Dx8 transmitters - are they truly safe now?

[Paulo uk]

I've flown futaba since day one but I'm being recommended 2 x dx8s for an ap build - I assume for the telemetry - however a 10 grand rig controlled by a radio with a history of issues scares me.

What do you think?

Paul

[dave j]

I personally have never used the dx8 but the jr dsx9v2 has been trouble free for me

[Mark_T]

I would be inclined to ask a few more questions, there are other ways to get telemtry if that is the reason.

I still find things like S-Bus and complete flexibility with regard to channels, switches etc. remain a distinct advantage, especially if the intended use is a complex and unusual model.

All that said, to answer the question, yes, I would consider them safe now, I just wouldn't consider them an obvious choice if you are already using Futaba.

[Sburv]

I have a Dx8, no problems so far.......

[procol]

I agree with Mark_T, there are other ways to get telemetry and for the price of 2 DX8s you could take your pick from this and get real time video for framing your shots for example.

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[Swashbuckler]

I had one from the start, sent it back for the fourth and final time over 2 months ago. Heard square root of nothing despite a sponsored pilot trying to push things along for me.. Wouldn't use one again if I was paid. Let HH stick to what they are best at. Cheap plastic toys. If you need telemetry get a seperate telemetry unit or look at the Aurora, from what I've heard the Spek telemetry isn't all that accurate anyway.
This coming from someone who had a DX7 and swore by it. I didn't change system just got JR when the DX8 proved to me it was effing dangerous. Not a futaba fanboy (or hater)

[xygax]

DX8's ... ! The fact you had to ask shows the confidence issue in the first instance. Look at the issues ... Gimble's, centering, firmware, buzzer, RF (range) Now i havent heard any problems in the last 6 months or so. HH did a lot to resolve the issues and i am sure its documented somewhere but its likely not public.

Some of these issues could have been suffered by any manufacture and some were easy fixes. The fact that they were used updatable would have resolved the issues with the buzzer and probably centering. however they were advisiory return to HH to have further works completed probably mechanical with the gimbles and posibly a firmware upgrade to sections the used cant access namly the RF section.

10K aircraft... 0.3k raido is it a false economy probably more research is really required...

Steve

[jamiem]

I had one from the start, sent it back for the fourth and final time over 2 months ago. Heard square root of nothing despite a sponsored pilot trying to push things along for me.. Wouldn't use one again if I was paid. Let HH stick to what they are best at. Cheap plastic toys. If you need telemetry get a seperate telemetry unit or look at the Aurora, from what I've heard the Spek telemetry isn't all that accurate anyway.
This coming from someone who had a DX7 and swore by it. I didn't change system just got JR when the DX8 proved to me it was effing dangerous. Not a futaba fanboy (or hater)

That's really poor service by anyone's standards! I take it George Land never got back to you despite promising he would on his return to the UK way back at beginning of May!? Shocking...

[3dx]

I've had my DX8 for 2 mths,, so far no issues,admittedly I've only setup one heli on it- 450 sport,as I want to be 100% sure that the radio is not going to throw a wobbly on my bigger machines- hence my reason for hanging on to my dx7,,,

Watch this space....

[barney]

Hi Paul, you have limited telemetry with the DX8 which is OK but nothing carefull planning cant avoid.

I've had quite a few TX's over the years from mid to top range both JR/Futabas

If you were to use a video downlink you could add a reasonable OSD that gives you a lot more information. For AP I think you really require more channels and since you are a Futaba man I would have thought the 8FG (actually has 12 channels) would be the best option. I have a Dx8 and the overall quality is poor. Gimbals lack precision and build quality is naff. It is a cheap disposable Tx rather than a precision instrument. The + point is its price point and simple/easy programming menu. The DX7 was a better TX especially if it had been ball raced but programing is limited.

Brian

[chris jones2.4]

put it this way, my DSX9 has just packed up, im getting a dx8

[cjcj1949]

I started using Spektrum for 2.4Ghz with a Cx2, then moved to a DX6i followed quickly by a DX7 when the CX2 took off on its own. I've now moved over to Multiplex. I also have Futaba PCM which has been perfect. I've now problems with the DX7 which is well built. I was unhappy with DSM2 especially the bullet proof claim it was advertised with. Multiplex had an issue with one of their sensors (GPS) in combination with another. The fault was publicised and then a firmware upgrade issued. This is how I expect things to be done. With the DX8 no admission of what the faults were of if there were any. It may be cured but we don't know. I expected the DX8 to build on the DX7, instead they went back to the DX6i standard and split with JR. I really liked the msr and the CX2 started me off and I may well get a msrx or mcpx and use it with my DX7 or DX6i, but I don't trust them for anything bigger. They are leading edge but I have had too many issues with my 450 to be happy about using them for anything that needs to be as safe as possible. I have no idea how any company can manage to deign a tx with pots that don't work reliably. They have been around a long time and really shouldn't be a problem. Once on the DX6i was bad, but to repeat the issue on the DX8???

[highlightshadow]

My DX8 has just gone back to horizon for a dodgy rudder channel and a broken trim switch (that detached itself despite me never using it)

[Rctintin]

If you have a 10k ship, then I would be getting the 18MZ.

I'm not going to knock the DX8 as they seem to be getting better, but my one was shite!

[Airfiddler]

Have had a dx8 for several years. no problems. flying a trex600 with it. the firmware updates seem to fix any isues that crop up. I would think all brands have a certain failure rate. its how problems are handled, that seperate the men from the boys.