[Flying Farmer]

http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSMX/

[Max]

So the DSMX is further taking Spektrum along the FHMSS line? Though they didn't mention it specifically, I could ascertain that this was indeed a frequency hopping system. Yes?

[philipa_240sx]

Originally Posted by Max

So the DSMX is further taking Spektrum along the FHMSS line? Though they didn't mention it specifically, I could ascertain that this was indeed a frequency hopping system. Yes?

The simple answer is DSMX combines DSM2 (2 pre-selected channels) and frequency hopping (using 28 of the same 80 DSM2 channels). From what I understand, it's a bit different than FHSS which uses the entire 2.4 GHz band.

Aside from the frequency hopping aspect, DSMX works just like DSM2 which is why the two are forwards & backwards compatible. Also, when a Spektrum RX & TX are bound, they communicate with each other so they are both aware of which protocol to use.

BTW, I can switch between DSMX/DSM2 with my DX8.

[Ramz]

I read alot of the technical info about the new DSMX and unless I am at an event with 110 people all flying at the same time, I will stick with my DSM2. I am all for improving the technology but I like Futaba's approach of using the entire band. That being said, I have 100's of flights on my 9303 with AR7000's and R921's with zero problems. For me, I wouldn't bother investing in a new tx just because it is DSMX capable. I would however like to invest in a 12 + ch JR with DSMX if they make a 12 + ch that is justifiably worth 3x the price of the 9303 which IMHO, the current offering is not even close.

[philipa_240sx]

Originally Posted by Ramz

For me, I wouldn't bother investing in a new tx just because it is DSMX capable.

The nice feature of DSMX is it's forwards/backwards compatibility. You can use the new DSMX RX's with an existing DSM2 TX. There is no need to upgrade.

[express315]

Originally Posted by philipa_240sx

The nice feature of DSMX is it's forwards/backwards compatibility. You can use the new DSMX RX's with an existing DSM2 TX. There is no need to upgrade.

Yes, but why would you invest in DSMX Rx if you have DSM2 Tx only.
To obtain the advantage of DSMX technology both Tx and Rx have to be
DSMX capable. Otherwise there is no gain.

[cloudniner]

FYI as of March 2nd 06:30

Horizon site now indicates that the DSMX upgrade is now available. I did not check all the Tx's just the 12X. I placed the order and paid with Paypal which went through okay. I got the feedback email so it is verified that all is okay.

Feb 2 06:45 - Some are still listed as unavailable so best check your individual Tx.

I have the 12XMV so all I have to send in is the module. Which is great!

[philipa_240sx]

Originally Posted by express315

Yes, but why would you invest in DSMX Rx if you have DSM2 Tx only.
To obtain the advantage of DSMX technology both Tx and Rx have to be
DSMX capable. Otherwise there is no gain.

True, you need DSMX on both the RX and TX to take advantage of it.

All of the current DSM2 RX's (save for the AR6400 brick, PZ micro's and Blade Heli's), are being discontinued. Once old stock is cleared out, all you will be able to buy is DSMX RX's. Once again the DSMX RX's are fully backwards compatible with DSM2.

[cloudniner]

I have four DSMX Rx's already. They are definitely backwards compatible. I will have to wait for my 12XMV module to come back to check out the forward compatibility. I am really hoping that the DSM2 image on the 12X screen changes to DSMX as it does with the DX8.

I have over twenty DSM2 receivers and I am going to purchase maybe six of the upscale ones to DSMX. These will be going into my 'expensive' aircraft that I will be flying at meets.

Last year at the Kingston IMAA meet we had nearly 100 pilots not many were on 72MHz. I know this is unlikely BUT it is possible that a lot more than the forty Tx's 'could' be turned on at the same time. There is no impounding with 2.4 at the moment so who knows who is turned or not. I am not taking any chances at these meets. For my everyday flying on the M,W,F group I will stick to DSM2.

Imagine the problems at Joe Nall with 900+ pilots (radios).

Just my thinking for what it's worth....

[cloudniner]

I got my 12XMV module back today. So that would be almost a month for the total process.

I can't believe how much faster the Rx's link up, almost instantaneously. The Tx starts transmitting instantly also. I have no visible sign as to which mode the radio is in, unlike the Spektrum DX-8.

The total cost was approx $95. This includes $75 for the upgrade and $20 shipping for both ways. Is it worth the cost? Don't know very hard to find out....