CT8A Budget Drift Controller Upgrade from Rlaarlo

Folks are ALWAYS asking for ways to reduce costs on their drift builds. One major way to do so is by getting a more entry-level controller.
Can this CT8A controller really be that good?? I test it to find out!
See more about it directly on Rlaarlo's website: www.rlaarlo-rc.com/?ref=htaawoiq
These are the 18650 cells I used: amzn.to/3UycGRM
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Music provided by the KZbin library.

[@billylim127]

The "Pros" and "Cons" naming is just so funny 😅

[@RoadsideRC]

It took me a minute to figure out what it meant!

[@kirbyjeffery4773]

That's an awesome deal ! And it looks great with a ton of options ! At the price point you probably can't beat it for the expert or novice drifter out there thanks for the review as always very informative !

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree 100%. Should be good for crawlers and bashers as well!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Just picked up a deal on this guy. Transmitter, lithium battery and two gyro receivers for $50 on Amazon. Finally i can ditch my SLT3 and bind my Granote BLX and Felony to one transmitter. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Hope you like it!

[@thomasblair7996]

Great review, definitely something to check into for me,in need of a transmitter for a basher,as always appreciate the review!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help! For the price, it is hard to beat!

[@SurRon-GLE]

You are a Brilliant Man Sir Thank You ! love to see more on this Transmitter

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I just released a short of me driving it at my local track with only the receiver gyro.

[@danielgalusha]

Great Content as per usual! Shoutout roadside 🤘🤘 looking forward to future videos.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@manchildrc]

Man there are so many super nice budget TX's available all the sudden it's crazy

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree 100%! It is like we crossed the threshold of technology affordability. Great for us! Might be bad for companies like Futaba and Sanwa...

[@salutbonjour123]

Hopefully big brand companies adjust their prices accordingly, not saying they should sell for the same price bit the gap is getting thinner 😅

[@lu22334]

Just put my order in awesome review man

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad I could help!

[@rcinhand9671]

I just bought the HotRC version of this (no gyro). I haven't done a test yet, but the naming of the functions is hilarious. I hope I can get firmware that corrects it. If not, it will still make me laugh!

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! The wording is a funny feature!

[@Storyracing387]

I dig it. I have most of my cars set up with a Flysky GT3B. 2 1/8 race cars, 2 drift cars, TT02R, and a crawler. For the same price, there seems to be a lot more ability to fine tune the radio. Do you do any on road racing? I bet with steering adjusting, it would be great for my TT02R. Great video Troy!

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi there! Yes - I have also had a GT3B in the past. I think this is certainly an upgrade from there! I do not do any on-road racing though. Just the drift stuff for on-road!

[@Storyracing387]

@RoadsideRC definitely worth looking in to for sure 👌

[@joemiller4849]

would love to see a review on the DUMBORC DDF-350. i think you did a review a while back on one of their other controllers built in gyro but this video reminded me about it i wonder if its any good. i'm still new to the rc world so i'm trying to keep my budget low lol

[@RoadsideRC]

I have one on order! Stay tuned!

[@steviesmith9797]

I will be looking forward to this! I'm slowly building my first RC drift car and I know everything else I will run except the controller so really excited to see your recommendations for on a budget (up to £120)

[@RoadsideRC]

@steviesmith9797 I have tested it, but haven't had a chance to get the video together yet. The Dumbo does everything you need - but nothing more as well. Does not really provide any more functionality than a Flysky GT3C or this CT8A...but at a higher price.

[@billyb5057]

good review of the budget controller *🦘Au🪱👀fully viewed☑👍like✅have a good week🔆*

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks Billy!

[@Nibbler562]

Can you do a more In depth video of set up settings trying to figure out the esc settings, servo settings and linearity

[@RoadsideRC]

There won't be any esc or servo settings with this controller. What are you trying to do?

[@Nibbler562]

​I go to mix and it does make a difference when i change those. Wanted to know do I need to mess with those settings. ​@@RoadsideRC

[@RoadsideRC]

@@Nibbler562 Nope - you need to leave the mix settings alone. Those will get you into trouble. They are there more for things like tanks and 4WS on a crawler.

[@SupaaManix]

Amazing review! Do you think this will work with the LDRC Rx7 drift car to have better/responsive control + remove the gyro wobble?

[@RoadsideRC]

Perhaps! Did you see the video where I upgraded gyros on that car? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYDYpYqEmryBaNk I have not tested it yet - but I think this could work as well. I have literally ordered TWO more of these controllers to test like you are saying.

[@SupaaManix]

@@RoadsideRC yes I did watch your video and I have a DasMykro v5 and 2 cars. Will be nice to have one with a proper controller and gyro at the same time, 2 birds 1 stone if you prefer. Thanks

[@SupaaManix]

@@RoadsideRC I received the controller and receiver. How do you connect the receiver to the main board where the lights are connected to? It seems that the receiver only have input port.

[@DJ.1001]

Dang, $40 for a color screen and all those channels? I'm gonna be honest, I wasn't thinking too highly of the radio throughout your review bit being that affordable makes it easy to look past all the quirks and odd settings. Check out the dumborc ddf-350 next. I've been using one on a loaner drift chassis for a while now. It works great. Being a dumbo its got great range and is very reliable. Its got a nice screen and alot of easy to use buttons, with all the buttons and receivers that are cheap and included lighting controls I think its one of the best crawler radios on the market for any price. Its even compatible with futaba 4pm steering wheels

[@RoadsideRC]

Honestly - I was there with you. Meh, just another basic controller. But as I kept digging into it, seeing the features, and then when I realized it was on sale for $40....that is a no brainer!! I have the DDF-350 in my cart right now! Thanks for the tip!

[@wingate23]

Did you ever make any more videos about the controller?

[@RoadsideRC]

Holding off right now. Rlaarlo made a spec change and modified how the gyro works. Trying to get them to change it back.

[@Limitless_Potato]

Have you tried the radiomaster mt12? Would you recommend this one over the other for beginner drifting?

[@RoadsideRC]

Here is the video for the MT12: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp-soH6fbdRkiqc

[@aliasangelalias]

I don't see the 18650 battery link... really wish you show us which brand of 18650 you are using and what mAh.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the callout! Here is what I am using: amzn.to/3UycGRM

[@bongofury3176]

FYI HotRC CT-8A seems to be identical and possibly cheaper...

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Cheaper depends on where you look.

[@adamhudson6812]

Would you suggest this over the RadioMaster or vise versa?

[@RoadsideRC]

This is much easier to use and cheaper. The Radiomaster is more complex, long range, and more powerful overall. Depends on how you will use it.

[@trevorread8668]

Did we ever figure out if it works with the ldrc cars? 😅

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope - I have not tried. I actually purchased 2 more of these controllers - and they are now coming with a new gyro program that makes it useless. I have contacted Rlaarlo, but received no response.

[@kevybadboy]

Any one know where you can get another receiver, rlaarlo are saying they don’t sell them which is odd since you can have up to 8 models

[@RoadsideRC]

That is very odd. The Hot RC CT8A receivers will probably work!

[@ashesfrommars2446]

hey man. i just got the transmitter today, and ive used 2 different 18650 batteries, but they cant reach the terminals. are both sides of your battery flat?

[@RoadsideRC]

Ah....no. My batteries have the bump-out on one side. Similar to a AA or AAA.

[@ashesfrommars2446]

@@RoadsideRC weird. I've bought two different ones from two different vape shops

[@RoadsideRC]

@@ashesfrommars2446 Here is what I am using: amzn.to/3HMICdw

[@eriksapien4528]

Do you think this would would be a good choice as an upgrade for a redcat rds rtr? Until i can afford a futaba 4pm

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - I think it is more than enough for most drifters. You may find yourself not wanting the 4PM. I am currently using this on my RDS - with the built-in receiver gyro!

[@eriksapien4528]

@@RoadsideRC I'm planning my drift build and I already have an onisiki daruma that I'm using in my ldrc rx7 and I'm planning on getting that injora drift servo to go along with this and a redcat RDS rtr.... what'd ya think?

[@RoadsideRC]

@eriksapien4528 I haven't tested that exact combo - but have had good luck with all of the parts independently. I expect it will do rather well.

[@philemonologue]

Do you know what the function "Linearity" is?

[@RoadsideRC]

I show you at 4:30 in this video.

[@kellykuretich6366]

😎😎👍👍

[@jaysunspeas9625]

Troy have you by any chance tried the flysky g7p? Thoughts comments??

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi there! I never set one up with a drift car. They seem pretty good though. This one is much newer, and cheaper - so I would tend to lean this direction.

[@jaysunspeas9625]

@@RoadsideRC that’s understandable! Price is $60+tax correct?

[@RoadsideRC]

@jaysunspeas9625 Depends on where you buy it. Straight from Rlaarlo now it is on sale at $40. Amazon has it under another brand for around $60.

[@jaysunspeas9625]

@@RoadsideRC is there a coupon on there? I hoped on the direct website and seen it for $60

[@jaysunspeas9625]

@@RoadsideRCNevermind I seen it right there on the front!! It didn’t upload the picture the first time! Dang internet 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@perrysteingart9771]

Do you know the size of the receiver.

[@RoadsideRC]

Sure! 40mm x 25mm x 10mm

[@perrysteingart9771]

Thank you

[@jesusgonzalezmachado]

Can some tell me how I can reset my controller I accidentally put it in Chinese language

[@RoadsideRC]

Oh no! I am not sure!

[@jesusgonzalezmachado]

@@RoadsideRC can u find out lol

[@salutbonjour123]

Man if this works with my gyd470 ill buy it

[@RoadsideRC]

I keep delaying on answering this message - hoping I could get it tested for you. Sorry for the delay. However, I have been drifting with this controller and the built-in receiver gyro. It really works great!

[@salutbonjour123]

@@RoadsideRC tested, the hot RC CT8A works flawlessly with the GYD470 You also really should try the LDRC rx7/nsx with a surpass hobby 9g servo (direct fit) and a dasmikro V6 or even better a gt55 If you have a spare receiver and small brushed ESC lying around, it honestly performs similarly to my drift art using a proper controller. I'm amazed people are still buying a wltoys k989 and converting them when you can have such a good cheap platform available. Thank you for your videos Troy, you're my favorite channel to watch and my kids love the RC things you suggest on the channel!

[@RoadsideRC]

@@salutbonjour123 Awesome! You beat me to it! Thanks for the feedback and suggestions!

[@andrypatra3474]

Apa remot ini sudah ada gyro yang bisa digunakan, tanpa ada gyro tambahan

[@RoadsideRC]

Ya, benar. Namun - versi terbaru pengontrol ini hadir dengan program baru yang membuat gyro kurang berguna. Berhati-hatilah sebelum membeli.

[@andrypatra3474]

@@RoadsideRC oke saya sedikit memahami brand hot rc tidak meliki gyro dan brand Rlaarlo meliki gyro apa betul ?

[@hellorc7678]

Haha it would take me 100 years to learn about remotes.💃

[@RoadsideRC]

Better get started! :)

[@cn_redsniper8937]

Can’t get it to connect lol

[@RoadsideRC]

Probably should try to rebind it. And ensure there are FRESH batteries in the car and controller.

[@soma_rc]

Oh my, they ran the whole thing trough google translate 🤣 Skipping this, too many quirks.

[@RoadsideRC]

Maybe they did!

[@joseywilds3133]

Still no left hand steering!!!!!! Why is it always right hand wheel!!! Companies don’t care about the lefty

[@RoadsideRC]

I think it says it is reversible. Check the website!

[@christophermears7738]

FlySky Noble and Noble pro do

[@themountain59]

@@christophermears7738 ..and the new radiomaster too

[@MaxJB]

Futaba 7px and up can be reversed

[@jeremybennett5547]

I’m lefty, only ever used a righty controller. Feels fine to be that way🤷‍♂️