New Spektrum DX3 *COMPLETE RADIO SYSTEM*

[StevePond]

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/horizon/DX3_1.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com/pics/horizon/DX3_2.jpg

Spektrum’s race-proven 2.4GHz DSM technology in a 3-channel radio that puts the pro-style digital features you really need at your fingertips. Until now, unless you owned a module-equipped radio, there was no easy way you could race with the security and convenience of Spektrum’s DSM 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology. But with the new Spektrum* DX3, you’ll have a three-channel system loaded with great programmable features combined with built-in, ultra-fast DSM modulation. It couldn’t be easier.

You’ll never have to select-or wait for-a channel again. Plus, glitching from motors, servos and metal-to-metal “noise” will be a thing of the past. Also, along with the interference-free, no-pins-no-crystals advantages of DSM, you’ll be able to add telemetry in the very near future.

And to get a better handle on the DX3’s programmable features, just check the examples below.

• STEERING TRIM
Who wants a car that doesn’t track like it’s on rails? With the DX3’s digital steering trim, you get it perfect every time. And like all the following features, your setting is memorized every time you turn off your transmitter.

• STATIC BRAKE
Some setups and courses requiring lots of steering will benefit from precisely adjusted static brake at neutral-to enhance weight shift for more "turn-in." Conversely, if your car’s steering is aggressive, a few clicks of "creep" will be your ticket to faster laps.

• PANIC BRAKE
When heading into the corners, do you hook from too much panic brake? Relax. A few clicks with a thumb rocker will give you less brake-and more control. Nitro racers, on the other hand, can add more brake to offset fade in those long mains.

• STEERING RATE
Let’s say your steering rate’s set for the track’s tightest turn, but you begin to lose “bite” as the race progresses. No problem. A few blips of added steering-using a thumb rocker-will put you right back in the groove.

Spektrum’s DX3 is backed Horizon Hobby, Inc., and it’s available soon at better dealers and tracks nationwide.


DX3 3-Channel DSM System
Item number: SPM2030
Price: $249.99

For more information about this and other Spektrum products, visit the Spektrum (http://www.spektrumrc.com) website.

© Copyright 2005 RC Zone/Air Age Media - all the text and images posted on this website are protected by copyright law.
This material may not be reproduced in any manner for any reason without the expressed written consent of Air Age Media.


Thanks to Chris J. for the tip.

[rcboy201]

its the return of the old XR3 but with DSM

[streetracer]

Its also got some software upgrades I do believe.

[ducati777]

Whoa!!!! $250!!! Sa weeeett. That other 2.4 radio was like 400 wasn't it? 250 is totally within reach for a basher like me.

[StevePond]

I figured it was only a matter of time before they introduced a complete radio.

[thedarkness]

Im not a fan of silver radios but I always though the first gen xr3s were a damn fine looking radio.Is that $250 msrp or street price either way it sounds like a screaming deal to me.

[StevePond]

I believe its the street price.

[Scooby_WRX]

Where are the full features listed? I dont see the basics.. EXP, TDB, EPA, etc... How many model memory is it?

[suckfish]

it's only a 3 model memory

[Chevy-SS]

Yeah, 3 model memory is the pits. That's too bad. They coulda at least made it six model, ten would have been optimum.

[Cain]

I never liked the XR3's as they felt heavy in the hand and unbalanced. The newer ones I liked better but I love my MX-3 the best. What would be cool is if they make a radio from each manufacturer with this technology prebuilt. So I can get an MX-3 with this already in it.

[rcboy201]

JR and Spektrum are both distributed mainly by horizon so i highly doubt they will come out with a radio that looks like a MX-3

[aior0s]

I just wanted to say that Hitec SRX with Spektrum is about that price range too.
Probably the SRX doesn't have more features than this. I don't know!I'm new at this!
If you're lucky you can get spektrum for $130-ish on eBay! IF YOU'RE LUCKY!
Just my 2cent!

[Cain]

How much do the receivers run for this system? For the convenience of not having to fight for the frequency clip, that is nice.

[Combatcm]

$74, the same ones that are currently out I believe.

As long as its got basic trims + EPA, I don't care what else. Though 3 memory? It won't be more advanced than just programming a few more in.

[fanke19]

I'm going to wait until this fall / winter. This is a good deal, but give it some time, and they'll show up cheaper. I'll run the rest of this year on my Futaba 3PM TFS, then sell that on Ebay to help pay for this new radio. Three model memory...no problem. That will be enough for my one buggy, my one m/t, and my one mini. No problem :)

[ALJR]

3 model momory is weak.. they should have based this off the current jr xs3 pro (10 models)..

[MacII]

Does anyone know if this is really an XS3 with DSM? I've got an XS3 and love it, only thing missing is DSM...if this DX3 has all the XS3 features, I'm in.

[rcboy201]

its based off the orgional XR3 which dosnt have as many features as the XS3

[MacII]

I wonder why they would do that...the XS3 is the perfect base radio for DSM...

[rcboy201]

i guess since the xs3 is still in production and the XR3 isnt

[MacII]

Production shouldn't matter. Look at the XS3 Pro, a minor enhancement of the XS3. The DSM would be the ultimate addition. Its Super weak (if/that) that used the XR3i as the starting point. DSM is a racer product. Once you go to a big race and some yahoo out there turns on his radio during your race and ruins a qual round (or worse a main) you will run to get DSM. I can't see why they would take a novice/beginner radio and add DSM to it. The XS3 seemed to me to have the perfect blend of features and price, its very popular at the track and would be the ideal basis upon which to build a killer DSM radio...

[rcboy201]

i guess you'll just have to call spekturm, and tell them to make a xs3 with DSM

[Ball Racing]

What feature does the XS3 have that the XR doesn't????
I have both ,but not the XS3 pro -that has only extra model memory..(and a gray case and pad on handle and ajustable trigger with a mamba steering wheel) but nothing else electronic function wise.......

and when did they quit making the XR???
Still in store everywhere around here

[MacII]

To be honest I don't know. But I didn't see anything listed about End Point Adjustment (which is huge) and Exponential. I have Emailed Spektrum to try and find out if these features are in the radio, thus far no reply.

[C.J.OO]

Now Ur Talkin..
All I need is one of them..
and 4 spektrum receivers This is Taking RC to the Next level...:)

[Frode S]

Download the manual here for all you want to know: http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo/Files/DX3Manual_lo-res.pdf

[MacII]

Thanks, I'll dig up my XS3 manual and see how they compare. At least it has EPA, though its not called EPA...

[Combatcm]

I just noticed that the manual says it has a lithium battery backup system that will go bad after 5 years. And it will reset after you take out the batteries if the lithium battery has no charge. You have to send it in to horizon to have it replaced if it fails.

What's with all this new technology and irreplaceable lithium batteries?

[Chevy-SS]

I just noticed that the manual says it has a lithium battery backup system that will go bad after 5 years. And it will reset after you take out the batteries if the lithium battery has no charge. You have to send it in to horizon to have it replaced if it fails.

What's with all this new technology and irreplaceable lithium batteries?

Why wouldn't you just leave the regular batteries in place while you replaced the lithium battery? That would prevent loss of memory, wouldn't it?

[Tk08]

it says it comes with a high torque race servo, anybody got specs on that?

[Tk08]

never mind i just found them

Z590 Torque Race Servo
Torque 85 oz/in at 6V
Speed .15 sec/60° at 6V

[R/C Kid]

I believe that the JR X series radios use the same system to keep memory of models and settings, as this is a JR based system it is the same no new fangled technology and new irreplacable batts.

[SVTMaxx]

The lithium backup battery isn't anything new, they've been using them in model airplane computer radios for years.

[R/C Kid]

We should be getting these in at our shop on Friday they shipped yesterday and I hope to pick one up Friay evening or Early Saturday and i will post a full review next Tuesday :D x oo

[LandSharkGT]

I for one will be purchasing this radio as I have heard that all the race & pit glitches are a thing of the past! And no more fumbling with crystals or small screw drivers!

[Y2KGTP]

I'm pre-ordering 1 for myself, and prob 2 for my 2 boys.....new track has 1 onroad, 1 offroad, and 1 indoor offroad track.....I'm not sitting around for a 1/2 hour waiting for crystal anymore.....

[R/C Kid]

Forunately I have a race this weekend so I will be able to fully test it, I will also test it for range, and glitching by rubing metal together on the car.

[Combatcm]

How far range can you get out of it? I have dealt with many am systems and can only reliably get 200 feet or less, even though some claim 1/4 mile.

[R/C Kid]

The shipment was delayed so I just got it yesterday, I havent been able to check the range, however the failsafe, and fine control you get out of the system is beyond amazing its as if the radio and reciever are reading your mind I am very impressed!

[Cain]

How much are these going for at the shop? If they are really good, may get 1 since I only run 1 vehicle.

[R/C Kid]

Here we are selling them for $249.99 I don't know what they are selling for elsewere.

[Cain]

Will have to think about it some more. Look forward to your report on it.

[Combatcm]

I will also get one the first opportunity I get.

[R/C Kid]

I wont be able to run out at the track for at least a week as it is under construction, and I am going on vacation for the fourth of JUly :(, however I am going to be doing some testing on Friday with the assistance of my partner in crime.

[metalry101]

My shop just got them today. 219.99. While the radio is ugly...and only has 3 model memory, that is one helluva sweet way to get into a Spektrum system. Quite a value in my book.

[R/C Kid]

Aww cmon I like the looks nice graphite finish, anbd the orange accents/buttons, well I like it, the online pictures are lighter than the actual radio, the finish is actualy quite a but darker almost the same color as the graphite color Dodge paints some of its trucks.

[djray77]

http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=76433
This guy has them for $180 NIB.

[Y2KGTP]

http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=76433
This guy has them for $180 NIB.


Had them.... :(

[Cain]

He may get more in.

How big is the receiver compared to say an airtronics receiver that comes standard with the MX-3?

[Combatcm]

I'm going to grab one tomarrow. Quite a step up from the 2PL.

[metalry101]

It's about the same size as the one in an MX-3 I'd say.

[Cain]

ok, space is a premium where I will use the receiver so I need to make sure its not too big.

[R/C Kid]

the reciever is TINY and nearly weightless I haven't ever seen one that is so light, it kind of worries me as to how it will withstand vibration, but It has an excelent warranty so at least I am covered.

I just pulled one off the shelf and the case is 1.5 in by 1 in so it is not tiny but its small enough to work for almost anything.

[Y2KGTP]

best price shipped? My usual guy has not let me know anything....... :confused:

[R/C Kid]

Online you will probably see it for around $249.99 as that is the MAP(Minimum advertisable price).

[Combatcm]

Hobbytown sells them for 230 in store. The reciever is the same size as a futaba R142JE.

I broke mine after the first run with it. I was screwing around with all the stuff and the tension adjustment came up. I wanted to see how far I could screw the tension screw in. The spring came undone from inside the radio. I had to take everything apart and put the spring back on. I suggest don't messing with it.

It's weird using the radio without a big metal antenna.

[Y2KGTP]

Online you will probably see it for around $249.99 as that is the MAP(Minimum advertisable price).

I hate MAP...have to deal with it myself all the time..... :rolleyes:

[metalry101]

I love Horizon's MAP. Horizon's pricing is usually a helluva lot better than Great Planes' in my opinion...and it helps keep everything uniform. Horizon sells stuff at MAP and offers the stuff to hobby shops at a reasonable enough price that they can sell it for the same and still make a decent enough margin, whereas Great Planes just rapes everyone by having Tower price everything super-low. Tower's great for people in the middle of nowhere who don't have an option, but they screw a lot of hobby shops because my shop isn't going to try and survive on the 5 or 10% markup that Tower's prices give me. It's ridiculous, and as such, I'm a HUGE fan of the way Horizon does business. To me they really are about helping the hobby and doing their part to keep local shops in business, whereas GP seems to be all about making money for themselves through Tower instead of giving the hobby shops a fighting chance.

[supralative]

We gout ours in Friday. Dropped it all and binded the two together. Built in fail safe is real cool feature...has some decent adjustments, nothing major like exponential and stuff like that.

Overall not a bad radio at all!!!!

[gatrbite]

My local hobby shop has them for $209.99. If anyone wants one, let me know and I can make the arrangements.

[Combatcm]

When I have the radio 4 feet or closer, the reciever cuts off and re-binds randomly. Is this normal?

[MTA4]

Since when does Tower have cheap prices? Every online shop (ultimate, ACE, Stormer, etc...), and of course Ebay, smokes Towers prices.

[Y2KGTP]

What are some of the basic features of the radio...EPA, dual rates, etc ? I have a MX3-S now, and wondered if features compared....

[gatrbite]

It has pretty much everything except for EXP.

[Y2KGTP]

Well, just got my radio today.....I hope they don't come out with a higher end model right away, so I don't feel bad for getting this one :p

I like the receiver attenna....what is it, like 10" long ? Can't wait to get it in my NTC3 and use it a bit.....it will pay off when I go to the track, no more channel hassles!

[Legend_Car]

is it worth buying its quite expensive

[supralative]

is it worth buying its quite expensive
:confused: :confused:
expensive???
how is it expensive
no more crystal issues crossing signals worrying about pins its great man!!!
that is cheap for Spektrum set up

I am pleased with mine for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Legend_Car]

how isnt it when you can get an am radio for 50 or fm for 100 or syn for 150 sure its so much better but still

[HelicopterPilot]

What features are you losing from teh XS3 if I switch to teh DX3?

[supralative]

how isnt it when you can get an am radio for 50 or fm for 100 or syn for 150 sure its so much better but still

you just said its so much better but still....this is the reason why
you would still have to check frequency clips
the frequency level is still probable to interference more so than a 2.4GHz signal
if you look around you can get these for under $200
so its just as cheap in the long run

[tonyq]

it has all the features i got it and i works just great

[HelicopterPilot]

it has all the features i got it and i works just great


So it has all the features of the XS3?

[Cain]

I just sold my MX3 so I am going to be looking for this radio.

[Y2KGTP]

I just sold my MX3 so I am going to be looking for this radio.

I am selling my MX3-S, as I just bought this radio as well :D

[tonyq]

i have an sx3 for sale very cheap

[tonyq]

im seling my sx3 cheap

[erock1331]

Anyone know if Spektrum plans to make a higher end model to compete with the Fut 3PK, Airtronics M-8, JR R-1, and KO Helios ??

[Legend_Car]

if i had 250 bucks should i buy it?

[Y2KGTP]

if i had 250 bucks should i buy it?

I'm sure if you look around, you can do better than 250$....I paid under 200$ myself....

[Y2KGTP]

Well, stupid me fried the reciever hooking up the battery wrong :mad: nice little puff of smoke, and all it does now is flash the little light... :D

Is it worth it to send it in for repair, or just buy a new one? I'll prob buy a new one for now, then sell it when\if I get it back from repair.....if I can figure out where to sell it....

[danieljk]

I'm sure they'd fix it for free.

[Y2KGTP]

I'm sure they'd fix it for free.

Now, wouldn't that be nice! I went out to a LHS and picked up a replacement to use (retail :mad: ) and also had a 2nd 1 on order......much cheaper than retail. So I might end up with 3 receivers :D

[Y2KGTP]

Question on the 3rd channel......one of the vehicles I'm using this in is a LST, for the trans shift.....ideas on how to make this work?

[RCRevolution]

can anyone post if it has all the features of a xs3 or just a xr 3....

[Saboteur]

Anyone have this spektrum radio? I'm debating whether or not I should but it, or get an M8 and the spekturm model. I personally won't be getting into any big racing until the future and still in the process of buying a car. I just want something so that the next time I go to the track (possibly this upcoming wednesday) I won't have to worry about logging in or anything. I hope it has all the features it has like my Futaba 3PDFX because thats all I need for the moment. Nothing fancy. The lhs is selling it for $239.99 My friend who I take to the track with my already has the 3pk, but no spektrum.

[graphite07]

Where are the full features listed? I dont see the basics.. EXP, TDB, EPA, etc... How many model memory is it?


3 memory mode, and yes them features are there for the most part. i just got my dx3 thrusdaynight. its installed on my rc10gt going to race today and try it out.


i love this radio,when i first got it i did not bind the receiver to the radio like the manual siad to do. but after i read the instructions i found this out:) its awesome.

once the dx3 is turned on the radio scans for a open channel and the receiver scans for the radio its bonded it to. also the failsafe is on why scanning thats cool:) becuase when you bind tyhe radio to the receiver you set the streering and throttle postin for the fail safe to place servos in if the is a malfuction in the system. i have it set to place wheels straight and the break on.

nice radio feels light weight and easy to set up.

[graphite07]

can anyone post if it has all the features of a xs3 or just a xr 3....


1. dsm 2.4 ghz spread spectrum modulation
2. three channels
3. easy to read LCP graphic display
4. three-character model name entry
5. electronic digital trim levers for throttle and streering
6. two assignable electronic grip levers
7. third channel accessible through grip dial A
8. direct display trim function
9. sub trim
10.streering dual rate
11.independent streering endpoint adjustment
12.brake/throttle endpoint adjustment
13.low battery alarm
14.charge jack receptacle

all the features from the manual..

[Y2KGTP]

I'm sure they'd fix it for free.

Sent it in yesterday....I'll let you guys know..... ;)

[Saboteur]

Are there any features on the Spektrum such as ATL, ATV, or Expo? I may stop into the LHS Tuesday and need to make up my mind.

[BCat125]

Are there any features on the Spektrum such as ATL, ATV, or Expo? I may stop into the LHS Tuesday and need to make up my mind.


Yes to all of those

[Saboteur]

Oh ok kewl:). Funny how it's not listed.

[BCat125]

yeah i was worried about it too but when i got it it was all there

[Hachi_Roku]

Wait, I'm confused, some people say that it has EXP and some don't. The ARC (aka EXP) function on my MX-3 has been very useful so I don't want to lose that feature if I get this radio. According to the manual it doesn't seem to be available. Can anobody confirm this?

[RCRevolution]

lol can anyone confrim expo, atl, atv, anything other then whats in the manual.

[Y2KGTP]

Well, stupid me fried the reciever hooking up the battery wrong :mad: nice little puff of smoke, and all it does now is flash the little light... :D

Is it worth it to send it in for repair, or just buy a new one? I'll prob buy a new one for now, then sell it when\if I get it back from repair.....if I can figure out where to sell it....

Ohhhh....they just sent me a brand new 1 in a shrinkwrapped box....how nice, and for free! (well, minus my 3.85 priority mail to them) :D

[nitro lover]

My friend is buying one of these and the hobby shop is telling him that he can power as many models as he has recievers. This may be true but he can only have 3 models saved in the radio correct?

[laro]

Is there any channel mixing on it. thanks

[Y2KGTP]

Is there any channel mixing on it. thanks

There is some sort of channel mix function with the 3rd channel....I'll look later and see what it actually is.... :D