Features
Roll Call • With the Nomadio Sensor radio system, it's all about the features, and there are enough to make your head spin. Aside from the obvious ones--EPAs, model memory, and timers--the Sensor is very interactive and communicates vital pieces of information to the user. Hook the Sensor to your PC, and you can personalize it even more, thus making a custom setup that you are most comfortable with.

Transmitter: Nomadio Sensor
• DSM 2.4 Ghz operation
• N-Maxx protocol hopping
• 75 mW power output
• 100 frames per second
• 674 grams (w/batteries)
• Four NiMH batteries included
• 40 Model memory
• Speaker
• Vibration alert
• Programmable .WAV tones
• Fail safe/auto start
• 3" antenna
• 128x64 display resolution

Receiver: Nomadio V2
• 46X29X14mm
• 14.6 grams
• 22.8 cm antenna
• Four channel
• 1000 ft. range
• Temp/rpm/voltage telemetry

Testing
Nomadio's radio system is definitely different than what most of us are used to. The shape of the radio/receiver, interactive menus, and telemetry options all defy conventional systems, so we'll be sure to examine how they affect the driving experience. Just because something is different, it shouldn't feel uncomfortable, so we'll watch out for that as well.

Fit and feel
Transmitter • The first time I picked up the transmitter it felt a little foreign, but the longer I held it, the more I noticed the balanced feel and relatively low weight of the system. One nice feature is that the display screen has swivel capabilities, making it possible to glance at the screen while driving, without having to reposition your hand. The TX is also ambidextrous and completely symmetrical. The one downfall of the transmitter is the finish. There is no rubber on the grip, and the whole unit feels a little cheap (for a high-end system). The use of only four AAs is appreciated and helps save on weight.

Receiver • Nomadio's first generation receiver was huge, but they have significantly scaled-down the size. Considering that the receiver houses all of the telemetry ports and four channels, it is actually pretty small--not much larger than other DSM receivers. But if your car's radio tray is small to begin with, you may run into spatial issues. The case is a little long, and the plugs are high. I tried mounting the receiver in Team Magic's G4S sedan, and when the plugs were inserted, they hit the bottom of the chassis, forcing me to find a smaller receiver.

Easy of Operation • Having a radio system that's full of features, it's important that they are easy enough to use. Everything in the system is extremely straight forward. Binding is a snap and essentially dummy-proof. And thanks to the cursor-oriented menu and input, navigating through EPA's, EXP's and profile settings is hassle-free. For more hands-off features like display, audio, and warning indicators, the included computer program (and high-quality USB cable) allow you to program the system with ease.

Performance
Since it is easy to operate the system, making adjustments on the fly was no problem, allowing me to dial-in the settings for a new car very easily. The communication operated glitch free and felt extremely responsive to throttle and steering inputs. The telemetry system is novel and basically allows for you to be the driver and pit crew in one. For nitro, using the temperature gauge is helpful, because you can set a warning indicator if you approach a certain temperature. The RPM/speed feature is less helpful but could aid in finding proper gearing for specific tracks. For electric racing, the voltage sensor is useful if you are running an enduro and are worried about dumping in the middle of the track. If you're running LiPos, you can set the minimum voltage to alert you of over-discharging the pack, saving you from making a costly error and ruining your investment.

Final thoughts
It's not every day that a manufacture comes along and challenges the big radio companies. But Nomadio has actually been around for a while; they're just new to hobby RC. Although some people wouldn't be able to recognize Nomadio, I have been noticing it pop up in the hands of the pros. Although the size and shape of the system aren't everyone's cup of tea, its features and user-friendliness are at the top of the game. If you crave lots of features and real-time information, take a look at the new, reduced-priced Nomadio Sensor radio system.