Spektrum iX14 Transmitter

Spektrum iX14 Transmitter

Spektrum iX14 Transmitter

Experiences with an Android-based radio

By Greg Gimlick | maelectrics@gimlick.com Photos by the author

As seen in the March 2023 issue of Model Aviation.

[Editor’s Note: As we were going to press, an update for the iX14 was released that resolved the minor issues mentioned in the review.]

SPEKTRUM HAS BEEN designing and producing radios for a long time, with an eye on improvement and innovation. The company has gained a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of radios, ranging from beginner to high-end radio users, and the new iX14 is another big step in the right direction.

The top left quadrant shows a momentary switch, a 2-position gear switch, three 3-position switches, and the L Trim switch.

The top left quadrant shows a momentary switch, a 2-position gear switch, three 3-position switches, and the L Trim switch.

I liked the iX12 that I had, and I thought about upgrading to the iX20; however, that seemed a bit overkill for my particular needs. Along came the announcement of the iX14, and I knew I was all in.

The iX14 offers many of the improved functions found in the iX20, but at a cost that is significantly less. I didn’t need 20 channels, and I really preferred the smaller physical size of the iX14. What I did want was the newer, faster version of Android, along with the larger touch screen offered in the iX14.

I don’t have a camera and some of the other perks that are offered in the iX20, but what I got was everything I "needed" and wanted.

Features

Right from the start, I could see that the iX14 boots up much faster than my older iX12 did. It took one minute to boot up completely ready to fly because the radio is based on an Android OS (version 11, Kernel 4.19.172) that boots first, followed by the AirWare App (1.00.03), to program all of the models.

Let’s dispel of one rumor right away: If the Android OS crashes for some reason while you’re flying, you will maintain control of your aircraft! Rumor to the contrary seems to have a life of its own and it’s just not true, as they are separate boards in the radio. You will lose some voice and sound functions, but full radio-frequency transmission and control continue.

Aside from the faster boot times, it also has a much larger 4.5-inch HD touch screen, which is magnificent. Vibrant colors and perfect touch sensitivity make it a joy to use. During a flying day, there is no need to turn the radio off and on between flights—just put it to sleep with a double tap of the power button. Waking it up is instantaneous with a single tap of the power switch.

At a Glance

Specifications

Band: 2.4 GHz

Channels: 14

Frame rate: 11ms or 22ms

Model memory: 250 internal

Modes: Selectable 1-4

Modulation: DSMX/DSM2

Display: 4.5-inch color touch screen

Range: Full

Resolution: 2048

SD card: Micro SD card (not included)

Telemetry: Yes

Bluetooth: Standard

Transmitter battery: Li-Ion 3.7-volt (1S3P) 10,500 mAh

Trainer function: Wireless

Weight: 32.3 ounces

Price: $899.99

Manufacturer/Distributor

Spektrum RC/Horizon Hobby

(800) 338-4639

www.spektrumrc.com

Pluses

  • Incredible color touch screen.
  • Extensive programmability and customization.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability.
  • All stick adjustments can be done without opening the radio.
  • Capacitive touch switches.
  • Text-to-speech or speech-to-text with optional headset/microphone.
  • Easiest programming I’ve ever had.
  • Ergonomics.
  • Programming AS3X receivers is a breeze through the radio.

Minuses

  • First release has a couple of software bugs that need a patch to fix—nothing detrimental to flight though.

In the Box

  • Spektrum iX14 transmitter
  • Custom iX14 neck strap
  • iX14 decal sheet
  • Magnetic USB-C adapter
  • USB magnetic adapter cable
  • Quick-start guide
  • Exclusive iX14 foam carrying case
  • 10,500 mAh Li-Ion transmitter battery pack (installed)

The iX14 arrives in the protective foam case with a neck strap, a quick-start guide, a charge cord, a magnetic adapter, decals, and a radio.

The iX14 arrives in the protective foam case with a neck strap, a quick-start guide, a charge cord, a magnetic adapter, decals, and a radio.

The back has the USB charge port, SD card slot, headphone jack, serial connection, and the battery compartment with a 10,500 mAh Li-Ion battery.

The back has the USB charge port, SD card slot, headphone jack, serial connection, and the battery compartment with a 10,500 mAh Li-Ion battery.

The top right quadrant shows a dial, 2-position switch, three 3-position switches, plus the R Trim switch.

The top right quadrant shows a dial, 2-position switch, three 3-position switches, plus the R Trim switch.

The 10,500 mAh Li-Ion battery will easily power the radio for the entire day and then some. While doing this review, I left it on for three days and simply put it to sleep. I programmed 36 aircraft and experimented with numerous functions, and it still had ample power left to go flying.

Some interesting new features will pique your curiosity, such as the capacitive touch voice callouts. Aside from the voice-assigned switch changes that you’re probably accustomed to, it has the ability to announce something when you simply touch a switch. With the text-to-speech feature, you can have it say whatever you want by touching a switch. This is a handy feature when you’re busy and don’t want to take your eyes off the aircraft to search for the right switch.

Sensitivity can be adjusted so that it isn’t always calling out if you lightly brush it. This isn’t something I thought about, but suddenly I needed it. I’ve set one switch that I seldom use and don’t easily brush up against to give me certain telemetry callouts.

It might seem to be a minor thing, but Spektrum has seen fit to not only go to the common USB-C connection for charging, but also included a magnetic adapter. Now, if you accidently snag the charge cord while the radio is on your bench, it just disconnects the magnet rather than launching your radio across the room.

Text-to-speech and speech-to-text functions are both available for those custom announcements you might like. I find the text-to-speech is quick on the mini QWERTY keyboard, but if you prefer to speak the command you want, it’s available if you plug in a headset/microphone to the port in the back. There is not a built-in microphone. This sort of functionality is possible because of the Android OS.

Whatever airplane you had chosen last will pop up on the screen when fully booted, and you’re ready to go. The symbol at the top in the middle will expand the window to full-screen size. Everything is accessible from the choices at the bottom.

Whatever airplane you had chosen last will pop up on the screen when fully booted, and you’re ready to go. The symbol at the top in the middle will expand the window to full-screen size. Everything is accessible from the choices at the bottom.

System Settings will take you to six submenus.

System Settings will take you to six submenus.

Model Setup offers 18 submenus for defining your aircraft.

Model Setup offers 18 submenus for defining your aircraft.

The radio comes with a custom-made foam case that doubles as a shipping box and storage case. It’s foam with some sort of cloth-like covering laminated to it and positive latches to secure it. Although some might think that it’s too large and could be higher quality given the price of the radio, it’s fully functional with room for extra things inside when you go to the field. It arrives with the charge cord and magnetic adapter, plastic protective case, an Allen wrench, quick-start guide, and decals. You have to supply your own power source for the charger, but most of us have multiple USB power sources around the house.

Using the Radio

This is what it really comes down to: How is it to use? I love it—let’s just get that out there. Everything that I found a bit frustrating on my early version of the iX12 has been fixed to my liking. The display is crisp, and accessing the many programmable functions is nearly instantaneous.

Within a few minutes of unpacking it, I was connected to Wi-Fi and registering the radio. There were no updates for Android or AirWare to do, so it was ready to start programming. I will mention that if you’re used to an Android tablet, that side of the radio will be familiar because it really is just an Android tablet hiding behind the AirWare software. It was also nice to see that it wasn’t loaded with a bunch of junk that I didn’t care about. So many tablets and phones come preloaded with a lot of things I spend time uninstalling. That is not the case with the iX14.

Before I get ahead of myself, there is a PDF manual, but no printed manual. The included quick-start guide will get you going, but if you need to access the full 365-page manual, you’ll have to use your phone, tablet, or pull it up on the radio itself. Having it there makes for quick reference if needed at the field and it is very readable.

Within a few minutes, I connected to my Google Drive, where I had backed up every aircraft from my NX10, and they imported en mass over the course of approximately 30 seconds. Not only did the aircraft come over without error, but each and every switch assignment and call out came with them. I simply had to bind each one to the aircraft and they were ready to fly. Did I mention that the trim settings came too? Well, they did! You can also import from a micro SD card (not provided), and you can back up to the SD card or to the Cloud if using Wi-Fi. Both worked fine for me.

The radio fits my hands perfectly and it felt normal from the start. The neck strap connection offers two attachment points so that you can get it hanging just the way you want. The trim switches have a distinctive feel that makes them the easiest to find and adjust of any radio I’ve owned.

The top quadrants have the usual array of two- and three-position switches, dials, and a momentary switch. There are also two switches labeled L Trim and R Trim on each side of the iX14 logo. These are programmable switches that look and feel like the regular trim switches for the gimbals, but they are not "trims" as we tend to think of them. The name is somewhat misleading. They have a distinctive feel, so they are easily identified without having to look. Nice touch!

Model Adjust offers seven submenus.

Model Adjust offers seven submenus.

The frame rates default to 22ms but can be changed to suit your needs.

The frame rates default to 22ms but can be changed to suit your needs.

The Servo Setup screen has everything right at the user’s touch for quick changes.

The Servo Setup screen has everything right at the user’s touch for quick changes.

Modes are assignable, and it arrives in the standard Mode 2 format. The gimbals are Hall-sensored and smooth with adjustments that are available from the front without having to go inside the radio. This makes any change quick and easy as you adjust it to your preferences.

Another perk is the availability to set it up for cross trims. This allows you to have the throttle/rudder trim on the other stick’s side if desired, and vice versa. It’s a great feature to get used to so that you can adjust aileron or elevator trim without having to take your fingers off the stick. It is something to get used to after many years of the old way, but I’m giving it a shot, and I like it so far.

The screens and programming are so intuitive that it seems wasteful to fill space explaining the various screens. Each is clearly labeled with three categories at the bottom: Model Adjust, Model Setup, and System Settings. Each one is activated and expanded with a single touch, and they have multiple submenus for each function. There is no rolling of a scroll wheel then selecting with a mash of the wheel. Touch the option you want, and you’re presented with all of the options to change.

To return to the main screen, touch the back arrow at the top of the screen and you’re there. It’s the easiest and fastest programming you’ll find. Yes, I’m a fan of touch screens. While I’m on that topic, there isn’t a screen protector available for it yet, but I was able to use one for a different radio that had a screen almost identical in size. I’ll get the iX14 screen protector when it comes out soon.

Summary

To sum up some special features of this radio, let me list them briefly:

  • Nine predefined mixes and 16 programmable mixes
  • Four sequencers
  • 10 flight modes
  • Video transmitter control
  • Serial port for Crossfire and Crossfire 2, along with a 9.5-volt power supply
  • Micro SD port for backups and expanded memory
  • 250 models internally
  • Compatible with Smart technology
  • Headphone/microphone jack for speech-to-text or headphone use
  • Superb ergonomics

One last thing: If you use a RealFlight simulator, the iX14 will pair nicely with the Spektrum dongle so that you can use your radio with the simulator. Just create an airplane and name it RealFlight or whatever, and bind it to the dongle just as you would a receiver. Mine works like a charm!

Audio Events give the user a wide array of callouts, etc. to be defined and assigned as needed. You can create a preflight list and have it call out if this is wanted. Audio events are very customizable.

Audio Events give the user a wide array of callouts, etc. to be defined and assigned as needed. You can create a preflight list and have it call out if this is wanted. Audio events are very customizable.

This touch report is ready to be defined. The author assigned it to switch B, and by touching the red line, it brought up a QWERTY keyboard to define what he wanted it to say for each position.

This touch report is ready to be defined. The author assigned it to switch B, and by touching the red line, it brought up a QWERTY keyboard to define what he wanted it to say for each position.

The Calibration window under System Settings allows you to ensure that you are getting full movement for each control. You can also calibrate the sensitivity of the capacitive touch switches that you define. When each control is calibrated and returned to

The Calibration window under System Settings allows you to ensure that you are getting full movement for each control. You can also calibrate the sensitivity of the capacitive touch switches that you define. When each control is calibrated and returned to center, the line will turn green to indicate that it’s complete.

Conclusion

Buying a new radio is always a bit exciting and a bit intimidating at the same time. This radio is so intuitive that there is no intimidation factor. The radio is so new that Horizon Hobby hasn’t done a full playlist of instructional videos yet, but the company is working on it. You can also check out the videos for the iX20 since so many of the functions are the same.

Not everyone cares about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on a radio, and I get that. The Wi-Fi is handy for doing updates, etc., but to save power, I leave it off when it is not required. I do wear hearing aids and have played with connecting them via Bluetooth to hear the callouts, which I do find handy, and I don’t have to have the volume up so loud that everyone around me hears it.

As an early adopter of any technology, there is a chance of updates and bug patches coming soon, and this is no exception. There are a couple of bugs that have found their way through despite extensive beta testing by developers and team pilots. There is nothing that will cause you to lose an airplane, but there are little things that will most likely be fixed by the time you read this. Spektrum’s reputation of tech support is unsurpassed. Check out the company’s YouTube channel and Horizon’s YouTube channel for instructional videos.

I am absolutely sold on this radio. Will it be my last radio? Well, we probably know the answer to that since I have a radio thing, and Spektrum will eventually come out with something that makes me consider upgrading.

I have to say that, as of right now, I’d be hard pressed to find something I want to do that this radio won’t handle. Its ergonomics are exceptional, along with the ease of programming. It’s not inexpensive, but it does fall within a reasonable price point for those of us looking for a professional-level radio at a non-professional price.

SOURCES:

SpektrumRC YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/SpektrumRC

Horizon Hobby YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/HorizonHobbyProducts

 

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1 comments

Love my ix 14 worth every penny......

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