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SPEKTRUM DX3R DS2M

Features at a Glance• 30-model memory, • ModelMatch, • Channel mixing, • Digital trims, • Graphically depicted exponential, • Graphically depicted travel (EPA) adjustments, • Trim rate adjustment, • Steering dual rate, • Steering dual rate override, • Frame rate, • Servo monitor, • Switch assignment, • Model reset• Model copy, • Subtrims, • Three timer functions: countdown, count up, and integrated.

FeaturesUpdated Technology: The new system uses DSM2, second-generation protocol, which Spektrum says reduces the total latency of the system with a higher bit-rate, resulting in a more locked-in feel. What does this mean for the racer? Well, the time it takes the receiver to translate the data from the transmitter is reduced. The result: no more lag that racers complained about in the older DSM technology. Also implemented in the DX3R is an adjustable frame-rate. Frame-rate is explained by Spektrum as the time interval at which the servo data is updated on the receiver. The higher the frame-rate, the more often the servo data is updated. This results in a smoother motion and more precise control.

Single Button Navigation: The DX3R represents the simplest navigation interface I have ever come across on the market. The single button navigation is simply a scroll button—that's it! Roll the button and you can scroll through the menus, in turn highlighting selections. Press it inward and you select whatever you've highlighted. To deselect, simply press the scroll button again and scroll up to the back arrow on the screen to return to the previous menu. No more guessing the multi-button combo to unlock hidden features, and no more consulting your manual to refresh your memory.

4-cell Power: Yup, that's right. The DX3R uses only four AA batteries to power it up. This lower power requirement (due to more efficient circuitry) means two things for the user. First, you'll need less money for new dry cell batteries (or rechargeables, should you use them). The second benefit of having fewer batteries is a lighter radio. This is ideal for running long mains. With the conventional setup of 8 AAs, your radio can get heavy toward the end of an hour-long main. Those four extra cells do make that much of a difference. It also helps that the DX3R is a light radio to begin with.

Large LCD Screen: The large LCD screen means larger type and graphs when navigating the menus. This makes adjusting your radio during races or competitions easy and visually pleasing to the eye. My only disappointment was the lack of a backlit screen, but that's the price you pay when creating a lower-power consumption radio system.

Lefty Compatible: Lefties need not worry; Spektrum designers didn't forget about you. Unlike low-budget radios, but like most high-end radios, the DX3R is compatible for use by left-handed drivers. Included is all the hardware you'll need to convert your DX3R for the left-hand driver. You simply remove the steering wheel, trim buttons, and faceplates, then reinstall everything using the included left-handed faceplates to create a mirror image of the standard radio.

Lesser-Known Feature Uses: As mentioned in the bulleted features list, there are some new items rarely seen in surface radios that you may be wondering about. These include channel mixing, switch assignment, and ModelMatch. With the exception of ModelMatch, you've probably heard of these features before.

Channel mixing allows the user to mix two channels to perform a single action, such as dual servo steering in large-scale vehicles, or throttle control in dual engine boats. You can also use channel mixing for 4-wheel steering on monster trucks or rock crawlers. Switch assignment allows the user to set any of the six available switches to be assigned one of twelve functions: Inhibit, Aux 3P, Aux 2P, Aux Linear, Brake, Throttle Exp, Throttle Trim, S/R Override, Steering Exp, Steering S/R, Steering Trim and Timer. When setting up the DX3R in my 2.2 crawler, I was able to set the auxiliary channel switch (C) to Aux 3P. If you're familiar with rock crawling, you'll know this is perfect for a dig setup: (pos 1) rear wheels engaged, (pos 2) rear wheels disengaged, and (pos 3) rear wheels disengaged and locked. This setting is also handy when used with 3-speed trucks such as the Tamiya High-Lift and Bruiser/Mountaineer.Finally, there's the feature you've probably never heard of before, and that's Spektrum's ModelMatch. This is Spektrum's patented technology that prevents operating a model using the wrong model memory. According to the manual, during the binding process, the receiver actually stores the code that is assigned to the specific model that is currently selected in the transmitter. Basically, if the model that's selected in the transmitter is model #1, when the receiver is bound, the receiver will only operate when model #1 is selected.

Testing:I decided to install the DX3R in the HPI Baja 5B SS that I'm reviewing for a future issue. And since this radio was going to be my new all-purpose radio, I went ahead and bound the DX3R to the receivers already in all my cars. Yes, the new DX3R is compatible with most previous receivers that use DSM technology, but you won't be able to take advantage of the faster DSM2 technology.

Ease of Use • Binding the new system was made easier by implementing a digital binding feature on the radio. You no longer need to hold a button on the radio or module to bind the radio to the receiver. You do, however, need to use the bind plug in the receiver to enter bind mode. Once bound, it was on to setting up the transmitter for use. Browsing through the menus is very straightforward. They are easy to navigate and shallow. By this I mean that once you're at the settings list to find a setting to adjust (only a click away), you don't need to go beyond three clicks before you're making that adjustment.

Looks and Comfort • Some people don't like the way the new Spektrum radio looks. I, on the other hand, like it a lot. It's very sleek and modern looking. But it's not just the looks that I like. The shape of the transmitter causes it to be pretty well balanced, and also gives the user a comfortable grip. The handle feels good in the hand and will give you easy access to all the buttons. However, the trigger isn't adjustable, which leaves the "large-fingered" individual searching for a way to effectively actuate the trigger with only the very tip of the finger. But for the average person, this shouldn't be much of an issue.

The System as a Whole • Some racers claim they can feel the difference in the latency of different radio systems. These are usually A-Main drivers or people who are highly connected to their racing vehicle. In most cases, milliseconds of latency is not going to affect your car's handling, the exception being on-road carpet racing. When using the DX3R with the SR3100 receiver, there's a more direct feeling than with previous systems, which should please most hardcore racers.

Conclusion:Simply put, this new DSM2 radio system is awesome. There are tons of features packed into a comfortable lightweight package. Spektrum has definitely taken a huge leap forward with this technology, and has set the bar higher for other companies in the high-end radio market. And if you still don't like the way the radio looks, you'll definitely like the way it feels and performs. Visit their website to learn more about all the features and the new DSM2 technology.