Should i buy the DX5 with the kit?

[helifred]

I have a DX6i which i was planning to use but a friend was advising me that i would wear out my good transmitter and would wear down my batteries and that it was ill-advised.

Is there any merit to that argument? Should I pay the extra $50 just for a simulator + remote? I can't imagine using it for anything other than the simulator, I would rather buy a DX8 if I ever found that something in my DX6i was not working well enough.

It looks like you program the DX5 from the Phoenix software, is that right?

Thanks!

[TowPilot]

I doubt very much that you would wear out the Tx while dimming.

I believe the RF section of the electronics is off while the sim cable is plugged in.

[helifred]

Thank you! So given that I have a DX6i, is there any good reason anyone can think of, that would make me get the kit that has the DX5 radio? I think it's about $50 more for that package.

[TowPilot]

Now that you have the DX6i, I think you would be disappointed to have the DX5.

[rojack]

TowPilot is right about the RF being off while plugged into the sim cable. The batteries are only very lightly used while simming. I've used Phoenix with a DX5e, a DX7, and a Walkera 2801 Pro.

Here are some Pros and Cons:

---- DX5e ----
- You can keep it near your computer permanently.
- Save some wear on your main controller.
- It does the job adequately, but is not great.
- As you said, only $50.

---- DX6i ----
- Better feel than the DX5e. It's your real Tx.
- 6 channels vs. 5.
- Can do both Idle Up and Throttle Hold from the Tx.
- Save $50!

All that said, I tend to use my DX5e on the simulator, since I already had the DX5e and don't use it for flying. Probably I'm just too lazy to keep moving the DX7 from my "heli cave" to my office where my computer is. What I don't like about the DX5e is the cheaper feel when moving the sticks and the fact that I have to choose either Throttle Hold -or- Idle Up for the channel 5 switch. Can only pick one. But sometimes laziness wins.

[TheBum]

For helis, I would recommend against getting the DX5e. It has no programmability so you can't set up a simulated heli in the same way you would a real one.

[helifred]

I purchased it at my LHS and I'm using my DX6i.

I've been training with the TREX 700e because it's so stable. Trying to work on all my orientations. I must have crashed 50,000 worth of helis. This simulator is so worth it.

Thanks to all for your help

Fred

[helifred]

I have to say, with all of the hours I've spent on the sim this weekend, I am getting concerned that I could wear out my new DX6i. Is that even a concern?

[TowPilot]

Originally Posted by helifred

I have to say, with all of the hours I've spent on the sim this weekend, I am getting concerned that I could wear out my new DX6i. Is that even a concern?

Consider how little the sticks move compared to other devices.

I would not be concerned about it.

[hamstar78]

Originally Posted by helifred

I have to say, with all of the hours I've spent on the sim this weekend, I am getting concerned that I could wear out my new DX6i. Is that even a concern?

i wouldnt worry to much about it, i sim for 2 hours a day every day for over 6 months on my new dx8 and the sticks feel fine

[j4jenk]

I had the 5e first, and was happy with it until I got the 6i. The 6i feels much better, and I find that if I've been SIMing with 5e, it takes a few flights with the 6i to get comfortable again.

I also like to use the 6i for SIM and real life flying to keep myself in the habit of hitting the timer and releasing the throttle hold right before spool up.