Spektrum RC DX6R 6-Channel Smart Radio w/SR2000 & SR6000T Receiver

I was skeptical about this radio, as the initial release of the radio had some software bugs, but after deciding to take the plunge, updating the raceway app, and really give this radio a run through, I am more than satisfied with its performance. Since I'm willing to bet there are many on the fence about this particular radio, let me lay out the things I like about it:

Ergonomics: This is hands down the MOST adjustable radio I have ever come across. The radio literally has hundreds of possible combinations in regards to mounting holes used, spacers, and wheel sizes. It may take a little bit to get it where you want it - but once you do - it will feel PERFECT for your driving stance. Even the adjustable trigger angle is something i didn't think I needed, but absolutely love.

Touch Screen: app bugs aside, being able to swipe your finger across the screen, or type in a numeric value when setting trims is VERY convenient. The scroll wheel on the DX4R is nice, but having an actual keyboard when you need it is nicer. Just think about how time consuming it is to program in the name of your model with other radios... on the 6R, it takes a matter of seconds. And while we are on the subject of model names - being able to load your own photos of your actual car, and change the screen colors for each car is also pretty great. Running multiple touring cars, its nice to see at a glance of the top corner if I have the right model selected. Even more, since its easy to do, the pictures can be changed at a moments notice, and kept current with the bodies you are running. Oh, and changing models on the radio takes only 2 keystrokes. super simple.

Charging: Yes, there were issues with the cradle, and they have been fixed, but having a drop-in cradle for charging is one of the biggest draws to this radio for me after the improved ergonomics. How many times have u been on the drivers stand, and some guys Futaba starts that annoying constant beeping, because his transmitter is about to die? or watched a Futaba driver feverishly try to swap lipos in his radio before a heat or main, because the ones in the radio were dead. With the 6R - all you have to do is pop it in the cradle when you're in the pits, and you should NEVER be without a solid amount of battery life. Futaba guys I show my 6R to in the pits are MOST excited about this feature.

Future: This one takes a bit of faith since this technology is new as far as RC technology goes, but because of the nature of the android OS and app system, there are lots of future possibilities for this radio, some of which are already available. With bluetooth connectivity, soon ESCs will have BT built in, eliminating the need for a programming box. you'll instead be able to use your radio to program or adjust your ESC. Take that a step further, how about telemetry direct from your ESC to your radio? it will be possible. How about your radio being linked in to the tracks timing system, and instead of calling the times out, you can listen on a BT headset, or even better, have your transmitter vibrate when you set your best lap? Full datalogging of your throttle & steering inputs broken down by lap? The ideas go on and on - and thats the whole point. The radio opens up a world of possibilities.

As far as things I dont like about the radio, they are fairly minor, and wouldn't prevent me from enjoying the radio. The orange transmitting indicator light faces completely away from the driver, so it can be difficult to tell if the radio is on when the screen is turned off. on all other Spektrum radios, this light was in plain view of the driver, and could be seen just by glancing down. on this radio, you literally have to point the front end at you to be able to see the light. Also, the cover for the MicroSD card slot is less than ideal, as the rubber / silicone used is too firm, and becomes warped the first time you pull up on it to access the MicroSD slot, preventing it from laying flat. it doesn't affect the radios performance, but is annoying to see every time i look down at the radio. Many people have just removed it.

While the first release of this radio may not have been the smoothest, I don't regret my purchase, and while some may be distraught over early issues that were discovered (and have been fixed), I do strongly believe that this is still a great radio, that will be able to do some great things in the future, as the industry wakes up to a device such as this.

As for others complaining about battery life, from what I have read on the forums, this is likely the result of 2 factors: wifi and Bluetooth always being on, and the radio not charging while in the cradle. Spektrum has addressed the cradle issue with an updated design, which all radios shipping now should have, and firmware & app updates have improved battery life with wifi and bluetooth on, though neither are necessary to have on while driving.

Charged my radio the night before. I put into sleep mode wile I wasn't racing. I never charged all day . Ran practice two 7 min quals and a 12 min main and at the end of the day had 68% left. Really like the feel off the radio. Would recommend.

Spektrum dropped the ball again. I do have one of the first released that I regret not buying at amain (found one in stock at other retailer) because I wouldn't own it still if I had bought here. So in the 5 race days I have used it, I had to race one main with it beeping very loud everytime I touched a control (drove everyone nuts around me), did the latest updates beeping went away. 2 race nights later hit power button to wake it up before main (heaven forbid u actually shut it off because it takes minutes to power up most of the time) and the android crashed. So waited 2 hours for main that I got to watch while I restarted this flagship radio twice to get android to run. Then tonight had private track rental just to show up and find out I have no throttle with any of my 4 cars, tried everything on line I could find for 3 hours before just going home. Now I suppose I get to call and wait for a couple hours for horizon to call back. These are just the big issues I have had. I never leave reviews but $500 for something so unreliable is to much for garbage. I will say in my opinion its the best radio out overall, its 10 times nicer then my dx4r but when I have missed 3 races out of 15 its time to go. Been in hobby for 25 years and never owned something so unreliable.
Update, I edited part of the review out since they finally got the updating process on google play, its a lot better. The throttle issue was mostly fixed with the third update that which was released on google play. Its a shame since my radio is registered with my email at spectrum that they do not notify of updates since it was out a few days before the throttle issue happened. With that said after update two laps in it took off wide open for about 10 seconds. Cleared and reinstalled software again, throttle has been a lot better but has stayed on for a second twice in about 15hrs of use. I know its the radio since it is a none issue with my dx4r. The last update also cleared up all the small random bugs that kept happening. Also keep wifi and Bluetooth off and battery life is more then enough. On my radio my battery charge drops faster after 50% on meter so I just make sure its on charger when meter gets around 50%. With the update process fixed, the latest update fixing most of the software issues I was having and the fact I really like the actual radio I had to update it from 1 to 3 stars. Would be a five star radio if I didn't have to carry my old radio with me for a spare or if they left the android to smart phones. If they get the programing dependable its going to be a hard radio to beat.

High expectations. Went racing for the day. Battery fully charged. put radio in cradle. Guess what after 4 hours started to run out of battery. Now what. Must you buy more batteries and change in the course of the day. ALL APPS TURNED OFF.Waste of money. Takes a whole day and night to charge the battery as well.So f you panning to race keep it safe 2hrs. GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT

Overall successful. But the battery is consuming quickly. Need to update urgently

I will write a more in depth review after I use it but I was really upset that I paid $500. for a transmitter & did not get a paper manual with it. I'm not very good with new Technology so I will be a good test on ease of use. look for more in depth review in the spring.