The Shootout: Spektrum DX6 vs. DX6i

by steadfast4life | September 22, 2014 | (3) Posted in Reviews

When I started on this great adventure called RC aviation, I had a low-fi 3 channel Hobbyzone transmitter.  It had a slider for throttle instead of a real gimbal.  After mastering flying the SuperCub on that transmitter, I was ready for something real.  But where do I start?  I wasn't ready to throw down $600 for a JR or a Futaba.  I went to a promo at Hobbytown and discovered the DX6i that came with the ever-upgradeable Phoenix 4 flight sim.  I was hooked and bought it outright (having paid way too much thanks to some post-checking on ebay).  I learned how to fly the 4 channel Glasair with this DX6i.  I kept progressing thanks to more practice and hours on the sim.  I read about the DX6 and made the same split second decision at the hobby store namely because they actually had one in stock and I couldn't find any available online.  They just aren't the same animal.  The DX6i is a good value for a great intro to computer transmitters.  The DX6 is just way more capable.  This review gives some basic analysis of the two transmitters to help you decide which is better for your needs.

COMMENTS

sailorJohn on September 25, 2014
I know there are those who prefer dry cell batteries BUT This is the first radio (out of 6) that came with this feature. I didn't think it would be a problem just pop in nicads until Roger opened the battery cover and a battery fell out. OK horizon is coming out with a upgrade but that bumps the cost of the radio upto $250+ that at the new price of $199 for the radio. They haven't published any info on the new battery pack such as will it have a external charge port as the dx6 doesn't have one.HK has a battery that will fit but requires the connecter to be pulled out to charge that's no good as the connector would wear out and become loose.I hate to start modifying the case as I could still return it. So far my best solution is to go to Battery+ and have a 5 cell pack madeup with a regular dx connector and a servo type connector to charge with. Warning! Some forums state that some clubs are outlawing individual batteries. Anyone with a better solution pls help. Horizon has their new battery pack on preorder.
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Bridgeman on September 25, 2014
The handle on the back is plastic instead of metal because of the second ant. is in the handle for diversity.
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skyrod30 on September 25, 2014
Nice review of the new DX6.
You hit the nail on the head about having a verbal timer for flight times, and also being able to program the switches. The one big one that was the determining factor for me was being able to hold so many models and then being able to store and back those up on an SD memory card. With the DX6i I was having to delete planes out of the memory to make way for new ones.
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John F Hendry on October 19, 2014
Just wanted to mention right now HH has the DX6 with TWO $50 AR 610 receivers for only $229 which makes the TX only $129.... that's a good deal IMO as you will need two at some point if you say with it. But HH raised the price $10 on the AR 610C for some reason... and note it's led is not as bright as AR610 due to the water proof coating... what the C stands for.
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benandjune on January 17, 2015
Okay Guys/Gals,

Not new to R/C, just divorced and everything was in storage (was being the key word here). I have a DX6 that I got (free) with the Great Planes Real Flight (basic) Simulator a few years back. I also have a HobbyZone Super Cub LP. I wish to use the DX6 radio and adapt the Super Cub LP to DSM technology. Is this doable in your opinion? Lastly, by chance is the DX6 upgradable to the DSM-2 (DX6i) technology or am I asking for too much, lol!!

Ben
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AERODROME on February 21, 2015
CHECK OUT SPEED ON SERVO SETTINGS FOR GEAR. LETS YOU ADJUST HOW FAST ELECTRO/MECHANICAL GEAR TRAVELS.
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AERODROME on February 21, 2015
I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT THE DX6 BACK HANDLE IS THE SECOND ANTENNA .
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The Shootout: Spektrum DX6 vs. DX6i