Spektrum Black Series Transmitters and Wireless Trainer Connections

Your suspicion is incorrect; the introduction of the Black Series transmitters was not the point at which Spektrum exclusively moved to wireless-only trainer connections. The Black Series models like the DX9 Black Edition actually offered both wireless and wired options to provide maximum flexibility.

Here is a historical breakdown of Spektrum's shift in trainer connections:

DX9 Black Edition (Generation 2)

The DX9 Black Edition was part of Spektrum's Generation 2 line of transmitters, which was introduced around 2015.

• Dual trainer options: The radio featured a standard trainer port for wired connections, just like earlier models.
• Wireless innovation: It was also a showcase for Spektrum's Wireless Trainer Link, which allowed it to wirelessly "buddy box" with other DSM2/DSMX transmitters. This allowed pilots to use a legacy wired setup or take advantage of the new wireless convenience.

The transition to wireless-only

The move to exclusively wireless trainer connections happened later with certain models and was not a universal change across the entire product line at one time.

• Wired adapter for new radios: Spektrum's later iX and NX series of radios, such as the NX10, do not have a standard 1/8" trainer port. Instead, they require a specific adapter (SPMA3091) to create a wired connection with an older radio that uses a standard cord.
• Specific wireless-only models: The entry-level DX6e was one of the first fixed-wing radios to fully adopt a wireless-only master trainer capability, explicitly noting it lacked a wired trainer port.

Why the confusion about the Black Series?

Your memory is likely mixing up two different but related historical points:

1. The introduction of wireless: The Black Series, as part of the Generation 2 line, was a major stepping stone for the transition by making wireless trainer technology mainstream.
2. The exclusive shift: Later, more modern radios began to phase out the traditional wired port, and the rise of wireless technology made older wired-only setups feel outdated. The Black Series was a bridge between these two eras, not the final destination.

Spektrum Wireless Trainer Capabilities

The Spektrum DX9 was the first transmitter to offer a wireless trainer option, introduced in 2013. This feature became standard on all "Generation 2" and later Spektrum radios, which included an internal DSMX receiver to connect with a student's transmitter.

Spektrum transmitters that support wireless trainer:

"Generation 2" DX series (Master capability)

These were among the first radios to incorporate the wireless trainer link and include a wired port for backward compatibility.

• DX6G2 and DX6G3
• DX7G2
• DX8G2 and DX8e
• DX9 (including the Black Edition)
• DX18 (including the Stealth Edition)

NX series (Master and student capability)

These transmitters use a more modern Wireless Trainer (WLT) system, often powered by an SRXL2 remote receiver.

• NX6
• NX7e+
• NX8+
• NX10+
• NX20

iX series (Master and student capability)

Spektrum's flagship line of radios all support the wireless trainer feature.

• iX12
• iX14+
• iX20 (including Special Edition)

Other transmitters (Student/Slave capability)

Some lower-end transmitters can act as a student (or "slave") radio, while others, like the DXe retail version, can act as a master.

• DXe (Retail version): This version can function as a master for wireless training, unlike the version that came with ready-to-fly (RTF) models.
• DXS: This requires an optional module to be used as a master.
• Older DSM2/DSMX transmitters (e.g., DX5e, DX6i): These can be used as a slave (student) radio with a Generation 2 or newer master transmitter.