When the 12X DSM was announced I knew it was for me. I have been a JR fanboy for almost 20 years and have owned everything from lowly 2 channel pistol grips right up to my trusty 8303. Right after the release announcement I began peddling my 8303 with all the fixings, and was relieved when the package was scooped up by one of our good customers. He got a heck of a deal and I hope he is getting as much enjoyment out of the radio as I was.

I knew I wanted to go up from the 8303, which meant the 10X, but I was not happy with the fact that the 10X was not multi-program... (You had to choose either Heli or Air version). My back order went in the moment I found out the 12X had both Heli and Air programs as well as DSM technology.

I was also very fortunate in that Horizon had a promotion running the same time as I back ordered the 12X: I could get a free receiver for every extra receiver I bought. I took advantage of this promotion to grab a couple of extra receivers. (Not that I NEED 12 Ch receivers for my micro helis, but I am keeping my options open!)

Initial Impressions

What can I say? I certainly wasn't dissappointed! It arrived in a sleek, flat-black box with large JR 12X logo on all sides. In the box was a custom aluminum case with very strong looking hinges and clasp.

Inside the case the 12X sat strapped in with a velco loop to a foam suspended backboard. No chance of shipping damage to this precious cargo. I ordered the DSM version as I did not envision ever going back to the 72Mhz band. This version came with a 1221 receiver and dual charger. There was a nice neck strap and a USB cable included to connect to your PC. The software for managing your profiles is on an included CDROM.

I followed the tried and true process of ignoring the instructions and immediately fired up the 12X. Wow. Very nice display. Sure it's not a colourful Winblows interface; it is a functional, intuitive, and easy to read interface to the programming of the radio. Having experience with the 8303 I was pretty much at home with most of the options and the JR feel of the menus. I was quickly able to scroll through most of the familiar settings and investigated a few of the new ones. I expect to spend a long winter working through the volumnous instruction manual to eek out the true potential of this radio.

I set the radio up for the overnight charge after my initial playing around and was pleasantly surprised to find that the charger is a peak detector (?) Or at least it appears to be. I hooked up the charger and the lamp went on solid red, then sometime after about 10 hours the light began to blink, indicating a full charge.

I have had enough time with the radio now to begin setting it up in my MS Composit Hornet X3D. It is going very well and I like the functions available. What I noticed early was it feels a bit more heavy than my 8303, but the patented "JR Feel" is there in full force. The grips are slightly rubberized and form fitting to my hands. All of the switches, buttons, and sliders are within easy reach. The antenna can be pointed to suit and the sticks set to your preffered height. I have no issues with the look and feel of my new 12X.

I hope to have the X3D airborne with the 12X soon and will come back with updates as I have them.