Behind-the-Scenes with the Spektrum iXSR

Spektrum, the trailblazers who sparked the 2.4GHz RC revolution, are back and better than ever with the brand new Spektrum iXSR transmitter, the ultimate high-tech radio designed for surface vehicles.

The iXSR is the result of years of Spektrum development and innovation. The goal was always to push the limits of what an RC transmitter could do. When the first Spektrum computer radio hit the market a few years ago, it was only a matter of time before Spektrum created a 'flagship' radio for all surface enthusiasts.

This powerhouse of a transmitter boasts Spektrum Smart Technology, a cutting-edge 4.5-inch color touch display powered by Android, and a world of possibilities for customizing your models. You can change the screen color and the color of the LED bars. With 19 user-adjustable colors, you can make it to look completely unique. You can even change the lighting depending on which model within your radio you are using.

Whether you're a backyard basher, a high-performance racing champ, or somewhere in between – the Spektrum iXSR transmitter delivers top-notch features and unlimited capabilities that will leave you breathless!

Horizon Hobby sat down with one of the principal architects of the new iXSR, Nick Malato, Product Manager – Radio to discuss the creation of the radio, review the technology, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the iXSR came to be.

What was your inspiration for the iXSR?

We wanted to create a new flagship radio for surface customers. It had been quite a while since we had a radio that fully met that criteria. From that point we just started looking at customer reviews and what they had told us they liked and didn’t like about previous radios. We knew we wanted to make a radio that felt like it was worthy of the flagship concept and potentially the cost. We knew we could make it do things better than the other radios in the market, but it needed to feel that way in the hand of the user also. Better mechanical parts, more substantial, more luxury and high tech.

How was the development process, including field testing and samples, leading to the final Spektrum iXSR product?

It took several years of development to get to the final version. Everything from changing heights and angles on the case, to re-designs of the electrical parts for better production and service. We took 3D printed samples early on to show different team members the concept and get feedback. Made sure different people with different points of view all got a say in the process. Even labels and final coating went through multiple versions to make sure we presented the best final product we could. Sure, there were many people that thought this thing was never going to come out with the number of times we tried different ideas and paths.

What was the most challenging part of the development of the radio?

The first thought that came to my head was everything. Everything mechanical and electrical on the radio was new to us on the surface development side. We learned new ways to run wiring and connections inside the radio, to fit within the case design that we wanted to be strong and sturdy. Hall effect sensors that had not been used on surface radios before. Learning how to get them calibrated and positioned within the system. All the mechanical parts of the steering and throttle modules are new designs. Everything worked from the start… but finding ways to make it work better, work more efficiently together was the challenge.

What is the most rewarding experience in developing the iXSR transmitter?

It was just great starting with a clean piece of paper. Making really bad pencil drawings and now seeing it as a full fledged radio. There were times early in the development process when I would test something and just think how cool it was, that I was the only person in the world to have this radio and be using it. Then, when other people got to see it and use it for the first timeseeing them be excited about it. And the confirmation that things were better than anything we had done before.

What feature you are most proud of?

Is it a cop out to say all of them? I am just really happy with how everything came out. It was such a great learning process. I definitely learned more things through this development. I like that a user can take the iXSR and really make it their own. There are so many little ways to visually or mechanically adjust the radio to make it your own. You can have three people with the radio and all three could have things set up slightly different to match their personality, car colors, just about anything.

Which RC user will find the iXSR the most appealing? (racers, crawlers, bashers, boaters)

The goal was to make a high end, high tech, luxury RC transmitter that could work for all different RC surface users, and I think we did a really good job at that. There are things the radio does really well for every genre in RC. Just like people want the best phone, or best Bluetooth® headphones, the iXSR can be the best radio with all the high tech looks, gadgets and gizmos.

What has been the most memorable feedback since the launch of the iXSR?

One of the first racers who tried a very early sample of the radio had a cool experience. Within the first minute of driving with the radio he was comfortable enough using it that he matched his lap times from using his “older” Spektrum radio. By the time he ran through the first battery he was actually faster by a few tenths. Came off the driver stand and said, “You have to let me use this the rest of the race weekend!”

What’s next for Spektrum?

There is always something else in the pipeline. Like I said earlier, I learned a lot through the Spektrum iXSR project and that will spur on other ideas for iXSR and other future projects. We are always listening to our drivers and customers to look at new and different things to add to the Spektrum line. And many of those things are already in the pipeline. There is never enough time in the day. Some people think it’s a joke, but as we say, “we are always working on something.”

Ready to elevate your RC experience? Check out the Spektrum iXSR today!