Spektrum DX6i , Turnigy 9x or something else ?

[Percymon]

For years I've used a hobbyking/FrSky FS-GT3B. Transmitter and I've been very happy with its faultless performance (and cheap RXs!)

Now I'm wanting something better, mainly because I now have three 3 speed models plus my current build CR-01 which I want extra channels to accessories.

So DX6i (latest version ) or Turnigy 9X ?

The latter obviously has more channels, but not sure I need that many. The 9X is cheaper but probably about the same after import duties. I like the appeal of cheap RXs from turnigy/orange - I hate the fact I have to pay £23 for a basic Acoms 2.4 RX for my sons models, so can do without it for my own !!

Anything else I should consider ?

Thanks all

[danb1974]

dx7

[speedy_w_beans]

The 9X seems like a good deal for $60-$70 with an included TX module and RX receiver, but it's not that great in stock form. The buttons are pretty loud, the beeper/buzzer is kind of annoying (volume, beep duration, tone variations from beep to beep), there's no backlight for the LCD, and the number of model memories and open mixes is pretty low. It's mostly optimized for aircraft (as expected).

I bought one and hacked it to install a programming header; then I burned open9x into the Flash memory. It's a better radio now with more model memories, lots of free-form mixers, custom curves, end points, open channel assignments, math and logic operations, etc. Receivers are only $9. It could still benefit from backlighting, a better beeper, and better battery life. You can do more modifications to fix these issues, but I was happy just to have better firmware at the time.

HobbyKing/Turnigy seemed to recognize the limitations of the original 9X because they released the 9XR. The 9XR has more memory, backlighting, LiPo compatiblity, and options for TX modules and receivers. It runs their version of open9x by default, which provides all the programming options of my hacked 9X but also includes the aircraft and heli templates. I think you can even install a FrSky module and get some telemetry data. The 9XR is also $60-70, but you have to buy a TX module and receiver separately. At least you can buy repair parts for the 9XR, which are not available for the 9X.

I just saw now that HK also offers the 9XR PRO for $100 -- this includes a SD card slot for firmware updates, recording telemetry data, and generating voice prompts. They've also added a USB port and have multiple trainer ports. There's vibration feedback as well. Like the 9XR, you have to buy a TX module and receiver separately.

If you want to run a lot of accessories with independent channels for control (lights, winch, rear wheel steering, etc.) either the 9XR or 9XR PRO should work fine with the large bank of open mixers.

[Percymon]

dx7

I have no interest in the telemetry function, but why else should I spend an extra 40% on the 7 over the 6i ?? Not averse to buying it, but it needs to justify itself !

[Percymon]

Having looked at my options again I'm 95% decided on the DX6i. It might not be as 'upgradable' as the 9x or 9xr but I'm not really into firmware changes and hacks.

Local model shop appears to have a reasonable deal on them so going to take a look later.

Anything I should be mindful off ?

[Percymon]

The 9X seems like a good deal for $60-$70 with an included TX module and RX receiver, but it's not that great in stock form. The buttons are pretty loud, the beeper/buzzer is kind of annoying (volume, beep duration, tone variations from beep to beep), there's no backlight for the LCD, and the number of model memories and open mixes is pretty low. It's mostly optimized for aircraft (as expected).

I bought one and hacked it to install a programming header; then I burned open9x into the Flash memory. It's a better radio now with more model memories, lots of free-form mixers, custom curves, end points, open channel assignments, math and logic operations, etc. Receivers are only $9. It could still benefit from backlighting, a better beeper, and better battery life. You can do more modifications to fix these issues, but I was happy just to have better firmware at the time.

HobbyKing/Turnigy seemed to recognize the limitations of the original 9X because they released the 9XR. The 9XR has more memory, backlighting, LiPo compatiblity, and options for TX modules and receivers. It runs their version of open9x by default, which provides all the programming options of my hacked 9X but also includes the aircraft and heli templates. I think you can even install a FrSky module and get some telemetry data. The 9XR is also $60-70, but you have to buy a TX module and receiver separately. At least you can buy repair parts for the 9XR, which are not available for the 9X.

I just saw now that HK also offers the 9XR PRO for $100 -- this includes a SD card slot for firmware updates, recording telemetry data, and generating voice prompts. They've also added a USB port and have multiple trainer ports. There's vibration feedback as well. Like the 9XR, you have to buy a TX module and receiver separately.

If you want to run a lot of accessories with independent channels for control (lights, winch, rear wheel steering, etc.) either the 9XR or 9XR PRO should work fine with the large bank of open mixers.

Thanks for the lengthy response Paul. Sounds too complicated and time consuming for me, I have little time in between building as it is.

In a few years I'll possible want the extra channels, but for now I can't see me using more than 5 channels absolute max currently. , and more often than not only 3 channels.

[danb1974]

I have no interest in the telemetry function, but why else should I spend an extra 40% on the 7 over the 6i ?? Not averse to buying it, but it needs to justify itself !

Better and more precise gimbals. For example if flying cp helis it matters. If flying planes or quads, I suppose not so much.

Best advice I got when getting a mcpx was "skip the dx6i, get a second hand dx7". True, not the latest dx7s, but an older model. Only gripe that old model does not have auto timer.

[Percymon]

Thanks - since it's only going to be used on crawler there's little benefit to me.

Local hobby shop price was £11 more than their own website and hadno stock anyway. I will get a DX6i TX and use orange RXs with it at ca £7 each