Suggetsions for TX to use with sim and later

[bcphill]

Hello and thanks for reading.

I am new to RC helis and have a co-ax heli to use as my first aircraft but I would like to suppliment the initial training with using a simulator.

Thinking that in time I will go on to bigger or better aircraft I thought about getting another TX (the one with the heli I have is decicated - no port) and using this with a simulator like phoenix or whatever.

What would you suggest would be a good TX to do this. I know i will probally end up having 4 or 4 at the end of the day so I am not too concerned about having one thats future proof unless thats what you think would be best. I dont know where I will end up but imagine I will end up flying the more complex machines in time to come as that what exited me at the moment.

Main concern right now is to get as much time either sim or actual flying as possible.

60th Birthday coming up so cost not too much of an issue

Is it possible to get sims running on a tablet as well as a PC ?

Thanks

Phll

[Raving Jim]

Spektrum dx8 or ideally go for the dx9 for the extra an that should see you all the way through your flying career

[Raving Jim]

Not sure on the tablet as you need a good computer with a windows operating system.

[Peteski]

I went for a Spektrum DX8 which should keep me going for many years. DX9 is nice, but quite a lot more money and I couldn't see the benefit anytime soon (as in the next 5 years).

[myxiplx]

A proper TX is a great choice at this stage. I'd recommend a Spektrum radio, they're one of the most popular brands so there are plenty of people around who can help you learn the basics and there are a ton of really good beginner helicopters that will just bind straight to it. The new DX6 is meant to be good, but be aware there's a new DX6, an older DX6i, and I think an older DX6 too. The DX8 should give you enough channels and future proofing that you won't ever need another radio for heli's. You might *want* one, but that's a different story :-)

There are sims around for tablets, but unless you have an expensive Microsoft Surface then you can't run a mainstream simulator, and you can't connect your TX to the tablet. Having said that, have a look for "Absolute RC Heli Sim", it just uses touch controls, but isn't bad when you're first learning the basics and it's pretty cheap.

I'm a big fan of wireless adaptors for sims, a wireless adaptor and a computer hooked up to a TV is a really great way to practice.

[hedge]

I think you have the Blade CX2, so for plug and play you need a spectrum TX. The old DX7 is all the TX you will ever need and can be had for about £50. If your looking for new then any one of these DX6, DX8 or DX9. The 6 and 9 share the same firmware generation making them slightly more modern. The 8 has had a chequered past - which is the past - but only buy new to be 100% sure it's not duff. If it was me being cautious I would get the DX6 brand new as you can sell it on second hand at close to RRP. The DX6 will fly all electric helis. You will want the 7,8 or 9 for nitro, gas or jet. Note its a DX6 not a DX6i the (I) is an old model. Oh one last thing don't buy an old generation DX7s the s model has no trainer port for the sim cable - you can get adapters but it's more money thought and effort.

[Smudgyboy]

Maybe stick to a Heli sim for now save up for a good TX like DX7 or DX9 which will do for any Heli or plane in the future.

I use ‘neXt’ Aerobatics - Top Secret? on my iMac (or PC) with a old PS3 controller blue-toothed to it so no need for a TX (but you can use one), its really good to learn orientation and stick muscle memory.

Another is Heli-x, mac and PC not sure if they work on your tablet, have a look at the spek online

[bcphill]

THanks Guys
I didnt see the latter post in time and ended up buying a dx6i over the weekend but got it at a daft price so not too worried as i can use this to hone co-ordination skills etc
.
Thanks for the info on the dx7, 8s and 9s its good to know the ones to avoid so hoping to buy a new Tx to use for the forseeable in the next few weeks.

Phill

[Peteski]

The DX6i you've just bought should be fine for the next year or two anyway, main limitations being 6ch and lacking the advanced functionality of the more expensive models. It doesn't make sense to buy another more expensive Tx right now as well, there may be newer models out by the time you actually need it and as you gain experience you will know exactly what you need. Especially if you don't know how far you are going to take the hobby. The DX6i could turn out to be all the Tx you will ever need.

[Coxy]

I must have been really unlucky with my dx6 and dx9 as both packed up within 2 months of me, taking up this huge bug of a hobby.. i now use a dsx9 and have not had an issue with it after purchasing 2nd hand from midland.. Phil deff get a simulator as it does help.... as do buddy lessons at clubs,

[bcphill]

I must have been really unlucky with my dx6 and dx9 as both packed up within 2 months of me, taking up this huge bug of a hobby.. i now use a dsx9 and have not had an issue with it after purchasing 2nd hand from midland.. Phil deff get a simulator as it does help.... as do buddy lessons at clubs,

Thanks Coxy
Waiting for Phoenix to arrive.
The cable i bought off fleabay comes with a simulator but i doubt its very good but will have a go.
Just wish the club I recently went to would send me the application forms and take my money !!

Take care mate

Phill

[trillian]

Oh one last thing don't buy an old generation DX7s the s model has no trainer port for the sim cable - you can get adapters but it's more money thought and effort.

Just to clarify this. It is actually the DX7 'SE' that you're thinking of hedge, the DX7S is basically exactly like the DX8 with one less channel and lacking a 2nd idle-up and backlit display.

I have a 7S because the winter before there was a shop selling them at about £115.00 or something around that and at the time the DX8 was still quite a bit more. For me this is not an issue because it's easy to set the gear/mix switch to give another throttle % and I don't mind the non backlit display (but there is a kit to add the backlight).

[Coxy]

Phil, which club would that be? private message me if required..

[hedge]

Just to clarify this. It is actually the DX7 'SE' that you're thinking of hedge, the DX7S is basically exactly like the DX8 with one less channel and lacking a 2nd idle-up and backlit display.

I have a 7S because the winter before there was a shop selling them at about £115.00 or something around that and at the time the DX8 was still quite a bit more. For me this is not an issue because it's easy to set the gear/mix switch to give another throttle % and I don't mind the non backlit display (but there is a kit to add the backlight).

Thanks for clarifying that. I was trying to use all the correct names as its getting tough now Speccy are re-releasing all the models again :-)

[trillian]

Thanks for clarifying that. I was trying to use all the correct names as its getting tough now Speccy are re-releasing all the models again :-)

Yeah, they made it confusing by not using new / logical names for all the variations. I'm still using the original version DX7 so I'm seriously behind the times as I am only just now slowly moving over to the 7S! (but, one thing that's kinda cool is that there is an app that will convert model settings from the DX7S and DX8 to the newer DX9 / 18 format).