New Spektrum DX3r Observations

[jhautz]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I don't know. Considering actual RF output is measured in milli-watts, the battery voltage probably doesn't affect range (Spektrum has confirmed this). So, the gains must be in the display and/or circuit topology. Maybe the new radio has more of the circuit integrated onto one IC, which can save power over discrete components. I've only had it a very short time, so I don't have any data about the "runtime".

The way I understand it is the older FM style radios were based on older tecnology and needed more power for pushing the FM or AM based signals. The original radios were still designed around that same technology and then just retrofitted to use the 2.4ghz. The 2.4ghz wanvelength is shorter so it travels farther on less power. Designing the entire radio around this allowed them to use less battery power to brodcast the signal.

BTW. I have noticed no range loss on batterys that were just about to die. It has a low voltage alarme you can set. I have mine set to start beeping at 4.1v and it seems to still have the same range as with freash batteries. I havent pushed it to find out exactly what voltage it stops working at though.

I can sure tell you that comparing this thing to my old M11 made the M11 feel like holding a brick. At first it felt wierd that it was so light, but now that Im used to it I picked up a buddys M11 and I couldnt believe how heavy it felt.