I am currently using the Spektrum DX7s and it has worked well for me using the APM 2.5 on my hexacopter. All though, after setting up the transmitter for six modes for Arducopter and the pitch/tilt control on my camera, I am maxed on my channels. Note: Aux. 7 is set for the tilt on my camera gimbal.
Looking at what is available regarding additional channels on the other Spektrum transmitters, I only have the DX8, DX9 (- available soon), and the DX18 to choose from. The DX9 would be okay, but I would max out using all 9 channels. The DX18 has more channels than what I will need, or want to pay at this time.
I need two additional channels for lights. The 8th and 9th channels will be used for a LED spotlight and lights on the hex arms. I would like to turn them on and off through the transmitter.
My concern is, I will be maxed out again if I go with the DX9. So, I am looking at the Futaba 8FG or the Futaba 14SG. My question is which transmitter would be easier to set up per APM and the accessories described above? I am new to Futaba regarding the S-BUS concept, but have a general understanding.
I am open for suggestions, including if there is a "work around" using my current TX.
Thanks
Replies
I'm currently using a 9x with OpenTX FW, Orange OpenLRS TX/RX with OpenLRSNG FW.
What I especially love is the flexibility. My current setup is 12 channels (although radio and FW can do up to 16). I have Channels 1-8 as PPM stream on RX pin 6 and Channels 9,10,11,12 on RX pins 2,3,4,5. That way I have only a thin cable going from the RX to the APM while I control stuff like camera, lights and other extras via the 4 PWM outputs directly from the RX.
With an RH771 on the TX and a self-made Sander-style monopole on the RX, the range is bigger than I dared to fly my quad yet :D.
Latest versions of OpenLRSNG include own telemetry as well as FrSky-compatible telemetry. Configuration is easy with a cross-platform GUI. The RX is configured OTA via the TX.
You could always do what I do. I have an extra Turnigy 9X laying around that I used on top of my copter to tune it out when I realized my DX7 didn't have a knob. Just throw the 9X receiver on anywhere, give it power, and instant channels! That being said, I would in NO WAY AT ALL recommend using the 9X as your main flight receiver! I have 2 of them laying around that are not good for anything other than the simulation controllers and tuning. But for a lighting system, go for it! You can keep the main control one on you, and just put the other one used for lighting down on the ground.
I can get 12 channels out of my 8FG using the included 8 channel rx and an frsky S-bus converter (you need to get the frsky programmer too). No telemetry you'd have to drop the cash for the better 14SG. The 8FG is a great radio; just more expensive that Frsky.
Technically I can get 2 more on/off channels if I got a 14 channel rx but no need.
Why not use a seperate tx/rx for other options cameras etc.. Thats what lots of the pro's do now lots of times its a 2 man deal but you can still do it safely.
I retired my openTx 9x when I got my Taranis, it has ~10-16x more processing power and (I think) 4 times the memory (not counting the 2GB micro SD card (included) for unlimited model memory/voice/picture/music. It's truly the best bang for buck Tx/Rx out there, It's about time I stop getting ripped off from the big boys, they have had their gravy train for 3+ decades with me, no more :)
I love the RSSI signal strength, I had a 74mph quad crash and it cut both Rx antenna's (barely, I could not see it), well it saved my quad next flight by beeping and reporting low signal strength about 50 feet out before I lost control . BTW, FrSky uses the same Tx/Rx chip set (with different protocol) as Futaba, rock solid link and many years of happy customers. Mine got out to 3900 feet altitude before the first warning of low RSSI signal strength (not critical warning), with an 450mm quad LOS, it should be enough :)
The openTx manual is here:
https://code.google.com/p/opentx/wiki/OpenTx_FrSky_EN
RCG is good for Taranis help, but, this is where most of the openTx dev are and will answer your complex programming (full house gliders, etc) questions
http://openrcforums.com/forum/
My openTx modded $56 9x competes with the $300+ DX8, the Taranis competes with the ~$3K Fut 18mz (no color LCD, haptic)
Here is my Taranis APM 2.5 model with 7 flight modes.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=26119648&postcoun...
Cheers!, open source FW flexibility, great build quality, and very low price = happy happy joy joy :) Fly on boys!
I use ChannelWizard with my DX6i to give me 12 channels :)
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1576877
FrSky Taranis cant be beat for price, excellent range, and features. It competes with radios 10x it's price of $175, 16 channels, telemetry, openTx operating system is the most flexible ever, game changing radio IMO. They have just released it ~2 months ago, so be patient and you will save a load of cash. The 16 channel Rx is $33, 8ch is $26, 6ch is $21, 4ch is $20, all with telemetry.
I got mine here,
http://www.alofthobbies.com/radio-gear/frsky-telemetry-system.html
The list of features are superb, to many to type
http://www.frsky-rc.com/ad/List.html
Also, this radio has an external open RF module slot (JR form factor), there is ~14 modules that fit this slot, so you can keep your current Rx's (Fut, JR, Spek, Hitec, etc) by getting a module that works with your system. At the low cost of the Rx's, it may be cheaper in the long run to just replace Rx's with FrSky units.
RCG thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1866206&pp=50
This is too cool, you can setup/backup/trade models and simulate the Tx with this free software, and check out the power of this openTx operating system, the most flexible ever.
https://code.google.com/p/companion9x/
There are already a few models posted for the 6+ mod APM flight controller.
Have fun!