Spektrum is one of the most well known names in RC radio systems. They offer everything from a bare bones radio that comes with a lot of the Losi and other Horizon Hobbies RTR RC cars (DX2E and the older Losi 2.4 ghz radio), all the way up to a full on racing style radio (DX3R Pro).

This is the DX3C. It is in the middle of the pack between a RTR radio and the race ready DX3R Pro. The DX3C has many features only found in much more expensive computer radios. First up is a 20 model memory. That’s more than most people will ever need. Some of the other features are channel mixing, 4 wheel steering capability for you crawlers out there, a changeable grip, servo travel and exponential. Basically this radio is more than capable for any club level racer, or any basher out there.

The DX3C features a dot matrix LCD screen with which you can browse all of the menus. You can customize each of the 20 models in the radio, so that when you select the model you want to drive all of your settings are there waiting for you. You can set whatever name you want to each of the models (within the character limit). You can also put your own name in the menu (seen above as RC Soup :)) Also visible on the main screen are the battery voltage for the radio itself, as well as trim positions for steering and throttle. One of the cooler features that we stumbled upon by accident was the inactivity alert. If the radio sits idle for a period of time (about ten minutes) it gives you an audible alert, accompanied by an on screen message reminding you to turn off the radio. This will definitely come in handy, as I’ve been known on more than one occasion to put my radio on the table and rush out to marshal, forgetting I left the radio on. There is also a built in timer, which enables you to set a count up or count down that gives you an audible alert when that time is reached.

Another feature not found on radios at this price point is adjustable steering wheel tension. This allows you to customize the feel of the steering wheel, and how much force it takes to turn it. This can give you a much greater feel for what the steering is doing.

The DX3C comes with 4 AA’s, which is all you need for this radio. Gone are the days of 8 AA’s in a radio. It also comes with a Spektrum SR300 receiver.

To test this radio, all I had to do was bind it to my Losi XXX-SCT, and away we went. I made some minor tweaks to trim settings, and gave it a quick test drive in the street to make sure everything was working properly. I took it to CRC Raceway in Rome NY for our normal club racing Sunday. I personally use a DX3S, so my receiver was already compatible. All Spektrum DSM 1, DSM 2, and Marine receivers are compatible with this radio. When my first heat was about to begin, I took some test laps with the DX3C to make sure everything was adjusted properly. I reset endpoints, expo, and steering trim to my liking.

The radio has a nice balance in your hand. Its not overly heavy, but doesn’t feel too light either. Trigger tension was a little loose for my liking, which is not adjustable. But that is a personal preference, not a detraction to the ability of the radio. The steering wheel tension was right where I liked it out of the box, so I didn’t adjust it.

The foam on the steering wheel is on the stiff side, as is the rubber on the grip. Speaking of the grip, if you remove it, there is a slot for an SD card. If there is ever a software upgrade provided by Spektrum for the radio, you simply download it to an SD card (not included) and insert the SD card into the slot. Power on the radio, and the update is automatic. Pretty cool.

So how did the DX3C stack up?

Value	At $129.99 retail (at the time of this writing), this is a super deal for a radio with this many features. The only drawback is the cost of receivers. With a 20 model memory, buying those extra receivers could add up in a hurry
Appearance	The radio looks pretty cool. It doesn’t look like something from outer space. If you’re not a fan of the color, there are options for custom wraps out there. Not from Spektrum themselves that I’ve seen, but the options are out there if you look hard enough.
Performance	I was pleasantly surprised with how the radio performed. Inputs were instantly felt in the truck, without the slightest delay. Range was great, you can drive just about as far as your eyes can see.
Durability	The radio held up very well to my abuse. Of course, this is going to one of our raffle winners so I wasn’t too harsh on it. But having experience with Spektrum radios I know they can take a beating.
Would I buy again?	There’s no question here. I would absolutely buy this radio.

Overall I give the Spektrum DX3C a 4.5 out of 5 Spoons

A good sportsman or club racer radio, guaranteed to give you the options you need at that level. It’s a perfect first computer radio, a way to get your feet wet in the vast market of radios in RC.