Which transmitter for beginner?

[wrecknaro]

Hi,

First time post, but lurking for a while trying to glean as much info as I can!

So I bought RF7 sim a couple of months ago with the Interlink Elite controller (wish I had gone a different route now - hindsight) and I am learning orientations (following the info from ArchMageAU on Helifreaks) and can now do slow upright auto-piros CW and CCW (using trim) without crashing. In playtime, I am bashing about (attempting) flips and rolls and playing with free flight movement - mostly way out of control - attempting circles and 8's.

The problem I have is the interlink Elite controller is so sensitive on the pitch/throttle that whenever I make a rudder adjustment, the pitch changes also, to the point that it is causing me to crash, fly away, or at least be out of control. Using pinch method helps, but not much. I am guessing that a "real" transmitter will not be as sensitive to my rudder movements. The Interlink elite controller is so loose! (I'm not going to elaborate on how loose! )

I have also purchased a second hand 130x with spare batteries but wanted to get basics out of the way on the sim before I give that a go and endanger any plant life.

So which transmitter for a beginner? I can get a DX6i new for £80 but I see lots of posts saying the transmitter is the most important purchase! So should I go for a DX8/9 (as a beginner) for the extra £150-£200 or do all my sim and IRL flying with a DX6i until I gain better skills? I know there are good DX8 deals out there, but most second hand offerings I have seen are closer to the new price that it makes sense to buy new.

I'm leaning towards the DX6i as it will be a while before I would probably get any benefit from a DX8/9.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated

Thanks
Alex

[Euclid]

Alex

I'm surprised there has been no answers to your question so far so as one beginner to another I'll start the ball rolling by saying the DX6i will be perfect for you just starting in the hobby.

I started by flying an mSRx using the supplied controller and every flight was a fight. Once I obtained my DX6i and wound a few of the settings down everything became much more controllable and I started learning rather than struggling. The additional bells and whistles and physical quality of a DX8 might be nice to have (whatever they are as I've never seen or played with one) but my DX6i will do everything I need and will continue to do so for a good while yet.

Hope this helps, in a nut-shell go for the DX6i.

john

[tomatwalden]

Dx6i would be fine. But unless you've got a faulty interlink tx, mine is not much different from my dx8 in terms of feel and sensitivity.


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[jph140]

Hi Alex and welcome to the forum. Buy what you can afford. This hobby will eat up funds easily if you let it. Nothing wrong with any of the transmitters you've asked about and all will do what you want. Personally I would go for a dx8\dx9 if funds allow but nothing wrong with dx6. That's what I started off with and couldn't fault it.

Master the basics on the sim and get that heli out in this fantastic weather :-)

Cheers

[wrecknaro]

Thanks guys,

Unfortunately, I already made my decision on a DX9, based on a few points found on here and other sites: goggle is your friend! (other search engines are available)

This was my train of thought on my purchase, based on other comments on the net:

1. DX6i is a great TX but I didn't want to get into an "need to upgrade tx" situation as others have
2. Based on #1, I can forgo a couple of other purchases for now and get a better tx to begin with (nano purchase and 130x upgrades)
3. If it doesn't work out, it should keep its value reasonably well.
4. Why are the experienced pilots wanting to move to the DX9 - Voice will be nice, but I think its more than that?
5. I'm a geek!

I'm not made of dosh, but I like to purchase wisely - my computer screen keyboard and mouse cost more than my CPU, motherboard and memory - because those are the parts I actually have to look at and use (I'm an IT sysadmin guy sitting looking a a screen most of the day - it makes a difference).

I agree though, for beginners the DX6i sounds ideal but point #5 swayed it for me. I know it wont help me fly any better - that's up to me and training, but I hope I have future proofed myself for a while.

Thanks
Alex

[acidla]

Good call on the DX9. You will not need to upgrade that Tx for a long long time.

The DX6 is only good for 1 month!

[r4nd0m]

5. I'm a geek!

Thanks
Alex

sorry mate you are not ... a geek would probably go for a transmitter in the likes of these

DS16-concept.jpgJR 28x_2 .jpgJETI-model-DC-16.jpgA2g-18MZ.jpg

[wrecknaro]

LoL yes I had looked at some of the others - but this geek has limits - she is sat not to far away, within striking distance

[planemad]

Hi I would like to ask as total beginner who is looking into buying a quadcopter I really know zero about this hobby but what does the DX9 do for a beginner over say a DX6 or DX8 seems to be one hell of a lot of switches and buttons on the DX9 (looks pretty daunting to say the least)

[tomatwalden]

.... but what does the DX9 do for a beginner over say a DX6 or DX8 ...

It takes more of your money. That is all ....

(arguably, it stops you hankering after a DX9 later on, then selling your DX6/8/whatever and buying it anyway ...) But functionally, it does nothing extra for a beginner.

[Curly]

Tom. What size of heli can you fly up to with a DX6i

[tomatwalden]

Tom. What size of heli can you fly up to with a DX6i

Any.

The DX6i isn't functionally less capable than a dx8 or dx9. It has the same range too

It has less channels, so if you get into scale modelling where you need the extra channels for lights, retracts etc the you'll come unstuck.

For "normal"/3D helis, the dx6i would work just fine up to an 800 size!

Most people though move to the dx8 or better though for other things. Eg. A backlit LCD screen, more "idle up" modes etc.

[royotr]

Many people have started with dx6i and advanced from the beginner stage, through the intermediate stages and spent big money on Helis before they upgrade to an higher spec tx. Eventually the Dx6i becomes a " back-up" tx for sym and small heli stuff( Nano cpx , 130x etc ) as they don't need multiple idle up, 9 point pitch/throttle curves, etc.
I know some very competent 3d pilots who are still using their original tx's purchase years ago ie the Dx7.
If like most people you are going to start with small electric models and then graduate to a 700 size electric, one feature that is desirable in any tx is a countdown timer. Small or larger , with electric models, knowledge of actual flight time and battery performance is essential. A tx with a countdown timer that is triggered by throttle stick movement is brilliant.
If I were you, I would get to a model shop, who actually stock the various models of tx you are interested in and hold each to get the "feel"

[Yuki71]

i was in your shoes not so long ago and bought a dx6i
now this was based on am i really going to stay in the hobby,and i'm only flying mcpx and nano helis

now moving up to more advanced heli's i am now considering the need of a dx8 or futaba equivalent

[ChrisB]

Theres the new DX6 also which has all the features of the DX9,voice alerts,wireless trainer,250 model etc etc,UK price £115

Reckon the 7 will be getting the same treatment also.

Spektrum: DX6 Radio

http://alshobbies.com/shop/lookupstock.php?pc=58040