Base-Line Radio With Big Potential - Spektrum DX3 Smart 3-Channel Transmitter Overview | RC Driver

We love checking out new gear here on RC Driver and we got our hands on a new radio system that kind of snuck in under the radar. That radio is the Spektrum DX3 Smart 3-Channel Transmitter and we first saw it slipping into the Arrma Kraton 8S ready to run kits as a running change. The DX3 appears to be replacing Spektrums other basic model radio systems and it appears it’s going to be a much more user friendly and even upgradeable radio. But it’s not just going to come in Horizon Hobby based ready to runs. You can also purchase this radio by itself. It’s loaded with your standard basic radio features. But it also links up with Spektrum’s Smart technology. So if you have a Smart ESC and Smart battery, you can see how much power is in the pack through some LED lights on the radio face. You can also expand this radio with a bluetooth module and pair it with the Spektrum Dashboard. So this seemingly basic radio had a lot of potential behind it for an economical transmitter. Take a look at some more features in our overview of the Spektrum DX3 Smart 3-Channel Transmitter.
PRODUCT FEATURED
Spektrum DX3
By: Horizon Hobby
Part Number: SPM2340
MSRP: $89.99
Buy: snp.link/71901100
Website: www.horizonhobby.com/dx3-smar...
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#RCDriver #Spektrum #RCCars

[@NaturallyRC]

Excellent review. Two weeks ago I needed another DSMR receiver and for a few bucks more picked up this combo instead. The receiver is solid as usual, plus I now have a viable backup for my DX5C. (If you crawl ugly terrain, sometimes you need a backup).

[@NaturallyRC]

Also, the button placement is ergonomically smarter than on the 5C.

[@DamonGaskin]

Just got one for my wife. I like what it offers(spektrum radio with avc and the ability to get into dsmr band). It's not as sophisticated as the computer radios spektrum offers, but much improved over the STx2. I don't do frsky or any of those of brand, so this is a good introduction for her.

[@robertb.4202]

I got this radio with my Outcast 6s EXB and I am very pleased with it! Decent weight. It’s comfortable. The tech may be simple, but it’s not as basic as some of the cheap radios. I use a Spektrum Smart LiPo, so it’s great getting a readout on the battery life. If you want a thumb control for the wheel, you can get it for $10 from Horizon or you LHS. Great radio!

[@lisaledden2179]

Also like the end music

[@Bait_Bandits_Fishing]

As always great video and review. Just happened to pick one up last Friday with an extra receiver and so far I'm impressed.

[@MatthewJorgensen1968]

The thumb lever is on the RTR bomber 2.0. Very comfortable!

[@m-alaplante1039]

thank you

[@lisaledden2179]

Pretty nice radio

[@itchyprince3793]

Pretty expensive radio

[@redditchrc960]

Nearly 90 dollars...I'll pass for the Dumborc X6FG transmitter with gyro for a 3rd of the price and 500metre range and 6 channels

[@stevemoon2136]

True dat, Bro.

[@Wicuscriz]

Wish he did more reviews on "cheap" radios. I have a FlySky-GT3B and it does everything I need. Not to mention how cheap it is to buy extra receivers.

[@250hdd]

I've got a gt3c. Can't beat $10 receivers!

[@Aur0raa]

I was wondering if you are able to connect it up to a HPI Savage XL Flux. If you can't hook it up to a HPI Savage, would you recommend any other aftermarket radios? (edit) Just another question, would changing the 3 channel section switch thingy do anything with the HPI Savage or not?

[@SpektrumRCvideos]

Great review Greg! Thanks!

[@kevinperron5767]

How many models does this transmitter can remember?

[@SpektrumRCvideos]

@@kevinperron5767 1

[@kevinperron5767]

Thx

[@Pepa45]

What is the bluetooth module for this Transmitter? So I can use the app with my phone.

[@sbulimestyle420]

I have the DX3 that came with my Arrma Vorteks and I really like it but the four battery level lights won’t work. Running the Spektrum g2 3s. Any advice?

[@joesphblas6394]

How many models can be stored or used with this radio

[@lukecourtney5602]

What is the app called to use the Bluetooth module? The spektrum dashboard app on android is not compatible with the dx3 so it doesn’t work.

[@Zstreetfighter18]

Hallo und danke für das Video. hat dieser Sender mehrere modellspiegel?

[@closed2459]

Look same as one i got with axial bomber cept ive a thumb controller added

[@ParcoUpchurch]

@RCDriver where did you get the BT module for the DX3...I cannot find it anywhere? Thx

[@rcdriver]

I do not believe it’s available yet.

[@GreatLakesRC]

Looks like a great upgrade over the STX2 👍

[@leroy5202]

Does it have AVC?

[@GreatLakesRC]

@@leroy5202 Yep 👍 As long as it is paired with an AVC receiver

[@leroy5202]

@@GreatLakesRC Dang it so the receiver that it comes with does not work.

[@GreatLakesRC]

@@leroy5202 the receiver that is being shown in this video is not an AVC receiver

[@leroy5202]

@@GreatLakesRC That's dumb.

[@705on8]

Does the 315 have AVC? The rx in my Kraton 8s keeps failing think it’s the 6100? But other than that I like the radio 100 times better than stx2!!!!

[@creditrazer981]

*Can we get a Video* showing setting up, goong from SLT3, to DX3? Can be complicated if not famailiar. Binding, calibration, and end points. Is AVC supported on the 315 Reciever, or does one upgrade to the newer 6100 or 6200 recievers.

[@stevemoon2136]

What is the RC short course truck?

[@DaBurt42O]

guarantee this radio is more robust than the rugged... especially in the winter

[@aaronthered4126]

Remember when Traxxas tried to corner the market with their own battery connectors? I see spectrum going the same way with the SMART technology. Spektrum should be working on better signal distance and a lower cost opponent to Futaba.

[@FalcoINC]

This is what I dont get. Im looking to get a new v5 Arrma truck which has all spektrum electronics Radio/motor/ESC/servo and thinking about using Spektrum smart battery/charger kits. What benefits or extra features do I actually get by using the smart batteries? I get it makes it user friendly to charge and keep track of batteries, but am I going to get any better run times or life out of the battery than if I just used another "dumb" battery of the same size, mha's and ratings? Would I have to upgrade the Spektrum SLT3 radio that comes with a v5 Kraton to even get any features?

[@vivos71]

Agreed, idk what it is with Spektrum, but they've had some of the worst radio range for the last 10 years vs the competition. The DX5's features are nice but the radio is kinda fugly and it's a much more expensive system vs Futaba, and that has proper telemetry. They have access to the faster and more reliable Tactic wireless technology. They need to step back and focus on the basics of making a good product, and not just trying to keep up with Traxxas (which already has crap tech and just advertises gimmicks)

[@Aur0raa]

How far is the range exactly?

[@Bigbopperairguns]

@@Aur0raa 150 yards is as far as I have taking mine. I could not see if it was facing me at that distance anyway

[@davidtirado6624]

Can this work for the green car behind you that requires fuel?

[@just719]

After I put the light plug in AUX,I try to turn the light on by SLT3 on A or B buttom, it is not work.i don't know why. Do you know what do I have to set?

[@music_0173]

Should i get the dx3 or the slt 3 ? i dont know wich one i should get.

[@Bigbopperairguns]

How do I program it to a traxxas rustler sr315 so I can plug a extra fan?

[@channotpoling20]

Ok now I have this transmitter and smart battery, battery level lights don’t come on. It came with the latest axial bomber, so I know the esc is smart capable as well. Any suggestions?

[@travisbernard8618]

Mine dose the same did u ever figure it out

[@namespolicy7747]

Does this one have delay like the ones they've been putting in the arrma cars? Spektrum has been putting out some low quality stuff lately

[@SpektrumRCvideos]

This radio uses DSMR, the FHSS transmitters (like STX2) are not as precise as DSMR/DSMX transmitters :)

[@namespolicy7747]

@@SpektrumRCvideos So spektrum packages radios they admit are not precise in cars that do 50mph out of the box? That's not very responsible is it?

[@vivos71]

@@SpektrumRCvideos Does the DX3 Smart send battery voltage data to the receiver if just plugged into the batt port? Or does it need to go through a smart ESC to be read, if it shows when voltage is low I might get it for my Nitros

[@arrmaboy_6508]

how do you bind this thing

[@leroy5202]

How is the range on this?

[@dominic9279]

Would this radio be better than the stock one that comes with the mojave 6s?

[@jaguarsrcfamily101]

Yes 100% better !!

[@theirishaxe9405]

Do i only need one Bluetooth module for this radio? Or One for the esc also? I ordered the new outcast 8s it comes with this radio and says it can use Bluetooth but doesn't explain what i need to buy to use the Bluetooth option. Thanks

[@rcdriver]

Not for this one, it has the telemetry display in it, you’ll need to configure some settings like roll out and poles of the motor to see some features. If you use a Smart battery, you can see voltage too.

[@alexraygoza49]

RCDriver_Online ok I’m a lil confused my self I bout the felony today and comes with this controller but I can’t find the Bluetooth to see all telemetry on the dash app 😒

[@derryslittlefoodie7864]

Does this work with the v5 typhon

[@michaeliozzia5646]

Hello friend, I have a radio dx3 and in my arrma infraction 6s I will have moved some settings with the bluethoot module in the app, the problem is that when I detach the avc does not turn off and the wheels no longer turn, instead when I reactivate the avc is always active and the wheels instead turn, I can not detach the avc yes and mixed with the servo, Please help me.

[@dannynunez4705]

Does it come with gyro built in...

[@vivos71]

Googling the original DX3 has been a lot more difficult since the release of this one. Both great transmitters though

[@Otiesh]

Yes at first look it seems to be a good Radio, but the down side of it is that it has a very short range compared to Tactic TTX300 the best Radio at entry level. Secondly the AVC receiver SR6110A gets problems with tendency not connecting while binding and their is no fix. Instead spektrum tried to solves these problems realized in the SR6110A by introducing the SR6200A the problem is that it is way too expensive.

[@stumpycatvm7115]

thanks- i bought this and its a pain in the arse- cant figure all this esc throttle limit binding bs

[@Laserguy2009]

I thought the hatch button at the top was the on/ off button until watching this video- duh!!!

[@airbornerc4654]

Nice video! I have a cheaper controller, and I was just wondering how other, more expensive ones were. This one is pretty sweet!

[@itchyprince3793]

This is way overpriced for what it offers. If you want the more expensive go with one of the digital spectrum radios.

[@tittentei7331]

@@itchyprince3793 Hey. I am very new to rc, but have infraction, Typhon 3s and a Axial RBX10 Ryft and a hpi wr8 flux. Can i buy reciever so i can use one transmitter to all my cars?

[@lax2dia101]

Talked to the a rep..it only binds to one receiver.Not for me😔

[@coreybarber3844]

Maybe someone can help me! I just got the Arrma infraction 3s and out of the box I had to bind and calibrate the remote. Now the trim on the remote for the steering, throttle, break, and AVC won't work but everything else does.... Why would it be doing this HELP!

[@danielsuhan6041]

hi, i have an arma vorteks 3 with the DX-3, on a spektrum battery(smart tehnology) and it dosent show me the batery level on the DX-3..can you help?

[@danielsuhan6041]

@@slimfd2607 well I kind fix it 😅, I have 2 battery's, one came with the Smart charger and one I bought separately. The battery that came with the charger works, it automatically shows me the battery level on the controller. I guess it's the problem with the other one I bought separately.. I honestly haven't tried the other battery again, which doesn't show me the level ... maybe it'll work now... So good luck

[@_every_rc_9621]

Does this come with new horizon hobby vehicles?👍

[@mg90q61]

It came with my new bomber

[@tittentei7331]

@@mg90q61 I got it to my arrma infraction and on a Axial rbx10 ryft i just bought.

[@owen8538]

Does battery function work automatically

[@silly_d_williams2167]

Might as well get a dx5c for that price... Geez cmon spektrum 🤦‍♂️

[@saucynugets636]

I got mine for 45

[@josh_rit8045]

$80 for this!?! Would much rather the GT-5 for $75

[@Wicuscriz]

I payed $40 for my GT3 and love it.

[@vinnyavalanche]

Dx5c

[@Angel-dn9sm]

Can you bind multiple receivers like older models help

[@DeRock401]

Did you ever find out the answer.? I need to know too. I don't want to keep rebinding.

[@itchyprince3793]

This would be a great radio, if it were like 20$. I’ll stick to the dumbo rc with a 500 meter range and 6 channels and 10$ receivers and laser fast response and can bind to a ton of receivers for 30$. Great review, not so great product. thumbs up though!

[@tittentei7331]

Hey man. Do you have a link to this product you talk about?

[@aliasangelalias]

I got this DX3 transmitter and one day when I turn it on and then turn on my truggy. Suddenly the transmitter is having one light turning red/green blinking a lot and with this very annoying chirping music tone sound coming from it. Afterward, my truggy being to reverse and lost control. What is happening? During that time, there are other people running their RC cars already, and I'm around a huge rail-road train track as my environment. Just laying out the setting of the situation. If anybody can chime in on what's going on, that will be much appreciated.

[@lisaledden2179]

Can you do a review on the Traxxas Nitro Rustler or do you recommend it? Love your vids!!!:) I am a 15yr old boy who is using my moms account to use youtube and want to buy the Rustler with my cash, can you please do a review on it!!!!:)

[@rcmikeklein5512]

I couldn't help myself from answering your comment but I highly recommend you get the VXL rustler instead of the nitro version as I know nitro can be exciting with the sound of that screaming engine, that is if you can get it started and keep it running, the fact is that nitro cars can REALLY BE A PAIN! I have several and never run them as brushless power is truly the deal. Get the Traxxas ID charger and Traxxas ID lipo 5000mah and it will blow the doors off the nitro rustler and with less maintenance and better reliability. I would also highly highly recommend the 4x4 VXL rustle I know it's more money but I want you to have a positive experience with this exciting RC hobby. Plus the first time you bring that stinky nitro into the house your mom is going to be like "WHAT'S THAT SMELL GET IT OUT!"

[@paulclancy2404]

@@rcmikeklein5512 maybe he grew up with gear heads or famiky that races. The knowledge and skills from a kid starting with nitro are priceless compared to electric . It cant be compared . True anyone can use electric , knowing what we doing with eword can be faster and cant be compared but only if u know what doing the jato for instance will smoke the velionion and nitro rustler would too rc guys that stick with nitro will beat rtr electric guys anyday week . That said we live in world with programming and pc and maybe can go further with that kinda of knowledge, but not same as the real thing its cheating and being lazy lol I do it too I wish my kid wanted to do nitro at 15 but just smash my 700 traxxas slash yes with velionion great motor idk if they make nitro rustler anymore kid and going do nitro mike is right 😛 unless it's not your first rc and want be like ADAM DRAKE or if it's your passion ho for it , and you do stay away from traxxas so much more for your money these days , if I knew you I'd sell you losi 8t 4.0 just bc gear heads are a dying bread .

[@lisaledden2179]

@@paulclancy2404 I was wanting to try something new, I had a few electrics before and my FIRST nitro was a Redcat Earthquake 3.5 because it was cheap and now I know why not to buy cheap nitros so I sent that one back and wanting to get something a little bit better. I appreciate you helping but I just wanted to try something new:)

[@user-dz2jv4in5z]

I wouldn't even buy a Traxxas

[@darkbloodgt6577]

How to connect it and start it

[@mathewmavelithundil809]

Hey Greg can you please review the traxxas E-Revo 2.0 because it is my favourite rc car please

[@Alwayslifted]

the other 500 reviews on it dont say it all? lol

[@spoiler42ify]

I actually got this radio under warranty when stx2 that came with the vehicle i purchased new failed only after a couple of months. Not impressed spektrum.... Lately i find quality has been declining and will think twice before purchasing another spektrum product for my next build.

[@luananunes6982]

Como faço pra ativar fail self dele

[@justinjohnson6186]

First like

[@Mark_5150]

After the completely useless Spektrum STX2 that came with the Granite, I'll think twice about another one of their cheaper radios. If this one is better, they should allow an exchange program It's kind of pointless to buy a RTR that you need to buy a new transmitter for. Yes, I replaced the Arrma radio it came with, it was actually dangerous to have a truck randomly take off when it got about 100 feet away, or more annoying, when you try to start while the truck is up a hill it will just not move if it can't roll for a couple feet first. It's like a really bad punch setting with a shut off. You need to cycle the trucks power to get it running again. Nothing against you, just not happy with their products. Thumbs up anyway!

[@itchyprince3793]

Agreed. Spektrum has ok construction and usability for a premium price. Not for the budget hobbyist like me.

[@user-dz2jv4in5z]

I'll pay 45$ for it

[@one4all265]

I never liked spektrum. They always felt cheap and not as good as Ko Propo, Airtronics or Futaba. I buy mine from Banzai Hobby or Rcmart. It’s like a hundred dollars cheaper than buying them from US sellers. That’s even when you add overseas shipping fees compared to US stores with discount. That’s how much amain hobbies rips off customers.

[@itchyprince3793]

True

[@michaelinzitari]

Would anyone buy this? Obviously this would come with an RTR but if you enjoyed RC you would buy something better than this

[@vinnyavalanche]

Dx5c is entry level this is hot garbage rtr

[@BoylstonBobby]

I’m kind of disappointed that you are hyping this radio and it’s perceived value - makes me begin to question the quality of your channel. $90 for 3 channel radio that you still have sequence buttons to perform function setting because there’s no screen - really? I agree with a lot of the comments posted suggesting there are much better radios out there for the same or less money.

[@rcmikeklein5512]

pure trash radio! buy the FLYSKY GT-5

[@KTMcaptain]

That thing is ugly

[@mikelester5524]

Hey there what would cause my ESC or receiver not go 100 percent throttle I have a brand-new vendetta I had a small crash in the servo took a crap on me I have the speed gear in it so I put the brand-new servo in it and it's like it's running on a 2 s battery now I can select 5075 and 100% that works but with a 3s battery in it and seems like it's running on a 2 s before the crash the car would you 70 mi an hour and not changing in gering it runs 55 mph

[@cherandissanayake9530]

The dashboard app is no longer there in Android Play store... Do you know why???