I received my 9XR today and it was not as bad as expected from reading the Hateorade on RCG.
There are defects in the molding process which leave cosmetic marks that superficially appear to be cracks or stress marks. Nothing a coat of paint won't solve.
Turns out they still have the trainer switch on the right side for mode 2. STUPID needs to be changed.
The Switches seem comparable with 9x radios of the past, however they have excessive switch thread extending to the outside. It will eliminate loosing the nuts that hold the switches in place, but it's odd -- however only cosmetic.
Definitely had to mod the battery connection to use standard Futaba polarized connection. 5 minute change. Because I'll never ever charge a battery in situ I removed the balance plug altogether.
The right gimbal plugs into the PCB rather than being soldered - but moving the elevator rocks the gimbal which will undoubtedly lead to a disconnect. Generous application of hot melt glue took care of that. The glue is simple to remove (if you don't know this) by applying some alcohol to the glue.
I like the Pots better
I like the trim switches better
The gimbals are a push as they come -- but look like they will be much more difficult to modify -- as I prefer to put Futaba Heavy Duty springs in my 9x gimbals. If the gimbals are adjustable, I did not figure it out -- but I've not read the product manual
either. It appears only the throttle is adjustable.
There are two threaded holes in the back. I'm probably going to build some sort of stand to protect the module from being laid upon and attach using those holes. They appear to be 3mm threads - but I've not checked yet.
With a 2500mah tx Lipo battery the balance is dead on. Nice.
Flashed Open9x with no problems.
Backlight can be used to search for victims in the event of disaster -- it's so bright - but can be turned off. The ready light can't be switched and that would be a problem for night flying -- because blue is the worst color light for night flying. Red will not dilate the pupils significantly, but blue does the most and has the longest refractory period. Cosmetic only -- easily solved permanently with application of alum tape, or temporarily with application of electricians tape.
Looks like it would be difficult to add some mods like speakers, however the battery bay is large enough to house a subwoofer.
The most fair comparison I could make with the original TG9x follows:
9XR sells for $50 radio - $30 OrangeRX module - $18 OrangeRX R710 7 ch receiver = $98
TG9x sells for $54 + $5 backlight + $5 for USBasp programmer = $64
Of course in both cases shipping and battery are additional and about the same.
So -- is the cost of the 9XR worth the additional price? Nope. Not really.
