› Spektrum/horizon Hobby DX5 Pro Transmitter

Premium features and AVC Smart modes bring greater versatility to the DX5 series

If you’re a Spektrum fan (and/or a regular RC Car Action reader), the DX5 Pro should look familiar to you. That’s because it’s the same as the DX5R we reviewed back in the December 2017 issue, with a few extra goodies in the box and new model-specific presets in the software. You can get the DX5 Pro with the race-ready SR2100 receiver for $300, or save $60 and get the DX5 Pro transmitter by itself for $240—a nice option if you’ve already got a Spektrum DSM2 or DSMR receiver. It is worth noting that the SR2100 receiver sells for $90 by itself, so if you think you might want one later, getting it with the DX5 Pro will save you $30. For this review, we’ll focus on new features for the DX5 Pro. For a deeper look at the unchanged stuff, grab your December issue (or just search Spektrum DX5R at RC Caraction.com to read the review online).

AVC SMART DRIVE MODES

The DX5R’S Drive mode capability returns with the DX5 Pro, with a new twist that incorporates Active Vehicle Control (AVC), Spektrum’s electronic traction- and stability-assist system built into Avc-enabled receivers. Once you get a model set up in the DX5R or Pro, you can then make changes to your setup and save it as a Drive mode, with up to five Drive modes per model. Once programmed, you can select each Drive mode by clicking a switch (which you assign). For example, after dialing in your car with a 0% exponential setting, you could save Drive modes with +5, +10, and +15% exponential, and assign them to grip button G. If the track gets loose and you feel like you need some expo, just click the grip button to go to the next Drive mode, which you programmed with more expo. The Drive modes can also be named, and the mode name always appears under the model name on the home screen. The twist for the DX5 Pro is the factory-set Drive modes (“AVC Smart Drive Modes”) for the Losi DBXL-E, Super Baja Rey, 3XL-E, Tenacity SCT, Tenacity MT, and Tenacity-t. Each model gets Trainer, Slick, Stability, and Full Rip modes that you can click through via the D switch behind the wheel. The specific settings vary with each model, but here’s what each mode does:

Trainer mode. Think of this as “beginner mode.” Throttle and steering rates are reduced, and antilock braking is activated to make handling and power delivery mellow. Stability mode. Stability

mode’s AVC settings improve all-around offroad handling with traction and stability control, but no throttle limiting. You may not notice Stability mode doing its thing until you switch to Full Rip mode.

Slick mode. Loose conditions call for Slick mode. Traction control and stability assist are dialed way up when Slick mode is selected. Full Rip mode. AVC is completely off. Steering and throttle is all you with no electronic assist.

TESTING SUPER-ADJUSTABLE ERGOS

Spektrum went all out to make the DX5 Pro as physically customizable as possible for a tailored feel. It’s comfortable out of the box, and the included extra parts let you transform the radio’s feel. All the parts are easily interchangeable, but if you want to skip the wheel drop-down, you’ll have to unplug the steering unit from within the transmitter body. It’s a job for tweezers or fine needle-nose pliers and a little finicky but not hard. Since I’ve already got plenty of time on the DX5R, which is functionally the same as the DX5 Pro, I didn’t get wrapped up in a lot of field testing. What I did spend a lot of time on was trying out the different ergo options, which make a big difference in hand feel. I like the wheel drop rotated two positions forward, no angle wedge, with the large wheel installed. I tried the slim and fat grips but went back to medium, and I like the trigger position slid full forward with the tension set to full. You may like something completely different, which is the point of including all the extra parts. In use, the DX5R is easy to operate and program if you’ve got computer-radio experience. The manual is good, but for deeper functions, like the various channel-mixing options, it helps to plug servos into the channels so that you can see what’s actually happening.

I like the DX5R, so it’s no surprise I like the DX5 Pro as well. Offering a transmitter-only option is an appreciated cost saver, and all the ergo options make it all but guaranteed that you’ll love the radio’s feel, no matter what kind of mitts you’ve got. As with the DX5R, I do wish Spektrum jazzed up the finishes. Although a good performance and feature/benefit value, I’d like to see more of the Pro’s $240 cost reflected in its styling. You may not care, and to be honest, I barely do. The important thing is the DX5 Pro is ultra adjustable (physically and programmingwise), with every feature you could ever want for anything on wheels or in the water.—peter Vieira

SOURCE

Spektrum spektrumrc.com

The DX5 Pro arrives with the wheel drop-down at vertical, a “medium” grip, and the “large” wheel installed.

Six Losi models are loaded into the DX5 Pro from the factory, and each gets custom Drive modes tailored to driver experience and skill level.

The wheel drop-down can be rotated a full 360 degrees in 20-degree increments. If you want it to be straight up, you can do that (weird, but OK).

Oh, you like an angled wheel? You’ll find 10- and 15-degree wedges in the box. Spektrum cleverly designed the wedges with a split to allow the steering unit’s wire harness to pass through.

You can also remove the drop-down and mount the wheel directly to the transmitter body.

Trigger tension is set via a hidden screw (top circle), and trigger position can be moved fore and aft about 7mm (bottom circle). Wheel tension is also adjustable. The screw visible in the trigger itself isn’t an adjustment—it just holds the trigger in place.

The installed wheel measures 55mm at the foam, and there’s also a 52mm wheel in the box.

If you prefer a thinner or fatter grip than the factory-installed part, Spektrum has you covered.