Before my purchase of the DX9, I used an old DX7. The older transmitter did not have the extensive advances of the DX9, advances which make programming for today's popular aircraft much easier. I did not fully appreciate the advances until I began to move my "SAFE" capable aircraft and guardian-2d/3d stabilized Telemaster 40 to the new radio.

I first became familiar with DX9 while programming it for my Apprentice S and Sport Cub S. Both of these use "SAFE" stabilization, including a mode-select switch.

As with my SAFE equipped aircraft, I began programming for the guardian-equipped Telemaster with the mode-select switch. I decided to use the convenient, 3-position D switch. The DX9 makes programming mode selection easy through the "F-Mode Setup" and "Spoken Flight Mode" system setups. I used the F-Mode Setup to select the D switch for the mode switch. I used Spoken Flight Mode to assign a display name and voice message for each switch position. There are differences between the SAFE and guardian-equipped switch functions. The switch functions for SAFE are Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced. Positions for the Guardian are 2D, Off, and 3D. Identifying each switch position with both a display name and a voice message avoids mistakes during mode selection.

There is a long list of prerecorded voice messages to choose from. Since there was no "2D Mode" voice message I could use for the Guardian, I used "Beginner." Messages will undoubtedly be added to the list as new DX9 updates become available. And I'm here to tell you that, if you inadvertently leave your transmitter on, the voice and vibrator will definitely wake you up.

Most DX9 switch and control assignments are made using "Channel Input Config." "Custom Voice Events" is used to assign voice messages to the switches and controls. For example, I assigned voice messages of "High," "Medium," and "Inhibit" to the Guardian R Knob gain control. The R Knob also beeps when in the middle of its range (the "Medium" point); so, it is easy to know what the adjustment is doing. There is a separate DX9 "Throttle Cut" menu item for selecting the throttle cut switch (for safety, throttle cut should be used on all aircraft, both fueled and electric) and a also a "Center Tone" menu item for specifying the type of alarm you want when a control is in the middle of it's range.

With display and voice messages active, bench testing the aircraft after configuration is much easier. In some cases, there are LED indications for the different flight modes. The flight mode selection can be verified by monitoring the LED indications, and the display and voice messages.

After programming a few of my aircraft, I am very glad I made the decision to upgrade my transmitter to a DX9. I am also now able to take full advantage of the new Spektrum DSMX receivers and digital servos

GREAT TX!!! I have had mine for a week, I have about 20 hours on it with NO issues except one, and I'll talk about that in a minute.
First things first, register your radio on the Spektrum web site. Download the Firmware and Audio files straight onto the supplied SD card. DON'T rename the files. Plug the SD card into your radio and turn the power on. The Tx will auto update the firmware and "reboot". Now you can play with the switches and buttons. The audio file can be installed through the main menu at your leisure. I can't comment on the poor quality of the supplied SD card being unusable as other reviewers have stated. I somehow didn't receive an SD card, so I used one that I had on hand. It installed the firmware and audio updates without any issues in about 10min.
This radio is definitely a step up. I owned a DX7 for 8 years and loved it. Never had an issue. I didn't like its replacement, a DX8, because of its size?? Not sure what the issue was, but I didn't like how it felt in my hands. Not sure if the 9 is the same size, but my main issue was being able to "reach" the throttle at all settings with the DX8, but on the DX9 it is no problem, maybe I'm just acclimated now. Programming the DX9 is really straight forward after you get into a couple of menu items, curves, D-Rs, and so on, for each aircraft. I was able to program my larger scale aircraft in short order once I got the functionality of the roller rocker down. A piece of cake! Basically, all I did was repeat a mix setting that was working on my first aircraft and voila. The voice feature ROCKS!!....But, it can be without a doubt, annoying, if you set "her" to nag you for everything and anything. If you program for necessity, you'll like it very much!! It also helps save on battery usage if you keep "her" dialed down a bit. Battery usage, so far for me, is NOT an issue. I've spent 2 days of at least 4-5 hours each day, binding and programming my hangar. I couldn't save any settings from my DX7, other than memory, and didn't bother completely programming the DX8 because I knew I wasn't going to keep it, so I didn't have the luxury of transferring settings from one radio to the other. If you have many aircraft in your hangar, expect to spend some time to get it right!. Not an issue with a DX 8 going up to the DX9, (SD card). The transmitter fits into the Spektrum case like it was made for it. I've had to make no additional cuts or pockets to accept it, and it fits noticeably different than the DX8 did. AND I really like having a FIXED antenna attached to the radio! WOW, is that an improvement! Way to go HH.
Now, lets talk about compatibility with SPEKTRUM receivers. I was under the impression that this newer tech TX would have some DSM2 legacy ability to bind to ALL my receivers....this appears to be WRONG!! From what I can tell and have proven, the DX9 seems to bind to any AR6110 microlite recvr, but will NOT send correct commands to the appropriate channels. I tried every binding technique imaginable. Yes the Tx will bind with my AR6110e, but it will NOT send commands to the correct channels, keep that in mind if you know you have a working recvr and plan to use it w the DX9. I actually threw the recvr away, thinking it had flamed out and as it was a bit out dated, maybe time for a replacement, but is was WORKING with my DX7 previously, (he said scratching his head). Then I went into deeper trouble shooting mode and decided to try and bind it to a new DX5e. It works perfectly!!!! While this is not a deal breaker, and it's certainly not going to break the bank, you should be aware that possibly any of these older, working, DSM2 recvrs, may not work with the DX9, so expect to replace them w a newer vintage. I have spoken to HH about this, so they are aware, but didn't seem to be overly concerned from the stand point that my issue is from an older out of production DSM2 recvr that will most likely get replaced anyway.
I haven't had an opportunity to set up the wireless trainer function yet, I am one of our club trainers, but I have had the chance to see how it works at the field. Set up and functionality was flawless. Again, cudos to HH!!
In Summary....
> Easy to program, a fast learning curve for those with limited knowledge of programmable radios.
> Battery is satisfactory for a days worth of flying! No problem, using voice prompts on necessary commands only.
> Smooth as silk gimbals and very comfortable to hang on too, switches are easily accessible and completely programmable.
> Easy to read display, that was a must!!!

Had to upgrade from my old DX6i since the receiver of the Mach 25 BNF did not work with previous-generation DSMX radios (confirmed with Horizon customer support). Going from a DX6i to this thing was like a leap into the future....I hope this radio lasts forever.

I won this transmitter at a flying event and never thought I would retire my DX6. I use nothing but Spektrum products and couldn't be happier as they have never let me down. The system is easy to program/setup and it has gotten me to experiment with different planes and more channels.

Why is the regular DX9 no longer available except for the Black edition? This has been an excellent transmitter.. So tired of Spectrum out-dating items in such a short time. I have so many Spectrum radios and receivers that are now all but useless; unless I want to bring multiple transmitters to the field. Why can't new transmitters be backwards compatible with older receivers?