It's finally here!

[Kmot]

I learned of the development of this system last September. But I was sworn to secrecy. Now that it's been publicized, we can talk about it. :D

The "marine specific" Spektrum radio is either a 3-channel pistol grip 'Sport' system, or the DX3S with telemetry. The Rx is also compatible with Spektrum and JR DSM2 aircraft radios. So for those of us who use their stick radios with their complex scale models, there is now a marine specific Rx that can be used with it. :cool:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPMMR3000

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

But that won't run dual throttles, and independent
steering, winch, fire monitors and lights... :o

[patmat2350]

Yikes, they think it's valuable... wouldn't pay a penny more for a "marine" 3 ch when the current crop of 2.4's does fine...though I do like pistols for anything faster than a paddlewheeler...

[retoabcr]

Don't let the suspenders snap to hard. Average JOE can't afford such equipment in these times and it will get worse, just wait and see!

[mrbassman]

Better off staying with a DX-7. More channels, more mixing functions and the throttle stick stays where you put it.

[Hoghappy]

And...why didn't they ever do a telemetry package for my way too expensive DX3R? It has the new DSM2 technology....whoopee! I no sooner got it than they came out with the less expensive DX3S with telemetry capabilities. :mad:

Also, I see no need for the "MARINE" receiver. I've never had an issue with the DX3 or DX6 stuff. I've even had the DX6 receiver full of water and it worked just fine after it dried back out. Never a glitch out of any of the 2.4 stuff. I really love the cheap Tactic radio....my only complaint is it's not programmable so I have to adjust rudder trim each time I go from one boat to the next. They need to make this available in a stick radio too.

[Jerome Morris]

If they say it's a "marine" receiver, will they charge more...like the big boat stuff is.

[expat flyer]

Hoghappy,

That's life these days with anything electronic. We're tempted or tricked into buying something nice we didn't really need.

If you buy it's improved or cheaper tomorrow, if not obsolete next year.
If you wait for the ultimate development you'll never enjoy.

My DX3 module in a Hitec worked fine in a boat except that with a fleet of yachts closely bunched it frequently lost signal.

---

Aimee

For your wonderful creations you need all the gadgets an existing multi channel outfit can offer, but the most important thing no one sells is the dual/differential throttle sticks for scale boats.

Nevertheless I can think of several uses for features of the MR3000
- the twin throttle outputs for brushless motors
- twin steering outputs allows for redundant servos if the rudder servo dies (as has often happened to my IOM yacht)
- third channel for sail gap control, auxiliary motor, or trim tabs?
- nice that it is compatible with surface or air system protocols (is this the first ?)
- longer marine antennae look as though they can more easily be put into a good position to improve range
- waterproof case (though my old AR6000 receivers stop working when wet they have never suffered permanent damage - unlike the servo electronics that die with just a bad weather forecast!)

What else could we ask for that they have not yet listed?
A carbon receiver for sailboats or racers - something cheaper than the AR9300. Perhaps the longer antennae of the MR3000 achieve that?
How about a good selection/compatibility chart now there are so many variants?
Also useful a clear explanation of the difference between Surface, Air and Marine or between Indoor, Park and Full Range since many people seem to cross the boundaries more or less without problems.

Jerry

[Kmot]

Okay, I'm done with this. :rolleyes:

But before I sign off of this thread, one last bit of info I have learned:

The marine rx IS an aircraft receiver. The software in it limits it to 3 channels, though, so you get multiple copies of the 3 channels on the outputs.

The reason marine DSM2 is compatible with aircraft DSM2 is because it's the same thing. If you already have a stick radio, you already have what you need.

The upgrade is really to the transmitter, converting it from a single-channel output (DSM/Surface) to two-channel output (DSM2 for aircraft).

Upgrade packages for different transmitters will be made available soon.

I like it. I think it is pretty cool that a marine specific 2.4G has been made. I found the news to be pretty interesting. Take it as you may....

[imgumby]

Okay, I'm done with this. :rolleyes:

But before I sign off of this thread, one last bit of info I have learned:

The marine rx IS an aircraft receiver. The software in it limits it to 3 channels, though, so you get multiple copies of the 3 channels on the outputs.

The reason marine DSM2 is compatible with aircraft DSM2 is because it's the same thing. If you already have a stick radio, you already have what you need.

The upgrade is really to the transmitter, converting it from a single-channel output (DSM/Surface) to two-channel output (DSM2 for aircraft).

Upgrade packages for different transmitters will be made available soon.

I like it. I think it is pretty cool that a marine specific 2.4G has been made. I found the news to be pretty interesting. Take it as you may....

So if I read right this new rx will not be compatible with my existing DX3 ground based system ??

Steve

[Aerominded]

Take it as you may....

Let's see... compatible with the DSM2 aircraft Rx they aleady sell? :confused:

Sounds like a 3 channel DX7 with a sticker that says "Marine" on it to me!

They must read this site... because we were suggesting they do this all along to dispel the great "reflection" myth! :p

Hee hee, all this really means is I can fly my planes legally with a pistol grip radio!!! :p OH BOY!!! :p

[Hoghappy]

Okay, I'm done with this. :rolleyes:



Hey Tom...don't mind me...someone peed in my Wheaties this morning! :p

[gpzy]

On one of the fast boat sites, the comments are these are working great!!!

[Aerominded]

What did they change though if it is still "DSM2" technology?

Edit: Ah, the "surface radio" was changed to add the dual link that the "aircraft radio" had all along-

[imgumby]

Let's see... compatible with the DSM2 aircraft Rx they aleady sell? :confused:

Sounds like a 3 channel DX7 with a sticker that says "Marine" on it to me!

They must read this site... because we were suggesting they do this all along to dispel the great "reflection" myth! :p

Hee hee, all this really means is I can fly my planes legally with a pistol grip radio!!! :p OH BOY!!! :p

To be fair it is apparently coated to resist water.I am just disappointed that the rx's may only be compatible with this special pistol grip or aircraft sets.They are cheaper than the existing spmsr3100 we are forced to buy for the standard DSX3 pistol grip by ~$25

I have been using the DSM2 DX3R radio with the 3100 rx's with great results for the last year.I'm not sure why they even bothered to make this change.Maybe a problem exists and I've just been lucky :confused:
imgumby

[CornelP]

...price tag?...

[Aerominded]

$249.99 U.S.

$79.99 U.S. for additional rx...

[LONGBIKE]

Thanks Tom for posting this.

I heard about this one too last year and was waiting for it to be released.
Great looking transmitter.

[AndyKunz]

The receiver has a semi-flexible water proofing on it. As you can see in the photos, the only places not coated are the servo connections and the antenna connections (seems some people like to break antenna leads - this way your rx is serviceable instead of trash).

While the marine protocol is not compatible with the car (referred to as "surface" in Spektrum ads), there are plans to add support for many current (but not all) transmitters as logistics allow. I'm sure a lot will be based on how well the existing products are received.

Face it, we're the VERY SMALL minority when it comes to RC models, and scale boaters are a small fraction of the boat market. I'm actually VERY HAPPY to see a big company making an effort to produce something specifically for RC Marine use - how many other big companies would do that? I hope this is the first in a line of application-specific products like Spektrum has been producing for the other RC segments.

Like Gumby, I've been using a SR3100 with my racing stuff and had no problems, but I take a lot of effort to set up my radio systems correctly. Having the ability to be a little more sloppy probably won't make me any more sloppy, but it will give me some more peace of mind.

Andy

[Aerominded]

I'm actually VERY HAPPY to see a big company making an effort to produce something specifically for RC Marine use - how many other big companies would do that? I hope this is the first in a line of application-specific products like Spektrum has been producing for the other RC segments.




I am too, Andy- and I hope my earlier comments did not seem too ungreatful... I'm just not sure I understand what has been changed to make this more of a "marine application" than the old DX6/AR6000- They have apparently waterproofed the rx (not a problem in most applications) and the removable antenna which if they frequently break, would be welcome on the AC side as well (except for the weight)

why pay $80 for a Spektrum 3 channel Rx when I can pay $50 for a 6 channel Rx?

I am a very happy Spektrum/JR customer so believe me, I'm not out to get them when I ask... :)

[craig_c]

Yawn!

At best it's a go-fastie radio... whoopie-do. Most of us are not go-fastie drivers.

(Kmot...

Thanks for posting it. It's really nice to see what's happening in the community and it's appreciated. It is just go-fastie stuff ain't my cup o'tea and to be honest, I don't like the way it's taken over the hobby from the rest of us over the last 20 years or so.)

[craig_c]

Face it, we're the VERY SMALL minority when it comes to RC models, and scale boaters are a small fraction of the boat market. I'm actually VERY HAPPY to see a big company making an effort to produce something specifically for RC Marine use - how many other big companies would do that? I hope this is the first in a line of application-specific products like Spektrum has been producing for the other RC segments.Well, somebody (http://www.acehobby.com/ace/ACE8701.htm) seems to be payin' attention to us scale drivers, maybe Spektrum will deign to do as well... someday.

[toesup]

Well, somebody (http://www.acehobby.com/ace/ACE8701.htm) seems to be payin' attention to us scale drivers

... someday.

Since about 2004 apparently.. :rolleyes:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8695715&postcount=30

.. someday...

[woodybob]

Well, somebody (http://www.acehobby.com/ace/ACE8701.htm) seems to be payin' attention to us scale drivers, maybe Spektrum will deign to do as well... someday.

Pipe dream...

[Aerominded]

as a scale driver, I feel well served by my DX6... :) now if we could change the toggle switches from 0-1 to proportional, then we'd be in business! :)

[craig_c]

Since about 2004 apparently.. :rolleyes:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8695715&postcount=30

.. someday...Vapor Ware...

That is the same annoucement since 2004... :rolleyes: Well :censored: :censored: :censored: :( It was a nice pipe dream while it lasted. :(

[Habanero]

My Spektrum TX broke, one of the switches. I had heard nightmare stories about them being backed up from the potentiometer recall. I got it back in two weeks, the programming intact, no charge (even though it was out of warranty) and they even threw a new RX in the box!

Customer for life.

[Aerominded]

!Viva Spektrum/JR!

Sounds like great service! :)

[JerryTodd]

So why mot make something modular? Where stick ratchet can be set on/off/hard/soft? Where pots can be turned? You know, where you can use this multi-model Tx for multiple models, boats, cars, planes, and helis?

A Tx like that would cover several or all RC markets.

Come on - $350+ for 3 channels sounds really short sighted to me.