Spektrum recently introduced an updated version of the DX6: the DX6i. Horizon Hobby also has an article on the new radio.
This one uses 'DSM2' technology which is described as giving 'full range'. Not sure what that means, but range should be better than with the first generation of 2.4 GHz radios, which at times was problematic (if you did something specific that cut down on the range).
I think the original DX6 was more or less a carbon copy of an existing JR transmitter, but the DX6i seems to be a new ergonomic design. Instead of buttons for navigating the menu it has a roller-device, and there's a new bigger LCD for programming.
The antenna still sticks out at the top even though nobody has had a mobile phone with an external antenna in years. I've mounted the antenna on my own DX6 inside the plastic case and it seems to work fine. I predict and hope that the next version in 1-2 years from spektrum will have the antenna mounted inside the Tx (no fear of breaking it, no problems with leaking rain-covers).
It's going to be in stores in December, for around $180 without servos, which is similar to what the 6-channel 2.4 GHz Futaba sells for.
HiTec has replaced their previous robot servo (HSR-5995, now discontinued) with a new version called HSR-5990. The specifications are roughly the same as for the old model: torque is 24.0 or 30.0 kg.cm depending on if you use a 6 V or 7.4 V battery, but speed is down a bit from 0.15s/60deg to 0.17s/60deg (6 V). The gears are Titanium alloy, and as is visible from the picture the new servo adds a heat-sink to the casing.
Maybe this is the winch for my next boat? At a cost around $110, weight of 68 grams, and 'ludicrous speed', it looks like a strong alternative to a drum-winch. Anyone have good or bad experiences with the 5995 or the new 5990?
I've had a 5995 in one of my boats for awhile now and it work just fine. I also put one in another persons boat. The other boat had a run in with someone and got tangled. While we ran out in the rescue boat to get them apart it turns out the boat with the 5995 was left with teh radio in teh close hauled position and it spent 5 or 10 minutes trying to pull the two boats together as hard as it could. Burnt out!!! So the leson is that if you can't get free after a couple of attempts at pumping the sails then throw the sheet control fully out and wait for the rescue.
I read elsewhere that someone put a small fuse in the power leads to the servo and that sounds like a great idea as it would maybe blow before the servo burns.
Otherwise the winch speed is astounding and the weight reduction is very meaningful.
-barry
Hi Anders
"I’ve mounted the antenna on my own DX6 inside the plastic case[...]"
I've been worried about the flimsy looking antenna of the DX6 too, any chance of more info on how you achieved this?
Cheers
Andy
Couple of points,
Good, DX6i using DSM2 has absolutely minimal delay (latency) which is much better than DX6. Particularly good for fast digital arm winches and rudder servos. Full range system which relates to aircraft BUT means even more range in reserve for us. Not that the DX6 had a range problem anyway. K Bits is looking forward to testing the new DX6i
Not so good
'Modelmatch' whilst great for aircraft (stops you taking off with wrong one selected and the very real danger that could insue) it means having 3 'models' one for each IOM rig for one boat un workable because you have to bind the receiver every time you change rigs.
I developed the DIGITAL Hitec programmable HS5735 large servo for sail control to compete in the 2003 Worlds in Canada It won the event. 'Flick gybing on the run is its forte as wel as 'dumping' pressure quickly and ducking starboard boats. In my opinion digital servo sail control has so much to offer the IOM skipper. Incidentally the customised servo supplied by K Bits has the fused lead mentioned as well as high quality carbon arm, full instructions.
Tests with the very powerful but standard size servos has found they are not as robust and awareness of sheet hangups etc are essential. The HSR 5990 which has a heatsink should be better. Looking forward to putting one to the test.
Regards
Ken Binks
Hello Ken,
Regarding modelmatch, are you sure that all receivers can't be the same?
Olivier COHEN
Being in the proces of finding a replacement for a Hitec 5998 ( it fried under top-B conditions) I read your review on the 5990. I googled a bit and according to the robot-guys the 5990 might not be a good choice for RCuse.http://www.lynxmotion.net/viewtopic.php?p=31141&sid=0463ffcdf8ea3516d37e5ac8e00ccac4
So I think the best choice at moment for a arm-servo still is the 5955 or the heavy but cheap 5745. Both do fine i danish waters.
The DX7 and soon to be released DX6i both have 'modelmatch' which in practical terms means when you bind a receiver to the transmitter it also knows which model memory the tx is on. So if you transferred the receiver to another boat and changed the model memory on the Tx to the new boat, the receiver WOULD NOT work unless you re bind it to the Tx.
This means having one IOM with one model memory for each rig is impractical as changing a rig AND changing the Tx over to model two, for the rig two setting means the receiver would have to be re bound.
Hitec 5990 just received two for testing and note its performance is linked to Li Po and 7.4volt supply. NOT programmable and standard servo throw. Although it state 180deg this seems to be an option. 900 to 2100 pulse change gives about 120 deg which should be sufficient using an arm. Will report on tests soon to be carried out.
Hi Ken,
Do you really believe that the DSM2 TX/RX's which do indeed have "Modelmatch" (you loose the "Modelmatch" feature when a Spektrum "module" is used in say a JR9X2 / 9303)?
For aircraft, (which I do fly) "Modelmatch" certainly can avoid disasters for those not careful enough, but I also sail RC Yachts, (actually this has virtually taken over from my "flying"), & certainly "Modelmatch" is not necessary, but I believe it is not a negative in practice.
For Example.
The one RX bound to the TX in the say an IOM.
Swap rigs, & all is OK. (I do not know of anyone who uses a different "Model Memory" for a change in rig).
(Re-reading your post, just before sending, I see that you do!!! Just that I am surprised, as the different sheeting angles etc are known [& depending on your actual setup are preset] in attaching sheeting lines etc).
But never the less.
A different boat, (say a 10 Rater) would in practice, have a different RX installed & also bound to the TX.
Many people do not even change to a different "Model Memory", (or do not have a TX that allows it) for the different boat, but if you do, there is no problem, & indeed, (as much as our boats don't fall out of the sky) the "Modelmatch" feature then at least ensures that you are not using the wrong "Model memory' for the different boat.
I did say, "in practice" (as above example) but sure; if you were to swap Rx's between boats, & then want to change to a different "Model Memory" on the TX, you would have to rebind.
Even this would be no real problem, as you would have the RX out, while you swapped, & quickly plug in the "binding plug" to the RX, & carry out the binding process in less than 10 seconds.
Regards,
John
I am currently using a DX6 and 3 RX's which are in seperate yachts. 1 IOM, 1 RC Laser and 1 Soling 1 Meter. Each RX is bound to the TX and each boat is programmed, with it's RX, to a unique model name in the TX.
Works great. Just select which model name you are sailing, on the TX, then turn on the boat and it is all ready to go. I use 3 RX's to save on stuffing around changing from boat to boat.
You can also do this with 1 RX in your IOM and program each rig and save it under a different model name in memory.
Regards,
Larry.
Great news: Hitec has developed a second generation digital servo (arm-)
to follow the 5955 : The HS 7955.
40% better torque. overload protection and better resolution.
Coming this spring and priced like the old one.
Should be the perfect arm servo.
May need the new programmer but presumably not for 180 deg. programming
Ken,
I've got a DX6i, and I confirm it's a great radio! 4 1.2V batteries last many hours (I've been to a 3 days regatta with sapre batteries, but no charger, and did'nt have to change them...)
Regarding 5990 or 7955 or any other than 5745, I don't think it's necessary to pay 110$ , and to add 100g of lead in the boat...for IOM of course...In mine, with a 5745, there is 250g already...
Regarding model match, you're right. If you bind the receiver with a model memory, then change memory, and bind again, it doesn't operate with the first memory, so the only way to change model for each rig is to bind when you change rig...not so convenient!