Spektrum DX6i 6 channel 2,4 GHz DSM2 Aircraft System

[oliver1954Participant @oliver1954]

The Spektrum DX6i has been recommended to me for my boats, my question is are there different types of transmitters in that range, this particular one states on the box that it is “a 6 channel 2.4ghz DSM2 Aircraft system”

 

Thanks in advance for all advice received, I am very new to all of this and I want to avoid mistakes in buying the wrong equipment where possible.

 

Oliver.

Edited By Colin Bishop on 21/07/2009 09:53:35

[oliver1954Participant @oliver1954]

[Lionel KnightParticipant @lionelknight35935]

Hi Oliver

There are several Transmitters in the 2.4Ghz range DX5, DX6 and DX7 all are suitable for boats ignore the aircraft bit they all operate the servo’s in the same manner wether used in aircraft or boats. There are cheaper 2.4 systems about, have a look at the model mayhem forum, units from china seem to be gaining in support for price and ease of use. Hope that helps

 

Lionel,

[Lionel KnightParticipant @lionelknight35935]

Hi Oliver to add to my earlier post details for unit mentioned.

 

See here

Lionel

Edited By Colin Bishop on 21/07/2009 09:55:43 – Link was too long in original form

Edited By Colin Bishop on 21/07/2009 09:59:05

[oliver1954Participant @oliver1954]

 

Hi there Lionel,

 

Thanks for your help, the Turborix transmitters certainly appear to be value for money and easier to use, that is important to me as I really do want an entry level transmitter.

 

I assume they come with receivers?

 

How easy is it to get servo’s that will work with this kit?

 

I know, for every question that you knowledgable guy’s answer, I always seem to have more questions!

 

All the best,

 

Oliver.

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Hi Oliver  

Spektrum r/c was  covered in MB earlier this year, May 2009 for the DX5e and November 2008 for the DX6, which does the same job as the Dx6i. I use DX6i sets, Mode 2. This means the throttle is on the left, but it is supplied non self -centering because aeroplane motors usually only go forward! However,  Horizon Uk who import the sets will usually supply the bits FOC and fit them if required  or when I bought my sets from Micron, they offered to do it. You need Mode 2, because the throttle fail safe is then on the left hand stick and by leaving the stick in neutral when setting the set up (very easy) it means that the motor will stop if there is a problem with the signal reception. In one year’s use, I have never had a problem with the sets. 

The Dx6i sets have the benefit of servo throw adjustment, rate switches, exponential throw etc. I consider them to be excellent value.  Current listed price is £127 to £135  for tx and receiver. At Wings and Wheels they were being sold for £112.  A Dx6i Tx will remember 10 different models. Therefore after the first set, you only need purchase additional receivers.

Any normal servo, eg Futaba/Hitec/Mtroniks esc will work with the r/c and plug in as usual .

Regards

Paul Freshney

Editor of MB 

[oliver1954Participant @oliver1954]

Thanks for your reply Paul,

 

All very interesting, I do like the idea of after the first set there is only the need to buy additional receivers, that makes a lot of sense and means that purchase costs even out.

 

Regards,

 

Oliver.

[Lionel KnightParticipant @lionelknight35935]

Hi Oliver

Yes you get a receiver with the set, but don’t know how easy to obtain spares.

Any servo should work OK with both Turbomix or Spetrum.

I have the DX7 and am well pleased, but set up is a little complex, once mastered can do almost anything, but you get what you pay for.

 

Regards  Lionel

[Paul FreshneyParticipant @paulfreshney24971]

Hi Oliver

Some further thoughts…. 

Horizon UK (in Harlow, Essex) have a first class rapid service department if you have a service or warranty requirement.

Micron r/c sell the whole range + spare receivers and are  competively priced and have a ‘live’ stock level. Al’s Hobbies were discounting sets + separate receivers very heavily at Wings and Wheels in June and also have a rapid internet service, Sets are usually sold without servos (except for microlite) because many aircraft modellers are simply changing the tx and rx in their models and also their servo requirements vary so much. I personally use Futaba S3010 servos for rudder control. These are a bit more expensive than the standard servos, but are very precise and reliable. Al’s Hobbies also sell very nice large servo arms to match. I have heard that manufacture of 35Mhz sets has now virtually ceased, although that is just hearsay from the aero boys. Anyway, it can’t be long now before 27Mhz and 40Mhz go the same way as the early reliability issues with 2.4Ghz are now some way behind us.

Regards

Paul Freshney

Editor of MB 

[oliver1954Participant @oliver1954]

Hi Paul,

 

Thanks for the update, I do find this very interesting, and it would appear that the technology in the model world is moving at a pace!

 

I am very new to this hobby having only last week taken ownership of two very nice “scratch” built (I believe) models, please see my gallery photo’s.

 

The question is, do you or indeed any members know of anyone in a 30 mile radius of Nuneaton, Warwickshire that would be prepared to fit the equipment that I am about to purchase, I will need help with this as I believe I will need to fit batteries, receivers, servo’s and some degree of ballast.

 

All answers very gratefully received.

 

Many thanks,

 

Oliver.

[DuckyParticipant @ducky]

Hi Oliver ,

You will be able to buy the lower rated and priced receivers for your other models (£38) ,as the model boats are not as keen as a model plane and don’t forget you don’t have any crystals and spares of same to buy which counters against the price of the receiver and if you go to other clubs there’s no worry about frequencies

I bought the DX6i for my wife and no more changing crystals in boats and tranny now, as its just dial another model in on the tranny,so I can get on with my sailing

AND the spectrum receivers are BEC as well which means  no receiver batteries required

Battery life in Spektrum tranny is a lot better than the 9.6v-700 amh which seems to be rubbish in everyones tranny I’ve spoke to ….4aa’s in the spektrum that I’ve not had to change in ours yet and we have had it for quite a few months and go sailing a lot!!

Hope this helps

 

Ducky

[James ThomasParticipant @jamesthomas81838]

Hello, I bought a Spektrum 6 a couple of years ago and have nowt but trouble with it. Been back to Graupner Germany, no luck, they said the Receiver was faulty and should be changed, but as the outfit was bought in UK it must happen from there, and Horizon, who reprogrammed it and returned it. Total cost so far over 70 pounds for postage etc. The unit works in my shed, and my back garden, but at the waterside when switched on the servos(3of them) drive to one end and stay there. It happens on all channels and with different model Modes . The set is very complicated to set up, it has a 78 page instruction manual! I have given up on it, and it is now under my bench, if anyone wants it, for the cost of Postage(About 18 pounds) it is yours! Good Luck with it!!

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