Phil's News

My Turnigy 9X crashed my model two weeks ago due to a software error: an eeprom overflow caused the sticks to stop working.
This has been fixed now, an eeprom overflow now just brings up a splash screen; the eeprom overflow was caused by me putting in too many complicated models.
I have ordered a new board with more memory, I just need to change the sticks, screen and switches and I will have a first class TX, the case is OK

The software for this TX is being updated sometimes daily, to keep up with telemetry developments
I hope I will end up with sophisticated radio capable of flying F3X models with 5 flight phases with all mixers on 5 & 9 point curves

two short comings it's PPM not digital and with the FrSky module only 7 channels

I found this summary of 9X at http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1616229#post21068397

It is quite confusing, but the basic issues are fairly straight forward.

1. All the brands are essentially the same radio (made by FlySky) with different labels (FlySky, Turnigy, Eurgle, Imax, etc.). The one real difference (for most users) is how the module is installed.
2. All the brands nowadays come with the same firmware (most call it version 2, at least one V3 but don't worry).
3. All the manuals are essentially the same except for quality of reproduction (and some older versions may talk about the 72 module).
4. The radio in stock form works well, though the firmware takes an effort to learn when it comes anything beyond the basic four-channel setup. I used one for a year with basic models.
5. Quality control is a bit variable. Some people have had to resolder switch wires, for example. But I've dealt with four of the radios and all were fine.
6. The module is made by FlySky and works pretty well (full frequency hopping but no failsafe or range check mode). Receivers are about $8 and come in 3, 6 and 8-channel form.
7. Some versions (notably Turnigy) use a non-removable module, in the sense that it is wired in permanently to the antenna. Others, like FlySky, have the antenna mounted on the module, so allow easy interchange.
8. For top RF link performance and fail safe (and telemetry option) go to an FrSky module (JR configuration) and receivers.
9. The battery holder that comes with it is crap. Order the HK LiFe battery for about $7 for a cheap and excellent power source.
10. The radio is transformed if the firmware is replaced with ER9x. This is an advanced and incredibly flexible programming system. But it does get you into the technical stuff. And it isn't needed for basic flying.
11. To upgrade the firmware, you must install a programmer to link to the computer. Unless you are prepared to do fine soldering, you need the SmartieParts board for about $45, which has spring-contacts and also provides back-lighting. (Some transmitters have a different version of the main circuit board that requires a fix to install the SP board -- this has nothing to do with firmware versions but is often confused with that.)

That should get you sorted out as far as the basic issues are concerned. The big choices are whether to upgrade (a) the module, and (b) the firmware.

If you just want to use the radio as-is, which most people do, you need to give it a good internal check for poorly soldered wires, obtain a suitable battery (using the stock battery holder is not a good solution), find a copy of the manual (the FlySky version comes with a printed manual), and figure out the programming (not too hard at the basic level, once you figure out that "mode" means "model" and "model" means "stick mode". Also that the left button makes the cursor go right, etc. A few quirks.).

The FlySky version can be obtained from LeadersHobby.

Wherever you order it, be prepared for a wait of several weeks.

Hope this helps.

read review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sexp2iKWz0g&feature=plcp

Local Weather link

Coaley weather:

http://www.fargreen.co.uk/weather

Phil's news letter 23/07/2012

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