Spektrum DX4 or DX5?

[j0e]

EDIT: Decided to stick with Spektrum. Now, which radio to get?

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I currently run a DX3R and my son uses a DX2L, but he needs something with model memory.
I've been looking at Flysky GT3Cs for a while and was pretty sure that's what I wanted to get him.
Now that I'm basically ready to buy, I've noticed the time for delivery is weeks to months.
This "discovery" is making me have second thoughts.
The new Firma Spektrum esc/rx combos have caught my attention and I have quite a few Spektrum receivers already.
Now I'm considering a DX4 or DX5 instead.
I'd like to be able to easily control a winch without mods and possibly lights while we're at it.
I'd like to hear what you all think is my best (or at least better) option.
Thanks!

 

[Greatscott]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

I like my Spektum gear, it works. The radios look good, feel solid and are reliable.

I know a lot of guys that like their FlySky gear, I also know a lot of guys that have replaced multiple radios because they have failed. I personally don't like the feel of them, to me their are chintzy.

 

[j0e]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

I like my Spektum gear, it works. The radios look good, feel solid and are reliable.

I know a lot of guys that like their FlySky gear, I also know a lot of guys that have replaced multiple radios because they have failed. I personally don't like the feel of them, to me their are chintzy.

This is kind of how I've always felt about it, too.
My boy is only 8, but he's pretty careful.
His DX2 did get dropped on the driveway once by a friend and it had no issues.
"thumbsup"

 

[moondaddy]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

I will admit the gt3c does feel cheap in the hand but I can't say I have ever had any problems with mine in the 3 years I've had it. You can run a winch on channel 3 without mods, it's just a little more involved than if you had a 3pos switch to work with. The biggest bonus to me is super cheap rx's. I don't think I've paid more than $10 shipped.

Sent from my LM-Q720 using Tapatalk

 

[j0e]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

Yeah. The cheap receivers are the main reason for my interest.

 

[Greatscott]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

Yeah. The cheap receivers are the main reason for my interest.

It all depends on how many channels you are looking for. You can get DSM2 RXs off of Amazon for around $20 a pop. If you are looking for higher channel counts, telemetry or AVC, then the Spektrum RXs are spendy.

 

[Timmahh]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

I just got the Fly Sky 6 channel radio with my RedCat Axe. Nice radio. I've had speckys in the past. They were ok, but always preferred Futaba or the Nomadio React over the Spectrum gear.

Been out for about a decade so cant say much about the new Specky systems.

for less than 100,00 you can get the Fly Sky 6 channel right, covering dig, 2 speed, f and r diffs, as well as Lights on top of Go and Turn. heh.

the Flysky has 20 model memories.

I also just picked up the Radio Link 6 channel radio and a few extra rxs (2 extra for a total of 3) for less than 90.00.

This is a good radio. Feels pretty decent. its not too cheap feeling. Hella modulation and setting options. 10 model memory on it.

 

[M1tch]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

I have a GT3C and also the NB4 Noble. The Noble is just as good if not better quality than the DX4S and DX3C I had. The CT3C feels really crappy compared to the Noble or any Spektrum, but I only use it on one truck now. The Noble receivers are pretty much as expensive as the Spektrum, so no gain there really if you want cheaper stuff.

Flysky do seem to be putting a bit of effort into updates for the Noble. Apparently when updating the tx, all model settings are kept, when earlier updates would lose them. I'm not sure if the Spektrums are backwards compatible with the receivers, (the DX4S was) but the Noble isn't. You have to use the latest AFHDS3 receivers. Battery life is very good on the Noble, but I do think the removable base battery is a bit of a gimmick. The radio feels unbalanced without it on.

 

[j0e]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

...If you are looking for higher channel counts, telemetry or AVC, then the Spektrum RXs are spendy.

I'm mostly only running 2 channels, but I'd like to add winches to a few of my rigs.
I doubt I'll ever use more than 3 channels, unless I do it just because I have more available.
I don't and won't be running dig and I'll most likely not run anything besides single speed transmissions.


The more I look into it, I think I'm going to stay Spektrum.
I already have two transmitters that I like and I've got a bunch of DSM and a few DSM2 receivers.


I guess now my question is, which model to get; DX4 or DX5?
I believe they're both DSMR and DSM2 compatible, so I'll still need my current radios to run my DSM receivers.
So, which should I get and why?

 

[svt923]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

The more I look into it, I think I'm going to stay Spektrum.
I already have two transmitters that I like and I've got a bunch of DSM and a few DSM2 receivers.


I guess now my question is, which model to get; DX4 or DX5?
I believe they're both DSMR and DSM2 compatible, so I'll still need my current radios to run my DSM receivers.
So, which should I get and why?

I know Spektrum says their radios are backwards compatible with DSM2 receivers but my DX5 Rugged will not bind to any of the DSM2 receivers I have. The manual says you need to set the frame rate to 16.5ms for DSM2 and that is not even an option on my radio. Horizon's tech support told me newer radios don't actually support DSM2 so someone is confused on what the radios actually do support.

I keep my DX3C around for those old receivers and pick up DSMR receivers for the Rugged as I need them. $60 for the 5 channel version isn't exactly cheap but it is a bargain compared to the $100 Sanwa receivers that I was using. :mrgreen:

 

[j0e]

Re: Opinions: Spektrum or Flysky

I know Spektrum says their radios are backwards compatible with DSM2 receivers but my DX5 Rugged will not bind to any of the DSM2 receivers I have. The manual says you need to set the frame rate to 16.5ms for DSM2 and that is not even an option on my radio. Horizon's tech support told me newer radios don't actually support DSM2 so someone is confused on what the radios actually do support.

I keep my DX3C around for those old receivers and pick up DSMR receivers for the Rugged as I need them. $60 for the 5 channel version isn't exactly cheap but it is a bargain compared to the $100 Sanwa receivers that I was using. :mrgreen:

Wow! Good info to know. Thanks for that.


Anyone know if the Firma 1040 esc/rx combos bind with DSM2 transmitters like it states?
Now, which one to get... DX4s, DX4c, DX5c?

 

[jwilson2899]

I have the DX5C myself and I’ve been very happy with it so far. I finally converted over when I built my SCX10.3. I went with the 5 because I wanted to run the dig and 2 speed, plus lights, so it made the decision for me. I also made the decision to put a receiver in my 10.2 as well, but only 3 channel there as it’s a far simpler rig. I believe the Dx4’s are all discontinued now as well, and the price difference wasn’t that great to make the jump to the 5 a no brainer.

 

[j0e]

Yeah, the 4's are disco'd, but can still be found new and used.
The 5 is obviously newer, but I'm not sure if better.

My main concern is receiver compatibility.
From what i can gather, neither will work with my DSM receivers (no biggie).
But I can't seem to find a definitive answer on if they'll work with my DSM2 receivers...
Spektrum and Horizon state that they will, but users state issues?!?
Also, I want to confirm one way or the other if what I get will work with the new Firma esc/rx combo units.
I don't need compatibility with them, but I want to find out before I buy a few.
:roll:

 

[jwilson2899]

The Firma will work with the DX5 line, I’m not sure about the DX4. I don’t have any DSM2 receivers, so I can’t speak to the actual compatibility of them. Like you said, the Spektrum site and my owners manual say they will, but I personally haven’t tried it.

 

[j0e]

^
Cool. Thanks for that.
One more hurdle down.