Overview
Building on the experience gained from both the DX6 and 7 the DX6i is a ground-up design delivering all of the advantages that Spektrum’s DSM2 technology offers, at a very affordable price. The ability to fly anywhere without concerns of frequency clashes, no more model generated interference and the added advantage of features like SmartSafe, ModelMatch and ServoSync all contribute to making flying simply safer and more enjoyable with DX6i.
Underpinned with DSM2 technology the DX6i is a full-range transmitter that can be used to fly all types of craft from small ultra-lights , foamies and mini helis to larger glow or gas powered planes. For two years team pilots and Spektrum engineers have been testing and using the same DSM2 technology that the DX6i employs with DX7 and the Spektrum Air Modules, proving constantly that the technology delivers on its promise of reliable peg free, interference free flying.
As with any device that we have to interface with the underlying technology it’s only part of the overall design story. DX6i has been designed very much with this in mind and input starting from the original DX6 transmitter has seen it carefully evolve into a transmitter that is both comfortable and pleasing to have in the hand and one that offers easy access to all of the controls and adjustment inputs. It is relatively light weight, due in part to its efficiency and the need for only four batteries to power it, but feels substantial to hold. As such it evokes an air of confidence in that it is a competent and substantial piece of equipment that can be used with more than one plane or heli rather than a more toy-like transmitter that is dedicated to just one particular model.
A new switch arrangement on the DX6i adds functionality that other radios in its class simply don’t offer. In addition to the traditional elevator and aileron dual-rate switches, the DX6i also offers a third rudder dual-rate switch. This may only be a small addition, but is never the less one that can enhance the flying experience.
With the large amount of programming that is utilised in today’s transmitters navigation through the vast array of menus can become very cumbersome. Rather than using a combination of buttons and switches as with some radios DX6i uses a single scroll and click roller selector. The three-way roller selector allows you to scroll up or down through the menu along with selecting a menu item by simply pressing it in. The menus are displayed on an easy to read substantial 60 by 25mm LCD screen that features contrast adjustment to optimise viewing in all conditions.
The DX6i is loaded with advanced programming features that up until now would only be found on more expensive transmitters. It provides an ideal solution for anyone who is looking for economically priced full-featured radio system, thanks to its extensive, feature-rich and easy to use menu system. From basic trim settings for planes to advanced settings for helis it has them all. Featuring a ten model memory it can store each models unique settings, and as they are saved with a multi-character name, accessing them when out flying is very easy.
The DX6i comes with the AR6200 receiver which can be used for any plane requiring six channels or less. The transmitter is though, compatible with all the Spektrum DSM2 full range and park flyer receivers including the AR6000, so for those who have been flying with a DX6 the opportunity is now there to upgrade to a DX6i and enjoy the extra functions just by binding the transmitter to the original radio gear installed in the plane.
The DX6i transmitter features both aeroplane and helicopter software, a 10 model memory plus all the programming functions that a six channel radio needs. The large display situated under the sticks provides a clear interface providing easy access to programming via the scroll and click roller selector.
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The DX6i is supplied with an R6200 receiver. Using twin redundant path receivers Spektrum software processes incoming data to produce the most vivid image of the RF signal possible. The dual path redundancy plus the fact that the two receivers are situated in different locations and in differing orientations, provides the most bullet-proof RF link possible.
Spec.
6 Channels
DuaLink
ModelMatch
ServoSync
SmartSafe |
There are two primary types of 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology used in RC—Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).
Originally, Spektrum engineers started their development with FHSS-based systems because they are relatively easy and inexpensive to develop. However, it was soon discovered that FHSS had certain limitations that would prevent it being the optimal solution for RC. While more difficult and costly to develop, Spektrum chose to pursue a DSSS-based solution. The result was the patented DSM technology used in all of Spektrum’s RC systems.
Besides solving critical response and re-link issues, DSM also provides more processing gain for superior range. And as more and more Spektrum users have been appearing at indoor flying events where numerous wireless routers and other 2.4GHz RC systems are in use, they’ve discovered yet another big benefit. Namely that as the 2.4GHz noise floor rises (more 2.4GHz units are turned on), they don’t experience any reduction in response time. The DSSS-based technology keeps latency at an absolute minimum no matter how busy the 2.4GHz environment gets.
SmartSafe deals subtly differently with two safety critical scenarios, one of which is especially important for electric powered planes. Fail-safe settings are established during the binding process at the positions of the sticks, usually low throttle and neutral on other channels.
The first scenario is that the receiver is turned on without a signal from the transmitter. In this event all of the channels go to the fail-safe positions set during the binding process but the receiver doesn’t send any signals out on the throttle channel, so the speed controller cannot arm and start the motor.
Once the transmitter is turned on and an RF link is established the receiver will send out a low throttle signal and arm the speed controller once the stick is positioned at low throttle. From that point it functions, as do the other channels, as normal.
The second case scenario is that the signal is lost whilst both transmitter and receiver have an established RF link. In this event, as unlikely as it is, SmartSafe will take the throttle channel to its setting programmed during the binding process, while all other channels stay at last position held.
Aeroplanes are a little more complicated when it comes to retaining a solid RF link to than surface bound craft because they manoeuvre in three dimensions. Surface craft like boats and cars are fixed in one plane so orientation to the receiver’s aerial, while it’s pointing at the sky as it should, remains constant ruling out signal fade, a condition that reduces range. To solve just that problem with aeroplanes Spektrum employs the use of two separate radio channels and receivers, each with its own aerial. The radio transmits the signal on both frequencies simultaneously and because the two aerials have different orientation should one of those signals be lost, for even milliseconds, due to its orientation to the transmitter the other one will still be on-line. The net result is no loss of signal, no interruption, no dropouts, no problems. A solid RF link is there all the time.
DX6i features DSM2, which is second generation DSM. DSM2 provides all the benefits of DSM but with the added bonus of doing it faster. By processing the signal faster than any PCM radio system available today and at 1024 bit resolution the link that connects pilot and plane is sharpened making him feel more in contact and control of his plane.
It’s not uncommon to forget to check that the model that is about to take off is the one that’s profiled in the transmitter display. The consequences can be disastrous though. Once again Spektrum redefines flight safety with ModelMatch by making this kind of error a thing of the past. With DX6i a profile code is embedded into the receiver and if it doesn’t match the one embedded in the signal, indicated by the model name on the display, the model’s controls simply won’t
A new feature on DX6i that re-sequences the bits of data based on the type of mixing selected. So if dual elevators or 3-servo CCPM has been set-up ServoSync will see to it that those servos are performance optimised by receiving their impulses together. This results in a more positive feel to control input.respond.
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