understand that a CO. needs to make money at some point, but mabey you shouldnt have called it the "MOST advanced on the market!" when even the plastic its made out of isnt even of a good quality.

I alos dont really see the draw to this radio. The JR-R1 or Z-1 has almost all the same features without the bells and whistles, not to mention its a lot better looking. They also come with a computer link system for radio programing. You can get a Spectrum moduale for that and its pretty close to the same thing with out all the annoying features and it still costs less after you upgrade it. Dont get me wrong, im sure your radio has tons of other features, but my question is....Is it really worth dropping a really good radio for some other radio with only a few more features. I actually dont run nitro much, so this radio seems pointless to me.
Here are a couple links so people can see what im talking about.
R-1
http://www.modelflight.com.au/rc_model_radio_control/jr_propo_r-1_rc_control.htm
Z-1
http://www.jrradios.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=JRP374075&tag=hqlr4011

I happen to agree that it may have been rushed to market but it appears they are making a good faith effort to address the mechicanical issues. One example is that the version 1 transreciver is on the large size. When the version 2 is available, all owners of version 1 will get a free version 2 transceiver.

The main advantage of this radio is that features can be added to the radio. With the latest version of the software they have added 4th channel control, changed the way the transmitter and receiver communicate to make it more secure (hopefully avoiding the problem the Spektum has had with runaways) and a few other things. Later versions will allow all of the buttons and trim switches to be assigned any function and will have customizable display.

The other big advantage is that the 2 way communications is already built-in so you don't need an add-on module like the Spektum. The receiver (transceiver really) is also programmable so as new sensors become available it can be reprogrammed to accept them.

I do look forward to the lap counter as the radio will be able to "speak" the lap times to you while you are on the track.

I havn't heard a lot about the Spectrum and the "run aways". I do know they had a problem with some indoor radio interference, but they had fixed the problem. Have they not fixed the problem?
I also think that its great that they offer the downsized Transciever free of charge to those who have bought it already.
I guess the thing that bothers me the most is...
Why go through all this trouble making a transmiter that has all these RACE features, only to have the Transceiver way oversized for racing. If they didnt even give thought to chassy space and weight, what else did they skip in the development process. Are they going to leave it up to the consumer to work out their bugs? For the MOST exspensive radio on the market, you really should get a product thats well thought out start to finnish. Somthing their CO. wouldnt have to scurry about, trying to save face with your target audience making things right. Make it right from the start. Then charge and arm and a leg.
I can guess whats going to happen next. Futaba, JR, or some other radio CO. is going to come out with its own concept for less driving that final nail in the coffin. Sad, but realistic. Id be pretty suprised to see the Co. 5 years from now.

Norm
I like Hankster have purchased a Nomadio Sensor. I looked into several radios including the JR Z1. I chose the Nomadio for several reasons over the JR which was my second pick. First it has telemetry. This nice for nitro. I race nitro so that matters to me. I am sure I will be able to use its telemetry for my electric racing also. Second 2.4 GHz signal tech. This is not an add-on. Its FSSM signal technology is the fastest responding on the market bar none. Third it is made and designed in the USA. That means a lot to me. Forth value yup I said value. The JR Z1 is $339 plus Spectrum add on $159 plus second receiver $99 plus spectrum Telemetry add on $139. Grand total $736!
That’s $200 more than my Sensor.

Now to set some other things straight. That receiver is really not oversize. What causes the trouble is the coax style antenna port sticking out the side. The V2 fixes that and is smaller and lighter. I am not saying that it is not little to bulky for my liking but I made it work. As to getting it right the first time. That rarely happens in RC. Look the B4 for example. Revised front pin plate and longer pins, revised chassis, and revised rear camber plate. I had to buy all of these updates. If Nomadio comes out with better software you just down load off the net and into your radio. No charge, no boxing it up and shipping it back for the update. If you have a M8 you got to buy the M11 there is no updating it. Fit and finish of my radio was good not as nice as my JR XS3 but pretty close. One thing that really bugs me is that people say it is ugly. So freaking what. I am ugly to does that make me a bad racer. ;) No. it doesn’t. The radio feels good in my hand, very natural. That is what matters. It feels way better than a top heavy M11 or 3PK. It is like holding KO Helios or JR Z1 with the drop down wheel very good and very balanced.

Is this radio prefect? No it not but it in my opinion it is the best thing out there right now. I am looking forward to the Hot Key update and the lap timing. Lap times would be great for any racer any class. You will be able to see and hear the results of your setup or line change with out having to get off the drivers stand.

Bottom line to each his own. Give Nomadio a chance you just might be surprised.

Proud to the only radio made in the USA.
John M. Jordan

Well, I guess in all fairness, I havnt even seen one in person.
My hobby shop isnt one where it would drop 600 bucks on a high end radio, hoping someone will buy it. If i want top of the line stuff i need to order it sight unseen.
I dont have the M11 but i do have the M8 and was in the market for a newer radio. Seeing how spectrum technology is WAY out of my price range with any unit, ill be using a 75mhz system. I know tha Spectrum puts out one model in the old JR-X3 form, but it really doesnt do much if i remember correctly. I could be wrong. My vote was going towards the M11 and later updating it to Spectrum technology when I had more cashola. It would be hard to beat Airtronics proven track record.

ps
Its still ugly :tongue:

All the radios are now shipped with the 2.0 software 6+ time the output power of other 2.4Ghz systems and Hopping.

All radios are shipped with V2 receivers

I have gone to HRP and inspected / updated all inventory. I will be going to Great Planes to do the same. The radios are inspected / loaded with the latest software and the V2 receiver + tach feeler upgraded in the field.

[edited] I would like to keep this discussion on topic and about the Nomadio Sensor. There are a number of Spektrum discussions that you may be able to add to if you wish. Thanks.

Yes, the Spektum is still having run-away problems.... mostly in oval. Here is a link to some of the problems racers are having - http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=131156

The V1 receiver IS oversize. It is
Dimensions: 1.8x1.2x0.75" (47x30x19mm)
Weight: 1.2oz (34g)

The Spektrum is
Dimensions 1.62x 1.06x.57"/ 41.2x 27.0x 15.3mm
Weight: .40 oz./ 11.3 grams

The larger size means it will not fit in my 18T nor will it fit in many Nitro radio boxes or in most electric touring cars. Not really a big deal as the V2 receiver is now available and will be shipping free of charge to all V1 owners.

The BIG advantage the the Nomadio system should have is that it is all digital where when using the Spektrum system it starts as an analog signal then gets converted to digital in the transmitter module.

I got to race with my Sensor last friday night. I raced at Erie R/C. This indoor offroad track that has a rather infamous Spektrum glitch. In the back left corner most every Spektrum has problems with the throttle hanging. I had no troubles what so ever. The radio work flawlessly. It took me no time to get used to the feel of it. During the races I hardly noticed it was there. That is good thing!

I had the Voltage and temp sensors in my T4. It was interesting to watch the voltage dip and to see what the low voltage was during the run. This info could be useful in battery evalution. The lowest voltage of my best battery was almost half a volt higher than the next best. Can I real learn something about my batteries with this I am not sure but it sure is interesting.

Later
John

P.S Yup I still dont care that it is ugly! :thumbsup: