Have you seen the new Spektrum DX5e

[Rabbitcreekok]

I just saw an ad in several new magazines for the Spektrum DX5e full range 2.4 GHz radio. It costs only $99.99 and includes an AR500 receiver, which sells for almost 60 bucks. I know, I just bought two of them for 2 projects I have going.

It appears to be a basic 5 channel radio with several bells and whistles, but only one model memory. But it would be a great first transmitter.

[groundrushesup]

Originally Posted by Rabbitcreekok

I just saw an ad in several new magazines for the Spektrum DX5e full range 2.4 GHz radio. It costs only $99.99 and includes an AR500 receiver, which sells for almost 60 bucks. I know, I just bought two of them for 2 projects I have going.

It appears to be a basic 5 channel radio with several bells and whistles, but only one model memory. But it would be a great first transmitter.

Looks good, feels good in your hands, too.

I think its packaged with the PZ Corsair RTF kit, unless I am mistaken. Part of Horizon's efforts to better integrate their LOB's, I guess. Pretty positive step, IMHO. Those old single-gimbal w/ throttle slider radios, even the ZX-10's were teh junk.

Some other E-Flite packages are selling with this radio, too.

Wait a sec... sixty bucks for the convenience of no extra channel? I larf. Interesting, must be because its new. I'm still waiting for the ar6100x's to drop a few dollars... that $50 price point seems set in stone, and I wanna make sure I have room to expand to the 20 model limit :P

[Rabbitcreekok]

Originally Posted by groundrushesup

Looks good, feels good in your hands, too.

I think its packaged with the PZ Corsair RTF kit, unless I am mistaken. Part of Horizon's efforts to better integrate their LOB's, I guess. Pretty positive step, IMHO. Those old single-gimbal w/ throttle slider radios, even the ZX-10's were teh junk.

Some other E-Flite packages are selling with this radio, too.

Wait a sec... sixty bucks for the convenience of no extra channel? I larf. Interesting, must be because its new. I'm still waiting for the ar6100x's to drop a few dollars... that $50 price point seems set in stone, and I wanna make sure I have room to expand to the 20 model limit :P

You are right, it is included in the Corsair RTF.

I bought the AR500 because it is a "full range" receiver and I will be putting it in a larger Aerial Photography plane and want to be sure I don't lose touch with a rather expensive camera. I was planning on using the AR6200, which is more expensive and I did not need 6 channels. The 5 channels is more than I actually need.

By the way, If you join the Atlanta Hobby Electron Club, you save a little on anything you purchase and you get free shipping on any item. So you can order a small item and not pay 6 bucks to get a $2.00 item shipped.

The receivers are cheaper there.

[RI Parker]

Santa deliered a DX5e, color me happy. But it seems to have no control of 'throttle'. ANy hints? Get back to dealer? Pray??

[Rabbitcreekok]

Originally Posted by RI Parker

Santa deliered a DX5e, color me happy. But it seems to have no control of 'throttle'. ANy hints? Get back to dealer? Pray??

Can you provide a few more details concerning "no control of the throttle" such as what airplane is it installed in and how have you got the ESC set up. Remember the ESC plugs into the throttle receptacle on the receiver.

[RI Parker]

For now it's on the bench. Two servos, 4 nicad pack (charged). The servos all work on other channels, but don't follow transmitter stick when in the 'throttle' port. (Lights look ok as far as the 'bind' process.) Later I'll look into getting the ESC working, but thought I'd test it using battery to get started.

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by RI Parker

For now it's on the bench. Two servos, 4 nicad pack (charged). The servos all work on other channels, but don't follow transmitter stick when in the 'throttle' port. (Lights look ok as far as the 'bind' process.) Later I'll look into getting the ESC working, but thought I'd test it using battery to get started.

Make sure all of your servo reverse switches are in the "normal" position. Connect an esc with a motor without a prop. Try moving the throttle trim all of the way up. If throttle still doesn't work try reversing the throttle servo setting. Also make sure you turn on the TX first then the RX. If you turn the RX on with no TX signal Smartsafe disables the throttle.

Edited: Second thought - Using my old FM Tx's with glow planes you plugged a servo in a channel to mechanically drive the carb arm. Maybe the DX5e is designed strictly for electric flight and the throttle channel only works with an esc and electric motor and will not drive a servo. Have you put an esc and a motor in the throttle channel, not just a servo?

[Harry Lime]

I must say I was shocked to read the question and problem about the Spektrum throttle stick not operating a servo, only an ESC. My DX5e has been ordered and paid for so I was concerned that it will not work my 7 foot span 'Dornier Wal seaplane' with twin 52 four strokes, one pulling and one pushing, but it will work with my 100 inch low aspect ratio sailplane with parasol mounted wing and the Graupner 'pod' type ducted fan mounted on the top front of the fuselage and blowing over the centre-section to provide some extra 'blown-flap type lift'.

Excuse the lack of a full-stop in there but I wanted to show my pride and anticipation of flying these two models soon - if we ever again get some fine weather!

Oh yes, the DX5e will drive a servo on the throttle stick and I quote from their instruction booklet: "The Spextrum DX5e is ideal for sport-sized electric, gas and glow powered 5 channel or fewer airplanes".

From Harry Lime, the zither guy.

[park]

Originally Posted by RI Parker

For now it's on the bench. Two servos, 4 nicad pack (charged). The servos all work on other channels, but don't follow transmitter stick when in the 'throttle' port. (Lights look ok as far as the 'bind' process.) Later I'll look into getting the ESC working, but thought I'd test it using battery to get started.

I have a dx5e with the ar500 and I have to place the throttle trim all the way back for it to bind.

[WingingIt74]

I bought a used Eflite Apprentice 15e and it came with the DX5e as well. Seems to be a good tx. I haven't flown it yet.

[RI Parker]

The DX5e is fantasic! (Mine had a factory defect, I sent it in and it has already been replaced. It's back and working fine.) I only asked here to see if by some odd chance there was some sort of preset or code to activate the throttle (could have been some kind of safety, - I didn't know, I'm new at this.) But no extra code is needed, this problem was just on my unit and probably won't ever come up again. I'm sure that the DX5e and other spektrum models are excelent.

[Harry Lime]

I have just bought the Spektrum DX5e after reading the excellent reviews, but there is a mysterious switch on it. On the top left side, it is marked 'CH-5' with a '0' arrow up, and '1' arrow down. I have searched the instructions but cannot see it explained, (there are 5 channels on the Rx, two of which can be used for a 2 aileron servos model).

Can anyone help?

On the subject of the DX5e having only one model memory: Provided your models don't have elevons etc.or need different flying surface coupling, one memory is all you need.

When you fly all your new models for the first time, trim them using the electric trims, land and immediately centralise the Tx trims and then adjust the clevises back to the trimmed positions. Bingo. One transmitter flies all your models with Tx trims central.

Harry Lime, Vienna.

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

I have just bought the Spektrum DX5e after reading the excellent reviews, but there is a mysterious switch on it. On the top left side, it is marked 'CH-5' with a '0' arrow up, and '1' arrow down. I have searched the instructions but cannot see it explained, (there are 5 channels on the Rx, two of which can be used for a 2 aileron servos model).

Can anyone help?

It is an extra channel for things like landing gear, flaps. I use it for taking snap shots with my camera. It will move one servo from one position to another then stops. Reverse the switch and it will return to the start position.

Rick

[Rodneh]

IMHO the biggest fault with the DX5e is the size of the battery compartment. It will not hold all AA batteries, only the smallest will fit. The rechargeable batteries such as Eneloops and Duracells will not fit, the battery compartment is to narrow.

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by Rodneh

IMHO the biggest fault with the DX5e is the size of the battery compartment. It will not hold all AA batteries, only the smallest will fit. The rechargeable batteries such as Eneloops and Duracells will not fit, the battery compartment is to narrow.

I use the AA Nimh "precharged" 2000 mAh from Radio Shack and they fit fine. There is quite a bit of flexibility in the negative tab.

I would have thought that there was an industry standard for battery size.

[Rodneh]

Originally Posted by Rickochet

I use the AA Nimh "precharged" 2000 mAh from Radio Shack and they fit fine. There is quite a bit of flexibility in the negative tab.

I would have thought that there was an industry standard for battery size.

There is a standard and the DX5e does not meet them.

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by Rodneh

There is a standard and the DX5e does not meet them.

Could it be that the batteries don't meet industry standards? All of the rechargeables and AA alkalines I have used in the DX5e have fit just fine and I also use them in a Hitec and Futaba radios.

[Rodneh]

Originally Posted by Rickochet

Could it be that the batteries don't meet industry standards? All of the rechargeables and AA alkalines I have used in the DX5e have fit just fine and I also use them in a Hitec and Futaba radios.

Yes the Eneloop and Duracells meet ANSI specs of 5.05cm X 1.45 cm max but the DX5e will not accept batteries at the max limits of the specifications for AA cells.

[Harry Lime]

Thank you for that re-assuring reply but I have one more question for you! What is this business of the Spektrum DX5e needing a 3-wire switch harness? Why this requirement as most of my existing switch harnesses are 2-wire from battery to receiver, via the actual switch, with 2 wires also for the short charging lead. I hope you can explain this oddity so thank you in advance.

Harry Lime.

[Rodneh]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

Thank you for that re-assuring reply but I have one more question for you! What is this business of the Spektrum DX5e needing a 3-wire switch harness? Why this requirement as most of my existing switch harnesses are 2-wire from battery to receiver, via the actual switch, with 2 wires also for the short charging lead. I hope you can explain this oddity so thank you in advance.

Harry Lime.

The three wire switch harness is not required. You can bind the unit by powering up the receiver by plugging a 4 cell Nixx battery into any open slot other than the battery slot and then use the binding plug in the battery slot to bind the tx to the rx. After binding, power down and and connect normally; i.e. battery in battery slot and servos in their respective slots. .