#dx6i

Rather than buying a backlight module meant for a DX7 or DX9, I decided to go my own way with it.

I bought a LED backlight module from Adafruit for $2.50

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1622

I then calculated the resistor needed to limit current to 20mA. In this case it was 15 ohms. There are online calculators available to do this as well. Use the current and voltage provided by the manufacturer and the input voltage to get this value.

I decided to use 3.3 volts regulated so the backlight wouldn’t dim as the battery voltage dropped.

Note that the panel has a front and back, with the back being much more reflective! I used a sharpy to mark the back to prevent installing backwards.

My first step was to trim the acrylic diffuser to fit

I then found a regulated 3.3 source. My first location didn’t work, as even the minuscule current from the panel dropped the voltage. I instead found a location right on a large electrolytic capacitor.

I first attempted to trim the LCD brackets to allow the backlight to fit under them, but soon gave that up. I then had issues where any pressure on the LCD itself at all made it not display. I insulated the back of the backlight module, and made sure the LCD wasn’t under any strain, then reassembled.

Once I had the LCD lined up I reassembled, and viola! A backlit DX6e!

Spektrum DX6i 6 Channel Transmitter (Only MD2)

The 6-channel DX6i includes software for airplanes and helicopters as well as benefits like ModelMatch technology and 10-model memory. Programming the DX6i is about as intuitive as it gets. The combination of its Simple Scroll interface, easy-to-read LCD screen and simplified menu navigation will immediately put first-time programmers at ease. Many programming functions like throttle curves and…

Instaling the EastRC.org Alum. Machined Trim Tabs and Roller on my Spektrum DX6i Transmitter

My trim tabs needed to be replaced, so I ordered some machined aluminium replacement parts from http://www.eastrc.org I got them in no time, they work great … Video Rating: 4 / 5

Finally tracked down a new dx6i. Picked up the last one from my local hobby store for $162.07. Binding the mSR to it was easy.

Plug in mSR battery.

Hold the trainer switch and turn on dx6i.

Wait a few seconds until the mSR stops blinking.

The dx6i is a lot bigger and heavier than the stock mSR radio. It felt harder to handle but that probably just takes a little getting used to. The sticks are stiffer and longer to the point that just using thumbs feel unnatural. The stick length and tension are both adjustable but I probably won't try to change anything just yet. The pinch method (use both thumb and index finger on sticks) now makes a lot of sense to me. I think a neckstrap should come with the radio instead of being sold as an additional accessory (consumer point of view of course). Without it, I'm constantly worrying about dropping it even with the rubberized grip on the sides. Even much smaller items like the Wii remote or compact digital cameras comes with a strap. The bottom of the radio also has a round curve that fits my belly perfectly, not sure if that's good or bad... It reminds me of those little tables that hot dog vendors use at stadiums. The thing really feel like it's designed to be hanging from your neck instead of being held. The dx10t shows the next step in this line of design.

The menus in the radio is fairly intuitive. The way different settings are represented is easy to understand. I did not have to RTFM to change settings at all. The clickable scroll wheel gets the job done but I wonder why they don't utilize the sticks themselves. With the sticks, the UI can use grids instead of being limited to lists only. The lcd screen comes without backlight, but there are after market kits available. With the rate consumer electronics are going, a touch screen should not be too far off. A bluetooth enabled 2nd screen mobile app for configuration could be a nice gimmick.

I've been thinking about getting a Spektrum dx6i for the mSR a lot. Pretty much everyone that comments on this topic says it makes flying noticeably different, that it is the single best upgrade you can make. However, the transmitter itself cost more than the mSR. I must think about this carefully and make sure it is money well spent.

Lets say I turn serious about this hobby, hoping to eventually doing some 3d flying with collective pitch helicopters. What would this dx6i do for me? From what little I've read so far, people like Futaba transmitters better. By the time I can handle a collective pitch heli, who knows what other new radio full of bells and whistles are out there. I don't really think people use dx6i at that level too much either. There's dx7, dx8, and other higher end models.

What if I stay somewhat casual, content with flying mostly indoor or small outdoor helis? Only Blade helicopters will bind to Spektrum DSM2 technology out of the box. Without going into collective pitch helis, that limits my choices down to mCX, mSR, and 120 SR. Supposedly the 120 SR is just a bigger mSR with similar flight characteristics. I would think I want to fly more than just one brand. Try the Nine Eagles Solo Pro or Walkera CB100 to see how different these beginner helicopters are, or moving up to an Esky Honey Bee FP for a little outside flying is another possibility. None of them would work with the dx6i without significant work. Interestingly, if I had started out with a CB100 and get a better Walkera transmitter, it would work with other Walkera models. Walkera has many different setups that caters to pilots of different skill levels such as flybarless or 90° flybar. I almost wish I did more research and gone that route instead.