Spektrum NX8 Transmitter - Review and Flight!

[@JonsRC]

NX8 - DX8 Comparison : 01:23 Program Function Bar : 05:17 WiFi Utilities : 07:46 Connecting to PC : 12:08 Downloading update to PC: : 13:56 Updating the NX8 : 14:52 Creating a model using BNF: : 16:22 New way to Bind model : 19:19 Hovering the Blade 130S : 21:56

[@goldenkangaroo4969]

I really enjoy this you tube channel you guys created. Very informative and helps keep us old guys up to speed with all this modern technology. Thank you so much for all you do for the rc community.

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@snakeplisken4119]

Keep up the good work Jon , your videos are always top shelf. It's also good to see your folks suporting you. This is a fun hobby

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! Yep! My dad and I love the hobby!

[@Arthur-wy9nq]

I thank you two guys for putting all that very useful information onto KZbin . I bought a new nx8 earlier today so I'm trying to gather all the information I can about it.👍👍

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! We love the NX-8!

[@brooksmith5396]

GETTing back into the hobby after 20 years and your vids are teaching me tons about this new fangled electric stuff thanks much and good flying

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@DaveLprintz]

Tx CHARGING: You gave me info which is not in the manual regarding Tx charging. As to charging from a PC you said: "This is how I usually charge the NX-8. I connect it to my Dell Desktop PC's USB 2.0 port. The charge icon light illuminates green while charging and turns off automatically when finished." Wonderful info which is not in the manual. The manual encourages d/c the charging when complete. I prefer to always have the Tx on charge so it is forever ready to go. The Tx has a smart circuit inside which halts charging when complete as indicated by the icon light. Thank you, Jon!

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! Since it did not come with an AC charging receptacle to plug it into an AC outlet, I just plugged it into my Dell PC’s USB port. That’s how I’ve been charging it since we got it. Plus, since I can use the NX8 as a Real Flight 9.5 supported controller, I can charge it while I’m playing Real Flight 9.5!

[@CanadianClub]

Excellent tutorial, Jon. Your explanations are clear and your video captures the screen content in a well-paced and logical fashion. I am new to RC and used your tips to register and update my firmware on my brand-new NX8. My WiFi update is working fine.

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@thebarronflights]

Well, I have been watching a few videos about the Spektrum NX8 and so far this is the most informative, well done. I like the way you have done this, and I hope you will do a video on more fixtures of the NX8.

[@JonsRC]

Thank you! Yes, we have been meaning to do more transmitter functionality videos!

[@cecilbell6799]

Good video, you get to the point without 20 mins of BS.

[@JonsRC]

Thanks!

[@heliguy9045]

i cant wait to get mine. i just ordered one. thanks for the video. very helpful.

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! You will love the NX-8!

[@emmanouil1453]

Congratulations to both of you very clear and essential presentation. Thanks!

[@ruimessias1302]

Well done and thanks for sharing...just got my new NX10 very helpful...

[@JonsRC]

Thanks!

[@skyb3071]

I’ve been waiting for mine patiently 🤯🤯 can’t wait til they ship🤗🤗

[@JonsRC]

Worth the wait!

[@andystoybox1723]

Ordered mine 👍🏻

[@derjoh1986]

Nice job guys! Wonderful to see you up at this point.

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@franciscoduran3688]

Thank you for this great review and intro into the NX8. I´m about to buy a second hand NX8 instead of my DX8G2...

[@JonsRC]

Thank you for watching!

[@BillKisel]

Nice job guys. Looks now like us regular guys will now have to wait until mid-February for the NX8 to start shipping.

[@JonsRC]

Thank you! We think the NX8 is a solid transmitter! Being able to simply import BNF models especially complicated RC helis and some some RC planes saves so much time and eliminates newbie user errors!

[@BillKisel]

@@JonsRC So good to have your opinion/endorsement. I kept going back and forth between the RadioMaster TX16, NX6 and Nx8 being my first non-RTF transmitter. I think I'll be very happy with the NX8. I've got two planes waiting for me to get a BNF TX.

[@epoweredrc]

Very very nice video Jon and his dad. I can not wait to get my new NX10 if they ever get in stock and start shipping have one along with a NX8 on pre order... Awesome radios.

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@garryperrin2408]

Very helpful, thanks

[@andyroman8223]

Have you tried the Radiomaster TX16S? I just got one and it works really well for Spektrum planes and is quite cheap.

[@ror-ys3qp]

Good for you..yes it is the best Tx as of today.

[@jeffreyxxx6176]

Nice job guys!!

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@robertwren2289]

Thank you very much! I did learn a lot. You guys did a good job. I have an account already, and HH sent me my account info, but it won't work, so I guess I need to call tech support.

[@rcreviews9894]

There’s a lot of good info here, I really appreciate the video! One question, once you program your model using the bnf template, how do you know what switches are assigned to what? Example, safe, stunt 1, stunt2?

[@waetos]

Great question!!

[@gibranhamed3528]

I recommend the Powerbox core you should try it

[@robc5296]

Great video, thanks guys!

[@JonsRC]

Thank you!

[@davidlewis620]

Hey guys, still waiting for my NX6 to be delivered !! But thanks to you two and this informative video, I will be able to bind all of my planes an helicopters using the templates that you guys just showed me ! I won't need to read the instructions, at least not for the binding anyway !! I will for the other features. Thanks a lot guys !!!

[@JonsRC]

Thank you! Yeah that BNF template is an awesome time-saver!

[@ror-ys3qp]

Do not get a 6 ch radio

[@FlankerTanker]

Watch out for the NX8 - had mine for two weeks only used twice and the Rudder Stick stopped sending a signal to the RX - lucky for me it was rudder and not the Ailerons - I don't trust it so went back to my DX9 had it for 2 years not a problem - the NX8 is back in the shop for repair..

[@franciscoduran3688]

Super video! I´m still watching but before I forget. What about battery life or how long does a charge hold? It looks like fully charged it shows only 4.0 V. My DX8G2 with 4000mAh 2S shows also max 8.0 V. I thought it´s a problem with my charger or lipo but it seems to be a Spektrum issue (!?)

[@waetos]

Great review, guys!! I just bought a Spektrum NX8 and it's going to arrive this week. Just curious about the template import function. When you import a pre-programmed function (like for your Blade helicopter) and you find a certain parameter to be a bit off, can you alter it and then save it (and possibly even share it to the community)? I love the way that little chopper flies! For something so small, it's pretty awesome and stable. Thanks for the video. I may have more questions later... I'm actually swapping out my 7 year old 9 channel FAAST 2.4Ghz Futaba (it works fine, but I need it for another, more complex plane that requires all 9 channels) for this new Spektrum. I'll be using only 5 of its channels for my Extra 300S - and, of course, setting up safe and fail-safe just in case. I've been told that setting these up in a new NX is much easier than in a Futaba. We shall see! Best regards, Bill from Australia

[@JonsRC]

Yes, you can absolutely change the parameters of a model even though it is an imported template. The template just puts in the stock parameters, but you can change it around just like a normal model. I am not entirely sure if you can export the file to a computer, but I think I recall some people doing that on some forums. And yes, Spektrum is probably the easiest platform to setup. Happy flying!

[@Shibbyshibbers]

Hey you guys seem like experienced Heli dudes 🤙 Killer video. I have the Nx8 bound to the Blade 130x and for some reason I only have throttle trim. Is this normal in the Heli world? Or am I missing something? I would love to trim my rudder/yaw as my 130 doesn’t sit as comfy as yours.

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! Yeah I asked the same question! According to HH Support, you are not supposed to use digital trim on these multi-axis gyro enabled helis because it screws up gyro correction. If the heli is moving one direction then it means the swash is not mechanically balanced and we need to fix that for the gyro to engage properly.

[@Cjrock001]

Very nice review guys i will watch this again when i get my NX-8 this saturday!!

[@JonsRC]

Thank you! We are sure you will love it!

[@martinj9251]

Great review I now have a new Nx8, could you tell me how I change what the gimbles (sticks) do ie left up down elevator Right left right rudder, This is for a glider, Hope you can help guys as I am confused, Keep up the great tutorials 👍🇬🇧👍

[@kyoatbites7865]

realy dig your show Jon gg what RC aeroplane & helicopter would you recommend for a 50 year old beginner

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! I always recommend the Sport Cub S for a beginner plane but if you want something larger, the Apprentice STS is perfect. For helis, I only have experience on the Blade 130 S and Blade 230. The 230 was my absolute first RC helicopter. I had no previous experience except for the Real Flight RC simulator and I was able to hover it on the first try!

[@marcellob.8893]

Thanks for the video. I'm confused and may have to play it again but I thought the point of WiFi was to do the updates without a PC but I see you plugged it in?

[@JonsRC]

Our NX-8 had an issue with WiFi firmware upgrade functionality. We were told by Horizon Hobby to first do a PC based firmware update. Then, after we updated to the latest firmware, the WiFi firmware update functionality started working again.

[@BillKisel]

Viewed this video for the second time after getting my NX8 just yesterday. Picked up a few tips and will view again before using the template for binding my UMX Turbo Timber. Thanks Eric and Jon. PS. One thing that would improve this TX for me would be shorter sticks. Screwed all the way down they still feel tall to me.

[@RC-Flight]

Thanks for the great video Jon! Off hand do you know how long your radios battery will last after being charged, but not used? My 2 week old NX8 radios battery after a full charge was dead after sitting unused for 7 days. It was down to 2.4 volts turned it on and within a minute it just shut down. Had to put it on A charge to get it to boot back up.

[@F60Stunt]

So you have 2 trims that do the same job?

[@290Alenka]

Good one guys

[@JonsRC]

Thanks!

[@DJBBBOSS]

Hi Guys, I'm waiting until mid March as I want the NX8 and at the moment there generally not in stock in the UK until mid March. You made this great video review just over a month ago now and wondered how you are getting on with the NX8.... I'm definitely getting a Magnetic charger lead as I have reservations about charging via a micro USB if regularly plugging and unplugging ( There not the strongest of sockets and are easily damaged , there are many on the market and already have one for my mobile phone so will use similar for my TX when it arrives. Can I ask have you had any issues as I heard on an RC Forum about some users having throttle glitch after firmware update. Apart from that how are you finding the screen and the TX in general..... Thanks all the best, Steve ( Birmingham UK )

[@JonsRC]

Hello! Overall, Jon and I are pleased with the NX8. I fly mostly RC helis and those require very precise minute throttle input. So, I have not experienced any throttle glitch after the firmware update. I have updated to the latest firmware version and we do not see any abnormalities. The only anomaly we encountered when we first got the NX-8 was that it could not automatically check for upgrades via WiFi. Per the video, I had to upgrade manually on the very first upgrade. Then, afterwards, the WiFi firmware upgrade checks started working normally. The only minus I see when compared to the DX-8 or my DX-9 is the battery life. In the DX-8 or DX-9, we can go flying over two weekends without having to charge. But, on the NX-8, I feel that we always have to charge on a Friday night to be ready for the weekend. The good news is that it doesn't take nearly as long to charge but I think because of the illuminated screen, it takes up more battery life than DX-8 and DX-9. Again, overall, we are very happy with it and the ability to download the BNF profiles without having to manually program our BNF planes saves so much time!

[@DJBBBOSS]

@@JonsRC thanks for your quick and helpful reply ..... I own a DX-6 G2 at the moment and have on order the NX8, I wondered about the battery life being a 3.7v 2000 mah..... I am hoping that the 4000mah battery that's in the NX10 will soon become available as I will fit one asap to boost its running time. I fly rc war birds in a large club field ( I'm membership Secretary for the CSA Flying club here in the Midlands UK ) and always like my TX to be fully charged when flying..... Thanks again

[@johnyee9688]

Hi I picked up a good used Blade 230 V2 and planning on flying it with the NX8. I hope to receive next week. My question is how do I know (as a newbie heli guy) if the heli is flying properly? Thanks

[@JonsRC]

Congrats on the Blade 230! That is an awesome heli! If you are new to helis, definitely have an experienced RC heli pilot look over your settings if you can. Maybe go to a hobby shop or a local flying field. There’s a lot of things that can go wrong on a first flight even if the transmitter settings are correct. But, if the 230 is setup correctly and assuming there are no electronics or hardware issues and the transmitter settings are correct, then there should be minimal stick corrections to hover the Blade 230 heli. She is a gentle and stable flyer. If you are having to constantly correct the sticks to keep from crashing, then definitely have an experienced heli guy take a look!

[@Dg-zj6jo]

can y turn the anoing beep off great video sir and great people

[@RuudyL]

Thought you where going to compare the 2 radio's

[@HeyitsSyed]

Hey I just bought my nx8 as well and some how the stick calibration got messed up so any ideas on how to make it defult again?

[@bmarlowe3968]

Nice Gretsch, what model #?

[@garyvale8347]

watched this video and outside of of a few minor upgrades, I am still liking the DX 8 radio over the newer NX 8...not really seeing any huge advantages of upgrading to the NX series , unless I begin to use the fairly expensive Spectrum Smart LiPos.......anyone convinced the NX series is worth switching over to, please comment ....thanks

[@JonsRC]

Honestly I love them both! However, just after a month of using the NX-8, I decided to switch over all my models to the new NX-8 and just use this as my primary. The NX-8 is considerably lighter to hold. The 125 gram difference is not a lot but flying my nitro for 10-13 minute flights, I can feel the difference since I don't like wearing a lanyard. The new BNF downloadable template ensures that I make no mistakes in programming. It programs everything including all the different rates and expo and pre-assigns them to a switch and assigns voice files to the switch so it audibly tells you what rates you are using. It even pre-programs the SAFE SELECT for models that have it! The BNF s especially handy for heli programming since there is a lot of programming on helis. Speaking of SAFE SELECT, the NX-8 is technically a 9-channel radio. That is why they give you an extra switch over the DX-8. It is a "soft-channel" specifically made for the SS switch. This way you don't have to give up one of your regular channels for the SS. The LCD is super crisp and is visible even on bright days. The battery can be charged in minutes not hours and with the included USB cable, you can use a simple smartphone portable charger so you can charge in the field if you need to without having to use a LiPo charger and having to look for an electrical outlet. The NX-8 also has WiFi firmware download capabilities so when Horizon releases new planes, you simply download the new firmware over WiFi to get the latest models. Again, I love the DX-8 but the NX-8 gives me everything the DX-8 has and so much more! Thanks!

[@jpsalis]

They definitely should have gone USB-C instead but it looks like a good quality radio. Still gonna recommend a TX16s for people getting into the hobby, these things are still so expensive

[@Dg-zj6jo]

just got mine

[@michaeledmonds3027]

I just received my NX8 and was very pleased to find your excellent video. Too bad about having to manually update the firmware the first time. Should I even attempt a WiFi firmware update? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! In general, it is always good practice to upgrade to the latest version of firmware. That way you get the latest bug fixes and any new BNF planes they may have added to the list. But, if everything is working for you, you certainly do not have to.

[@emmanouil1453]

Hey Jon was this SAFE flight? How engage/disengage it? Thanks.

[@kevosrcadventures9019]

I'll be able to register it with my phone with Wi-Fi hotspot?

[@DronemanJoeRc]

Great Job Jon I just got mine today. I have a question doesnt the transmitter update all firmware and stuff over wifi and that part you showed about hooking it up to the computer just another way to do it?

[@JonsRC]

Thanks! Yes. You upgrade by WiFi. But, our transmitter had an older version of software which had issues with updating via WiFi. We had to do the upgrade manually. After the manual update, the WiFi update started working correctly again.

[@lw216316]

Can the 2 cell battery from the DX8 be used in the NX8 and would this give a longer battery use before having to recharge?

[@JonsRC]

No. The connection from the battery to the transmitter is completely different. The charging port is also different. Plus the NX8 uses a 1-cell 3.7v battery. The 2-cell 7.4 voltage on the DX8 would not work on the NX8. It would most likely damage it.

[@lw216316]

@@JonsRC Thanks Jon. It stinks that I can't share the battery from the DX8. Why did Spektrum do that? - just to sell more batteries?

[@treavorbentmore9843]

Is it still worth buying in 2024?

[@Jstilt]

Just got my nx8, super excited to get it out on the field. First issue though.... getting it registered on spektrum. Where is the serial number?? 🤔 none of the numbers I can find on the box or in the radio appear to be a serial #. Any help would be great.

[@JonsRC]

Hello! The serial number is in System Setup -> About/Regulatory screen. The About screen is the absolute last menu item in System Setup. Hope that helps!

[@johnyee9688]

I have a question. I received my NX8, registered on Spektrum RC. Able to login. However, Even tho I can download BnF files. But can not login from the TX, any suggestion? Thanks

[@kattmandu]

Would you recommend the NX8 over the Taranis Q X7 which costs 1/3 the price?

[@JonsRC]

We honestly have never used the Taranis Q X7 before. The majority of our planes are Spektrum Bind And Fly models so we naturally use Spektrum transmitters. The NX8 is by far the easiest to use, program and has clearest display from all the transmitters we have used so far. We probably have over a hundred flights on the NX8 since we got it and we have never experienced an issue. So, we definitely recommend the NX-8! Thanks!

[@ror-ys3qp]

Does it have Hall effect sticks?

[@van7059]

No. Only available on NX10

[@ror-ys3qp]

So why bring out a new $500 radio without hall effect sticks when you can get them on radios costing less than $200

[@roadkingvtwin]

hello new sub here hey are u guys filipinos?

[@JonsRC]

Thank you! Yes we are!

[@pastorlito2004]

1s battery vs 2S. Does NX8 battery dies faster because its only 1S?

[@JonsRC]

I don’t think its a 2s or 1s thing. I think the default screen in the NX series are just a lot brighter and has colors. That may take up more battery life.

[@pastorlito2004]

@@JonsRC that being said makes DX more reliable in the field during weekend summer fun for longer battery life. Thank You

[@JonsRC]

@@pastorlito2004Our DX-9 for sure has a longer battery life. But, for the 4 - 5 hours we spend in the field running through about 12-16 LiPos every Saturday, we've had no issues on the NX-8. We will run out of LiPos for flying long before the NX-8 gives out. We spend more time recharging flight batteries than anything else. If we absolutely had to, we can plug the NX-8 to a cell phone battery pack charger using its USB cable so we don't have to use up another AC port in the field.

[@andyp.4205]

Do you really need spend the extra $50 for the NX8 vs the NX since the NX6 has the "7th channel". I have my eyes on the Focke Wulf from Horizon over the summer.

[@JonsRC]

For most E-flite planes, the NX-6 with the 7th channel for SAFE SELECT is perfect! But, there are some planes or jets that require additional channels for maybe a cargo hatch door, wing LEDs, afterburner LEDs, smoker, landing bay doors, retractable gears..etc. Some of my larger ARF balsa wood type planes require two separate servos for each side of the elevators that require two ports on the receiver. So, for the extra $50, you will get two additional channels plus an extra for SAFE SELECT. So, it depends on the type of plane you want to fly.

[@andyp.4205]

@@JonsRC Ok, thanks a lot for the info. Hopefully, I'll dust my planes off and fly soon in cold, snow-covered upstate NY.

[@rafaeltorres2886]

This was explained to people who this system already I have this radio and most likely won't all the stuff on it because their are any good videos for beginners.

[@ronw2316]

Can you charge by connecting to a PC or laptop?

[@JonsRC]

Yes! Absolutely. This is how I usually charge the NX-8. I connect it to my Dell Desktop PC's USB 2.0 port. The charge icon light illuminates green while charging and turns off automatically when finished.

[@ronw2316]

@@JonsRC Thanks! I'm getting back into the hobby after over 20 years. The radios have definitely changed!! LOL

[@alexherrera3918]

Nice review, unfortunately i think that radio is too expensive . where is your video of the wildcat plane? any reason you disable the comments in other video...? my son is 9 and is learning how to fly i how him all your videos. thanks for sharing.

[@JonsRC]

Hello! Unfortunately, KZbin tagged a lot of my videos as "Made for kids". Because of that, the comment function was disabled along with a lot of other things. My dad and I will have to re-do the format for a lot of our videos and republish them as "Not made for kids". Thank you for watching our videos!

[@alexherrera3918]

@@JonsRC ok, i did not know that youtube can do that by themself. I my channel i never put made for children in the settings when loading. I hope you can load back all your videos. thanks for the response!!

[@2바이오]

용산알쉬?

[@T2garcia]

i have bought a blade nano CPS and im using a dx 6 i just want to ask where i can download the profile so i can fly it using my dx6 and not the supplied tx that came with the heli

[@boss2234]

I have been waiting on my nx 8 12 weeks

[@Dg-zj6jo]

how do you save the pasword i can type it in but cant save it

[@WayneCook306]

The biggest problem with this radio is the bloody USB charger what idiot thought of that this is the main reason I have not bought this radio..

[@nxtgen2b416]

Ya no thanks

[@gregmcgee4430]

My Draco built by Horizon Hobby with Mike and his skills and Chinese production sucks.

[@gregmcgee4430]

Transmitter NX8.

[@gregmcgee4430]

Hey Mike Patey, I rebuild my ground roll on the model. The only part of this model that sucks is China.