Topic: A "what is good about Multiplex" thread - compared to spektrum

had my spektrum dsx7 for two years now and thinking of upgrading to a dsx9. but a little whisper at the back of my head keeps saying "why not go multiplex, people say the connection is better"

what does better mean, is the mpx 2.4g link demonstrably more resillient, has the two extra years given mpx a springboard over the capabilities of the spektrum... or is spektrum still as good or better...

you bored and looking for a cream bun scrap stuey? 

longer aerial on one i fink?? means at least be able to find you in the event of an avalanche..

most profuse apols for being orf topic. 

you bored and looking for a cream bun scrap stuey? 

longer aerial on one i fink?? means at least be able to find you in the event of an avalanche..

most profuse apols for being orf topic. 

cheers maz, no apols necessary.

i am being serious, am looking for a new tranny in the spring, and after always broke experience am wondering if mpx is a better option...

give me the facts please people...

what do you mean always broke experience?? as i have a dsx7.. still new in my hands and still reading the manual on it.

im hoping you mean broke as in money sense and not probs with the Tx?

I have a Spektrum DX6i and a MPX Cockpit Sx (35 mhz), both have really solid radio links, the Cockpit has however much more flexible programing and hence is used for my more complicated planes (e.g. 4 servo wings), it's also better than the other 7 channel sets I've looked at or programmed for others.

I will be migrating over to 2.4 completely at some point in the future and think I will get an Evo 9, but I will keep my Spektrum for simpler planes and the fantastic bind n fly models that E Flite and Parkzone do.  

what do you mean always broke experience?? as i have a dsx7.. still new in my hands and still reading the manual on it.

im hoping you mean broke as in money sense and not probs with the Tx?

sorry, that was an off hand reference to Always Broke on here and his problem with a spektrum lock out which was never fully explained.

not trying to alarm spekky owners as  am a happy user.. but just wondering what aspects of mpx are actually better. it was kind of accepted that the ipd was superior when it came to 35m..... is m-link blessed with similar prospects...

thanks Frank.

Flexible programming a plus
Bind n fly capability a minus... forgot about that one...

I know most people will respond with theoretical answers but let's face the reality: you won't be able to tell the difference in the air.

I'll stay away from the theory and just mention some practicalities: the MPX receivers cost far more, the choice is far less, and you can hardly get any at the moment anyway.

I guess you could buy the tx and just have faith that the promised features will be delivered and the availability and pricing will get better.

I was quite tempted by the 'esoteric' systems (Jeti and MPX) but I did the maths for 10 planes...

I know most people will respond with theoretical answers but let's face the reality: you won't be able to tell the difference in the air.

I'll stay away from the theory and just mention some practicalities: the MPX receivers cost far more, the choice is far less, and you can hardly get any at the moment anyway.

I guess you could buy the tx and just have faith that the promised features will be delivered and the availability and pricing will get better.

I was quite tempted by the 'esoteric' systems (Jeti and MPX) but I did the maths for 10 planes...

thanks aero...

the difference i want is a more reliable link if it is available.... and that would be worth paying for if available.

Had a dx7 and upgraded to a dsx9 worst thing i ever did gear wise, first the recall on the stick wiring, then the battery wires chaffed and the battery flops about, now sometimes when I use Phoenix the DSX9 wont turn on unless you disconnect the battery and reconnect. Finally 2 club members have had the RF rectifier go after charging the batteries. Wish I had waited for the Multiplex or just kept the DX7

I have nothing bad to report with my DSX9, I trust all my toys to it, always locked in solid. There have been one or two incidences when I thought it was all going wrong, but after a inspection and thought it was all dumb thumbs.
 I am interested to find out if there is a good reason to go over to the dark side multiplex...

Happy at the moment but Watching 

Mudders   

why fix whats not broke. had a dx7 for a couple of years and love it. If you re changing i would have thought the dsx9 is the better choice. no receivers to change plus bind and fly and a good range of reasonably priced receivers for future models
This is nt some sort of mid life crisis is it stuey where you eat quorn  wear jesus creepers and knee lenght socks and go round shouting hallelujah is it

Having been a Futaba man for all of my 24 yrs of RC flying, I recently bought a DSX12..........had my 1st flights on it over the Xmas break and I am 100% hooked so far. Ease of programming compared to my old FC-28 is excellent, and the feel once in the air was superb.......can't wait to switch the other 7 models in my current fleet over onto it.

Phil

This is nt some sort of mid life crisis is it stuey where you eat quorn  wear jesus creepers and knee lenght socks and go round shouting hallelujah is it

Thought he already did this.     

Jeff 

What can I say...... loads!

I use DSX9 and a whole raft of Spektrum Rx's and have never had a problem, with Spektrum you can use the flightlog to prove that the link is as good as you think it is. Sensible pricing of Rx's and DSX9 doesn't inuce a heart attack.

Multiplex, looks like a plastic Tx that comes with a 9.99 toy, cheapo looking sticks and switches. I had the misfortune to help a cockpit user do a range check and I was shocked and stunned how well it fitted in my hands, the cheapo sticks and switches in fact were not cheapo it was excellent.

I have said many times that IMHO there are no bad radio's from the mainstream manufacturers, you could fly Multiplex, Spektrum/JR or Futaba with confidence. The advantage with JR is that you already have Spektrum equipped aircraft and a wide choice of Rx's and with Multiplex you will get your complimentary anorac so you can profess to the world how wonderful it is 

J

One of our members flys Muliplex and I have flown using his TX a couple of times . Although I can't fault the quality it felt terrible in my hands. Ok perhaps playing with stick lengths and spring tensions would help that to some extent . Also looks are not its strong point ,but that dose not effect its operation.
If I was going to do it again I would buy a DS9X the same as I have already and use the Spektrum RXs.
I know my failure was not fully resolved for sure but I am confident that an RX did fail but that could be down to the way it was mounted. I am now confident it will not happen again. The best thing for me was installing the RRS unite in my best models , that has taken all my worries away. I also don't see that anyone else's system is any better at the moment.  I have no interest in looking at my screen to see what my model is doing , so that has no effect on my choice.
Have fun choosing, its a minefield once you start thinking about all the differences.

Simon

One of our members flys Muliplex and I have flown using his TX a couple of times . Although I can't fault the quality it felt terrible in my hands. Ok perhaps playing with stick lengths and spring tensions would help that to some extent . Also looks are not its strong point ,but that dose not effect its operation.
If I was going to do it again I would buy a DS9X the same as I have already and use the Spektrum RXs.
I know my failure was not fully resolved for sure but I am confident that an RX did fail but that could be down to the way it was mounted. I am now confident it will not happen again. The best thing for me was installing the RRS unite in my best models , that has taken all my worries away. I also don't see that anyone else's system is any better at the moment.  I have no interest in looking at my screen to see what my model is doing , so that has no effect on my choice.
Have fun choosing, its a minefield once you start thinking about all the differences.

Simon

Simon, could you start another thread and tell us more about the RRS unit please. It is of interest to me because I'm not far off finishing my Boomerang Intro which is Spektrum equipped (4 satellites and flight monitor).

J

what does better mean, is the mpx 2.4g link demonstrably more resillient, has the two extra years given mpx a springboard over the capabilities of the spektrum... or is spektrum still as good or better...

In respect of the integrity of the radio link, the real answer to your question Stuey is no-one knows.  No-one can know at this early stage in M-link's life, except perhaps some Multiplex or Spektrum engineers.  We poor users can only wait and observe over the next couple of years for the picture to emerge - for any incidents to happen and hopefully get documented accurately - and then to see whether Multiplex have achieved what they did with their 35MHz radio systems.  People expect Multiplex to be better and if I were a betting man I would put my money in that direction, but it's really too early days to say it's definitely better.  You can discuss the potential advantages of FHSS against DSSS but in terms of real world performance & long term reliability we can only wait and see.

There's a really well written review of the Cockpit SX M-Link, written by someone I have total respect for[1], in this month's RCM&E and that concluded that the radio link feels rock solid, could not be broken in the review tests, but until it's proven over time no-one can conclude it's better than any of the other systems.  As JohnB says, the other radio systems are all rather good these days and although I found M-Link to be unimpeachable in its control of my model, in that regard I can't distinguish it from the Spektrum and Jeti systems I also use.

There are other factors to consider when choosing a radio system of course, but I get the impression it's the strength and reliability of the radio link which is of primary interest to you, doubtless because you fly large expensive models.  Personally I fly my parkflyer & BNF stuff on Spektrum and my larger electrics on Jeti Duplex, the distinction being that I want the benefit of the safety advantages of telemetry on my bigger stuff.

[1] Me

but a little whisper at the back of my head keeps saying "why not go multiplex, people say the connection is better"

what does better mean, is the mpx 2.4g link demonstrably more resillient,

It would be a very brave person who claimed that Multiplex 2.4GHz is a better connection than Spektrum or FASST or any of the other good 2.4GHz brands.

The Multiplex 35Mhz connection was always particularly good but for two reasons which may not apply to 2.4GHz.  Firstly multiplex was unique in using a Tx module that responded actively to the characteristics of the Tx aerial and maintained power output at or very close to the 100mW limit whereas the Japanese brands ensured compliance by transmitting well below the limit.  So people using a Multiplex tx had a head start by sending out more power.  Secondly their rx were particularly good at holding very tightly to the narrow signal and only to the strongest signal, so it took a powerful signal right on your channel to cause you any interference, and since a Multiplex tx was the strongest signal from tx on the flightline, it improved your chances yet again.

I doubt that those reasons apply in 2.4GHz.  I would have equal faith in Spektrum, FASST, M-Link, Jeti, Weatronic, even Hitec AFHSS!!  I would happily put any of those in my jets.

If telemetry is important to you then Multiplex, along with some other systems, gives you the telemetry that Spektrum/FASST doesn't.

My reason for using Multiplex is the tx software, imo it blows everything else out of the water though the Japanese are catching up with their latest sets but they are still wedded to the appalling master-slave mixing architecture and being completely unclear about whether you are adjusting or mixing a function or a channel.

You're right, they're all rock-solid connections so you're trying to decide degrees of goodness between systems that all work 100%.

I have the Spektrum flight log device, and I monitor my flights, and I have never had any single frame loss ever!  If 45 frame losses occurred in a row it would go into hold, so I've never even been anywhere near a hold.  So the radio link performance is 100% and I'm sure Multiplex is too.

Do you think maybe build quality could make a difference?  Spektrum is cheap and made in China.  Maybe Multiplex is expensive because it's made in Germany?  Okay, they all use the same globally-sourced components these days, but what if Multiplex never made a bad bit of soldering and Spektrum did?

Stuey, if you are going to use the set in large models, and you want to have confidence in the link, have you considered Weatronics 2.4Ghz system?  I am waiting the arrival of mine.  I already have a Wea 35Mhz rx.  Their "black box" data recording gives you amazing data after the flight for you to really see that the rf link, the power system and so on are actually doing their job or not.  That's one of 2 reasons I am going along the Wea route, not that I think it works any better than M-link but that in my expensive jets with metal coating and c/f reinforcement and large lumps of metal I can really see what is happening and have confidence.  Spektrum's flight log is good and M-link will soon have similar in its Multi-mate (for 3 times the price of course!) but they just give you data packet totals whereas Wea gives you millisecond by millisecond data about many parameters.  The second reason is that some of my jets require 15 servos/devices to be driven and the larger Wea rx give 20 or more outputs all fully programmable with built in power regulation to massive current, built in electronic switch etc so although they look expensive they work out the same as an rx plus power management systems plus electronic switches plus channel splitters but without the Wea's programmability and "black box".

will Spectrum speak 2.4g to weatronic?

will Spectrum speak 2.4g to weatronic?

Of course it will.




The only problem is the Weatronic will not understand a word of Spekspeak.

J

Of course it will.




The only problem is the Weatronic will not understand a word of Spekspeak.

J

OK, that's clear then. 

So, decision made.

Stick with Spekky, and concentrate on a "first class" receiver/flying pack installation

OK, that's clear then. 

So, decision made.

Stick with Spekky, and concentrate on a "first class" receiver/flying pack installation

Good decision, treat yourself to a DSX9 afetr all, when you left your DX7 on the floor all that water must have damaged it 

J

Good decision, treat yourself to a DSX9 afetr all, when you left your DX7 on the floor all that water must have damaged it 

J

At least I can sell my DSX7 in the knowledge I have never had a glitch with it, and boy that has some hours on it too...

had my spektrum dsx7 for two years now and thinking of upgrading to a dsx9. but a little whisper at the back of my head keeps saying "why not go multiplex, people say the connection is better"

what does better mean, is the mpx 2.4g link demonstrably more resillient, has the two extra years given mpx a springboard over the capabilities of the spektrum... or is spektrum still as good or better...

I've got both (Multiplex and Spektrum) nothing wrong with the DX7 that MPX software wouldn't cure............

The answer to that is a Spektrum module in a Multiplex Tx.

The answer to that is a Spektrum module in a Multiplex Tx.

If only you could get your hands on one. My LMS was to by Horizon UK only yesterday that there are none and don't know when there will be any 

Looks like Multiplex 2.4g for me.

Charlie C

The answer to that is a Spektrum module in a Multiplex Tx.

What he said.

In spades.

But will it ever happen as a 12 Ch module for the MPX Profi?

If only you could get your hands on one. My LMS was to by Horizon UK only yesterday that there are none and don't know when there will be any 

Looks like Multiplex 2.4g for me.

Charlie C

better get saving for the rxs CC......

"what is good about Multiplex" thread - compared to spektrum?"

A while back I bought a Spektrum DX7 while getting bored waiting for Multiplex 2.4GHz.  Trying to program my CAP 10 with 4 servo wing into it reminded me what I had forgotten over the years - just how truly awful the Japanese software is.  So that is what is good about Multiplex compared to Spektrum: you get proper logical, clear software, not some God-forsaken, confused, jumbled, unstructured, mish-mash.

"what is good about Multiplex" thread - compared to spektrum?"

A while back I bought a Spektrum DX7 while getting bored waiting for Multiplex 2.4GHz.  Trying to program my CAP 10 with 4 servo wing into it reminded me what I had forgotten over the years - just how truly awful the Japanese software is.  So that is what is good about Multiplex compared to Spektrum: you get proper logical, clear software, not some God-forsaken, confused, jumbled, unstructured, mish-mash.

I have tried to convert the sheepmeister but he just takes the mickey out of my tea tray.

 

Charlie c

I have tried to convert the sheepmeister but he just takes the mickey out of my teat tray.

 

Charlie c

you rest your teats on it...... now wonder it's so big... 

strangely enough i like the japanese programming over the mpx, it's friendly and does quickly exactly what i want..... but then i don't fly gliders or or have retracts anywhere

you rest your teats on it...... now wonder it's so big... 

Don't know what ewe mean.

 

CC

strangely enough i like the japanese programming over the mpx, it's friendly and does quickly exactly what i want..... but then i don't fly gliders or or have retracts anywhere

At a boy, DSX9 you know it makes sense  don't let em get to you.

J

Ohhhhh

Pleeerrrrrrlease

 

CC

It's a bit of a thought provoker Charlie, but as a (fairly) recent convert (for which I'm totally responsible!)  I'd be interested to hear if you think the Mpx way has an edge over the Jap systems? And, perhaps if you'd go back to the Fut/Jr way?

P.S. Did you see that new unused 3030 in the classifieds a week or so back?

It's a bit of a thought provoker Charlie, but as a (fairly) recent convert (for which I'm totally responsible!)  I'd be interested to hear if you think the Mpx way has an edge over the Jap systems? And, perhaps if you'd go back to the Fut/Jr way?

P.S. Did you see that new unused 3030 in the classifieds a week or so back?

No way I would want to do back to Futaba, I have got the hang of MPX programming and I'm very happy with it.

Saw the 3030, I already have one.

CC