How to Setup Flysky Noble NB4 for RC Drift

Having a good controller is KEY for RC drifting!
Typically, Futaba controllers are my go-to, but I see many folks using these FlySky Noble NB4 controllers (amzn.to/3t93J2h). I figured I need to give it a try myself!
In this video, I walk you through the full install and setup that I did on this controller, specifically for RC drifting.
Besides the Noble NB4, the rest of the details of this drift car:
- Yokomo RTR car: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- ReveD RS-ST servo: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Yokomo DP-302v4 gyro: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Changed to the Futaba GYD450 gyro: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- DS Racing wheels: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Yokomo DRC tires: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Video timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:52 Unboxing
3:17 Install
4:16 Setup
12:50 Track Test
*Note: The provided links to the items recommended in this may be associate links. The great news about this: you pay the same price for the item, but I get a small kickback that helps me fund this channel!
AMain Hobbies Affiliate link: alnk.to/cHIb5Xc
Amazon Affiliate link: amzn.to/3DT66e3
Redcat Affiliate link: www.redcatracing.com/?ref=faS...
My LHS, Cookeville Hobbies: www.ebay.com/str/luvrc?_trkpa...
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[@theAessaya]

OMG where were you two weeks ago when I was setting up my NB4?! That said, here's a few more tips and tricks to it: * I highly recommend removing throttle dead zone for all electric cars, because the ESC already has one. You can find it in "TH NEUTRAL" settings. * Trim switches above the wheel are actually 4-directional, so you can use the other direction for some other function. I have mine for throttle/steering exponential rate. * You can setup home screen information by just tapping on the relevant section. * Switch channel count (if you have more than 4 channel receiver) _before_ doing anything else, as this will reset model settings and receiver binding for that model to defaults every time. * If you upgrade the controller's firmware (I recommend putting the newest one in if you just bought it, mine came with like almost two year old firmware and didn't have a lot of new features), you will likely lose all models stored _and_ you will also need to upgrade the receiver firmware as well, otherwise they may not bind. Consult your manual how to do those, as it's also receiver-dependent. To remove the bottom battery you need to grab the controller firmly by the grip with one hand, while putting the other hand against the bottom of the battery and pushing it _firmly_ forwards until it clicks and pops out. First couple of times may require non-insignificant amount of force, so don't be afraid to push it harder if it ain't budging. It's a great controller, I am very happy with it, and the guys at local track also immediately loved it. Personally, have the left/right knobs set up for throttle/steering dual rates, and side paddles set up as +/- for the CH3 -- this allows me to have different gyro gain settings for different models, and last channel position will be remembered when you switch from and back.

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice tips! Pinned!

[@taimaishu-nao1922]

WTF RC Cars has a whole guide for it that’s become the official in-depth guides via FlySky. One thing he even mentioned was the “hidden debug” menu in which you were originally able to access the “Beginner Mode”. It’s rather strange and I don’t recommend finding it (because it’s kind of a waste of time) but it does exist if you get curious. I love my NB4. One of my local drifters recommended it and since I paid a lot for it, I can’t see going back to something cheaper. I was shopping around for a Futaba but the 3PV was the same price and the NB4 did everything the 7PX did and some.

[@theAessaya]

@@taimaishu-nao1922 in the most recent firmware beginner mode is available in main menu without any secrets needed, btw. But yeah, kinda not really useful :)

[@robinkesterlives]

great tips thank you!

[@edsadventures3575]

OMG!!! Thank you for taking all the thinking out of this… I am not a tech guy, so you have taken the stress away…. Thank you!!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help!

[@kinglolo88]

I recently switched to this controller. Thanks for this video. Plenty of great information.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help!!

[@BSwayze]

Thanks for the review. I bought one and it just came today 😮. It’s the future! Can’t wait to set it up when my esc comes in.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@CaptainC6969]

I just ordered an NB4 because of your review! Thank you!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! I bet you will really like it.

[@tyboynton2173]

Hahaha, this is awesome! I literally just got an NB4 to run my cars, specifically my drift car! Love mine so far. Nice!! 🤘🏼

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you like it!

[@Hardstylers4Life661]

Just got my nb4. Its incredible and as a lefty im so thankful this exists. Appreciate the info!

[@RoadsideRC]

I forgot to mention in the video - it is certainly the BEST transmitter for left handed folks out there! As you looked around, did you find any others as accomodating?

[@Hardstylers4Life661]

@@RoadsideRC i found none at all. This has to be the best for the lefty’s period. I believe the only other comparable one is the sanwa m17 or the spektrum dx6r which also has reversible capabilities but simply put just not as good and clean as the noble

[@taimaishu-nao1922]

Love my NB4. A local drifter told me to consider it while I was on the market for their GT5 or the Futaba 3PV. I’ve since gotten so used to it but dialing in a RWD-converted TT-02 is a lot harder than I thought it’d be. I’m going to try adjusting the throttle rate and see if it makes any improvement. I know setting my steering exponential helped cure my car of its “snowplowing” issue. Thanks Troy for all the help and the entertainment. I hope in time you all find a place to drive. Really sad Music City wanted to go a different direction.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you Tai! What I hear from you with the TT-02 sounds familiar with some local folks that tried the same thing. I wonder if you swapped your components to a chassis like the D5 - just how much easier it would be for you.

[@billyb5057]

seems the controller is key to good drifting interesting setup think I would get lost doing that *thumbs up👍Au👀fully watched*

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! It really is a great controller!

[@strippedgears82]

I love my noble definitely a great middle of the road controller. You will really enjoy it crawling as well. Especially when use a winch or dig

[@RoadsideRC]

Good point!

[@bigbuddhasrc5852]

Do you know if there okay with getting wet? I always get to play during the winter.

[@strippedgears82]

@@bigbuddhasrc5852 idk I haven't had anything more then some dew build up

[@taimaishu-nao1922]

@@bigbuddhasrc5852 They do not like the wet. A little drizzle is fine but not a monsoon.

[@danwoodruff4323]

I picked up the same controller on Amazon. Works great. Just need to setup my winch.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Seems good so far!

[@bigbuddhasrc5852]

Oooo I'm excited to check out a new remote setup for sliding! I didn't do well with the futaba 4 channel I tried

[@MRPB54]

Man I told ya at the 5man the noble 4 is awesome 😬

[@RoadsideRC]

If we get the chance, I am happy for you to try this one!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Our FlySky 3, and 6 channel radios are some of our favorites, I do wish they had programming features like this one though..

[@RoadsideRC]

This one really is next level! Not like the others!

[@taimaishu-nao1922]

This one is their flagship model and is worth the money! It’s pricey but WAAAY cheaper than the comparable 7/10PXR from Futaba. Also, there isn’t much difference between the “standard” NB4 and the Pro. The Pro just makes you feel better because it says “Pro” but functionally, it’s no different than the standard. FlySky are trying to change that and give the Pro some extra features you can’t get with the standard but save the money and buy the standard NB4. Ask me how I know.

[@robinkesterlives]

I just grabbed a NB4 while at the Hobby shop. The quality of the unit was so good I decided to give it a try. I hope to use it for my Mini-Z cars and my drift rigs.

[@RoadsideRC]

Great choice!!!!

[@robinkesterlives]

@@RoadsideRC I grabbed the wrong one, lol. i got the Mini-Z EVO package with 2 EVO receivers. :D I don't have an EVO yet. Now I have 2 receivers and none of my other receivers work w it. Fun times. Waiting on a new compatible receiver now.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@robinkesterlives Ah boo! There might be adapters to get one of those receivers to work...

[@robinkesterlives]

@@RoadsideRC I have a standard receiver on the way. And learned to pay more attention in the shop next time on stuff like this :D

[@robinkesterlives]

@@RoadsideRC One of the receivers came, setup quickly and easily. THe 3PV is so light compared, it almost feels odd controlling a car with the NB4 now. having more then 3 channels is going to be epic. :D off to drift!

[@CaptainC6969]

Would love for you to do a video on your suggested favorite RC transmitter for drifting similar to what you did for ESC/Motor. Thanks in advance!!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Great suggestion! I will put it on the list!

[@azbusa]

Very nice...I was looking at the Noble. I currently run an olded Graupner x8e. That extra battery on the Noble should be a huge selling point. Now you need to get the the pro version and do a comparison.

[@RoadsideRC]

I have been thinking about the Pro - I just might!

[@storyracing387]

Well damn......guess I have to get a new Flysky! I really like your reviews. Simple to understand. Your local track is in TN right? I may have to pay a visit👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! Yes - we are in mid-TN. Unfortunately, the track just closed. We are working on moving to a new spot. More info to come!

[@storyracing387]

@@RoadsideRC oh damn that sucks! Hopefully a new spot will open soon. If you're ever in the Atlanta area, there's a great place called Altitude Raceway. It's and indoor carpet drift track and sim racer combo. 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

@@storyracing387 I thought that place was called Torque Motorsports?

[@storyracing387]

@@RoadsideRC ya know....I may have been wrong with the name. I believe you're right 😁

[@storyracing387]

@@RoadsideRC toque is the sim racer and altitude is the drift track. My bad 😃

[@fab_cab]

Im going the get this transmitter. Would be good to test the reciever for that has a gyro built in 😊😊

[@RoadsideRC]

My testing has shown that built-in gyros are pretty poor - but I haven't tested this specific one.

[@bdablader95]

So million dollar question, I'm torn between the Noble and the Futaba 4pm. I mostly bash, but have been dipping my toes in drifting and buggy racing, should I go with the 4pm or Noble? Bonus: I'm working on a 150mph Arrma Infraction and heavily modified SCX10 as well as a Yokomo YD2ZX with top of line electronics in said Yd2. I'd like put them all on one transmitter to save the hassle of having multiple transmitters. I can't justify a $500+ Futaba or Sanwa given I only have 4-6 days a month I can drive and it seems like I won't need 90% of the settings in these higher end transmitters. Thank you in advance.

[@RoadsideRC]

The BIGGEST issue with Noble...is that the 4PM is so similarly priced. Last check, the 4PM is only around $20 more - so I would still go that route. People say one benefit is the Noble comes with 2 receivers - which is another $50 in Futaba terms. However, if you are spending that kind of money on your Infraction and YD2, then a quality $50 receiver isn't an issue.

[@MRPB54]

I love mine paired to a 8 channel receiver for my vanquish Phoenix 🤟 And yes kiddos drive better on the gyd450 thats why Fabian has 2 of them 😅

[@RoadsideRC]

The GYD450 was like a light switch for him!

[@MRPB54]

@@RoadsideRC exactly how i would say when Fab was starting out once he drove with a 450 9n it was like a 180 for him and thats when he got hooked 🔥

[@jampwr84]

Did you figure out why your servo was making so much noise when you first powered it up with the new receiver? Just picked up the same remote and am having the same issue.

[@RoadsideRC]

I didn't! It still makes some noise, but works!

[@jonothankowal4507]

can we get more of this NB4 content with your thoughts and maybe other tuning options in the controller .

[@RoadsideRC]

Maybe! Anything specific you would like to see?

[@jonothankowal4507]

@@RoadsideRC would like to get your thoughts after track testing and maybe review it compared to the futaba you run.

[@XxDarkMagicianxX]

Can you tell me more about the actual steering on the noble? I know the futaba has like a resistance when turning with their 4pm transmitter. Does this has that resistance feel?

[@RoadsideRC]

I'm not 100% clear on your question. All steering setups have a spring. This spring helps re-center the wheel if you let go, plus provide resistance.

[@XxDarkMagicianxX]

@Roadside RC thanks for following up. I tried my friends futaba transmitter the other day. The actual steering wheel on the transmitter feels solid and has like a resistance feel to it when turning. It just feels stiffer to turn than my cheaper transmitter. Hope that kinda clears it up.

[@Fbody_123]

Did you set the gain on the v4 on soft mode or did you use hard mode ?

[@RoadsideRC]

You can use either. Depends on your preference.

[@ianvelasco9177]

Considering this transmitter, will it pair well with the gyd550? I see some talk about not being able to utilize the full potential of the gyro unless I have a futaba. How true is that in your opinion?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is VERY true, and it is jot just any Futaba, but one of the premium Futaba radios. If you want to go with this controller, just get the Futaba GYD470 that recently came out.

[@ianvelasco9177]

@@RoadsideRC would the 4PM suffice? Or would it prefer the 7PXR and 10 model?

[@RoadsideRC]

@@ianvelasco9177 If you want the 550, you are much better off with the 7 or 10PX

[@PittsFly]

@@RoadsideRC Does the Futaba GYD470 definitely work with the Noble NB4? I have tried the GYD470 on a Spektrum DX3R and some cheaper (but programmable TX's) and I get no TX controlled steering, but gyro steering works fine. If I unplug the Gyro and connect steering servo directly to RX, steering works fine. I don't want to buy the NB4 and find the same issue, but if someone can confirm it works, I'll order one. Futaba 4PM is nearly $200 more than the NB4 here in Aus.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I love futaba stuff whether it’s old school am stuff or modern 2.4, but they love to eat batteries..

[@RoadsideRC]

Mine sure does!

[@swadewatts4282]

Hi Troy, as I've only been drifting for 3 months, I've got a mst 2.5 classic, with very (I know) average flysky gt3c transmitter and have just got a gyd 470, can I turn off the avcs, kind regards Jason

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! And don't worry - that GT3C will do you great for years! Assuming you have the gyro gain controlled on channel 3....reverse that channel. It will flip the gyro into the alternate mode.

[@swadewatts4282]

@@RoadsideRC hi Troy thanks for replying, kind regards Jason

[@sur-ronrides]

been trying to turn my lights on/off through ch 4, no luck, seems ch 4 is always powered, any tips, cheers

[@RoadsideRC]

You have to get a light controller to plug into channel 4. Like this: amzn.to/3XT5AWm

[@sur-ronrides]

@@RoadsideRC cheers

[@winstonsmith8383]

Can you program the Futaba gyro with a Flysky NB4 transmitter? I thought it required a Futaba transmitter?

[@RoadsideRC]

All Futaba gyros work with other brand controllers. However - with the GYD550 specifically, you can unlock more features with a specific Futaba radio setup.

[@winstonsmith8383]

@@RoadsideRC ah ok. I bought the Yokomo thinking I needed the Futaba transmitter if I had the Futaba gyro. Might also buy the Futaba gyro now and compare since it sounds like they handle a bit better.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@winstonsmith8383 I 100% prefer the Futaba feel compared to the Yokomo - bit everyone is different!

[@chivis843]

What do I do if my steering is inverted? I steer left it turns right vice versa .. did I do something wrong ?

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope - you didn't do anything wrong. You just need to reverse the steering in the transmitter under the reverse menu.

[@ElPunto620]

I would like to buy an NB4. But now there is the newer version, the NB4+...which one is advisable to buy? 🤙🏻

[@RoadsideRC]

For MOST users, the additional features of the NB4+ do not justify the additional price. I am seeing a $50-$100 price difference between the two radios. That is a lot of money to spend on other parts.

[@ElPunto620]

@@RoadsideRC Ok thanks…🤙🏻

[@TheAusherGuy]

I bought this over a futaba 4pm/px/pv. Am I going to be disappointed?

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope. You should like it.

[@Bluespade115]

Can you do this with a GT3C please!

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I actually have one sitting on my workbench. Give me a few weeks to get the video filmed and posted. Feel free to come back and harass me about it if you don't see it.

[@reneortiz2033]

Fs nb4 or futaba 4pm which do u prefer

[@RoadsideRC]

Good news - they are both GREAT. I would personally buy the Futaba - but that is not because of any specific feature. I just like the interface and feel better. Again - both are great choices.

[@larsonkandau6568]

How about set up for crawler?

[@RoadsideRC]

Good question! Honestly - I typically do very little controller setup for a crawler. Mostly just plug-n-play.

[@tflkwiz594]

I'm having an issue with my flysky noble nb4. I can't get my throttle to go past 75%. Can you help?

[@RoadsideRC]

Throttle end point not set correctly?

[@tflkwiz594]

@RoadsideRC I have my end points set at 120%. I that's how I got from 65% to 75%. And no, I don't have it in beginner mode.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@tflkwiz594 How are you reading the 65% and 75%?

[@tflkwiz594]

I finally found the problem. I had to use stick calibration to make sure the sender and outer position were correct.

[@tflkwiz594]

@RoadsideRC originally, the stick points were not gone through after I updated the software. That's why I had only 60% (65% if I pulled the trigger real hard). I started with adjusting the end points and only got 75% max. But as soon as I messed with the stick calibration. I got it to go to 120% I just backed the endpoints down to 100%.

[@user-ln1nx9dy3m]

Друг фары можно с него включать и выключать? Если поставить световой блок??

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes. You will also need a light controller.

[@user-ln1nx9dy3m]

@@RoadsideRC 🤝👍

[@andysmith5152]

This or the futaba t4pm?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is a tough one as both are very good. If you want to run a Futaba gyro, then pairing it with a Futaba radio helps to unlock more capability.