It's time to talk transmitters! I recently purchased a DX5e from my LHS (Along with a Spektrum trainer cord) so that I could teach my friends how to fly. In this video I tried to cover not only an overview and review of the DX5e itself, but also a little discussion and comparison of different transmitters to help you understand what you get from each.

I did a lot of deliberating in the video and it may have been confusing to listen to and draw any final conclusion from. I'll be providing a full write-up (Along with the flat out pro's, cons, and features) to give you a better contrast and help you more comprehensively form an opinion on what transmitter is best for you.

The DX5e is a $70, low end, full range 2.4 ghz 5 channel radio from Spektrum. All DX5e radios are currently shipping with 3- position switches on the fifth channel, so that they can be used with trainer planes equipped with SAFE technology. Full- range DX5e transmitters are also being included with SAFE- equipped RTF parkflyers, such as the Apprentice S and F-4U Corsair S. I like this because it means that first- time pilots are given a full range radio that they can use for pretty much any plane, and so they can use it as a radio to help them 'explore' the hobby when first starting out.

The DX5e comes with AA alkaline batteries, a 3- position switch (Which I really like!), a Trainer/Bind switch, and a Hi/Lo rate switch, which has pre- set rates of 100% High and 70% Low. It also comes with a ratcheted throttle stick and plastic neck strap loop (You always want to use a neck strap!)

I think I focused enough in the video on why the normal RTF 'playstation' transmitters are bad, so I'll focus on the comparison here between the DX5e and the DX6i.

THE BIG ISSUE!- The DX5e is NOT a programmable transmitter.

Programmability in a transmitter gives you the ability to adjust servo travel, create mixes, adjust dual rates and expo, set flaps, have a timer, save multiple models, and a lot of other cool features that only grow as you move further up the line. The DX6i is what you'd call a 'bare minimum' programmable transmitter, but even with it being the 'bare minimum' for a computerized radio, it is still vastly better than the DX5e due to the ability to adjust and fine tune so many more settings. This is where the DX6i gains a lot of ground on the DX5e.

DX6i (6 channels)--- DX5e (5 channels)

DX6i (Metal neck strap loop)--- DX5e (Plastic neck strap loop)

DX6i (Adjustable dual rates)--- DX5e (Pre- set, non- adjustable Hi/Lo rates): The only reason that the DX5e has 'Hi/Lo rates' whereas the DX6i has 'Dual rates', is because with the DX6i you can chose which position on the switch is 'Hi' and which is 'Lo'. Since the DX5e has pre- set rates, its feature is called 'Hi/Lo rates'. Additionally, the DX6i can separately adjust rates for each control surface, (i.e. 50% rudder, 70% aileron, 20% elevator) and it allows you to select the rate for each control surface separately. (One switch for each control surface.)

Overall, the DX5e is a good budget/beginner radio. Being a full range, 5- channel radio, it gives you the freedom to explore all aspects of the hobby and get a feel for things. Once you know that you love the hobby, look into buying a better radio, like a DX6i or higher. (Probably higher if you know that you're going to progress in the hobby.) $70 is a very good price for a full range, 5- channel transmitter, but what really keeps it from being something that you can use as a primary radio as you progress in the hobby is A: The lack of programmability and B: The ability to only save 1 model. (I covered model memory in the video.)

Bottom line: If you have one of the little playstation transmitters, get rid of it ASAP and upgrade to a DX5e at least. The small RTF transmitters are very low power and the sticks are not truly proportional. (I also covered this in the video) The DX5e is a wonderful beginner/budget transmitter that you can use to explore the hobby, but it's definitely not something I would recommend as a primary radio if you're an intermediate-advanced pilot with multiple planes who's looking to grow.

Happy flying!