Spektrum DX 8 - Telemetry for Airplanes

by Matt
(Kentucky)

So what's all the buzz about the new Spektrum DX8? Other than the fact that it has 8 channels, what makes it any different from any of the other Spektrum transmitters?

There are actually several new features that set the DX-8 apart from the others. The coolest feature by far is the built in telemetry capabilities. A back lit screen, built in charger, SD memory card reader, vibration alarms, tension adjustable gimbals, and the powerful new Spektrum AirWare software is just icing on the cake!

What the heck is Telemetry?

The typical radio systems we are used to work just like a one-way conversation. The transmitters do all the talking while the receivers do all the listening. The telemetry module in the Spektrum DX8 actually sends data back to the transmitter.

The Spektrum DX8 comes with the Tm 1000 telemetry module. This module plugs into the data port of the included AR8000 Receiver. This telemetry module has three ports. A port for a temperature sensor, a port for voltage sensor, and a port for RPM sensor. You can see how it all goes together back clicking the picture above. All of these sensors are included with the radio with the exception of the RPM sensor which is sold separately.

The most practical use of telemetry in my opinion is the ability to monitor battery voltage. We all know that flight times can vary significantly with electric powered airplanes depending on how aggressively we fly. After hitting the LVC a couple of times we generally get a good idea of about where you should set the timer to notify us when it's time to land. If you're like me you probably set the timer conservatively to avoid LVC dead stick landings, which means that you could probably get longer flights if you wanted to "chance it".

With the telemetry voltage sensor that comes with the Spektrum DX8 transmitter, you no longer have to set a timer and "guess" how long you can stay in the air. You fly until the transmitters tells you it's time to land; by an audible alarm or vibration of the transmitter itself. You will also have peace of mind that your RX battery is good while flying your glow planes.

You can use the included temperature sensor to monitor battery packs temps, motor temps, or even the temperate of your engine. This is a great tool for letting you know when you're engine is running lean. When the battery, motor, or engine exceeds a set temperature you will receive an alarm letting you know to land before you screw something up. This has the potential to save you a ton of money!

The transmitter also has a signal strength indicator just like your cell phone. It lets you know in real time the strength of the radio link between your transmitter and receiver. Telemetry really takes all the guess work out of everything!

I imagine that we will see more types of telemetry sensors from Spektrum in the future. Perhaps sensor to measure altitude, speed, G's, you name it!

Back Lit Screen

The Spektrum DX8 has another pretty cool feature that you've probably wished you had at one timer or another. It has a back lit screen. How many times have you looked at your transmitter's screen and seen nothing but the reflection of the sun? Or how about those flights at dusk when there's not enough light to see the screen?

The illuminated screen makes it easy to see your transmitter's menu no matter what the conditions are.

SD Memory Card Reader

The Spektrum DX transmitter holds up to 30 models on its internal memory alone! But what really sets this radio apart from any other radio is that fact that it has an SD memory card reader. This means that you can save an unlimited amount of models to your computer.

For the first time, you can now email a friend a certain model mix or set up or share setup files online with other pilots. This feature really makes it easy to help each other out as far as programming goes.

You can also get firmware updates from Spektrum via the internet to add features or to address any software problems or glitches. The transmitter comes with a 16MB card, which isn't exactly cheap!

Spektrum AirWare software

Spektrum's Airware Software has built in programming for just about any scenario you can imagine. This includes all fixed wing types and 4 swash plate types for the heli guys. There isn't an airplane or heli out their than can't be flown with the Spectrum DX8.

You no longer have to be a computer or programming whiz to figure out how to set up your airplane. Just scroll through the mixes and find the one for your application. If you happen to be the type that enjoys setting up your own mixes, you will be glad to know that there are 6 custom programmable mixes.

Another great feature is that all of the switches on top of the transmitter can assigned any way you like.

Built in Charger

The Spektrum DX8 actually has a battery charger built into the transmitter. The charge jack is non-polarity-critical. This means you can use the included AC/DC power 12 volt power supply that plugs into the wall, or you can use any 12 volt power supply such as cigarette lighter etc.

The internal charger can charge both the included 4-cell 2000mAh 4.8V NiMH Transmitter Battery or the optional 2-cell 4000mAh LiPo Transmitter Battery.

Customizable "Feel"

Another feature we haven't seen before from Spektrum is the special rubber on the back and sides of the radio that actually conforms to the shape of yours hands. This may not seem like such a big deal, but it can make a big difference on those intense flights when you tend to have a death grip on the TX!

The gimbals themselves have been upgraded from previous radios with a set of quad bearings giving a nice solid smooth feel in flight. The spring tension and length of the gimbals can be adjusted to the exact feel that you're comfortable with.

The Spektrum DX8 comes as a conventional mode 2 setup. But it can easily be switched to mode 1, 2 or 4 in a matter of minutes.

The best part about this radio is that you don't have to take out a second mortgage on the house to pay for it. You really can't beat the price of the DX8 considering all the features, components, and extras that come with it!