THE NEXT STEP
OR A STEP
BACK?
By Greg Gimlick | maelectrics@gimlick.com
I SAID AT THE END of my February column that I would look at simulators and discuss some reader feedback. I’ll probably run out of space before the simulator discussion. If so, I’ll hit it next time.
Initial Radio Feedback
I was happy with the amount and quality of feedback I got from the suggestion in my November 2024 column about the Spektrum NX7e (now NX7e+) as a first radio. Not all of you agreed, but the responses were positive and welcome. As a result, I bought the Spektrum NX8+ so that I could compare my thoughts with yours.
I said that the NX7e+ was a great first radio, and I still believe that. The price was certainly a part of that decision. The NX8+ is $100 more, so it depends on whether you think that extra money is worth the additional features or whether you’d rather put it toward other RC gear.
To clearly show the difference, I’ve compared the NX7e+ and NX8+ features in the chart on the previous page.
Your Thoughts
Many of you thought that it was well worth the extra $100 alone for the sound/voice feature, while others thought that a white transmitter just didn’t make sense. The size of the display was extremely important to many who wrote to me and,
although the display is not significantly larger on the NX8+, it was enough for some to say that they could see it better at the field.
Nobody took issue with the number of channels and most thought 14 was more than enough.
The wireless trainer ability of the NX8+ was a big factor for many, and I can understand that. The NX7e+ requires the addition of an optional SRXL2 DSMX remote receiver, and the extra $40 made it close enough to the price of the NX8 that it swayed the choice for many. Many of you suggested that a wireless trainer feature was extremely important on a “beginner’s radio” and couldn’t understand why Spektrum has not seen that. Most of the responses didn’t care whether the radio had Wi-Fi or not to perform updates.
Overall, the predominant factors you thought justified the NX8+ were voice and the wireless trainer. Some just couldn’t buy into the modern look of the NX7e+, and that’s okay.
My Thoughts
In my August 2024 product review of the NX7e, I said that I had gone for years before voice capability was ever offered. I saw it as a nice feature to have but that it was not a big deal. Guess what? I’ve changed my mind. Now that I’ve had voice capability for several years, suddenly going without it feels bad. I didn’t notice it at first, but the more I used the radio, the more I looked for voice callouts on switch changes, etc.
Three members of clubs that I belong to have the NX7e+ as their first radio and don’t see not having voice as a problem. Another friend updated from an older DX-series radio that didn’t have voice, so it doesn’t bother him either. Your personal preference is what matters.
The wireless trainer isn’t a biggie to me since it’s available via the optional receiver, but I do understand the aversion to adding another $40 or so. I can live without Wi-Fi for firmware updates, but I will admit to using it on the radios I own that have Wi-Fi capability. I keep it turned off unless I do updates. Using the SD card is just as fast and is often without the glitches that a Wi-Fi connection brings.
Styling is personal, and I really love the looks of the NX7e+ in its white format and modern style. I do wish the NX8+ had updated its charge port to the more common USB-C. I suspect once the stock of bodies runs out, it will be changed with the next production run.
The Bottom Line
You won’t go wrong with either choice; it’s your money and only you can decide what features are most important. Talk to experienced members of your club and see what they think—the voice of experience is often best. Whether you choose one of the Spektrum radios I’ve shown or one of the others on the market, avoid an “orphan” radio. By that, I mean don’t get a radio that makes you the only person in your area who is using it. You’re going to need help, and having a brand that others around you are familiar with is a huge benefit during the initial learning phase.
Next Time
Simulators ... I promise! I’m a big proponent of using simulators, which goes back to my days as a U.S. Army instructor pilot. These procedural training devices can be a huge help, but only if they are used properly.
If you can’t wait, I’ll tell you now that I recommend the RealFlight simulator.
SOURCES:
Spektrum RC
www.spektrumrc.com
RealFlight
(800) 338-4639
www.realflight.com
