Is a DX6i ok?

[David Bess]

OK , having saved now for a long time doing without the little extras in life I now have the cash to get started ,So it will be a TX and phoenix sim first ,now spectrum has been recommended by a few knowledgeable chaps on this forum ,looking at them it's not that simple ( as if) what is ar 80000 and other ar with different # after the ar and what is mode2 . a DX6i was recommended as a new flyer what is the difference between a 6 and an 8 channel obvious 2 channels,what I mean is I don't want to buy a 6 channel if in a year I will have progressed to needing 8 (,bad economics) , the difference in price isn't that large in the first place to have to then buy an 8 later , a bit more advice will help and spelling out how meany channels are required to run an aircraft with a full compliment of control surfaces plus telemetry and a 3 axis gyro just in case I am a hopeless pilotThanks

Edited By David Bess on 05/03/2012 17:35:21

[Frank Skilbeck]

The Spektrum web page will give you details of all the different recievers they offer. I have a Dx6i and it's a good entry level programmable Tx, easy to program and use. The Dx8 has telemetry and also more mixes and some 3 way switches, but it doesn't have very good inbuilt glider mixes.

You will probably note outgrow a Dx6i for a couple of years and by that time you will have got an idea of where your interests lie and may want a radio more specialised for that, possible a different make.

Telemetry is independent of the number of channels, for a basic trainer (and follow on aerobatic models) you only need 4, but can use 5 (one servo on each aileron), extra channels would be then flaps and retracts etc You shouldn't need a gyro with a trainer, they are more for the tricky to fly planes.

[David Bess]

OK thank you Frank I have been on spektrum web page , and made up my mind I will place my order with Kings Lynn model shop on Friday ,that is unless anyone knows where the best deals on Dx 6i can be found, Having decided on the TX . Trainers are my next queries I like the look of the Flair Kite Mk4 they seem to be well liked and are durable , I don't think I can go far wrong with it , but not knowing much about them; suggestions would be appreciated so as to give me a choice ,I have just read reviews on the Flair ,I dont know yet if it has ailerons .I just know that it an easy quick build and she looks good and very important to beginners easy to repair

[Reno Racer]

Flair Kite is a good model. If you want a basic trainer, the Seagull Boomerang is pretty good, Ok its an ARF and it looks like a box covered in shiney film, but its cheap, robust and flys really well.

How about a Futaba T6J TX. recievers are cheap, the link is bullet proof and it works with Phoenix RC sim no problems. Futaba T6J has more to offer (IMHO) than the DX6i.

[David Bess]

Well the Seagull looks a VERY good buy from Kings Lynn as a combo with a SC 46A ; So trainer and IC for 101 quid sounds like a bargain to me,they also offer a further deal if you buy a TX with it , So as I dont intend to keep the trainer any longer than it takes to move up to a first low wing it will be a perfect buy , you just saved me a lot of cash Thank you for that I have looked at the Futaba and I know a lot of the flyers on the forum like them but for TX beginners like me the DX6i is easy to program I think it has 8 wing types and 4 tail configurations ready programmed in ,and it is possible to download programs for a range of models that really sells it for me , I have read of some problems with DX 8i and I have to look further into it before I commit ,thats why I will wait till Friday before I make the purchase , Thank you so much for your input , the Seagull is now my preference it looks good has a good rep and best of all it will save me a bundle

 

THANKS Christina

Edited By David Bess on 05/03/2012 23:49:54

[Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator]

David - I suspect that Christian would be happier addressed as a bloke!

Of course you never know - but I think I'm right on this one.

BEB

[David Bess]

OOOOPS I am sorry Christian my excuse is wear your reading glasses David , BEB can you please edit it for me as I have edited once and can't do it again ,HOW EMBARRASSING ,PLEASE forgive my mistake and I promise I will wear my glasses in future

[David Bess]

Thinking about it how hard is it to program a given aircraft in; maybe I am over estimating how difficult it is ,but thats the problem with us new to RC we just don't know , Why do you say Futaba has more to offer , please enlighten me Christian , I have read that there are some problems with the preprogramming in the DX range so I may end up having to program them in by hand anyway , I might be better off learning to do it (Confusion reigns)

[David Bess]

Thanks BEB your a life saver ,I owe you one

[Reno Racer]

David,

No problems you are forgiven!.

The seagull combo sounds like a good starting point. That Boomerang can be pretty aerobatic, when your ready, so can last you all through your A Cert and on to training for B.

I think, the Futaba T6J has alot more features (read programming functions) than the DX6i, but i'll have to check. Whatever brand you get, i would get the best radio set you can with the most channels you think you're going to need. a TX can be very expensive and you can quickly find yourself running out of channels or features as you progress into B certs or diversifly into gliders, warbirds etc.

That said, i use my Futana 6 channel set on nearly everything from flat foamies to large four stroke and petrol powered warbirds. I only use/need more for large WW2 warbirds and jets.

I've had both Spectrum and Futaba. I lost faith in Spectrum (but thats just my opinion/concern), so switched to Futaba and have been really impresses. the downside with Futaba is that there instruction manuals are alot harder to work through than Spectrum. Just my experience.

 

Edited By Christian Ackroyd on 06/03/2012 03:33:12

[Robert Armstrong 2]

I have both a Spektrum DX6i and a Futaba 6EX. I started with the Futaba but got the DX6i because I bought a second hand model with a Spektrum rx already installed (plus the large number of Bind & Fly models, all Spektrum compatible that i lusted after).

I am beginning to like the DX6i better as time goes on. I like the model match facility, the individually customised timer capabilities and sub trim, all of which the Futaba doesn't have. Battery life is excellent on 4 dry cells and it's easy to have a backup set in the box. Spektrum have also been good at getting their software problems fixed (though of course, they did have them in the first place). Receivers are cheaper for Spektrum as well.

Don't know about the new Futaba system (T6J) which apparantly will compete on the 'Bind & Fly' front, though I don't think there are many models with that option avaiable yet.

On the first model selection topic, is there a trainer on your chosen sim that you like and is available as an ARTF?

Neither system has given me any reliability issues. I haven't 'lost faith' in either!

[Alan Randall]

Check out the latest horizon offer on DX8s. Two additonal receivers free.

DX8 Offer

Alan

 

Edit: To shorten the internet link that was messing up the page formatting.

Edited By Chris Bott - Moderator on 06/03/2012 11:33:35

[Frank Skilbeck]

I haven't had any hands on with the Futaba T6J but from the manual the programming looks very similar to the 6EX which I have programmed and the Dx6i has easier and better programming. Probably the best Tx at the 6 channel level programming wise is the Hitec Optic 6, but I must admit that the Horizon Bind n Fly models make having a Spektrum Tx worthwhile. If you are considering the Spektrum Dx8 then at that price level the Hitec Aurora 9 is also worth a look.

I currently use both Spektrum and Multiplex radios, so even if you outgrew your Dx6i in a couple of years it would be worth keeping even if you switched brands just for the bind n fly models.

[Trevor Crook]

I agree with what everyone has said about the DX6i programming - it's very straightforward. I believe the new DX7 and DX8 use the same logic.

The Futaba T6J was reviewed in a recent RCM&E - last month I think. It looks quite nice, but was criticised for having a small screen - the trim positions can't always be displayed, for instance.

One other thing to bear in mind with the Spektrums is that the DX8 is more than just extra channels - the build quality is better than the DX6i and it feels much more solid. That said, my DX6i did all I needed and nothing ever broke. I only changed it for a (old style) DX7 because a clubmate offered me a deal I couldn't refuse!

[Vecchio Austriaco]

David, I have a DX7 which I would like to change to something else - and I have a DX6i with alu upgrade parts (select wheel and trim switches) which is not in use - if you are interested I make you a very low offer. Send me a PM if you want.

Cheers VA

[David Bess]

Thank you for the offer Veccchio, where do you live ? has the DX7 got telemetry and preprogramming or do you have to program each model into it ? Your DX6i with the upgrades doe's that make it 8ch?

[Vecchio Austriaco]

It is the old DX7 - so there is no telemetry. Programming: you have to program each model, but there is a copy function. Normally if you use an aerobat it is much the same no matter if you fly Yak, Extra or Edge. So I normally copy and make fine adjustment where necessary. I live in Buckinghamshire, so not too close to Devon....

DX6i upgrades: those are mechanical upgrades - the no of channels is 6.
The DX6i has/had a problem with the trimswitches at low temperatures - so they are all changed from plastic to aluminium. The same with the programming wheel - it is aluminium as well. You will find a message which I have sent a few minutes ago. Cheers VA

 

The DX6i has been used at low temperatures...

Just to give you an idea what my son was flying

Edited By Vecchio Austriaco on 06/03/2012 16:09:12

[Steve Houghton 1]

I've been using my DX6i for a couple of years now. I haven't experienced any problems with it and it is a good entry level TX. There are battery conversion instructions in one of the previous isues of RCM&E to fit a 4 cell RX pack,  and I did the conversion and fitted an Eneloop 200mah pack, it was well worth it.

I also liked the timer function which counts both up and down. The guys with Futaba 6EX's were carrying digital kitchen timers in their pockets to let them know it was time to land. For your basic model with the usual controls, you can't go wrong.

I'm about to upgrade my TX to the Hitec Aurora 9, but only because I'm now only flying gliders and the DX6i doesn't offer the mixes I need for the more complex models.

Just to put another spanner in the works, the Hitec Optic 6 may be a good buy as well and seems like exceptional value for money, and with 7ch receivers at £35 you can't go wrong.

Edited By Steve Houghton 1 on 06/03/2012 16:37:28

[Vecchio Austriaco]

Battery: As with all the 2.4 radios the power consumption is low. Of course the conversion saves some pocket money as it will be cheaper in the end, but for my experience you can fly several weeks with one set of alkaline batteries (if you don't forget to switch off...). By the way - The DX7 has a 1500mAh 8 cell NIMH battery. This is standard on this radio. Just to be fair and clear: Both radios are DSM2 radios. The switch to DSMX came just 2011.

But so far I never found an airfield with more than 100 people flying

Cheers VA

[David Bess]

Am I correct in thinking that ailerons require 2 ch, elevators 1ch, rudder 1ch, throttle 1ch ,retracts 1ch and flaps 1ch I make that 7 ch?????????

[Frank Skilbeck]

Posted by David Bess on 06/03/2012 17:18:31:

Am I correct in thinking that ailerons require 2 ch, elevators 1ch, rudder 1ch, throttle 1ch ,retracts 1ch and flaps 1ch I make that 7 ch?????????

You can put the ailerons on one channel on a Y lead, but if you want to set up each aileron separately then yes, if you want to set up the flaps separately then 8, if you wanted separate nose leg steering then 9.

I've flown my Parkzone P-47 with Flaps and retracts with my Dx6i, where the Dx6 starts to struggle (as will the 6EX) is when you want to use more complicated wing mixes, but even then the Dx8 isn't the first choice for these.

[David Bess]

now there is the problem Frank ,I will be scratch building a scale MkIX Spit that will take me the best part of a year to build putting in all the scale detail I want and it will require all of the control surfaces necessary to get the most out of it , during that year I fist have to learn to fly a high wing and a low wing model so at the end of a year or so I will be ready to fly my dream Spit and I don't want to have to replace my TX , and you say a DX8 wont do what I want it to , I REALLY need to the TX right first time,what would you suggest . Thanks

Edited By David Bess on 06/03/2012 19:05:47

[David Bess]

OK took the plunge and ordered my TX a DX8 and a Phoenix sim 3 or 4 weeks to deliver they are awaiting new stocks never mind it's paid for . just have to wait , Doe's any one now the best place to buy modelling tools , every thing from knives to spring clamps , and do you have any favourite widgets and gadgets that you especially like

Edited By David Bess on 16/03/2012 19:19:23

[Chris Bott - Moderator]

Hi David, good choice there. I've had a DX8 pretty much since they came out and it's a great radio. The programming is really easy to follow and it's pretty flexible too.

I have a couple of warbirds with retracts and flaps and it does everything I need for those. I think it will keep you going for a good while yet.

I found it quite a big step going from a simple low winger to a plane with retracts and flaps. I'd suggest having a think about getting something else with all these functions to fly just before the Spit. There are quite a few foamy warbirds around now which would fill that bill really well. One of these would teach you the switch locations and procedures, and you wouldn't have the added burden of flying something you put so much time into building while you learn.