You can add firmware to the Flysky to get 10 channels. There’s also mods for multi protocol modules for it.
Second hand TX’s are fine, two of the ones I own were bought that way.
I see more posts about trouble with the DXE than almost any other TX. I am sure it’s no better or worse than some others but the lack of any screen and on field adjustments would put me off buying one.
I use the Lemon RX receivers, agree they are rock solid, never had any problems with the ones in my planes, even after multiple crashes etc.
Just as an FYI, there's a difference between the DXe, the DX6e, and the DX6. The DXe, as noted above, does not have an LCD screen. This is one of the reasons why it's only $60.
However, the DX6e and DX6 that
@mrjdstewart do have that functionality. The two biggest differences between the DX6e and the DX6 are that the DX6 has diversity antennas for a more reliable signal and voice alerts, which speak things like, "30 seconds left" on your timer.
Something else to be aware of, especially if you are using the OrangeRX brand receivers: They have DSM2 versions and DSMX versions.
DSM2 is an older protocol and uses 2 channels upon startup for carrying signal. If one channel loses signal, it can switch to the other for backup. However, if it loses signal with both channels while flying (which is a very real possibility, since it works on CDMA technology, something some cell phone providers utilize for phone calls) in theory it's supposed to jump to another clear channel. If it can't find a clear channel, you could have a crash or a flyaway. DSMX also uses CDMA technology, but it rolls through all available channels thousands of times per second, constantly hunting for open frequencies. In theory, it could lose signal for a millisecond or two, but it would be such a quick blip you wouldn't notice it.
1) If you are buying a used transmitter and are using DSMX receivers, MAKE SURE YOUR TRANSMITTER SUPPORTS DSMX! DSMX is backwards compatible with DSM2, but a DSM2 transmitter doesn't work with DSMX transmitters. Spektrum radios that utilize the DSM2 protocol are mostly 1st gen DX6/DX7 models, along with some DX5ti/DX6ti models. My best recommendation on how to tell if it's DSMX compatible is to look to see if it has a computer monitor; if
2) eBay, Amazon, and HobbyKing have all had stock in OrangeRX DSM2 transmitters, and many times will sell them at a "too good to pass up" price. $3-$4 for a receiver is a great deal; however, they have gotten a reputation for being flaky, and for a long time, OrangeRX had a bad rap because of it. The newer DSMX receivers are solid; just make sure you know what you're purchasing before you buy them or put them in a nice plane; I'd hate for you to have a plane go down because of a loss of signal.