Which to buy?

[ApacheDude]

I need to decide between the following:

Spektrum DX3R has DSM2
Spektrum DX3S has telemetry and no DSM2


Any recommendations?

[Darin Jordan]

Personally, I'd go with the DX3R. The onboard telemetry would be great, but you can't read it while you are running anyhow. If you want to add it, you can always get the SR3300T Receiver and the SPM1305 Electric Telemetry pack as add ons to get your telemetry... The DX3R is compatibile with this receiver.

[NorthernBoater]

I see the DX3R uses DSM2 and the DX3S uses DSM. Is DSM2 really worth an extra $60? Also all of the surface receivers use DSM. Does anyone know if the radio will use DSM2 if the receiver says it is a DSM receiver?

[ApacheDude]

Well, I purchased the DX3R and yes, it will run a standard DSM receiver just fine. I currently have this set up to run my Losi Desert Truck (Losi DSM receiver made by Spektrum) and now it will run my Blackjack DSM2 receiver.

Overall I like the looks and feel. The amount of adjustability is fantastic. I will admit it is overkill for my real needs, but my motto is "Anything worth doing is worth over-doing"

I have only tested it with my truck but so far so good. I will report back later on how it works on the water with the DSM 2 receiver. This will be a while unfortunately, I am waiting for my Hydra to get repaired after a good swim

[AndyKunz]

I see the DX3R uses DSM2 and the DX3S uses DSM. Is DSM2 really worth an extra $60? Does anyone know if the radio will use DSM2 if the receiver says it is a DSM receiver?

DSM2 transmitters will work with either DSM2 or DSM receivers. Some DSM receivers include telemetry, while DSM2 receivers are typically lower-latency. Some receivers such as the SR3500 make for EXTREMELY low latency, which is important in some types of car racing.

In my opinion, the $60 difference gives me the option of using ANY surface receiver. That means I can use a telemetry setup when I need to (with an SPM1300) and a super-responsive when I want to, and all I need to do is re-bind to have that advantage.

Also all of the surface receivers use DSM.

Not true. All the DSM2 transmitters will work with either DSM or DSM2 receivers, but DSM2 receivers won't work with DSM-only transmitters such as the DX3S.

Andy

[Heath M]

Well, I purchased the DX3R and yes, it will run a standard DSM receiver just fine. I currently have this set up to run my Losi Desert Truck (Losi DSM receiver made by Spektrum) and now it will run my Blackjack DSM2 receiver.

Be careful when using a standard DSM receiver in a boat when the dx3r transmitter... I had all sorts of problems with this combination. I had to swap out all my sr3000 receivers for the dsm2 sr3100 receivers

Heath

[AndyKunz]

I have run both in my boats, and proper installation is important - moreso with the SR3000 because the antenna runs right to the edge of the rx. I posted a picture a couple weeks ago about how i have it installed in my rigger, and have the same performance as when I installed a 3100 in the same hull. The 3100 was a little less critical because the antenna is actually only about the last inch of the wire, all you have to do is get it up high.

Andy