In October 2004, Horizon Hobby rocked the RC world by unveiling one of the most revolutionary products ever to hit the market: Spektrum™ 2.4GHz Digital Spectrum Modulation Technology. Similar technology in the computer and telephone industries eliminated interference, increased signal resolution, and provided a more robust link between the base and transmitting units. Since then, RC enthusiasts worldwide have embraced Spektrum technology as the cornerstone of the radio control hobby.

Spektrum DSM Technology, introduced at the 2004 iHobby Expo at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, took the radio control world by storm. At the show, the overwhelming question from attendants was, of course, "When will it be available?" The first releases were a series of modules for existing JR, KO Propo, HiTec, Airtronics, and Futaba RC transmitters that allowed racers to enjoy the crystal-clear and reliable signal provided by Spektrum technology without requiring them to purchase separate radios. Drivers such as Mark Pavadis, Tyree Phillips, Brian Kinwald, and others used Spektrum modules at these high-profile events, and the technology worked as expected!

After the module systems were released, designers went to work on the first Spektrum-branded RC transmitter. Engineers began to receive comments from hobbyists indicating they would like to see a Spektrum-based radio with everything in one box. The first all-in-one 2.4GHz transmitter, the DX3, made its worldwide debut in May 2005 at the RCX convention in Los Angeles, California.

After 2.4GHz, the next Spektrum innovation created for RC aircraft was AS3X (Artificial Stabilization – 3-aXis). The purpose of AS3X technology is to enhance the flight stability of all model types. AS3X technology works behind the scenes to help stabilize the aircraft in whatever attitude by using a sophisticated combination of sensors and exclusive flight control software. Every BNF® airplane or helicopter with an AS3X system is custom tuned by RC product development experts to deliver the best flying experience possible.

SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology is an advanced flight assistance system that allows pilots to fly without worrying about crashing due to common mistakes such as orientation loss or over-control. Built upon the successful Spektrum AS3X system, models with SAFE technology have multiple flight modes, progressive flight envelope limitations, self-leveling, and flight stabilization. By simply changing the position of a switch on the transmitter, a pilot can choose any flight mode for results that promote confidence and flight proficiency at a comfortable and often faster rate.

So what does the future hold for Spektrum users? Design, refinement, and testing continue today and will provide even more technical advances and breakthroughs in the future.

The best is yet to come.