DX8 Need I Be Worried?

[synergyn9]

Right, I have a DX8 which is from the first batch, it has been returned to have the Vibration issue checked and rectified by HH. Returned very quickly I may add. So all in all I have had no issues whatsoever with it. Probably the best transmitter I have ever had.

However I seem to be going back to flying 90's once more which is a lot of change in the sky at one time, not to mention possibly pretty lethal as well. So should I be entrusting my heli's to the DX8. I see numerous posts about issues and perceived design flaws etc but how common are these issues really?

Hence the poll, please only vote if you are or have been a DX8 owner as I guess I'm looking for an indication percentage wise of people who have had issues. For it to be subjective please do also vote if you have had a faultless experience as well

[Mslater]

Hi Nick,

From what I found out last week when someone at our field had some real problems with theirs, there are known issues on models HS008x, HS009x and HS011LH. (numbers in the battery compartment)

[sacko]

I was in the same position as you Nick, and didnt really have 100% faith in it.

That said, I have sold my DX7 now and am more than happy to fly my 700..

[synergyn9]

I was in the same position as you Nick, and didnt really have 100% faith in it.

That said, I have sold my DX7 now and am more than happy to fly my 700..

I've still got my DX7 so that is still an option for me

I was happy with mine, but then someone else who I fly with asked if they should buy one with all the problems he had read about and that got me thinking

Back in the 35mhz days, I had a 700 on its maiden flight loose all control (faulty new rx!), fortunately I was hovering and it proceeded to wander around the strip of it own accord for over 90 seconds, scared the hell out of me and all at the field that day. Fortunately the wind blew it away from the pits and eventually it pitched itself into the floor. Went 2.4ghz the very next day!

[synergyn9]

Hi Nick,

From what I found out last week when someone at our field had some real problems with theirs, there are known issues on models HS008x, HS009x and HS011LH. (numbers in the battery compartment)

Mine is a HS009x which has had the Vibrate recall done on it but nothing else

[Vic.P]

Sounds to me like you are already a bit worried about using the DX8 for your larger, more expensive helis because of the recent rash of threads pointing at problems with reliability. If yours has performed faultlessly with all your other helis then i see no reason for you to lose faith in it now unless you are worried that a fault may develope later as the Tx gets more use.

If that's the case then i'd recommend getting yourself a new Tx for use with your 90s (if for no other reason than peace of mind and not having that niggle at the back of your mind while flying as you wait for a problem that may or may not occur), The JR DSX9 or 11X would be a good choice which at least means you won't have to change all your recievers too. I've been using a DSX9 for 3 years and have never had even a hint of a problem with it and of course, the lack of forum threads about problems with the JR gear is a good indication of their reliability and build quality.

I'd say peace of mind and confidence in your radio gear while flying is pretty much the most important criteria to be able to really enjoy your flying.

[synergyn9]

I have had a DSX9 before briefly and wasn't overly keen on the throw on it.

Will do some more checking around my sets range next weekend but tempted to go back to my DX7 as that has been faultless for the last 2-3 years

[Planehazza]

I have never owned a spektrum or JR radio, but from what I keep hearing about the DX8 in particular, I will never buy one.

[vtrnutter]

I have a DX8 and have been very pleased with mine. A couple of weeks back I had a crash - which I am almost 100% certain was due to a radio lockout. This has not caused me to lose faith, but actually more determined to find out what happened.

I have found out the following things:
i) The location of the receivers is crucial. I read up on this and followed the advice:
2.4GHz Rx Installation Primer - Australian R/C Helicopters Online: arcHELI V EC135
ii) Today whilst down at the park, I was messing around with range tests. I found out the following things:
a) The above article really makes a difference - I was testing from the blind side with the receivers hidden by the carbon fibre
b) If you have the antenna straight or pointing straight up makes a MASSIVE difference to the range test. Pointing the DX8 antenna so it was pointing straight up to the sky (so the hinge in the antenna was at 90 degrees) practically doubled my range test results.

Going back to my crash, I had the receivers shadowed by the carbon fibre, AND had the antenna pointing away from me - this is why I am almost certain about the radio losing signal.

I wonder how many other DX8 owners have crashed because of the above and blamed it on the gear? For me the jury is out, but trying to keep an open mind.

[Tim Procter]

Flying my DX8 without any problems Nick.

Does what it says on the tin.

[Gaza07]

I havent had any problems with my dx8 i sent it for the vibe fix although it didnt show any symptoms or problems

[Stuart]

Personally its abit like if you suspected any part of your helicopter setup had a possible critical failure issue from a servo to a gyro you would simply change it.

Why risk it the consequences are not worth it.

[Mslater]

b) If you have the antenna straight or pointing straight up makes a MASSIVE difference to the range test. Pointing the DX8 antenna so it was pointing straight up to the sky (so the hinge in the antenna was at 90 degrees) practically doubled my range test results.
.

So no inverted flying with a DX8 ?

[millerman]

Mine is from the first batch from fast lads pre order , I've had no problems what so ever always range checked over 40 steps
I hooked it up to my fusion on dsmx high res mode via my v-bar and tested that today and was flawless
I'm very happy with it, i have also found that it is essential to have the remotes positioned so that they are not shielded by carbon frames/parts ( left hand antenna only ) you do that there won't be any probs

[sooren]

There is no smoke without fire - When flying 90s they can cost up to two grand - not worth the risk. As I said before I had a lock out with a DX7 once and it cost me a lot of money. Even when you initialize Spectrum's you sometimes have to do it a couple of times - not good.
I took the decision to go over to Futaba (FG12) but never had a problem so far and always initializes first time. Cost a bit to sell the old receivers and change over to Futaba but I recon its the best money I have spent. Sorry to hear about your heli.
Had it fell on someones head and killed them who would of been liable, Spectrum - the shop you bought it from or you.
It aint worth the risk.
Regards
Paul