NEW- Spektrum DX7s - What do we know about this radio?

[AEAJR]

I was on Horizon Hobby's site and came across this new DX7s, clearly a replacement for the DX7.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...#quickOverview
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/D...ProdId=SPM7800


DX7s 7 Ch w/ AR8000 NO SX's MD2


Key Features

• 20 Model Memory
• Built-In Telemetry
• Extensive Airplane and Helicopter Programming
• Throttle-Activated Timer Setting
• AR8000 High Speed 8 Channel Receiver
• LiPo Battery Compatibility
• 8 Wing Types
• 5 Tail Types
• 3-Position Flaps with Delay and Elevator Compensation
• Dual Rates and Expo
• Differential
• 5-Point Throttle, Pitch and Tail Curves
• 6 Swash Plate Types
• 6 Programmable Mixes
• Control Position Warnings
• Audio and Vibe Alarm Settings
• Large 126 x 64 LCD Screen
• Mode Selection (Modes 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Language Select (English, Italian, French, Spanish or German)
• 4.8V 2000mAh NiMH Transmitter Battery

Spektrum Data Interface
With the Spektrum Data Interface you can use a standard SD card to share model setups with other DX7s owners, store extra model memory and stay up to sate with the latest AirWare releases.


I dont find a manual posted. So, who will be the first to get one and report?

[Buck Rogers]

Ooh - looks good. I thought the DX8 was a bit expensive for my liking but if the DX7s is a bit cheaper I might invest.

[firemanbill]

I started a thread on this yesterday as well in the Radio forum.

http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61897

[AEAJR]

Originally Posted by Buck Rogers

Ooh - looks good. I thought the DX8 was a bit expensive for my liking but if the DX7s is a bit cheaper I might invest.

From what I can gather, DSMX, telemetry and SD card slot seems to be the major change. I think you can download software updates too.

On the surface there don't seem to be any chanes in the SW features except they have added something called Airwave which they claim makes it easier to set-up. I think this comes from the DX8.

No glider programming. So there won't be one on my shelf.

[Figure.N9ne]

Looks good but I wish it had 2048 resolution and the electronic e-ring. I guess I'll have to go with the dx8

[Rockin Robbins]

Won't play Farmville. It's off the list.

[Dereck]

It's a New! Exciting! Product!

Buy one immediately! The difference it will make to your ability to flop around a four channel RC model aircraft will be unbelievable!

Let's get our hobby right up there with making telephone calls - go stand outside your hobby shop for a couple of days to make sure you're the first in line to buy one.

Then perhaps they'll bring out a white one in a few months

D

[Larry3215]

Im not sure what you're saying Dereck.

Is it that no one ownes planes that have more than 4 channels, so they dont need this many channels? Or that no one SHOULD own planes with more than 4 channels? Or that no one needs to have access to advanced mixing options? Or that they shouldnt use advanced mixing options? Or what?

Its obvious you're upset that some people are excited about this new tx release, but I dont understand why.

No one is trying to force you to come out of the dark ages of using 4 channel tx's with non-digital trims and no servo reversing and no mixing.

Why not let the other guys have their fun too?

Or have I completely misunderstood your post? If so, I apologize

[CrimzonRider]

I think he is making a satirical point about "keeping up with the Jones" and how some people HAVE TO HAVE the Latest and Greatest Equipment whether they need it or not. Which is fine.
I do it a "little bit", but my better half usually puts a dampener on that one at least once a week!!

have a good one
cr

[Larry3215]

Could be. I personally dont see anything wrong with wanting the latest and greatest. If I can afford it, why not? Its my toy and I'll play with it if I want to

[CrimzonRider]

Thats what I said!! ("Discussing" with my ol' lady) lol

There is 2 sides to this story, my side( I'm investing!) and her side(Haven't you got enuff Stoooopid Toys!) lol

[constantCrash]

It's not related to the old DX7 at all. It's most likely based of the new DX8 (looks exactly the same) and has the same airwave software.

I recently purchased the DX8 and really like it, easier to program the even my DX6i which in turn was easier to understand than the old DX7.

I don't quite understand why the are releasing a 7 channel instead of having just the DX6 and DX8, but If the price difference ~$100 is enough to differentiate for people then I guess it is needed.

[groundrushesup]

I guess because I never flew with a DX6i I just can't say I like the form-factor. The layout of the display seems archaic and down-right cheap when you consider what's being done with LCD's these days.

I have 2 DX7's and I love the way those feel - so I guess I am basically waiting for the next iteration in the X9x03 line.

just my $0.02...

Gru

[constantCrash]

the form factor of the DX8 is very different than the form factor of the DX6i. The 8 is more comfortable than the 6. The old 7 is a little thinner than both but also comfortable.

If you already have a 7, no need to buy a new one. If you have a 6 and money is tight then the 7 might be a good fit. If you can afford it, the 8 is really really nice. The backlight is darn useful.

[Dereck]

Originally Posted by Larry3215

Could be. I personally dont see anything wrong with wanting the latest and greatest. If I can afford it, why not? Its my toy and I'll play with it if I want to

I think that's a wonderful example you're setting to all consumers across the US!

Assume you haul all your zillion servo models around in the latest Bee-Em SUV, call on your new white iSpendPhone and have a standing order from somewhere to ship you every brand new model aircraft 'kit' the day it comes out?

Yeah, most of my models are so boring they only have four servos -even worse, they're the only example going.

Now stop wasting time here and go spend some more

D

[CrimzonRider]

Soooooooooooooo.........this thread name is what do we know about the dx7. I have suscribed because I want to know every little trick about the dx7, it fits the bill with what I want. No need for someone to tell everyone he/she cant buy a $1099 Dx10 if they want to.

have a good one
cr

[groundrushesup]

Originally Posted by CrimzonRider

Soooooooooooooo.........this thread name is what do we know about the dx7. I have suscribed because I want to know every little trick about the dx7, it fits the bill with what I want. No need for someone to tell everyone he/she cant buy a $1099 Dx10 if they want to.

have a good one
cr

Indeed - but you'd be hard-pressed to find a hobby that doesn't have its share of gear snobs - people that find it hard to believe (and sometimes even reprehensible) that others might be forced to enjoy the hobby on a budget... it's human nature.

Anyways - Someone sell me on this new radio. What does it have that the DX7 does not?

GRU

[groundrushesup]

Originally Posted by constantCrash

the form factor of the DX8 is very different than the form factor of the DX6i. The 8 is more comfortable than the 6. The old 7 is a little thinner than both but also comfortable.

If you already have a 7, no need to buy a new one. If you have a 6 and money is tight then the 7 might be a good fit. If you can afford it, the 8 is really really nice. The backlight is darn useful.

Hrmm, how does it differ?

It seems pretty obvious that Spektrum is running with the form factor of the DX6i - the pictures in this thread seem quite clear:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?p=2413732

the DX5, DX8 and now this one all seem quite similar. Perhaps they are abandoning the other design to JR - and I hope JR's new X9 radios maintain it.

I sure want better logic in these devices - at LEAST SD access. Does the DX7s have an SD card slot?

EDIT: Check that, re-read the specs

[aviatordave]

Built in Telemetry is the coolest. Battery voltage, engine or motor temperature, airspeed, altitude......

[Figure.N9ne]

Originally Posted by Dereck

I think that's a wonderful example you're setting to all consumers across the US!

Assume you haul all your zillion servo models around in the latest Bee-Em SUV, call on your new white iSpendPhone and have a standing order from somewhere to ship you every brand new model aircraft 'kit' the day it comes out?

Yeah, most of my models are so boring they only have four servos -even worse, they're the only example going.

Now stop wasting time here and go spend some more

D

He is setting a wonderful example. If you have the means and buying new toys wont put you in financial hardship, then by all means stimulate the economy. Your sarcastic tone reeks of envy and/or ignorance. Everyone has different means and the right to spend their money how they choose, who are you to judge?

[AEAJR]

Originally Posted by groundrushesup

Hrmm, how does it differ?

It seems pretty obvious that Spektrum is running with the form factor of the DX6i - the pictures in this thread seem quite clear:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?p=2413732

the DX5, DX8 and now this one all seem quite similar. Perhaps they are abandoning the other design to JR - and I hope JR's new X9 radios maintain it.

I sure want better logic in these devices - at LEAST SD access. Does the DX7s have an SD card slot?

EDIT: Check that, re-read the specs

Yes, it takes an SD card

[rcers]

I will tell you what I did a few months ago. Sold most of my Spektrum stuff and went to Hitec.

While I really like Spektrum stuff and have had stellar results from my DX6, DX6i, and DX7 I feel they have really dropped the leadership ball IMHO.

I was shocked when they released an 8ch system without glider programing and sliders. I am stunned they did it again. Just not showing that hungry edge anymore. And I think they are losing other customers too.

You can get the Hitec A9 for a few dollars more (on sale for like $335) and it is a full 9ch radio with:

• 3 model types (including glider!)
• 30 model memories
• Touch screen
• Back-lit screen
• The most intuitive programing I have EVER used - bar none
• Custom menu (where you can put the program features you use most!)
• Almost 100% switch and channel re-assignment
• Sliders - how can you still miss this Spektrum???
• Regular updates via downloads (separate device needed)
• Triple rates
• Flight conditions
• Telemetry

I still have my DX7 Spektrum (for bind and fly micros!), but my A9 rocks.

Mike

[Simon]

Danger, danger - rant coming up. Run away now!!


[rant]
Yeah, Telemtry is very cool - but surprisingly cheap to implement. I can buy a snap-in module and receiver for about $40 that has telemetry. Even hardware to implement an SD card-slot would cost me as a joe-shmoe about $15-$20.

Ooh shiny. Yes indeed!
Packed with features. Certainly.
Disingenuous advertising. Perhaps. "Quick, Quick - it's got an RRP of $450, we'll let you have it for $300. That's a 'saving' of 33%" Spektrum's DX7 page
Equal in hype and religous fervour to the iPhone. In some quarters.



I should be clear, and state that I do 'have it in' for Spektrum and Horizon Hobbies. Never before in my adult life have I come across organizations that over-rate themselves and their products to such an extent. I've been the proud owner of some Blade helis (SR and MSR), though now am a little embarrased to admit that I got suckered out of all that money (~$550). A number of spare parts were priced rather savagely, though the straws that broke the camels back were (a) The price of a replacement canopy for the SR (b) The price of Eflite batteries for both.

I paid some $23 for a canopy. For heaven's sake, I've bought $3 products in blister packs that had more work and plastic in the (disposable) outer blister. How about the $18 for a tiny 8mm _brushed_ msr motor, $100 for a piece of junk transmitter, and $38 (or $48, I forget) for a simple 15C 1000mah 3S LiPo - I can replace it with a higher capacity, higher C battery for $11, or the $15 for a 1S 130mah lipo that I can again replace with a better unit for $1.33. Oh, and did I mention that the 'balance' charger that came with the SR performs more slowly and with less precision than the $6 turnigy 5011? Yup, it consistantly 'balances' to 4.17, 4.18 and 4.25 volts. The turnigy on the other hand has a 50% higher charge capacity (finished in 2/3rds of the time) and that it charges each cell to 4.20 volts, time and time again on each of the 3 cells (or 2, it'll do either unlike the eflite thing).

Found some Turnigy batteries and never looked back. Bugger the helicopters, I'm interested in flyin, not buyin. And, when I do go buying - I want value for money. Not pretty girls and nice advertising. IMO, You only need good customer service if (a) your gear is no good or (b) your market demographic are the same people that require the warning "do not iron this t-shirt while wearing"
Again, not something I want to be putting my hard earned bucks towards.

I've not had the chance to use anything better than a DX6i. Though based on my experience with the rest of their stock I've had the misfortune to purchase, I'd be fairly surprised if this new radio isn't simply a Hyundai dressed up to look like a Mercedes. There's "You get what you pay for" and there's "you perceive that you get what you pay for", my experience with this company leaves me inclined to think that they could never make me fit into the second category, fat chance of shoe-horning me into the first...
[/rant]

Ahhhhhh. That's better.

[kenchiroalpha]

Hi
We seem to be drifting way off of the OPs intent with this thread
Why does that always seem to happen to these types of threads?
Jmho
Take care
Yours Hank

[rcers]

Sorry Hank - discussion forums are for just that discussion. And yes sometimes we do stray a bit, but isn't that part of the fun?

I looked at great interest in the DX7s system, and was very disappointed Spektrum didn't take the ball, and learn from the release of the DX8.

I think my comments are spot on - why my money won't go to them - again.

As I point out it is not a brand war, I have and really like my DX7 but this new system does not make the cut for buy.

I was saying why sorry you feel that is off - but I don't.

Mike