Following several days of research into radios, price checking, etc. etc., I’ve decided to go with the Spektrum DX6i to get my feet wet with this hobby.
It meets the minimum requirements for Helis, and it’s available locally for the exact same price as it is online. Which I found really interesting, no ‘better deal’ to be had. I could go into the used market but, I don’t want to purchase anyone’s previous issues. I’d rather know it’s all new and working to maximum possible performance.
Some time around June they plan to announce US distribution of an 8 and 10 channel model. With a clear upgrade path, which I’m sure means I can use the newer radio with an older receiver and, if I decided to get further into the hobby, my old Heli can still be flown with a newer radio, as well as an older one.
Another neat aspect of the 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum designs are that multiple radios can run in the same area and not cause problems, no cross-channel issues since the radios can bind to specific receivers and visa-versa, removing the need to fly ‘channel flags’ and have crystals on hand so you do not interfere with other people that might be flying nearby. Plus the Spektrum radios are the only ones that work with the Bind-and-Fly RTF (ready to fly) fixed-pitch trainers also locally available.
Pages I’ve read to learn about the differences in transmitters, pros and cons.
Spektrum DX7 vs. DX6i
Here is a good bit of data, detailing the difference between the Spektrum DX6i (the most common recommendation I’ve heard so far) and their updated DX7. The additional features of the 7 over the 6 for Heli pilots is relevant, mainly in the CCPM mixing realm. It’s also a lot more expensive.
Heli Mixes
The Spektrum DX7 offers more cyclic/collective pitch mixing (CCPM) capabilities than the DX6i. The DX6i will operate 1 servo/90 and 2 servo/120 type swash plates. The DX7 will operate 2 servo/180, 3 servo/120, and 3 servo/90 type swash pates.
The DX7 allows you to program 3 throttle curves and 3 collective pitch curves, where as the DX6i has only 2 throttle curves and 3 collective pitch curves. Each throttle and pitch curves for both transmitters have 5 programmable points.
The heli version of the DX7 allows for up to 3 programmable mixes and the DX6i only gives you 2 programmable mixes. If you’re new to helis and need some more explanation of these features, I strongly suggest checking out this excellent RC helicopter website!
Spectrum DX5 vs. DX6 vs. DX7
DX7 Heli Prices
RedRocket Hobbies
Spektrum DX7 7Ch Heli w/AR7000 & 4-DS821 MD2
Our Price: $349.99
DX6i Transmitter Prices
RedRocket Hobbies
Spektrum DX6i 6 Channel Full Range w/o Servos MD2
Our Price: $199.99