You don’t need to spend Spektrum money to fly DSMX or DSM2 bind n fly. If you don’t want unlimited programming but do want a TX with more features than a second hand DX6i for under $80 then the Orange TX6I by Hobbyking is excellent. It binds fine with DSMX and the global version supports DSM2 as well. It’s really easy to program, including for SAFE mode. Mine has been excellent. It has a better screen and bigger model memory than the DX6i and is superior to the DXE, has easy dual rates and expo plus doesn’t need a complex computer/app interface to change settings on the go.
If you want one transmitter that will do EVERYTHING ever, right up to 32 channels and allow you to fly ANY protocol, including FRSKY, DSMX, DSM2, toy quads and other RC devices, then the
Jumper T 12 or T12 plus is hard to beat. You can even get Hall effect gimbals on the black version for under $120. It comes with a multi protocol 4 in 1 module that does all the common receivers, plus can be updated via usb.
Open TX is what the Jumper runs on. That is a steep learning curve. It’s taken me 2 weeks to get my Sport Cub dialled in right on the Jumper, it’s a serious piece of kit to set up, but has huge potential and can do more than most $150+ set ups.
If you want something that’s quick to set up, not too expensive and will get you flying fast but only within the DSMX/DSM2 protocol then I would recommend
the Orange. I am not really very technical, I had this working with all my planes in an evening.
I was making the same decision 4 months ago, glad I bought the Orange first. I looked at Spektrum but their similar product was twice the price and no better. I am sure they are fine but the price was not.
You can’t go much bigger on batteries in the pre made planes, space is limited. If I was starting again I would have just bought a Tiny Trainer and started flying that higher up in the sky at a bigger field instead of starting with a SAfE/AS3x plane in a smaller field.
Get the battery measurements for the Apprentice pack, then buy similar from HK, I got my Cub batteries there, plus all the ones for my FT planes.
I see you are in the EU, you need the DSMX only version.
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/oranger...le-6ch-radio-system-mode-2-eu-uk-version.html