Hi all,
I have nearly completed my first T-copter, and soon I will be testing it. I have transmitters, 27Mhz, 35Mhz and 40Mhz, but think it might be time to go to 2.4Ghz switchable.
I'm not really on a budget, but prefer a simple life without too much to remember these days, although if needed I can learn.
I've heard about telemetry, especially to report battery life, and wonder if this is worth having.
So which one? I'm sure this has been asked many times, but new ones are always popping up.
Cheers, Camerart.
I have a dx6i and a turnigy 9x. Dx6i is really easy to use. As is the dx7 and 8.
The turnigy 9x is not so easy to use and there is alot to learn. But there is alot you can do with it.
If your looking for simple then id go with something like the Dx6i/7/8.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
if you can wait a little bit, FrSky is just about to release the Taranis. There's been a lot of mods to the 9X radio in order to run better firmware and hardware hacking to get telemetry working. The Taranis looks like a better quality radio with all of this built in, and voice alerts (which is handy if you are in the goggles)
Downside is even when they are released I can see everyone wanting one, so they could be tricky to get hold of
http://www.frsky-rc.com/NewProducts/ (http://www.frsky-rc.com/NewProducts/)
On the flip side i fly Futaba Fasst and cant fault it (i also have spekky for BbF stuff) it seems to have better range than spektrum out the box and i personally find programming my 8FG a breeze but its not cheap and the RX's are expensive but i would not change over to spektrum personally, however everyone is going to tell you what they have is best because thats their preference for what ever reason. The most important part is how it feels in YOUR hands when teching people to fly heli's i always tell them to hold a few and see what fits your hands best then move on from there depending on budget and featured needed. The DX8 seems a popular choice for spekky or the 8FG for futaba both will last you years.
If you have modulated Txs already just buy the FrSky module. Cheap, reliable and great range.
Quote from: camerart on June 14, 2013, 11:22:17 AM
I have nearly completed my first T-copter, and soon I will be testing it. I have transmitters, 27Mhz, 35Mhz and 40Mhz, but think it might be time to go to 2.4Ghz switchable.
You're right if you want to use telemetry.
BTW 27MHZ is still legal for model aircraft but old tech, 35MHz is popular for FPV because it offers good range (but no telemetry) and means you can use 2.4GHz for video transmission and 40MHz is not legal for model aircraft. If you decide to use 2.4GHz for model control you will need to use 5.8GHz for video transmission.
Also flying 2.4 on video is often not a good idea if you plan on flying wi other people as they will mostly be flying 2.4 and won't like flying with you ;-)
Thanks, some interesting feedback for me to check.
Trouble is, when I check reviews of these transmitters, this is where all the problems are, so not a balanced view. I'm sure they are all pretty good though.
At the moment, 1-futaba 2-Fr-sky 3 spektrum. Are these the top 3?
As I have a 35Mhz TX-RX and 2.4Ghz FPV already, this will be ok while I choose.
find a 2nd hand futaba 2.4ghz set
cheap budget stuff turnigy 9xr what ever it is with an frsky unit in it
you want 8 channels or more if flying a quad or multi
Never go for a minumium spec set because you'll out grow it to quickly and spend twice and cost more in the end.
As for your transmitters
27mhz you'll loose range and fall out of the sky
40mhz illegal for Air use
35mhz can give you decent range but so many ESCs expect glitchs
As much as it pains me to have brand loyalty, Futaba for me every time. Since I got my first 6ex I have had no glitch or range issues. The only issues for me with the 6ex is that I can see as I progress and may want a pan/tilt & flaps & gear means I'll run out of channels. The only consideration or restriction in my view.
GJ
Quote from: Granpaw Jonah on June 15, 2013, 12:53:13 PM
As much as it pains me to have brand loyalty, Futaba for me every time. Since I got my first 6ex I have had no glitch or range issues. The only issues for me with the 6ex is that I can see as I progress and may want a pan/tilt & flaps & gear means I'll run out of channels. The only consideration or restriction in my view.
GJ
6exa has limits towards failsafes and triggering such things as RTH
Hi,
Thanks for all the input. As you all know, it's possible to go round in circles. I have a mate with a Spektrum, and went to a club for advice, they all had Spektrums, so choosing different seemed awkward.
I have a Spektrum DX8 with DSMX on it's way.
Cheers, Camerart.
Watch out for the Spektrum haters :D
Don't crash or they'll blame DSMX :P
Dx8 is a great radio and I still use mine all the time for my LoS models. I flew it out to around 6-700m with 5.8 video many times when I was getting started in FPV without problems (in DSMX).
You might find it gets limiting at some point, but for shorter range it should be fine. If you want to go UHF at some point I think it's a poorer choice personally, which is why I ended up switching to a old futaba when I bought an LRS.
I think the FRsky Taranis would probably be my choice of radio if I was starting again - they have a "long range" 2.4 system and it will work just fine with any of the LRS systems, plus you have a standard Jr type module slot on the back - combined with the highly programmable nature your options are really almost endless! Gimbal quality is supposed to be very good too.
If either of your 35 or 40 mHz trannies have modules then fit FrSky modules as their performance is as good as Futaba but much cheaper and if you buy the right ones they have simple telemetry to tell you when you are approaching the range limit of the RC, a great feature.
Mick
I chose the Dx8 thinking that DSMX would work along side my 2.4ghz Video transmitter, but on a ground test, it wasn't impressive.
I'm thinking to buy a better 35mhz tx which should work ok with the video.
Just off to do a ground test.
Cheers, Camerart.
You'd be better off getting a 5.8ghz video system.. 35mhz works but it can be glitchy!
A good bet would be to buy a 35MHz tx with interchangeable RF modules. There are plenty excellent condition one up on Ebay. This would allow you to use your 2.4GHz video but later change to 2.4GHz model control and 5.8GHz video if you wished. There are some very good third party 2.4GHz RF modules available, including the matching rxs, that won't set you back a fortune.
One thing you seem to have missed is that
IF YOUR VIDEO IS ON 2.4GHz, YOU WILL HAVE ISSUES FLYING FPV ALONGSIDE PEOPLE WHO FLY USING 2.4GHz FOR CONTROLThe setups that work are:
- 35MHz control, 2.4GHz video.
Does not allow flying with those on 2.4GHz control. 35MHz can be glitchy and you need to be careful when flying with others. - 35MHz control, 5.8GHz video.
Can be used with people flying on 2.4GHz control. 35MHz can be glitchy and you need to be careful when flying with others. - 2.4GHz control, 5.8GHz video.
Can be used with people flying on 2.4GHz control.
Now you just need to choose a supplier for control, some good examples:
Spektrum DX8Alright but sorry, Spektrum is prone to issues. You can sugarcoat it all you like but anyone who has problems tends to be on Spektrum. Club users tend to fly close in line of sight, it really is useless for FPV
for the most part, I'm sure there will be some who disagreeFutabaThe pinacle of RC, but now not so much because the gear tends to be expensive and there are other alternatives such as:
Frsky Cheap receivers, good range, cheap as chips. Can be installed into Futaba / JR transmitters as it is modular.
So in summary my advice would be:
5.8GHz video
2.4GHz control. Get a Futaba transmitter and chuck a Frsky module in it. If you can't afford a Futaba transmitter, spend £60 on a 9XR and put the same Frsky module in it.
Easy 1.5km, no hassle, no problems, no faffing around, no interference from other flyers.
Quote from: Steve W on July 10, 2013, 06:11:08 PM
Alright but sorry, Spektrum is prone to issues. You can sugarcoat it all you like but anyone who has problems tends to be on Spektrum. Club users tend to fly close in line of sight, it really is useless for FPV for the most part, I'm sure there will be some who disagree
DX8 is DSMX. I fly my Naza F450 on 2.4ghz with my DX8 and I can fly behind trees 500m out and I've been out to 1km with no issues.. there are plenty of people who've been further.
Please don't join the spektrum hate band wagon until you know the facts :)
When I put "some people will disagree", Davey, I did specifically mean you .. and here we go :laugh:
Fact is, most issues you find online about dropouts feature Spektrum components. Even you can't argue with that surely?
I don't "hate" Spektrum anyway - my line of thinking based on what I have seen (and read reports about) is that they're just not as robust in noisier environments - perhaps you live in an RF quiet area?
There is some fear mongering from the DSM days... And now there are just bad pilots who want something to blame.
And you are just fanning the flames.. have you even ever used Spektrum gear?
Only the old stuff.
But I'm not fanning flames, I'm saying how *I* see it based on what you yourself can find online if you care to look - you're just being defensive, so sort it out instead of accusing me of being on a hate campaign :laugh:
I don't actually think you're a twat for using Spektrum gear. If anything I think you're brave...
Again.. people have issues with DSM and some issues with DSM2..
DSMX is on par with FASST.
Its nothing to do with being brave, its all to do with details and facts ;)
http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/dx8dsmxreview.shtml (http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/dx8dsmxreview.shtml)
RCModelReviews almost weekly news #12 - Spektrum's DSMX (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGYpnvHzod4#ws)
Oh and some random tests resulting in 1.5 MILES on the ground.
http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/spektrum/63307-some-long-range-dx8-dsmx-testing.html (http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/spektrum/63307-some-long-range-dx8-dsmx-testing.html)
And that's a UK spec TX!
Bottom line is 2.4ghz isn't the best for FPV which ever one you use BUT DSMX is just as good as the rest of the high end 'legal' powered systems.
I'm almost tempted to throw a AR8000 + sat on my flying wing and take it out until it fail-safes.
Indeed but, like I said, most of the things you do hear about are Spektrum issues.
Again, it's probably all down to the RF environment where you (and potentially others) fly.
Thus ends my participation on this subject (I'm not that bothered to be honest, i like Frsky).
Its all down to people either using old gear... or they are just a useless pilot/builder and want something to blame..
Frsky has to be the best option as regards 2.4 radios - they even have some specifically "long range" stuff.
I agree with davey to a point, I never had an issue when running DSMX... Granted I never pushed much over a km but some if the horror stories involve losing it within a couple hundred meters.
However, I don't think the spektrum's are a good choice if you intend to use an LRS at some point. Too many people having issues.
What TX were you using?
You've probably made your choice by now, but for what it's worth, I use a DX8, so far had no issues in conjunction with my 5.8ghz Vtx gear. All I can really add to the debate is that although I'm happy with what I've got, it's only human to want 'more', so if I sarted again, I'd either have the DX10 (a love-or-hate item I know!), or Futaba 14SG. Futaba have been around since I started flying fuel soaked planks in the 70's, they're an integral part of my RC 'heritage', I think they have it for style & build quality! I bought into the Spektrum thing, simply because all the Youtube vids of setting up wookong m's etc used Spektrum DX 7/8's!! (lazy or what?)
Seriously mate, whatever you get, buy as many channels as you can afford, you'll need them, especially if you intend on emulating zeeflyboy's epic scale chopper build. :laugh:
Hi All,
Thanks for the discussion.
I bought a DX8 and find it easy to use with different models. I tried the DX8 RX along with 2.4GHz video TX on a car, and soon found out they didn't get along. It wasn't well set-up, but it gave me an indication.
I then bought a cheap Hitec Eclipse 7, which has a switchable 35MHz module, and works fine. I have bought a set of Orange 433 MHz TX RX openLRS to fit into it, but have failed to get them to work so far (Long story) I'm interested in the way they can be programmed, even to the point of programming one to be a spectrum analyser, that can monitor the signals around. This could help in finding where glitches are coming from.
Cheers, Camerart