Topic: You can keep your 18MZ, i want this ! NEW DX18 from Spektrum

This looks ace, ok so it doesn't have a massive colour screen and take photo's of your model but it looks to do everything else including telemetry for a fraction of the cost. Suggested price at the minute is $799.

I think i have found my new tx, well when it comes out anyway

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM18000&view=test

Have they penciled in the first recall date yet? 

Have they penciled in the first recall date yet? 

And so it begins, the rise of the sandel wearers

And so it begins, the rise of the sandel wearers

Assumption is the mother of all f...mess ups. Sure, I currently do have a German radio, but jury is out on the next one...might not be German.

Never worn sandals in my life.   

Steve, I'm not going to bother, i just hate it when as soon as someone mentions a new radio set then the comments appear, you don't see that in multixxxx, threads do you 

IMHO If you don't like a radio brand then unless you have direct experience of that particular set (good or bad) then please don't post.

Steve

I quite like the idea of these 18 channel sets, I could fly my 6 channel plane and then set up a "flight mode" that at the flick of a switch would open my car boot, a radio controled car with a robot arm would grab the bin bag then drive to ground zero and deploy it next to the wreckage!

Top stuff

CM

While 18 channels is far too many for most, 9 channels isn't enough for a few of my models without having the added expense of using matchboxes etc.

Personally I don't understand the beef that many have against Spektrum.

Many modellers almost spit at you for using it, and the same modellers dont have spektrum sets and have never owned one. As far as i am concerned those few dont have an opinion.

Spektrum have one feature on it that I personally think should be on ALL radios and that is model match. I have had this discussion with many modellers who dismiss the feature as a gimmick and claim that 'to their knowledge' they have never had any issues flying with the wrong settings. Having seen said modellers put one in because theyve done exactly that I would say it was a worthy feature that could save more that just the flier having grief.

You could argue as well that the recall policy are an honest acceptance that things of a complex nature  such as electronics and software can AND WILL go wrong and that they are willing to take responsibility and rectify. I work in the IT industry and I can tell you that this approach is rare and a breath of fresh air. I would also guarantee that there are many other faults out there that never come to light - the mysterious glitch that you never could find an answer for, the 'bermuda triangle' that all clubs have in the corner of the flying field where 'everyone in the club has put one in' - no one knows if they were pilot error or was it a software fault?

 

Found a link from Horizon UK

http://horizonhobby.co.uk/aeroonline/e6spektrum/e6_spm18000eu/e6_dx18.html

The 'German' DX10t in a different case ?

Steve

Well - I was going to shell out for an Aurora 9 in the next couple of weeks.

However, I might just wait until I know more about this.

This looks ace, ok so it doesn't have a massive colour screen and take photo's of your model but it looks to do everything else including telemetry for a fraction of the cost. Suggested price at the minute is $799.

I think i have found my new tx, well when it comes out anyway

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM18000&view=test

Why do you need to take photo's of your model when you have model match?

This Tx was long overdue, should be great.

Why do you need to take photo's of your model when you have model match?

Apparently some transmitters have colour photographs of your planks so that you don't forget what they look like. I think it's so that when you 'put one in' you can relate the picture to the pile of rubble in front of you 

Exactly Simon, model match is one of the feathers in Spektrums caps

I'm deffo interested in one of these, thanks for the heads up 

Another interesting feature I noticed in the spec sheet is the twin aerials. I would like to know more about this from a safety point of view. I very much like the design of the main aerial as well it looks a lot more solid than a hinged folding aerial.

Exactly Simon, model match is one of the feathers in Spektrums caps

I'm not running this down - but I should mention that there is another system which is even better; on boot-up the receiver identfies itself to the Tx and the Tx the automatically selects the correct model memory for that receiver.

PDR

I'm not running this down - but I should mention that there is another system which is even better; on boot-up the receiver identfies itself to the Tx and the Tx the automatically selects the correct model memory for that receiver.

Who produces that system? And isnt it some what irrelevant? ALL Spektrum systems employ model match from the DX5 upwards. I am not criticising your post merely pointing out that a system is in global use by a manufacture at the moment. And it works, very well - and doesnt cost a penny more.

I liken it to the seat belt - you wouldn't buy a Ford and only have them fitted to top of the range models. And neither would you expect a safety feature to be an optional extra.

It's a feature introduced across the range of a mainstream manufacturer from the 2012/3 model year.

PDR

Who produces that system? And isnt it some what irrelevant? ALL Spektrum systems employ model match from the DX5 upwards. I am not criticising your post merely pointing out that a system is in global use by a manufacture at the moment. And it works, very well - and doesnt cost a penny more.

I liken it to the seat belt - you wouldn't buy a Ford and only have them fitted to top of the range models. And neither would you expect a safety feature to be an optional extra.

you say that but a lot of futaba and, correct me if I am wrong, spekky receivers don't have a failsafe (or at least a proper one). You only get this safety feature if you pay more. Let's be honest full failsafe was nothing to write home about on 35mhz. You would expect it to be standard nowadays.

Anyway, I am not spekky bashing, just saying.    Personally I wouldn't not want a model match as I have two model memories for some of my models, but I guess that is fairly unusual. However, it's obviously a handy feature in most cases.

I never understood why people feel so strongly about the camera on the futaba transmitter. Seems like a logical idea in this day and age.  I can't really see why it is something to get upset about anyway!  I would use it if my transmitter had that feature. Essential no, but it is a nice idea.


Seems like spekky and JR have really gone separate now.  Looks pretty cool. hope it's a good transmitter.  Sounds like it will be well priced.

It's a feature introduced across the range of a mainstream manufacturer from the 2012/3 model year.

I thought you were referring to the  new mpx system until you mentioned that

you say that but a lot of futaba and, correct me if I am wrong, spekky receivers don't have a failsafe (or at least a proper one).

Spectrum receivers do have a failsafe but Im not sure what you mean by a proper one? You are right there seem to be different levels of 'failsafe' depending on receiver model.

There is quite a good discussion on this forum http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38465

What do you consider a proper failsafe?

I must admit to total bafflement at the negative reaction anything from Spektrum seems to generate. I bought one of the original DX7s when they came out, and it never missed a beat! The guy I sold it to is still flying it, and has had no issues whatsoever! I'm currently flying a JR DSX-9 - attached to a number of receivers in different helicopter models - and again, I've not had a single problem with it! Another member of my club flies large scale models with a DX-8, which must be the most vilified transmitter around, and again - no problems!

I'm not disputing that some people *have* had issues with Spektrum gear, but from what I can make out, most of it seems down to poor installation, or poor choice of batteries or switches!

For the record, I'm also currently flying a Frsky system, which so far seems pretty bullet proof, and have amongst my collection a Multiplex UHF set, modified to work on 459 MHz, which also worked well in its day.

Bear in mind that if it wasn't for Spektrum, its doubtful if we would have *any* 2.4 GHz gear! Their system caught the Japs with their trousers round their ankles, and since then *everyone* - including the Germans - have been playing catch-up!

So lets have some credit where its due, and toast these guys for providing us with a ground breaking system that has revolutionised model flying!

 

In the nearly 3 years of flying RC I've only known Speccy stuff, from the DX5e, DX6i and for the last 10 months, the DX8. I never had a problem (that wasn't pilot error related) until the DX8, which was quickly rectified by Horizon with their bulletin, and I haven't had any glitches since. I've heard and read plenty of negative comments about the Speccy gear I use, I should get this or I should get that, cos what you've got is cr@p or doesn't do this that or the other  but it's served me pretty well so far in all aspects of my flying. There may be better gear out there, but my budget prevents me from chopping and changing systems on a whim, given the number of Rx's I'd have to replace.

I plan to move up to flying F3F and other more serious glider related stuff this year, and I think (hope) I will be prepared to deal diplomatically with any snobbery that may be directed my way because of my radio choice  . I doubt I'll find my DX8 limits my flying, at least for the forseeable future, but when or if it does, I'm sure that this new beast will keep me going a while longer. Any bugs should have been ironed out by that time, and I think it looks good

Spectrum receivers do have a failsafe but Im not sure what you mean by a proper one? You are right there seem to be different levels of 'failsafe' depending on receiver model.

There is quite a good discussion on this forum http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38465

What do you consider a proper failsafe?

One where you can set every channel. I've seen a glider flown on spekky where it went in to failsafe and it raised one aileron! Not especially safe!

It wouldn't cost anything to have full fail safe on all the spekky rxs. It's just price differentiating with a safety feature.

I am not that bothered about fail safes, but it does illustrate a point.

While my Dx6i has been rock solid for the last 3 years (apart from a few broken trims) and I've yet to establish what the max range is on the parkfly Rx's a fellow flier did lose 2 models with his Dx8 while flying DSM2 Rx's after upgrading it so it was DSMx compatible, now fixed, but like other things mud does stick a bit.

I would not have a problem with the Dx8 if it wasn't for the lack of inbuilt glider mixs, which the Dx18 seems to have addressed, hopefully the Dx9 and 12 when they come out will be similar 

One where you can set every channel. I've seen a glider flown on spekky where it went in to failsafe and it raised one aileron! Not especially safe!

I agree that failsafe on every channel would be nice, but I always check the failsafe settings when I set up the model and to be honest if it raised one aileron only I wouldn't fly with that set up (user error). As for the camera on Futaba, I can't really see the use of it but I guess in the fast moving world of RC it's difficult to come up with more features and the camera is an easy one. I have used a DX7 since it came out with no issues at all and will continue to use it.

Steve

Tom that usually happens when the user hasn't done a rebind after setting up the model. It does state in the instructions that after the initial bind and set up of a model, you should rebind so the RX knows all the neutral settings.

Frank at this price i can't really see a point in Horizon launching an 11ch or even 9ch Spektrum set

I don't know there isn't much price difference between the Dx7s and Dx8 and quite a jump from the Dx8 to Dx18, a 12 channel set at less than £500 with good mixing would give them good market saturation for little investment.

My reasons for considering a move away from Speccy has nothing to do with safety (because I think it is still one of the best for the reasons Ive already stated) but with choice. I want to fly something that will have multi servo wings, I want the choice of being able to set up crow and more advanced glider mixes which I currently don't have with my current set (DX6i). So at the moment my current choice is holding me back.

This new transmitter seems to address the restrictions I am experiencing and from what Ive read so far opens a whole new world [was going to say Horizon but I think Ive done that one] and better still, all my current receivers will still work including all my bind and fly stuff.

So far I have seen more models go in under the Futaba badge than any other brand. That isn't a criticism of Futaba its just my observation - but I don't get so vitriolic about that brand as they do about Spectrum. So, lets get this straight, if other users [who claim to be flying superior equipment] are having more 'incidents', then without the services of the AAIB you must either assume a lot more pilot error [which I doubt] or there is something else going on. I for one will probably stick with the brand I have because it consolidates my investment.

My reasons for considering a move away from Speccy has nothing to do with safety (because I think it is still one of the best for the reasons Ive already stated) but with choice. I want to fly something that will have multi servo wings, I want the choice of being able to set up crow and more advanced glider mixes which I currently don't have with my current set (DX6i). So at the moment my current choice is holding me back.

This new transmitter seems to address the restrictions I am experiencing and from what Ive read so far opens a whole new world [was going to say Horizon but I think Ive done that one] and better still, all my current receivers will still work including all my bind and fly stuff.

So far I have seen more models go in under the Futaba badge than any other brand. That isn't a criticism of Futaba its just my observation - but I don't get so vitriolic about that brand as they do about Spectrum. So, lets get this straight, if other users [who claim to be flying superior equipment] are having more 'incidents', then without the services of the AAIB you must either assume a lot more pilot error [which I doubt] or there is something else going on. I for one will probably stick with the brand I have because it consolidates my investment.

The only reason I didn't get a DX7 (when they first appeared) was because after reading the experiences of others (I fly only gliders) it occured to me that to do what I wanted it to do, would involve expenditure on Y leads, servo reversers, and time messing with various mixing menus ( as some were kind enough to post up) I really didn't have the patience to do. So I bought the TX I did, and found it did everything I wanted and much more. My only major criticism of the system (and it does bug me) is the requirement to buy a more expensive 7 channel Rx when the glider only uses six.

As for not having more or less flying errors, I doubt one brand has any monopoly over any other. I'm not loyal to any brand; I will (when I upgrade) get what I feel suits what I want and need.

10 flight phases sounds good.
Doesn't sound like it has much in the way of curves, but sounds okay. Wonder what it will cost.

Can you get spektrum receivers these days that don't require 20 satellites in orbit to work? say in a carbon glider with a glass nose.

The ones in my F5D pylon models don't have any satelites and plenty of carbon in them. I don't get the beef of Taba and Plex users have with Satelite rx's. They spread the signal around the model to ensure a signal can always get through, surely taht's a good thing.

I dont' get the beef of Taba and Plex uses with Satelite rx's. They spread the signal around the model to ensure a signal can always get through, surely taht's a good thing.

I'm of the same opinion, I find it good knowing there is a better chance of the signal getting to one aerial. In my mind you are getting more RX for your money when you buy an RX with a satalite, you could even argue the others are being cheap 

Now the fuse has been lit I am going to run away very fast 

to be honest, i could give a toss what they say. I use Spektrum/JR because i'm happy and confident with it. I was a futaba user for 22 years until i moved to 2.4 and that decision was made because the guys i fly with all used Spektrum.

to be honest, i could give a toss what they say. I use Spektrum/JR because i'm happy and confident with it. I was a futaba user for 22 years until i moved to 2.4 and that decision was made because the guys i fly with all used Spektrum.

Actually the same here. I had been a Futaba flyer for just under 20 years, even flew for Ripmax for a few but when I went 2.4 I switched to a DSX9. It has been rock solid although I don't think the programing is as good as Futaba. The big advantage is I only need one TX whether I am flying my big stuff outside or a small B'n'F model indoors.

TBH I actually believe all the main systems work very well including the cheaper module systems.

Well as you know Dunc, you can't fit too many satellites in one glider.
I remember when people were buying a 100 pound spekky RX then putting 2 or 3 satellites on top of that. That was ridiculous.  Although maybe it was just people going overkill.

I'm not spekky baiting, just wondering if there is such a thing as a single RX that can fly carbon/glass model.

I had never thought of spektrum for flying gliders, but you never know.  Might as well keep up with developments at least.

I use this one in carbon models tom and it's be fine so far

http://alshobbies.com/shop/lookupstock.php?pc=42249

Has anyone worked out how to get 18 channels from a 9-channel 9020 Rx and connected 8-channel X-Plus expansion module (SPMXP8000)?

I'm not knocking the outfit, but the original question has been asked elsewhere and I haven't seen an answer.  Presumably the manual will explain all, but I haven't found it available for download yet.

Gordon 

Gordon,

I don't see how you can, but if you use an AR10000 with the SPMXP8000 you can have 18 channels.