Product Spotlight
New products that are Worth a Closer Look
SPEKTRUM DX6E TRANSMITTER
Spektrum’s DX6e is the latest low-price, big-feature transmitter in its lineup. The transmitter is available with or without an AR610 receiver. The box also includes four AA batteries to power the transmitter and a 179-page manual featuring instructions in four languages.
For less than $200, you get a six-channel radio with 250-model memory, SD card support, and a wireless trainer link. The menu system is in the same format as higher-dollar DX transmitters and gives you many of the same programming options.
The DX6e is programmable for airplanes, helicopters, sailplanes, and multirotors. The airplane program contains seven wing and six tail types. The helicopter program has two swashplate types to choose from and the sailplane contains four wing and three tail types.
A special feature of the DX6e is the multirotor aircraft option. This is a feature that most radios do not have. If you have a lot of interest in flying multirotors, this is the perfect starter transmitter for you.
The 250-model memory can be programmed with the name of each aircraft for easy identification, as well as the freedom to reorder the model listing to keep your favorites toward the top of the list and easy to find. There are also options for deleting models, copying models, resetting models, and the ability to program a warning tone that sounds if a switch or control stick is in an unsafe position when the transmitter is powered on. I only have one model bound to my transmitter (a Blade Nano QX2), so I haven’t yet taken advantage of most of these features.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type: Six-channel 2.4 GHz transmitter
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Modulation: DSM2/DSMX
Input power: Four AA batteries
Display: High-resolution backlit LCD
Number of channels: Six
Price: $149.99; $179.99 with receiver
FEATURES:
- Wireless trainer link
- Seven airplane wing types and six tail types
- Four sailplane wing types and three tail types
- Two swashplate types
- Multirotor flight mode setup
- Lap timer switch
- SD card support
- Adjustable antenna
- Spring configuration switch
- Four model types
- Built-in telemetry
- Four AA batteries included
- Cross-platform model sharing with other Spektrum transmitters
The Spring Configuration Switch is new to this transmitter and is patent pending. This innovation allows you to change flight modes on your radio without needing to remove its back to make the adjustments. All you need to do is access the flight modes in the system settings menu and set the mode you need. Power off the transmitter and then move the slider switch found on the back of the transmitter. After the switch is moved to the desired mode, power the transmitter back on and it’s ready to go.
The DX6e has a slot on the bottom that accepts an SD card. This SD card can be used to save and share models, as well as update your firmware. This transmitter had cross-platform sharing with all other Spektrum radios, so you can fly your models on more than one transmitter if desired.
Ratchets and spring controls for stick adjustments are found on the front of the radio. You can change the length of the control sticks, the smoothness of the throttle movements, and the stick tension.
There are two ways to bind a model to the DX6e. The first is to power on the receiver before turning on the transmitter. Make sure the throttle is in the lowest position. While pressing the Bind button on the back of the transmitter, power it on. After the receiver has stopped flashing, release the Bind button.
The second binding method allows you to leave the transmitter on. If you are programming new models into your model memory, there is a Bind option in the system setup menu.
Dual rates and exponential programming are standard to the Spektrum DX transmitters. There is also an option to track aircraft performance through an optional telemetry module and sensors.
A monitor screen can be accessed quickly by moving the scroll wheel to the right. Here you can see the servo positions for which your channels are set. This can also be helpful in the event that you start to experience a loss in control of any of your channels.
After returning your model to the ground, this menu can be used to show if your controls are getting input when moving the sticks. If they are, then it proves whatever issues you are experiencing are not on the transmitter’s end.
The wireless trainer feature lets you perform buddy-box flying without a cord getting in the way. The trainer feature will bind to any other DSMX or DSMX2 transmitter. When bound, the radios will stay linked and there is no need to rebind each time they are used together.
Another great feature of this transmitter is the lap timer. There is a built-in timer in the functions menu that can be programmed to track your flight laps. This can be especially beneficial for multirotor racing.
This really is a fully programmable transmitter. There are so many options that they can’t all be covered here. This is a great transmitter for an exceptional value. It might be geared toward the beginner, but pilots of any skill level can enjoy flying with the Spektrum DX6e in control.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.horizonhobby.com
VENOM 75C 3S 1,300 MAH FPV DRONE RACING LIPO BATTERY
The Venom 75C 3S 1,300 mAh FPV Drone Racing LiPo battery is a high-performance battery designed specifically for FPV racing pilots. The 75C discharge rate offers a high amount of power that translates to high speed on the race course, and the burst rate of 150C gives you the confidence to run these packs against any top competitor.
One of the unique features of the Venom Drone line is that it features the patented universal plug system. The battery comes with an XT60 plug preinstalled. This is the plug that is most widely used by drone pilots. If you prefer either a Deans or EC3 connector on your models, however, you’ll find an adapter packaged with the battery that slips on the end of the XT60 connector and allows for a solderless switch to the connector of your choice. The adapters have a snug fit and work well.
These packs are also advertised to safely allow up to 5C charge rates for quick recharging at the field. I still prefer to charge at 1C, but in the event that I need to get a pack charged quickly, this could be a handy feature to take advantage of.
The Venom 75C 3S 1,300 mAh FPV Drone Racing LiPo battery retails for $28.99.
Venom: 14028 N. Ohio St., Rathdrum ID 83858; Tel.: (800) 705-0620; website: www.venompower.com
STRIX POWER STIX 1S CHARGING BOARD
The STRIX Power Stix 1S Charging Board from Ready Made RC is a convenient, pocket-size charger designed for charging on the go and at the field. It features six independent charging ports and each port has two connectors: a PicoBlade 1.25 port and a JST PH 2.0 port.
This charger is powered by either a 3S or 4S battery that can be plugged in through the popular XT60 input that is commonly used by FPV pilots.
The onboard display panel shows the voltage output of your source battery, so you can be sure that you won’t over-discharge. To ensure this, it includes a voltage cutoff at 11.1 volts (3S) and 15.1 volts (4S).
The single-cell batteries are plugged into one of the six ports; they charge at 400 mA per port and will cut off automatically at 4.20 volts.
During charging, a bright red LED shows you the battery’s status. The LED will be red while charging and green when it is complete.
At slightly more than 3 inches long and weighing only 36 grams, the STRIX Power Stix 1S Charging Board is probably the most portable and convenient charger out there for your single-cell batteries and can find a home in anyone’s flight bag. It can be purchased from Ready Made RC for $18.99.
Ready Made RC: 7719 Graphics Way Ste. F; Lewis Center OH 43035; website: www.readymaderc.com
Great Planes Ultra Sport 46/EP ARF @ $199.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.greatplanes.com
For many years, the Ultra Sport has been the epitome of what a sport aerobatic airplane should be: quality construction, versatile performance, and contemporary style. The fourth edition of the Ultra Sport incorporates up-to-date features in an ARF model that both sport and veteran pilots will enjoy.
The Ultra Sport flies well with a .46-size two-stroke or .70-size four-stroke engine or a 42-60-480 Kv electric motor. Mechanical retracts are included, and a large hatch offers easy access to the onboard gear and battery. The cowl is made from high-quality fiberglass to complement the aircraft’s balsa and plywood construction. Separate aileron servos allow for precise control and trim adjustments, as well as customized mixing options.
A four- to six-channel radio with a minimum of five standard servos (six servos for glow power) is required. In addition to the motor, a 75-amp ESC, 6S 22.2-volt 3,600 mAh LiPo battery, and 15 x 8 electric propeller are needed for electric power. Glow power requires a 12 x 7 sport propeller.
ESM C-47 in D-Day colors @ $589.95+ S&H from VQ Warbirds, Box 3512, Bryan TX 77805; email: info@vqwarbirds.com; website: www.vqwarbirds.com
The new ESM C-47 in D-Day colors from VQ Warbirds is sure to please the warbird enthusiast. The 103.9-inch C-47 features a fiberglass fuselage, cowling, built-up wings, and tail surface coverings that are ironed on and painted to match the entire factory-painted airframe in accurate flat olive drab and gray. The invasion stripes are also painted on.
Scale wheels and electric and air-operated landing gear are available. The ESM C-47 comes with five sets of decals in various sizes of star/bar insignias. A six-channel radio with 12 servos and two .61 two-stroke, two .91 four-stroke, or the equivalent gas or electric power setup are required.
mSR S RTF Helicopter with SAFE technology @ $119.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.bladehelis.com
If you are thinking about stepping up from coaxial helicopters or from multirotors, look no further than the mSR S RTF heli with SAFE technology.
Modeled after the popular Blade mSR, the mSR S has a fixed-pitch, flybarless rotor head to let you enjoy speed and agility. With durable construction and an efficient design that is easy to repair and maintain, the mSR features both SAFE and AS3X technology to ensure that the pilot will be in control and have stability for successful and solid flight handling. Variable high and low rates allow the flights to be matched to your flying style and environment.
The mSR S is fully assembled, with no building required. The 1S 45C 150 mAh LiPo battery and a 2.4 GHz transmitter are included, as well as the user manual and a USB charger.
Emcotec PWC4 Power Servo Connector Set @ $48 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, Box 360815, Melbourne FL 32936; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Emcotec’s PWC4 heavy-duty Power Servo Connectors ensure an easy, secure, positive snap-click servo connection for multiple servos. Designed using only the highest quality of automotive-grade, heavy-duty connectors from Germany, the PWC4 connectors have an integrated housing and reverse polarity protection. No soldering is required; plug four wing/tail/fuselage servos into the power connector and enjoy a secure, multiple-servo connection with up to 11 amps of continuous current.
Fusion EDF/Propeller/Turbine Jet @ $399-$595 + S&H from ICARE/ICARUS, 890 d’Anjou, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 5E4, Canada; Tel.: (450) 449-9094; website: www.icare-rc.com
Based on the popular MPX Funjet, ICARE has reengineered an all-molded jet aircraft to bring you the Fusion.
The Fusion is available in three versions: as an electric ducted fan using a six-cell battery with a Vasa Model Vasafan 70mm all-carbon-fiber unit installed with a motor; as a propeller version with a motor mount for a pusher-propeller configuration (fitted with up to a 10S setup); or a turbine version for Kolibri or similar micro turbines, complete with a preinstalled kerosene tank.
Built with hollow-molded construction, fiberglass, and epoxy over a Rohacell foam core, and plenty of carbon-fiber reinforcement, the Fusion comes in a variety of colors and requires wing servos, an ESC, receiver, and battery.
TechOne DLG-1000 Sailplane @ $109.99 + S&H from Tower Hobbies, Box 9078, Champaign IL 61826-9078; Tel.: (800) 637-6050; website: www.towerhobbies.com
The DLG-1000 is one of the newest innovations available from TechOne Hobby. Made from ultralight EPO foam and reinforced carbon fiber, the fuselage parts on this tough-constructed glider are molded from high-strength plastic to ensure impact resilience. The easy-open canopy allows for electronics access and attaches with plastic clips, while the spinner and gripper are antiresistant.
The receiver-ready DLG-1000 includes the ESC, Y harness, four 3.6-gram micro servos, a decal sheet, and the instruction manual. A minimum four-channel radio and 2S 250 to 400 mAh LiPo battery with JST connector are required.
Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc 81-inch ARF @ $299.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.hangar-9.com
Based on the popular Ultra Sticks that were well known for their wide flight performance and versatility, the new Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc ARF more than lives up to its name.
Covered with UltraCote, the Ultra Stick 30cc’s lightweight balsa and balsa-plywood construction is strong. Finished fiberglass wheel pants match the UltraCote. The aircraft features large, double-beveled control surfaces with flaps for an expanded flight envelope, two-piece plug-in wings with an aluminum tube, and tail-dragger landing gear for a sportier look. Float-ready hard points are built into the fuselage for mounting the optional Hangar 9 1/5-scale float set.
Hardware and mounting options for both gas and electric power are included. The gas mount is ready for an Evolution 33GX gasoline engine and the electric mount for a Power 160 motor. A minimum six-channel radio is needed, as well as an 80-amp ESC and 10S 4,400 mAh LiPo battery for electric. A6150 digital aircraft servos and a 6.6-volt 2,200 mAh 2S LiFe receiver battery are also required.
VQ DHG-6 Twin Otter EP @ $299.99 + S&H from VQ Warbirds, Box 3512, Bryan TX 77805; email: info@vqwarbirds.com; website: www.vqwarbirds.com
A new generation of VQ Warbird model aircraft are set to arrive in April 2017, including the DHC-6 Twin Otter EP! The Twin Otter features fiberglass cowls, scale details printed onto the covering, functional opening doors, a battery hatch, and fun, easy-flying characteristics.
The generous-size battery hatch allows a pilot to easily swap out the required 4,500 mAh 3S 11.1-volt LiPo battery between flights. Optional factory VQ Warbird floats will be available soon to make the Twin Otter a great choice for flying fun on land or water!
VQ Warbirds recommends two Boost 25 motors for power, as well as a six-channel radio with four micro servos and two standard servos.
