Review: Spektrum DX8 and DSMX

[Search4Truth]

"Old man who does not know anything." LOL. In another year you will be adding them to your waiting list for reviews. :)

[destroyerbmx]

I like how you get so technical in your review and test everything, I did not know how each company used the 2.4 band until I watched your stuff. I would like to see how the FAAST system is spread out. I am thinking of getting a Futaba 10CG or Spektrum DX8.

[ArcticRc]

I had mine for about1.5 year now. Love it. And never had any problem. But there are alot of brands out there that will suit everyone. I sent in my first cause the shop wanted me to. Got a new one but never had any problem. Great Radio

[MrKleenexDude]

I'm glad you get into such great detail. Now I have to go back and watch all of your videos. Thanks for the review!

[Bunnykiller6969]

Picked up one of these DSMX radio it is Great hardware, no more getting shot down =)

[Crazylogie]

I have had my dx8 now for a few months and I love it ZERO issues

[hyperon4]

Great videos bruce!!!.. please hurry with Hitec Aurora9 review. been waiting for months now!. keep up the good work!

[thedoorsbiggestfan]

The only flappy petals I ever needed was to drive a friends 599 ferrari :D But it was a good review nevertheless.

[bnrusso]

Thanks Bruce. Too pricey for me too.

[Raptor50aus]

Unless you fly large Gas planes yes 

[Raptor50aus]

Who the hell flys R/C planes normally at 1640 feet (500M)??

What a stupid comment

[xjet]

@Raptor50aus Those who fly FPV I guess.

[RCcunuk]

@Raptor50aus I do

[RyanNX211]

The official word is that DSMX is only necessary if you fly in environments like Joe Nall or huge indoor events.

This week at Muncie, we had 4 crashes with AR500 receivers when total control was lost, AFTER QUALIFYING FOR THE ANNUAL NATIONAL CONTEST BY TYING FOR 1ST PLACE in each event

Flights were made in DSM2 even though on the last crash I loaned out my upgraded DX8. (backwards compatibility) If Spek would acknowledge there were more reasons for the switch, I wouldn't be looking at others

[gruntboy50]

As an Engineer I really appreciate your data driven reviews. To think Horizon and Spektrum call you a grumpy old man.

[garrrbo]

I think one of the best things about this radio is that you can download the setups for all of the newer models from Horizon at there site and tons of setups from friends. You did not say anything about that and I think it is what makes this radio the one I bought.

[RCBuzzboy]

Great review! I have been considering buying this radio for larger planes I want to fly. I agree with you about having to take your thumb off the stick to lower the landing gear/flaps, also the expensive receivers! I'm leaning more to Hitec now.

[vanepico]

horizon sent a member of my club two DSMX receivers to say sorry for a rather large crash he had, they didn't point out that his dx6i would require an update for it to work on dsmx, i feel a bit betrayed with spektrum but I'm also fed up with futaba for their lack of cheap fasst receivers. It seems that we are being forced to pay a premium for a device that barely operates effectively.

[asadasif]

Bruce, you mention DX8 in the title on the website article but don't even mention the 2-3 recalls in effect on this transmitter (in the written article) and which issues the recalls remedy. You don't even comment on the build quality. Going soft on Spektrum? :)

Also, does the use of the telemetry module alter the RF hopping any?

[RCModelReviews]

@asadasif The web article is focused mainly on DSMX rather than the DX8 itself.

[asadasif]

@RCModelReviews And one of the recalls is about DSMX having backward compatibility issues with certain DSM2 receivers. After all, backward compatibility is a much touted 'feature' of DSMX. :)

[xlovegroovex]

My friend just purchased a DX8/AR8000 DSMX (against my advice) to use in his AXN floater for FPV. He has a 400mW 1.3GHz video transmitter and he has had dropouts and crashed at distances of less than 250m. I'm using the FrSky system on one of my FPV models with a 800mW 1.3GHz video tx and have achieved about 1km with no signs of control lockouts. There must be something with Spektrum receivers that make then useless for FPV and I think it's nothing to do with how they use the frequency spectrum

[timmarfil]

Have used Skektrum for many years both surface and air and have never had a problem.

[Delaunay73]

Niceeee review, as usual at RCmodelsreview! Now put it against the JR-XG8, Turnigy Frsky 9ER and Hitech Aurora to see how they compare! That would be the ultimate telemetry review on the 8ch transmitters market of 21st century!!!!!

[RCModelReviews]

@Delaunay73 The A9 and 9X (also with ER9X firmware) reviews will be up shortly.

I don't have access to a JR-XG8 (JR, like Spektrum, don't seem to want to part with any of their systems for review purposes -- at least not reviews performed by me) so that may take quite a bit longer to organize.

The telemetry capabilities of these systems will be the subject of a future "shootout" -- again, once I can organize to borrow some more systems.

[just4playin1]

Myself & Everyone I know who has used Spektrum for FPV has crashed due to lockouts and we weren't more than 500 meters away. Spektrum radios are good for park flyers but FPV requires a radio with strong power & solid frequencies. Turnigy 9X & Futaba radios are awesome, using those now. JR are good too, but seriously over priced. Looks like Spektrum is finally getting with the program, but as a pilot who has picked up the pieces of many expensive aircraft I would say it's a little to late.

[RCModelReviews]

@just4playin1 Most of those will have been using DSM2 which I have been warning people about for quite some time (much to the disgust of Horizon/Spektrum). DSM2 just isn't suitable for FPV because it has no agility and picks its two operating frequencies by listening to the band at ground level where the model is launched. Once in the air (especially with FPV) the model may encounter strong noise on those frequencies and be unable to shift to a clearer part of the band - CRASH!

[just4playin1]

@RCModelReviews Yes I agree completely. Maybe this new system will prove to be worth a damn, but there are so many good inexpensive radios out there that are cheaper and work just as good or better. As for you being a grumpy old man? Those companies just don't like the fact that you call it as you see it and any company that has a problem with honest detailed product reviews should be avoided. Thanks for keeping it real ;-)

[209cynical]

spektrum is really for heli pilots

[BichoManjaleu]

I bought a DX8 two months ago. The radio appears to be excellent and I'm happy so far. Only one thing I have to complain - the good battery case of the old DX6i was replaced with a sealed battery pack. I don't like batteries pack! I lost a brand new Futaba because of a leak discovered only when the radio stopped working. Not to mention that when one breaks down, we can buy replacement at any gas station.

[F16V1PER]

I have lost a few planes due to lock outs. Don't buy Spektrum!

[RCModelReviews]

@F16V1PER I bet that was using a DSM2 receiver though -- right?

[F16V1PER]

@RCModelReviews I think, an AR500

[BichoManjaleu]

@F16V1PER Try to use the right ESC&motor and/or all hardware setup. I hope you are not one of those "anti-Spektrum"

[F16V1PER]

@BichoManjaleu no i am not an "anti-spektrum" some of there stuff is cool. But I don't trust them. I've found that Futaba is much better... at least at binding.

[chiosex]

I love my dx6i and have had no problems, but the sprektrum stuff aint cheap, I would love this DX8 but no way can I afford it! Great Vid.

[daz28pike]

worst spektrum radio ever! got rid of mine, lost 2 good models because of this radio and know of 6 other members of our club who have lost models too! i strongly recommend you do not buy this radio! I have always used spektrum radio gear and will continue to do so but would never trust the dx8! get the old dx7 if you want a good tx! nuf luv!

[Tendo8002]

really enjoy your reviews and you can proudly say that you are honest in your reviews, I would really like to see different manufacturers send their stuff o you, as you mentioned in previous weekly updates, that is a true testament that you have faith in your products.

Thanks again, hope everything is as well as it can be

[greerengineering]

Why no mention of the telemetry features? I'm curious about how much band usage goes towards that versus control of the aircraft. Great review!

[RCModelReviews]

@greerengineering I'll be doing a full telemetry comparison a little later. Unfortunately I had to borrow this DX8 for the review (being persona non grata with Horizon) so I didn't enough time to set up the telemetry.

[CMP50SpitfireUK]

Hey Bruce great review, I personally have a DX8 and particularly like the ability to slow any servo from the radio.

PS you cant say "Spastic attack" anymore its not PC you must say "Scopey attack"!

John

[AceMcMoron]

To ease the pain of the lacking the paddles on the sides, maybe it should be noted that you can program flap delay.

IMO, the primary reason for getting Spektrum gear is their ultra micro BnF stuff. The UMX Beast is my all-time favorite. Makes advanced RC-flying possible in a 15min break :))

[PHeMoX]

Hahaha, excellent stuff. Good to see Spektrum is stepping up their game with DSMX.

But still no frequency hopping system though? They also boldly claim on their website the DSM2 is supposed to be a 'wideband' signal.

I'd love to see you test their "3 times the range" of other (narrow-band) radios claim by the way!!!! Cheers

[RCModelReviews]

@PHeMoX DSMX is frequency hopping -- it's a hybrid of FHSS and DSSS so it is (in theory) the best of both worlds.

[PHeMoX]

@RCModelReviews Thanks, I stand corrected then.

Just wanted to check as their website doesn't quite seem to mention it.

[TheFlyinfreak]

Hello Bruce, are you going to review the Turnigy 9 transmitter , I have been using one for the last two years and always wondered how it would stack up.

[RCModelReviews]

@TheFlyinfreak Yes, the latest Turnigy 9X is being reviewed -- with the standard software and with the ER9X software. I've also reviewed the Hitec A9. These videos will be up in a couple of days.

[TheRealUberSteve]

Nice review! Will be interesting to see how the A9 stacks up against the DX8.

[svareter42]

a very nice review Bruce, you did it again -thanks

-sticking with my FF9 on the 35mHz band

It's has the SLIDERS, and i love them :)

[svareter42]

a very nice review Bruce, you did it again -thanks

-sticking with my FF9 on the 35mHz band

[kiwibob72]

Nice 'honest' review there .... as while you point out 'personal' areas you don't like (ie lack of side paddles), you are open about the areas that are really good on the radio, which IMO is all we can really ask for.

Thanks for posting this!!

[Raptor50aus]

I've been using a DX6i for 4 years with no problems at all.

with heli's and planes and quadcopters.

[RCcunuk]

@Raptor50aus fly out past 500m and tell me how happy you are with your Dx6i. I had one with a AR6000 Rx and won't touch Spectrum with a 40 foot pole

[Raptor50aus]

@RCcunuk

Well that's easy since my club has a casa height restriction of 200m

Unless I was flying FPV I would not be flying normally at 500m Hello ??

The only aircraft that fly that high are 30% and 50% IMAC Gas planes which can still be seen that high.

[RCcunuk]

@Raptor50aus Hello?? I said out, not up. lol restrictions. I routinely fly over 1000m away and over 300m up. I have also flown 1000m out and 1m off the ground. With a Dx6i I was restricted to 500m out and had enough glitches that I will never fly one again and I can't even bring myself to sell it to anyone because I feel it's crap. You're happy with it, fine. I wish you continued success

[jbx907]

super like! lolz spektrum says your what? they're nuts!

[MrTrollYourAss]

thank you

[poppopscarvinshop]

Thanks Bruce!

[27isanum]

Great review 

[RCFliteReviews]

Yea no kidding shame on Horrizon!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

[RCFliteReviews]

Bruce I can't believe Horizon Hobby called you that. Because I love Horizon as a source for fantastic models, but I have to confess I love HK too :D. If there was anyone to call you that I would expect HK would due to your reviews of there stuff in the past. And by the way AWESOME review on the DX8. It's much better than FliteTest's review on it, because all Josh Bixler could say is, "It's a fantastic radio":(

Well done Bruce! :D

[orandaboy]

lol a grumpy old man wow shame on horizon.

[AussieJarred]

now we have to wait for orange rx dsmx!!! now then it would be complete! good review! thankyou

[GNaranjoN]

The sliders in my aurora 9 I use them for my big gliders, Camber/normal (centered)/ and reflex.

[cloakedp]

Ahh you know you hit a nerve when they have to resort to names.

Nice Review.

[jeffie8696]

Mine worked, sort of, with the cheapest Orange receiver.

[pottera00]

Thanks Bruce. You're a gentleman and a scholar :)

[tankshermanator]

Bruce, will the DX8 work with the Hobby King Orange RX (We all love Hobby King don't we :o)

[RCModelReviews]

@tankshermanator Which HK orange receiver? They will work with the 6-channel DSM2 receiver (in DSM2 mode) but I haven't tried them with the 9-channel DSM2 receiver that's now available.

[tankshermanator]

@RCModelReviews I just use the 6 channel HK recievers. Only thing that will keep me with Spektrum. Don't want to have to buy a heap of new RX's Makes the change over to a different system that much more expensive :o)

[jeffie8696]

I just got a nice DX4E with DMSX . I experienced a lockout while using an Orange receiver, it is back at Horizon for the recall now.

[jcer93705]

What is called the software you use to analyze 2.4ghz?

[RCModelReviews]

@jcer93705 It's the WiSpy system -- there's a review on the RCModelReviews website.

[jcer93705]

@RCModelReviews

Thank you very much.