$49 without TX/RX modules (available separately). Looks impressive!
From the product listing:
The greatly anticipated Turnigy 9XR has arrived!
The software for the 9XR first began development 6 years ago. Since then it has been tweaked, tuned, changed, updated and revamped by members of the R/C community into a powerful - yet easy to use interface. Our engineers designed the physical product around the R/C communities software changes and input. The culmination of all these is the Turnigy 9XR!
For many users this will be the perfect 9 channel radio straight out of the box, but there are many tinkerers out there who love modifying and pushing the boundaries of what is possible from their radio. We have factory fitted the 9XR with an AVR ISP header to simplify the development of custom software, we have launched turnigy9xr.com as the epicentre for software developers and additional community support for all 9XR users......With the 9XR we encourage it!
The 9XR is supplied preloaded with top quality software which is full of features and yet remains easy to use. Our aim was to develop a radio for you, the hobbyist, with an extensive list of standard features usually expected from a radio system 3 times the price. Our Turnigy 9XR is everything you imagined and more!
9XR Standard Features:
• 8 Channel PPM/9 Channel PCM
• Full Ball Bearing gimbals
• Adjustable Stick Length
• Digital Trims on all Primary Axis
• 16 Model Memory
• Assignable Switches
• Freely Assignable Channel Mixes
• Graphical Dual Rate and Exponential
• Sub Trim and Travel Adjust
• Flaps and Differential
• Throttle Hold
• Supports Heli/ Aero/ Glider Model Types
• Programming Templates Based on Model Type
• Supports M1, M2, M3, M4 stick modes
• 128 x 64 backlit Liquid Crystal Display
• Built in JR & Futaba Trainer Ports
• PPM & PCM Output
• Utilization of JR Form Factor RF Modules
• Programmable Timers
• Low Voltage Warning and Buzzer
• Supports 3s Lipo (Required)
• 9XR Firmware Pre-loaded
• AVR ISP Interface
• Internal 2.4GHz Antenna
Online support and user forums available at: www.turnigy9xr.com
Spec:
Channnel: 8ch ppm/9ch pcm
Display: 128*64LCD (Backlit)
Support Type: Heli/Acro/Glid
Model Memory: 16
Stick modes: 1, 2, 3, 4
Encoder type: ppm/pcm
Module Interface: JR Compatible (See Related Items Below)
Simulator Interface: Yes (JR & Futaba)
Buzzer: Yes
Comments
you would think a socialst country would understand the whole open source thing. maybe it's the move to capitalism thats got them screwed up!
The funny thing is that not only did they violate the er9x license, they also started their own forum to fragment users. It's based on phpBB, which they also violated the license of.
I realize that they live in a communist country and don't understand a lot of modern concepts like freedom, intellectual property, etc., but they seem to not have very good business sense either.
PS: FrSKY also have a radio that supports Open9X software which is also another great advance in low price controllers
It does seem that current HK practices are not really in the spirit of open source. There is a post on their www.turnigy9xr.com forum that apologizes for not releasing the product with the correct accreditation to the developers of er9x. They say they are making an effort to fix this and have already release a new version of the manual. Personally they must be making enough money to hire a consultant to help them understand how the open source community works and how they can collaborate and make sure they can assist, and not just profit.
The interesting thing though is that the 9x open source development is just way ahead of this product. There's the new TemetrEZ module that adds extra input and outputs to a 9X for telemetry (or whatever). Also with the new drop in replacement board ersky9x http://www.ersky9x.net that adds even more programming options this really is the best hobby radio with awesome power (just like the APM)
It sounds like will still be able to use frsky modules, and from the looks of it they have already added an LCD Backlight. That plus not having to install a board to flash it makes it a pretty good deal. As long as it takes the same flash it should be sweet.
Just a heads up that there's already a bit of controversy surrounding the new 9XR regarding firmware source.
HobbyKing has made their own community site for the radio, forking the comminity created open source firmware and wiki. In other words taking the community effort and (with minimal reference to the original work) making it reflect good on HobbyKing instead.
If anybody's interested, I've been collecting various rumors/information about the 9xr here:
http://eastbay-rc.blogspot.com/2012/07/interesting-stuff-on-turnigy...
I'm pretty upbeat... it's basically a 9x, possibly with improved sticks (ball bearing gimbals), that comes with the best 9x mods -- backlight, interface port, modules, and er9x. HK claims the build quality will be better as well.
It will be interesting to see how they work with the er9x guys... an interesting combination of of open source firmware used by a hardware company. Hmm, if only there were a successful example of this we could point to...
Lol @ Earl... The stock firmware sucked, so the community made an open source firmware that they actually want, and the manufacturer is including the fruits of their labor in the new controller for the community. What more could you want?
If they only gave credit to the REAL 9x software development ! The firmware is an older ripped off er9x version. HK...you are gonna screw up your relationship with R/Cers if your not careful here. Give credit where credit is due !!!!
Earl
I see this a bit differently. Certainly the background as a 9x-user has influence on it. I have never had any issues with 9x.
9xr is platform for innovation.
1) It has a good open source firmware flashed ready from start.
2) You can add a TX/TR module of your choise.
3) Flashing ports are ready for you to change the firmware.
4) a few correnctions to 9x are added e.g., screen backlight
5) at a half price of a comparable "branded" device
For me this puts "branded" radios to a challenging position - fixed firmware and no options to change modules. I hope that in few years even "branded" radios are as open as Turnigy 9xr.
I hope 9XR is produced in quantities - 9x was very often out-of-stock. Demand will be there for 9xr at price of 40$ (without module)
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