Mini Quad Receiver options for Spektrum users

[Countrymlb]

My next build is going to be an Alien 6" frame mini quad. I am very much aware that the current transmitter/receiver of choice for such a mini quad (as well as all other race/freestyle frames) is FrSky (Taranis) products. However, about 6 months ago I upgraded from my old Spektrum DX6i to the newest version of the DX8. I do not (at least at this time) want to purchase another transmitter just to follow the status quo for my major step into the mini quad arena. But I have not seen any videos or articles related to mini quad builds that address Spektrum (or compatible) receiver options. I realize that Spektrum is behind the curve in this area compared to FrSky but (even if not perfect) there must be options out there. I am open to hear any thought that anyone has to share on this topic be it receivers from Spektrum, Orange, Lemon or any other that I am not aware of. Let me know what you are doing.

Also,,,,,I believe that I have found a couple of options from Spektrum but I am:

#1. Not experienced enough to know if either is a useable option for an Alien build using a KISS FC and ESC's,,,,,Or,,,,

#2. What is the difference between the two. Are they standalone receivers or are they used together (and I hesitate to call spektrum or horizon because just don't want a sales pitch)

Here is what I found:

spm4648: https://www.amainhobbies.com/spektr...-NzNIrynDO9lUZArR0Yg2zs9J7z5MImBoCQHMQAvD_BwE

spm9646: https://www.amainhobbies.com/spektr...tHzgWneLkxY8-dHnveTr5yuAvE2-bWsxoCIEUQAvD_BwE


I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks all in advance.

 

[Snarls]

When I was flying my miniquad with Spektrum (actually OrangeRX), the best thing to use was a satellite receiver. That is basically the second option you linked. It is made to connect to a normal pwm/ppm receiver and be mounted in a different location, like outside a fuselage that may cause reception issues. But alone a satellite receiver still has full range and communicates with a serial connection (3 wires). Planes can't use satellite receivers alone as the RX, but flight controllers can. So you can just buy a satellite receiver and bind it to your TX through the FC and get going.

The first option you link looks like a satellite receiver rebranded as a quad receiver. It may have some tweaks to make it better as a stand alone unit, like maybe longer range, and diversity compared to the second option. Compared to this LemonRX satellite I am not sure the difference. The transmitter gurus may be able to help out.

 

[ElectriSean]

Spektrum was actually ahead of the curve in the early days, their satellite receivers were the first to use a serial protocol. There are both Orange and Lemon satellites that work well, at least in terms of RF performance. I've had 2 of each go bad on me in the last month, although that could just be bad luck. The Spektrum ones may be better, at least you'll have Horizon support behind you.

 

[LitterBug]

I have been running both the LemonRX LM0037 diversity satellite found here and the Spectrum SPM4648 diversity satellite Found Here. Both have worked flawless for me except for when I have chopped the antennas with my props..... I have managed to find replacement antennas for both too which is cheaper than replacing the whole RX.

Cheers!
LitterBug