Dx6i vs Dx7

[jakeddd]

I am currently flying rc helicopters and want to move into quadcopters. I have a Dx6i that has worked great for me thus far. However, I know that it has limitations. I wonder if I should sell the Dx6i and start with a Dx7. Can anyone tell me what benefits there are from having a Dx7. I know it has the extra channel but how does that extra channel effect quadcopter flying? Or even a Dx8? I will be building a little 250 sized quad to start out with and eventually move into fpv. Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

[ArchmageAU]

Originally Posted by jakeddd

I am currently flying rc helicopters and want to move into quadcopters. I have a Dx6i that has worked great for me thus far. However, I know that it has limitations. I wonder if I should sell the Dx6i and start with a Dx7. Can anyone tell me what benefits there are from having a Dx7. I know it has the extra channel but how does that extra channel effect quadcopter flying? Or even a Dx8? I will be building a little 250 sized quad to start out with and eventually move into fpv. Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

DX6i is an old entry level radio. New DX7 is one of the next generation from HH. (Like DX9 and DX6)
- Voice alerts.
- More models.
- Backlit LCD.
- Throttle based timer option.
- SD card export/backup/firmware upgrade.
- Telemetry option (signal strength, battery voltage).

DX8 is still of the older generation (now discontinued), but still a very capable radio.

If building, option of may types of transmitters.

- What features are you looking for in a Transmitter?
- What is your budget?
- What does your DX6i not do that you need?

Quads generally use LESS channels (no collective or gyro gain).

FPV may add more channels (head tracking).

If you like to tinker, then there are far more flexible transmitters available but they may not be as easy to program.

[Ron_R]

Why not just build what you want and see if the DX6i fits what you need first?

You won't get much for it, so why make an investment like that unless you have to?

[Imzzaudae]

I have had 2 DX6i transmitters loved it. Great transmitter very easy to program, with one bug.

The roller button! Ether the momentary or the rotary switch will become intermittent after a couple of years, this becomes a real pain in the but. Horizon will fix it but it's almost as much as a new transmitter to have it repaired. I love the DX6i. But this is it's Achillies Heel !

Once I got used to DX7 mode switching, I quickly became a fan of the transmitter! I have had no problems with my DX7 what so ever, and for the money it's got a few tricks up it's sleeve that DX6i does not have.

Just my .02
Ron

[cycled]

I haven't tried the DX7, but comparing the DX6i and MZ-12, Graupner's radio gives you:

• a bit better gimbals
• a lot better switches
• programming is head-and-shoulders above the DX6i (far more flexible); you can also monitor channels with one button press instead of navigating all the menus
• telemetry options
• very solid reception with up to 4km range
• option to use a lipo or other battery (but NiMH suit me better so this may not be important)
• voice read-outs of flight time and many other things, but only using headphones
• receivers can be set-up remotely via telemetry; there are even receivers with flight stabilisation and full flybarless capability

You'd have to replace your receivers and keep the DX6i for bind-n-fly models, but I find it a far better radio.

I would prefer eight channels for setting gyro gains on my helis, but six is sufficient. Depends though which gyros you use and whether you need a remote governor gain.

[crashjack]

A DX6i is fine for a 250 quad. If you want to add telemetry, you'll want to get a radio that can handle telemetry... DX6, DX7, DX8, DX9, etc. I also would go with a minimum of 7 channels if you are getting a new radio.