Quick Spektrum TX comparison (DX6i, DX8 and DX9) with DX9 Tips

[@jamesmorrison5632]

Going back over all of this information, had a heart attack and a stroke and im getting motivated and back into this again looking forward to it also

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I was down for a while for a medical issue last year. It sucked not being able to concentrate or walk steadily, but when my head cleared I was right back at it. Glad to hear you are well enough to that you are thinking about getting back into it. I still love my DX9, but there are a lot of IX12s and one IX20 at the club now. Pricey, but the guys seem to like them.

[@Shadowx011]

I absolutely LOVE my DX6. I fly copters and try-copters and so far I honestly have no reasons as to why I would need anymore channels. Spektrum definitely makes some solid radios :)

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

+Cory_01 The DX6 was a huge improvement over the DX6i. I have a DX6 now as a backup/buddy box/flight sim controller and it is a solid radio.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I know quite a few people who prefer Taranus and they are nice radios. You can add modules to fly with different receivers and the features on the more expensive models can be quite impressive. Once or twice I thought about getting one. I only use Spektrum receivers so I have no real need for a different radio. Also, I read a lot on RC Groups and people with Taranus TXs tend to ask a lot of questions about setting up planes on them. There are no set up instructions for Taranus radios in Horizon Hobby manuals. So if you are going to stick with Horizon stuff, it makes sense to get a Spektrum radio until you get used to programming radios. Now, the new DX6 is so much better than the original. The model memory alone is worth it. It has a better antenna set up. The back lit screen is nice. It has twice the resolution on the sticks, which was noticeable to me. Voice prompts for switches and timer turned out to be the biggest feature for me because now I don't take my eyes off what I am flying. I program all switches I use to tell me what is happening when I flip them. Before every flight I flip through the switches to remind me which one does what. Check out www.spektrumrc.com/Content/Media/PDF/SPM_Transmitter_Comparison.pdf for a full list of differences between models. I do tend to steer people towards the DX8 for a reason. My DX6 did not come with a rechargeable battery, charger for a rechargeable battery, or a neck strap. You may not need a neck strap, but the rechargeable battery last longer. Plus you have two more channels if you ever need them in the future. Considering the battery itself is a $50 upgrade, just spend the extra $100 and get the DX8 with neck strap, extra channels, battery and charging cable. Your TX is the most important piece of your RC hobby, so pick what you are comfortable with.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I recently upgraded my RC Air TX again. This time to the DX9. Here is a quick review of all my models followed by a few DX9 tips.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

Thanks! I try and get them in when I can. There were a few DX9 tips I wanted to share. I should start writing things down so I don't forget any of them. I know I forgot one or two I wanted to include with this video.

[@cuba520]

Thank you for that review. Mine will be here Tuesday :)

[@kail9777]

Thank you thank you for the firmware update tip. That's gonna be a life saver.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I waited for the iX12 firmware to be reported as stable before I bought one this time and I love it.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I've never noticed that I did that before. It is a really unconscious thing, like sometimes when I get nervous when flying a plane I realize that I hit the throttle hold at some point like it was a helicopter. Remember, register your DX9 and upgrade the firmware immediately. There were some harmful bugs in there. Then center your sticks. Then enjoy the DX9.

[@keithdouglass3618]

I have the ix20.the sliders are 3 times bigger and at the rear corner. has more than I need. but there if I need it . over 45 years flying .we thought it as good back then. Keith Australia 2020

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I have the iX12 arriving tomorrow. I hope it has bigger sliders. I'd love to move the adjustable gains off the knob.

[@Appolloscott]

Thanks, long story but excellent info anyways don't stop

[@zcqw4a1]

Excellent review. thank you!

[@RCFlyer007]

Excellent video and information! Gotta question... I have a DX6 spectrum being delivered this week to replace my DX6i. Are these two transmitters compatible to where I could use the DX6i for a buddy box? Thanks

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

Yes. Use a blank profile on the DX6i and check the surface direction on both radios before flying. The DX6 settings are the ones that count. If you put expo or rates on both TXs, the effect is additive.

[@MrAtheHun]

Thanks, I hadn't considered some of this stuff. Good video.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

If you are looking for a budget TX, the new DX6 will be out in early June. A lot of DX9 features in a 6 channel radio for only $229.99 and that comes with a RX. If that radio was out when I started, I would not have moved up because model memory was my main issue. www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM6700

[@thainnei]

DX6I is now only $129 at my local hobby world.

[@garyvale8347]

I am looking for a basic entry level 6 ch heli radio to buy for some BNF helis...I have not yet decided on what BNF heli to get ...is there a way to know what brand radios will work with what heli brands...example , Blade BNF models work with ?...Walkera BNF models work with ?...etc...thanks

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

If you are unsure but good at figuring things out, you might want to look at a Taranis. You can change modules out for the different receivers or buy the 4 in 1 RX that works with a huge range of RXs. I did just read that some Walkera DEVO TXs are Spektrum compatible, so they would work with Blade and Wakera stuff. I would do a little more research on that. If you are an absolute beginner, just go with Blade and the DX6 radio. Like I tell a lot of people, look at the DX8 too because it comes with a good rechargeable battery, neck strap, and a few extra features that make the price difference worth it. I know a lot of people bash Spektrum, but when I go out flying and watch events online, I see a lot of Spektrum TXs being used. I love the ones I have.

[@garyvale8347]

OK...thanks Chad

[@jeffrolc]

I'm new to the hobby and just upgraded from the DX5e to DX9. Can you explain how the different flight modes work? I'm confused how that is any different than just assigning different rates, trims and expos to different switches?

[@briannotapplicable2223]

thanks!

[@daveylc]

I'm the same though, I work in a mess but tools and transmitter sticks must be straight! :D My DX9 should be showing up tomorrow so I'm watching videos like some kind of sad idiot, while I pray to god that my EzUHF is going to be compatible.

[@FelipeAraujo-dv8xy]

Hello! I'm just a beginner and I would do like to have your opinion about the Spektrum DX6 or up, like the XD8 for Gliders as the Fly Fly ASW 28 which I guess are the models with the "simple" setups and commands comparing with Race Drones, Helis and other kinds of more complex models. By the way I am planing to have all setup with Spektrum products, transmitters, servos etc etc. So what are you think? Thank you very much!

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I get asked this a lot. I currently use a DX9 with a DX6 gen 3 as my backup/buddy box. The DX6 gen 3 is fine for most pilots. If you are looking at helis you definitely want an extra channels when you get up to the ones that use the them to adjust gain settings. Sure you can fly them on 6 channels, but the gain adjustments just makes life easier. I have never used more than 7 channels personally. My friends with larger custom aircraft do have 9 to 12 channel systems because they put each servo on its own channel. They could use y-cables and use less channels, but they are old school. Because the DX8 comes with a good battery, neck strap, and a few extra channels out of the box, I consider that to be the best value. The first thing I did with my DX6 was take out the AA battery tray and upgrade to the rechargeable battery pack. They just last longer. I have a lipo in my DX9 and go months between recharging and I do fly a few times a week. In the end, your TX is the most important part of the hobby. Having started with the cheap RTF transmitters and worked my way through the older DX6i and DX8 models, I did notice the differences in each model. All the latest gen DX series handle the same but I would get at least the DX8. The only reason I have a DX9 is because it was the first of the latest gen TXs with the high model memory and I was out of space on my old DX8. The new features made upgrading to the DX9 a no brainer at the time, but I have never needed more that what the DX8 offers.

[@FelipeAraujo-dv8xy]

Hello Chad! How are you doing? I will stick with the DX8 them ... :) Thank you so much for all the details that you provided ... It was really helpful ;) I wish you no less them all best Chad! Best regards, Felipe.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

You're welcome! And don't forget about the 2nd most important part of the hobby, the multi-chemistry battery charger. I have my original cheap single port one, a slightly better 4 port one, and a high voltage two port one. All three pretty much are the same charging and screen wise, except the HV one can charge larger batts faster. You can go with the cheapest one out there, like the IMax B6, and it will still take care of your batteries better than any charger that comes in a RTF kit. Just make sure the charger has a screen and you will be able to see how your batts are doing and possibly avoid problems in the air. Use a LiPO bag when charging just to be safe.

[@jrproductie]

Thank you! And how about the DX8 would this give more range compared to the DX6i?

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

They are both full range transmitter, so as long as you have a full rage receiver you will be able to fly and maintain control further than you can probably see. Unless you are interested in warbirds with working retracts, flaps and the ability to drop a payload then you do not need to go above 6 channels and I recommend the new DX6 that is out. The model memory alone is worth it. Out of everything I own there is only one heli I have (with an Ikon Flybarless system) uses the 7th channel and that is for the self leveling/auto recovery option that I don't really use. I could fly it with a DX6 if I wanted to. The DX9 and 8 do support the high resolution servos (2048 steps) while the DX6 has 1024 steps. When I stepped up to the 8, I did notice the difference in resolution. My turns and maneuvers just seemed smoother. If you are interested in warbirds or using the extra channels for something like controlling lights for night flying, skip the 8 and get the 9. The extra features and memory are worth the money. Sure you can back up and restore models on the 8, but you have to rebind every time and I have some models where the RX is just hard to reach. Plus the wireless trainer is great for when I want to let people try flying my planes at the field. They just copy my model to their radio, bind to my radio and fly. If I think they are in trouble, I take control back instantly. If I ever break my 9, I'm getting another 9.

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

Next time I'll pan over to my actual RC bench and you'll see how non-OCD I actually am. It's usually between a mess and a wreck. Now that I am thinking about it...don't touch my heater vents.

[@Patrick-vy4ft]

Great reviews! keep it up

[@bobbarker1667]

Can you help me figure out how to put that nice dx9 antenna on my dx8

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

If you still have the gen 1 DX 8, just upgrade to the latest one. It is worth the money. You can use the old one as a buddy box.

[@kiantabrizi4864]

On the dx6 does it have a removable antenna?

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

No. For the older Spektrum radios I recommend a good protective case. Antenna replacement isn't that hard, but you cannot just remove the antenna without opening the case. The newer radios have a nice solid once piece antenna that are durable (but I still use a protective case). If you are looking for a starter radio, get the new DX6. Until Dec 31st Horizon is including a free receiver with most radios..

[@johnnyrinsma]

is the dx6i good enough for fpv mini h?

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

As long as the mini uses a Spektrum RX, then yes. This past weekend a local pilot was ready for his first computerized TX and while the DX6i is great, the new DX6 without a receiver is a much better value because of the model memory. You can tell yourself that 10 slots is a lot to fill, but it really isn't. If I had the DX6 back when I first started, I probably would not have gone for the 8 and then the 9...but I do love my 9 and hope to have ti for a long, long time.

[@joshrodriguez4353]

do u still use the dx6i if not can i buy it from u???

[@ChaddeQuevedo]

I sold it a few weeks after making this video. I decided that if my DX9 breaks I will be getting another one.