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QUESTION: DSMX Backward Compatibility

Discussion in 'Electronics and Electrical' started by GPS, Feb 20, 2012.

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  1. GPS

    GPS Registered

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    I've noticed that DSM/DSM2 receivers seem to be getting phased out.  Are DSMX receivers compatible with older radios like my DX7se?  For example: would a AR8000 receiver work with my DX7se?
    GPS, Feb 20, 2012
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  2. highlandcrawler

    highlandcrawler Registered

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    From what I understand the dsm2 hardware works with dsmx hardware. If you want the 2 link together using dsmx though I don't think so with the dx7se. To get them both working in dsmx mode you need to download software and update your radio through the sd slot. the dx7se does not have the option to do so.
    highlandcrawler, Feb 20, 2012
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  3. Golden Child

    Golden Child Moderator Staff Member

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    The following is an excerpt from the Horizon Hobby DSMX Technology FAQ page...



    "Is DSM2™ and DSMX equipment compatible?

    Yes. DSM2 transmitters are forward compatible with DSMX receivers and DSMX transmitters are backward compatible with DSM2 receivers. And because DSM2 and DSMX share the same wideband DSSS foundation, all Spektrum users will enjoy superior range, speed and precision whether they're using DSM2 equipment, DSMX equipment or a combination of both.

    Are DSM2 transmitters eligible for a DSMX add-on?

    Yes, but DSM2 users who rarely, if ever, fly in big events or other "noisy" 2.4GHz environments may find the DSM2 equipment they have now is all they will ever need. The difference DSMX makes is only apparent when hundreds of 2.4GHz systems are in use at once. To see if your transmitter is eligible for the DSMX add-on, please visit horizonhobby.com for more details.
    "
    Golden Child, Feb 20, 2012
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  4. GPS

    GPS Registered

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    Thanks for the fast replies guys.  So the answer is yes, a AR8000 will work with my DX7se radio.
    GPS, Feb 20, 2012
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  5. Golden Child

    Golden Child Moderator Staff Member

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    That is my understanding based on what I read :) Though no personal experience with an AR8000 - I bought my DX8 as a Tx only.
    Golden Child, Feb 20, 2012
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  6. GPS

    GPS Registered

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    I was looking for another AR7600 but they don't seem to be manufactured any more and there are plenty of AR8000 on eBay.
    GPS, Feb 20, 2012
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  7. highlandcrawler

    highlandcrawler Registered

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    Here is the info I found on their site pertaining to the dx7se

    Are DSM2 Transmitters Eligible for a DSMX Add-on?

    Yes. DX8 owners can simply download Spektrum AirWare v2.0 software from spektrumrc.com and update the firmware using their SD card. All DSM2 transmitters, except the DX5e and DX7se, are eligible for the add-on , click here for more details
    highlandcrawler, Feb 20, 2012
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  8. GPS

    GPS Registered

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    I don't think I need a DSMX add-on if the AR8000 receiver is backward compatible with my DX7se would I?
    GPS, Feb 20, 2012
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  9. Golden Child

    Golden Child Moderator Staff Member

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    No. The add-on is just to upgrade older DSM2 Tx's to the newer DSMX signal. Compatibility is there without it, you just don't get the advantage of clear signals with hundreds of 2.4Ghz radios being used at once as with the DSMX :) DSMX was developed for competitions and larger air shows, like Joe Nall, where signal integrity is paramount. Most of us will never need it.
    Golden Child, Feb 20, 2012
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  10. GPS

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    Excellent.

    I presume that since my transmitter is 7 channel (DX7se) that the 8th channel on a AR8000 will be unusable.
    GPS, Feb 20, 2012
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  11. Pelagic Pilot

    Pelagic Pilot Registered

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    None of us will ever need DSMX, that allows 100 aircraft to fly in the same building at the same time, if there are 100 things flying all at once, I am leaving my heli in a box in the car! I think DSM2 was good up to 40 or 50 things flying at once.......Still too many  :eek:
    Pelagic Pilot, Feb 20, 2012
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  12. Golden Child

    Golden Child Moderator Staff Member

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    Correct. Depending on application though, the 8th channel could be used for an external Rx battery source, or even a UBEC/SBEC.


    [quote author=Pelagic Pilot link=topic=881.msg6126#msg6126 date=1329765637]
    None of us will ever need DSMX, that allows 100 aircraft to fly in the same building at the same time, if there are 100 things flying all at once, I am leaving my heli in a box in the car! I think DSM2 was good up to 40 or 50 things flying at once.......Still too many  :eek:
    [/quote]

    +1 PP - I'm with you ;) More than 5 or 6 in the air at once makes me want to stay grounded!
    Golden Child, Feb 20, 2012
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  13. Tiger

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    In Posting #2 "Yes. DSM2 transmitters are forward compatible with DSMX receivers" is technically incorrect.  The DSM2 transmitter is not "forward" compatible to anything DSMX.  It is that the DSMX receiver is "downward" compatible to DSM2.  That being the case, a DSMX receiver provides no advantage over a DSM2 receiver when used with a DSM2 transmitter.

    ...Tiger
    Tiger, Feb 20, 2012
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  14. w00d

    w00d Registered

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    From the Spektrum website
    http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSMX/
    Is DSM2™ and DSMX equipment compatible?

    Yes. DSM2 transmitters are forward compatible with DSMX receivers and DSMX transmitters are backward compatible with DSM2 receivers. And because DSM2 and DSMX share the same wideband DSSS foundation, all Spektrum users will enjoy superior range, speed and precision whether they're using DSM2 equipment, DSMX equipment or a combination of both.
    w00d, Feb 20, 2012
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  15. highlandcrawler

    highlandcrawler Registered

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    the info I posted came from the home site of the radio manufacturer. Forward with one backward with the other seems like splitting hairs. Call it as you see it though.

    Is DSM2 and DSMX equipment compatible?

    Yes! DSM2 transmitters are forward compatible with DSMX receivers and DSMX transmitters are backward compatible with DSM2 receivers. And because DSM2 and DSMX share the same wideband DSSS foundation, all Spektrum users will enjoy superior range, speed and precision whether they're using DSM2 equipment, DSMX equipment or a combination of both.

    It is important to note, however, that the only way to experience the full benefits of DSMX (wideband DSSS plus frequency agility) is by pairing a DSMX transmitter with a DSMX receiver.
    highlandcrawler, Feb 20, 2012
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  16. w00d

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    I suppose it depends on who is asking the question.

    Think most are as Yada who need to know if the new receivers will work with the old transmitters!?! For those who have the new Tx then it would be an issue if they were expecting the new transmitters with the benefits of DSMX to work with the old receivers, then no your NOT going to get DSMX but it will work only giving DSM2. So they shouldn't expect DSMX functionality out of the older receivers ... Although that question will become increasingly moot as the availability of the older Rx's decreases. Think the question for many are people with older Tx's wanting to know if their OLD Tx will work with the new Rx's, then yes they DO work but they will only get DSM2 functionality. I don't think the people in this category are expecting DSMX functionality out of their old transmitters anyway, they just want the new receivers to at least give them a working Rx even if it only gives DSM2 functionality ... 

    ... or we could do less painting with too wide a brush when asking the questions and/or when giving the answers {LOL} J/K
    w00d, Feb 20, 2012
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  17. GPS

    GPS Registered

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    I really don't care much about DSMX, I just want a original Spektrum seven channel receiver that will work with my DX7se and I did not find a AR7600 readily available.
    GPS, Feb 21, 2012
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  18. Tiger

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    GPS - Any interest in a brand new in the box AR7000 with satellite receiver?

    ...Tiger
    Tiger, Feb 21, 2012
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  19. Golden Child

    Golden Child Moderator Staff Member

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    Tiger, you've got all the fun toys! If GPS doesn't want it, I'll relieve you of it ;) Can't imagine he wouldn't want it, but you never know.
    Golden Child, Feb 21, 2012
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  20. Tiger

    Tiger Registered

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    Actually... I have three of them.  Two in hand and one in route.  I just need to decide on what's a reasonable price or be tempted by a reasonable offer. :)  A good on-line price seems to be $90.

    ...Tiger
    Tiger, Feb 21, 2012
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