Spektrum DX5 Rugged - The BEST got BETTER!

[@odomandr]

The lanyard is so nice when you are climbing around on rocks in areas less developed than smiggins folley

[@scalebuildersguild]

You'd be surprised at how dangerous the folly is!

[@marnoch68]

Ive had mine since Xmas. Impressive tech. Love it, orange edition

[@Ethica]

new to the kit scene so finally having to get a real transmitter since ive just used traxxas rtr ones. How is the touch controls? ive read some bad reviews about them. I know there are settings to adjust it but how well does it really work? Love everything about it so far just weary on the touch control.

[@seanhanley947]

I'm glad you described how rugged it is.

[@scalebuildersguild]

HAHAHAHA

[@AmesiesCorner]

Picked up one of these a few weeks ago. I like the idea of a rugged one hand tx but they missed the mark a bit on this one. After a 3 hour trail run I found my arm to be very sore, I run one handed ambidextrous all the time with either Spektrum or Tqi transmitters without fatigue but the layout of this tx is very hard to run right handed. The radio is really heavy, eats the batteries really fast and the wheel is a bit too far out. The biggest issue I have with it is the thumb steering lever is not adjustable. Also do NOT pull the rubber bumpers out they are a real pain to get back in. I like that manufacturers are making dedicated transmitters and for most this would be a great tx with a lipo battery upgrade.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for all your feedback!

[@JayZ240]

Great review SBG! Honestly... I can’t believe Spektrum released it without a back light when it’s supposedly built for crawling... It doesn’t make any sense. Would it have really sent the price over $200?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Hard to say, I guess they need to protect radios further up the line.

[@ramtrucks721]

$239.99 now

[@mje19D]

Your 6 inch demonstration drop makes me think this is absolutely indescribable lol.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I'm not showing durability. I'm merely showing off the rubber bumpers. A true durability test would be outdoors, no?

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I can't describe it either lol!! 😜😂😂😆

[@mje19D]

@@scalebuildersguild Just being sarcastic. I am absolutely buying one.

[@simoncycling6685]

Hi ..you can always use a large zip tie on steering wheel of your other radios for one handed driving !!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

I guess so!

[@slottygw2wvw842]

Man that rugged screen scratches just looking at it!!!

[@nicholasbarber4193]

I'm digging the JSScale Range Rover in the back! It kind of reminds me of Dennis' from It's Always Sunny. lol Careful, if you start using that lanyard, you'll get used to and become one of us... one of us, one of us, one of us

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks nick, hope you watched the other video!

[@nicholasbarber4193]

@@scalebuildersguild which one? I think I'm all caught up. lol

[@ferndogg310]

I have to own one of these. Thank you Matt

[@scalebuildersguild]

Anytime my man!

[@Sticker-Happy]

Brilliant! should've happened decades ago. I wish they had included backlit lcd but i'll take water resistant over a light up lcd.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Definitely, thanks for the feedback!

[@TVsGringoStarr]

The door on the back is a place to hide your weed. Although, you're in Canada and don't need to hide it any more.

[@JK-qv8sv]

Great storage for a small lighter and a few pre-rolls. Oh canadeh!

[@scalebuildersguild]

I guess. Not my thing, but whatever turns your crank!

[@TheDeLeonGarageCollection]

Sneak-a-toke

[@marnoch68]

Got a box for that shit in back of rc4wd blazer 😆

[@chadkyletheman41]

Scale Builder's Guild yeah we can tell by your paint jobs. Zero creativity mixed with poor execution is a tell tail sign.

[@HeddleTown]

Anyone know if this radio is backwards compatible with their older DSM!? Thanks great video by the way!

[@Dean_Designs_RC]

I bought a dx5c right after Axial Fest, lol I wish I would have waited. This radio is definitely on my want list!

[@scalebuildersguild]

DX5C is still a great radio Dean. I won't be swapping everything over as of yet.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Good Review as Usual, Matt!! If I can get there someday, I would try one... I believe it will be a trendsetter. Shockproof/Water Resistant are features we've needed for a LONG time!! 👏👏👏👏 If Spektrum wants to send ME one.......lol Carmine 💥 ⛽

[@scalebuildersguild]

Cheers!

[@STEVOD313]

Great review, for some reason I liked RC Girl's review of this better, idk why though 🥰LOL Great job Matt 👍

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

She has a couple of "assets"!!! 😱😆😂😆

[@scalebuildersguild]

RC Girl did a great review and dove pretty deep into the menus. An awesome review!

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I meant no disrespect. I've subbed her for a few years... She does a great job on multiple areas of the Hobby!

[@ExperienceRC]

Love this, but the area for “tools” is ridiculous, they clearly had spare room and just popped a door on it. A welcomed addition but not like it was designed that way. Other than a wheel wrench what else would fit? Lol. Great transmitter, and the thumb tab is brilliant, I can’t reach the wheel on the dx5c at all! Lol. Nice review dude 👍🏻

[@scalebuildersguild]

You don't think they designed that intentionally? I beg to differ.

[@ExperienceRC]

Scale Builder's Guild by that I mean it loosely. Clearly it was incorporated into the design otherwise it wouldn’t be there, but realistically it’s not much use for tools unless all you carry are tiny Allen keys. I don’t think filling your transmitter with tools is going to make it that comfortable either if it starts becoming top heavy. They just had some extra room and thought let’s pop a door on and advertise it as a perk.

[@cflchurch2526]

Matt what is you normal go to radio? I had a house fire and lost everything. I used standard rtr radios in the past and was looking for something a little better and more solid than the rtrs. Thanks.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Ah bummer, hopefully everyone is unhurt. My go-to is the DX5C. I prefer the scroll wheel to the touch sensitive buttons.

[@cflchurch2526]

Everyone is doing well, thank you.

[@ernestkosek4455]

Hi in the backround you have a sweet land rover .... was that a scratch build or based off some manufactureres body shell? thanks Ernest

[@scalebuildersguild]

It’s a Range Rover Classic available online from JS Scale. Stay tuned for an upcoming video where I detail it!

[@bucksrcworld8119]

good review, hope to get feedback after you beat it up on the trail.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I will certainly report back!

[@visionary_rc7987]

Am I correct in thinking that the “ model memory“ means you can have multiple trucks on the same radio? Truck has its own receiver, you just poke buttons to switch between them?

[@BlindGuyRc]

I have chosen this for my next one... when I can afford it hahaha. I use the flysky gt5 right now. My only issue with that one is the little sterling wheel I have to use.. but I think I have a way of fixing that. As always man. AWESOME video haha.

[@Mao_tse_tung]

Don’t get it it’s terrible get the dx5pro so you don’t regret it. You have a pot knob on the pro and more choices for your switch assignment

[@dirtberger4533]

Thanks for review. I do have quite a few spectrum receives and to way to many low end remotes.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Well, as long as they're DSM, they should work!

[@dirtberger4533]

@@scalebuildersguild Good to know thanks.

[@yoboo6167]

Great review! Quick question. I have the DX4C which is a great budget radio but the only issue it has is that it 'glitches' almost like the signal is being interrupted for a split second at least a couple of times per outting. Have you had any problems with the signal glitching on the DX5C or the Rugged now that you have some time using it? If your not sure what i mean by glitching then it probably hasnt happened haha! Thanks Matt for your informative and thorough reviews!

[@Mao_tse_tung]

If your running spektrum servos or receiver too much voltage drop, that’s what’s causing it not the transmitter if that makes since

[@JK-qv8sv]

That accessory bar on the front is nifty, beats my extendable selfie stick taped to the base of my radio set-up. Driving one handed and filming with the other hand is tricky stuff, I'm very impressed by your skills 👍

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks very much!

[@xjmachine2503]

Does this one hold the 20 models too like the dx5c? Looking for 1 radio to replace all of my cheapo rc4wd ones I have for each of my rigs.

[@scalebuildersguild]

It does indeed!

[@petechipps9770]

What’s the plug inside the back door used for? This radio is on my to get list. Great review. 👍

[@petechipps9770]

It would be nice if it were used for servo testing!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Firmware updates.

[@ScottMcLinden]

I have 6 Traxxas RC. So I would have to buy 6 ESC? Could I still use TSM?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Receivers, yes. If TSM is part of the receiver that comes with the Traxxas truck, then you would lose that functionality.

[@stompindakka3222]

Possible i might update my dx4c for a dx5 rugged. Scroll wheel has stopped responding. To my knowledge that isn't a easy thing to fix. Great review

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks Marc!

[@bigbearddaddy9067]

🤦🏽‍♂️ you are too funny good job on the video. I like how you noticed the 3D printing for the rod👍🏽 and ya what is up with no backlight but I do guess you could also 3D print a holder for a light from the dollar store and it would be a lot brighter then a backlight.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Interesting idea there!

[@nukedathlonman]

I currently use a single DX4S for all my models, but I'll think about getting one just for my trail scale stuff. Maybe I missed it, but under the door- what's the three pin connector for?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I believe it's a firmware updating port.

[@nukedathlonman]

@@scalebuildersguild Ahh - that makes sense. :-)

[@TheDeLeonGarageCollection]

I’m wondering if the touch sensitive buttons will be less problematic than the roller wheel of my DX3R

[@scalebuildersguild]

Likely. But, I'm really enjoying the scroll wheel on the DX5C. Much more intuitive way to operate through the menus.

[@johnlaclair4271]

Seems just like the 5c like you said but just a updated outside i have ran spektrum for years but with scale crawlers was always after more channels an have found the flysky gt5 is great as it has 6 channels the radio itself is awsomesauce in the hand an at the $75 (U.S) price point i feel it cant be beat as of yet

[@scalebuildersguild]

People love their Flysky's. Just never found it to be one that I liked. All good, thanks for watching!

[@GodsWorshipper777]

Does it have the throttle limit like the stx2? I haven't seen anything on that.. if it does, then I'm sold!! :) That's for the review

[@bot9127]

"The coolest guy in the world!"

[@scalebuildersguild]

I should get that on a t-shirt.

[@MrYessireebob]

Hey it's that guy that is bugging you to see a Trekker update again

[@scalebuildersguild]

Haha, not to worry Tony. I have an update coming later this week!

[@marnoch68]

Got Orange Edition boxing day yeeeeaaaa!!!!

[@Shamrockjason]

Wish this was out when I got my DX5C

[@scalebuildersguild]

There's some elements of th DX5C that I like better, hang on to it!

[@SebastianLong]

Nothing wrong with the DX5C. That was the first aftermarket radio I got. I liked it a lot. I gave it to my brother just the other day because I bought him a bind and drive Super Baja Rey and I'm replacing it with the Orange DX5 Rugged. I don't need another receiver and I really like the look of the orange one, so it is a no brainer. Lol

[@usamanawaz1126]

What's it's control range mate?

[@FullThrottleRC]

Looks like a great radio! Unfortunately I can't afford to swap all my rigs to Spektrum right now with all the other projects I have going on😂😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

All good, I still have a bunch of older models tied to my Futaba 3PM-X!

[@visionary_rc7987]

Would you suggest this or the dx5c for my first “fancy” radio? (I just use rtr radios, and it would be nice to not have 20+ transmitters taking up space)

[@scalebuildersguild]

I prefer the 5C, as the touch screen doesn’t work that well for me.

[@visionary_rc7987]

Is the operating system the same between the two? Do they have the same features, telemetry, etc?

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@visionary_rc7987 yep!

[@visionary_rc7987]

Ok, thank you!! I’ll probably be getting the c in that case, I don’t think the rugged is worth the extra money.

[@speckledjim_]

Hey buddy, would (or could) you shed any light on the Spektrum DX5c being able to take an input voltage of 7.4 volts? Thinking if upgrading the battery to a 2s lipo and don't want to fry the radio

[@scalebuildersguild]

I converted mine to use a LiFe pack, but not at 7.4 volts. 6.6 is max I believe.

[@speckledjim_]

@@scalebuildersguild I was meaning Life buddy, as it's the correct voltage. Don want to take the risk with 7.4. I've lost a Spektrum before doing that and want to make sure this time. Are LiFe batteries larger than Lipo? I can't seem to find an appropriate battery at around 1300mah, theyrel all too large

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@speckledjim_ I used a Turnigy nano-tech Life 6.6V transmitter pack. 2100mah 20C discharge.

[@rgile67]

The human brain can learn to use those touch controls, but it's the human that will prevent it from doing so... As soon as Spektrum makes one with a backlit LCD [hello early 2000's; it's 2019!] I'll buy one. I like the ruggedness.

[@_soundboi_]

I have the DX5R mainly because it can do MOA mixing for dig can this bad boy MOA mix and secondly something that grinds my nut blunt is the fact that you cannot assign the switches to what you want to on the 5R my 4S has a separate page just for switches so you can disable or assign them to what you want, what's that like on the rugged? Thanks in advance...

[@scalebuildersguild]

You can assign switches to whatever you want here. It has defaults, but they can be adjusted. Not sure on MOA mixing, definitely steering.

[@zanthraxnl]

I got a DX5c, mostly based on your video on that, two weeks before this was launched. Oh well, it's still a decent radio. Could you do a video on how to set up the aux channel? It took me a lot of effort to setup up the shift servo in a 2-speed truck. Assigning the Aux1 channel to a button already assigned to a trim gave weird results and I couldn't get the mixing with another channel to work.

[@humboldtef]

You need to move the trim on this button to another. Go to trim assign, scroll down and click on next, it should list steering and throttle trim, scroll to the trim or button you need moved click on it and here you can re-assign it to another button.

[@scalebuildersguild]

What he said!

[@christiancole2569]

Could you use the steering wheel (rim) from the dx5c on the rugged? But with the rugged rubber tire grip

[@scalebuildersguild]

The wheels are a different size.

[@alfredyost7972]

I am having problems with the touch screen. Any tips on how to get this to work? It took me an hour to get servo reversing to work and 40 minutes to set-up my wench.

[@scalebuildersguild]

There is no touch screen, so that might be the root of your problem.

[@alfredyost7972]

@@scalebuildersguild When I said touch screen, I meant where the scroll wheel would be. I took my radio to my local hobby shop which is where I bought it. He contacted Horizon and found out my radio is bad. My radio would scroll down but would not scroll up? The instructions indicate the the radio can scroll up. My radio would actually get locked-up.

[@dwightmazinakouskang1916]

is there any way to slow my reverse? i got dx5 rugged with fusion motor in a brx01

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes, you can reduce the amount of reverse power with the programming card included with the Fusion.

[@DanielCollins85]

Hows the DX5 with a TRX4? With hi / low and all the servos is it compatable?

[@mondospeedy3089]

Question.. have you ever, or would you ever use a gas powered Model for a crawler, so guy is trying to sell me a SAVAGE nitro for $200 would you use it?

[@scalebuildersguild]

No. A Savage is not, nor will it ever be, a "crawler."

[@GrimJerr]

In a pinch you can use it to club a Moose

[@Team-Fraser]

Do you know if the AR620 receiver is compatible?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sorry I don’t know if the air receivers use the same dsmr tech.

[@INMGRC]

Very nice video big thumbs up my friend XD

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you!

[@marvindelrosario7864]

HEY THERE, THERE IS AN OPTION TO ADJUST THE PUNCH WITH THIS TRANSMITTER?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Punch is an ESC setting and is essentially only helpful at limiting the amount of initial current delivered to a motor. I don’t think any transmitter is capable of this adjustment.

[@vinnyavalanche]

It’s nice looking very (rugged)...but do I need to upgrade from my DX5C ?naaah

[@michaeldeering798]

So the Transmitter is weather proof, is the receiver? If so, wouldn't that make it one of only a very few splash resistant receivers on the market?

[@humboldtef]

there are a few spektrum receivers are rated as waterproof (or resistant) and few that arent

[@scalebuildersguild]

I believe they have a couple that are water resistant. I remember the original Twin Hammers had one. That said, most decent trucks come with waterproof receiver boxes nowadays.

[@pfarraldcash6095]

the first offroad remote control, with all terrain profile steering wheel.

[@scalebuildersguild]

YOU CAN STEER ANYWHERE!

[@17madracki17]

there like cell phones. used to be cool to have the smallest cell possible. now carrying a 20” flat screen in your pocket is cool.

[@scalebuildersguild]

God, I hope I never turn into that person taking photos with their iPad.

[@17madracki17]

Scale Builder's Guild 😂😂 that’s hilarious.

[@cbmd2011]

How do you loke this transmitter after a year?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I much prefer the DX5C, the scroll wheel works much better for me despite not being as water or shock proof.

[@roadrashracing1796]

I had bought the rugged bit traded it away, I found the new menu controls not fun to use. No extra gaskets, to keep moisture out. The receiver is no longer waterproof. The lanyard mount pulls out very easy.

[@scalebuildersguild]

The receiver was never waterproof.

[@lunchboxproductions1183]

No need for gaskets when the boards inside are conformally coated.

[@Rex_Stuph]

Good riddance to the scroll wheel. Apart from being a pain in the arse since new, now my DX3R has gone random, 1 step down, 8 steps up... Oh, Matty, can you assign the mixes on/off to a button/switch, or do you have to go to the menu to disable a mix? That is one thing Futaba has had Spektrum over a barrel with in the past.

[@scalebuildersguild]

You have to go into the menus to find what buttons are assigned to what, but yes, you can inhibit.

[@Mao_tse_tung]

I wish they wouldn’t make the dx3 with a 3 or 5 position option for the aux but they couldn’t do that with the dx5 rugged it was supposed to be an upgrade over what comes with the new Capra 4ws and now I have half the rear steer and it doesn’t have drive mod on mine i got it a week ago so disappointed n I was super excited

[@scalebuildersguild]

You can definitely set up the DX5 with a 3 position switch on the Auxiliary channel.

[@Mao_tse_tung]

@@scalebuildersguild can u set it up like the 5 position that came with the 4ws Capra? I loved how it was and wanted the dig so I figured if the dx3 has that the dx5 rugged would and I was wrong. What bothers me is they would specify that is only available on the dx3 would have saved me 300. I love the Capra but the rugged is frustrating and I bought this over the pro being it said it was more crawler focused

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@Mao_tse_tung the software is very similar, but you should be able to at least set up a 3 position switch. I don’t have the Rugged anymore, but there’s plenty of tutorials online.

[@michaelordonez174]

Does it support epa??

[@scalebuildersguild]

End point adjustment? Of course!

[@megustachuletas3956]

Love your channel, but think you should move your monitor to where your camera tripod is so that you don't have to keep looking off screen to make sure what you are doing/showing is in frame. It is kind of distracting and negates the otherwise professional look of your channel.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for the constructive criticism! Unfortunately, neither of those things are possible in the space that I have. Cheers!

[@megustachuletas3956]

@@scalebuildersguild If you're using a DSLR, a lot of them offer WiFi connections to a mobile device so a tablet or phone would suffice for that purpose (and there are mounts for said devices to connect to the tripod). It is what I used to make a Photobooth before. Well, I hope you get it sorted. Still a happy subscriber either way.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I've also been looking at Sony's latest alpha which has a flip-up screen!

[@DrDiff952]

I understand a neck strap for twin stick radios as those people prefer pinching. But a neck strap on a pistol grip is a waste.

[@DFDuck55]

I use a lanyard on my pistol grip controllers. But not on my neck, I stick my right arm through the lanyard so it's on my shoulder (I use controllers left-handed, so that's on my throttle side.) So when I'm in rough terrain I have both hands for climbing. Or grabbing my truck in one hand and have the other hand free to steady myself, or use a trekking pole, when climbing a hill (I'm kinda old and my balance isn't what it used to be.) Or can easily use both hands for moving cameras, moving and adjusting tripods, etc., without having to set my controller on the ground or in the mud.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Good idea, thanks for posting that!

[@RCPropaganda]

My top laynard piece broke off ☹

[@humboldtef]

If you still have the piece you could use something like Bondene which is not a glue, it will melt the plastic and fuse it back together.

[@RCPropaganda]

@@humboldtef I have it. I will try that. That was a thing i liked about the radio.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Bondene won't work on this type of rubber. Perhaps email Spektrum and see if you can't order a replacement.

[@RCPropaganda]

@@scalebuildersguild yeah i use that for styrene. This piece is more rubber than plastic. Used super glue and tape for now. Yes I will email them. Thanks for the input. 👍✌

[@brazwewn]

Is that Zoolander’s radio?

[@odomandr]

A radio for kids who can't radio good

[@scalebuildersguild]

YUSS FOR THE ZOOLANDER

[@darrenjackson6207]

cool hair bro !

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you. Thank you very much. I'll send your regards to my stylist.

[@600tian5]

Still no backlit LCD? Thanks I’ll pass.

[@michaelthomas3262]

tiny tiny tiny Transmitter :D

[@scalebuildersguild]

Hahaha

[@fernsolo]

👍🏻

[@fergusbrown3923]

Pherst

[@scalebuildersguild]

You Whin!

[@00godlovesus]

Your rugged;)

[@DrDiff952]

Spectrum and Futaba are far over priced. Give me a hacked Flysky GT3C anyday just as adjustable over half the cost! Put that money back into your model rather than waste it on a radio. And besides if you need more than 8 channels, get a Fr Sky Taranis Plus Special Edition. 18 channels infinately programmable.

[@ryananderson6800]

Where would I find the flysky gt3c that is hacked? Sorry I'm a super noob

[@DrDiff952]

@@ryananderson6800 www.rccrawler.com has a forum on it. That the guy who created the parts now sells radios

[@scalebuildersguild]

Awesome, enjoy your radio!

[@levibeebe9100]

You know a 4yr has alot of trouble walking in the woods without holding anything so being able to let go and use trees to grab onto to get up the hill your climbing... without Is not an option. And i need it to be able to help my 2yr old daughter when she trips... So show the damn remote and stop pissing of your subscriber please. Dont diss my lanyard

[@scalebuildersguild]

Surely you can't be upset because I don't share the same opinion on lanyards?

[@philipjohnson986]

This P.O.S. Is not worth the money, the receiver is NOT WATER RESISTANT! It’s enormous and the rubber over molding is cheap. How can you review this pos positively. I’ve seen you trash the traxxas products WTF. Yeah you might need a lanyard for a radio so large you might even need a backpack for it

[@scalebuildersguild]

Most people put receivers in a water tight box. And just because my opinion differs from yours, doesn't make it wrong.

[@WoodedCivilian]

I got the 5c and want to get one of these

[@scalebuildersguild]

Same! And I did!