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S6R and S8R configuration questions and concerns

Scott Page

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The SxR receivers are a wonder of modern technology - but can be very frustrating to set up. Because there are several different methods to "talk" to the receiver and because there have been multiple different firmware versions issued new users of the SxR frequently find themselves frustrated and confused. My hope is this thread will help alleviate issues with the setup of the SxR. A good online resource is located @ http://rcdiy.ca/sxr-setup-s6r-s8r/.

One of the most confusing aspects of the SxR receivers is that they are CURRENTLY being shipped in a default configuration called "quick mode" also called convenient mode.. but the instructions included with the receiver are for the standard mode and no mention is made of of the Quick mode. Compounding this confusion is the fact that AT THIS TIME the iOS bluetooth app is not up to date to configure a receiver with quick mode. Only the newest LUA script and PC Config program are able to configure quick mode - or disable quick mode.

For this reason it's critical that if you're configuring via LUA script you have the script that comes with the SD card version 2.2.v0013 (or later). And if you're using the PC config program (SxRConfig) it's version 1.8.3 or later. SD card contents which include the LUA program for configuration are available http://downloads.open-tx.org/2.2/sdcard/ and the SxRConfig program is available under the tool drop down @ https://www.frsky-rc.com/s6r/

As of 1/8/17 the most recent firmware version for the S6R is v. 171204 which was released on 12/27/17. As of 6/1/18 the most recent firmware version for the S6R is v. 180317 which was released on April 17, 2018. (it appears they mistakenly named the version number with a March date -- 03 ) The most recent firmware for the S8R is S8R, Version 171213. The most recent firmware for the S8R is Version 180328 . In order to play on a level field and avoid the uphill battle I recommend that receiver firmware (even new ones) be updated with the latest firmware as the first order of business. At this time the firmware is available from https://www.frsky-rc.com/s6r/
There are different methods to update a receiver firmware.
Taranis transmitters can update firmware by connecting the receiver S.Port to the transmitter. The X9D, X9D+, X9E, X12S and early Qx7 transmitters connect in the module bay. Other than the earliest models, the Qx7 has an S.Port connector on the bottom of the transmitter. X10 and X10S have an S.Port connector. A great tutorial for this is located @ http://www.craftandtheoryllc.com/up...-using-a-taranis-instead-of-the-stk-usb-tool/
Another tutorial for using the module bay for flashing S.Port devices is @ http://www.multi-rotor.co.uk/index.php?topic=14805.0
Things to study out carefully before setting up the Rx
Function of Ch 12 -- note: There are differences between quick mode and standard.
Function of Ch 9. You must set up this gain channel - even if you have it set to a static value.
Function of Ch. 10. It's different between quick mode and standard
Function of Ch. 11. Only needed in standard mode.

If you don't need the hover setting or knife edge setting I highly recommend and NOT using the Ch. 12 rescue function. Once flying I believe you want Ch. 12 disabled so you don't accidentally invoke the setup mode and crash your plane. It's my opinion that FrSky made a mistake putting the rescue function on Ch. 12.

If I were starting from scratch - I'd use LUA for the configuration (talking to the Rx). Not only is this more convenient, but it's safer. Be aware you need to be patient while the information is exchanged between Tx and Rx. After you make the changes to the configuration page in LUA page to the next page and then back to the configuration page to see that the changes were recorded.


If starting from scratch I'd using only Quick mode. It's easy to set up with one switch.

If you want to use the PC configure program you can connect via USB with either the STK https://alofthobbies.com/frsky-stk.html or the FrSky SPort Airlink S https://alofthobbies.com/frsky-sport-airlink-s.html

I had driver issues with the STK and didn't with the Airlink -- but ultimately prefer using LUA.

EDIT (2/8/18) The "Best Practice" I now recommend for concluding Ch12 Configuration is to power off the receiver without moving the throttle. So - making sure that AIL, ELE, and RUD are @ highest rates invoke the start of the CH12 configuration - once the control surfaces have all moved, move the AIL, ELE, and RUD sticks to their extremes - and power off the RX.

EDIT: (6/1/18) If for some reason Quick Mode does not show up when using LUA download a more recent LUA script available @ http://rcdiy.ca/sxr-setup-s6r-s8r/#Enable_Quick_Mode_CH_5_6_Modes_Gain_Offset_Angles . Presumably when OpenTX 2.2.2 is released the SD card will be updated and these changes will be included.
 
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Scott Page

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When setting up the SxR receivers. After binding the receiver you must manually check the receiver to assure the range is Ch 1-16 (or at least 1-12). Ch 9-12 MUST be active to "talk" to the stabilization controls in the receiver.
 
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Skye

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Are you addressing setup in opentx only?

Can you please address setup in Frsky os?

Thanks!
 

MPJF01

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The receivers come with a leaflet (referred to by FRSKY as a "Manual") that, despite a few faults, is one of the best sets of use instructions included with any FRSKY receiver. It is important that new users follow the directions there closely. A major cause of difficulty since the S6R was released has been users not doing the "Self check" step correctly, or at all.
 

RCdiy

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The SxR receivers are a wonder of modern technology - but can be very frustrating to set up. Because there are several different methods to "talk" to the receiver and because there have been multiple different firmware versions issued new users of the SxR frequently find themselves frustrated and confused. My hope is this thread will help alleviate issues with the setup of the SxR. A good online resource is located @ http://rcdiy.ca/sxr-setup-s6r-s8r/.

I'm open to feedback on the documentation. Let me know how it can be improved. One note of caution however is it won't be all things to all people. I've focused on using only the Tx with Lua scripts to keep it small, easy to follow and easy to keep updated.
 

Zipper1949 Wally

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Well, there are two familiar SxR users here. I graduated S8R University reading and wading through 5000+ posts on another forum. I'm retired coming from a software documentation background from a fortune 100 corporation and easily recognized the hardware / software version upgrade problems that FrySky created. I just bought my second S8R and even with it's learning curve issues, I see no reason to buy another type.

I have flown SAFE Rx planes and the Quick Mode in the S8R comes closest to this technology. I'm ready and eager for Spring to try it out in an 85" modified Midwest Sweet N Low with a DLE35RA. I have much to learn on this, my first gas plane, before I commit the second one to an 89 in. P51. We'll see how I work through vibration / setup issues then.

I've written FrySky about a feature that I'd like them to either implement in a future software update, or tell me how to do it. I haven't heard from them yet. For those who know, you can set a pot on the Taranis to adjust the gain while in flight. We all know that the physical installation of the Rx can sometimes be at odds with the planes aerodynamic stability with respect to pitch and roll. From the *cvs files I downloaded from the Rx, I can see that the attitude of the Rx can be adjusted a few degrees by uploading new values using a cvs file or changing the setup using the PC Tool. Since nobody is perfect in installing the Rx level, wouldn't it be nice to do this also while in flight? Say + or - 5 deg? I know of no system out there that can do that. And I'm sure SpekTrum does a lot of R/D on their Bind n Fly products getting that Rx just right for the masses. I can envision a 3-pos switch (for pithch-roll-off) in combination with a pot that could adjust the Rx's attitude in flight. Assuming the Rx can accept these inputs similarly to gain changes.

Well I recall someone saying something about Taranis radios. If you think it, you can probably do it. Well no one on the other forum told me how. Maybe someone here can. Or maybe this feature will show up in the next version of the RX and PC Tool. Well, let's see how this forum works.

FrySky was just too ambitious putting out the Knife Edge and Hover features. The undocumented (or poorly documented) but simpler Quick Mode feature is, IMHO, what most people will use.

RCdiy has a pretty good set-up guide. To new users, it's best to follow it. (Maybe it just needs a trouble shooting guide. hint, hint.)
 
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RCdiy

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I'd be happy to add a trouble shooting guide my problem is that if the guide as written is followed then there is very little trouble.... however please post suggestions and if I can verify/reproduce the problem and solution I'll add it....

I'm chatting with Painless360 and he will be providing me with feedback....
 

RCdiy

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I'd be happy to add a trouble shooting guide my problem is that if the guide as written is followed then there is very little trouble.... however please post suggestions and if I can verify/reproduce the problem and solution I'll add it....

I'm chatting with Painless360 and he will be providing me with feedback....

A lot of trouble starts with "I thought I could...." or "Isn't that the same thing only a different way..." and so on.... My thought was that there are way to many variables to document so for my document I picked a set of variables and that's it....
For example STK vs. iOS app vs. Lua scripts... I've picked lua scripts and am sticking to it... I did however provide links to ersky9x for that tx specific lua script alternative... FrOS will run the lua script I hope...
 

Scottand1000

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Thanks for the SxR advice Scott Page. Which method do you prefer to update Rx firmware? Airlink? I've had intermittent issues with the STK that I haven't solved. I thought about trying the Airlink but wondered which method you use...
 
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Wayne

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A word of warning about using cables with a Horus (X10 or X12) radios - DON'T!! Any errors in the connections and you will blow your power regulator for the module bay. This does a lot of damage ($$$) to the radio. We have seen a steady supply of folks doing this while trying to update smart port firmwares.
 

liukku

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A word of warning about using cables with a Horus (X10 or X12) radios - DON'T!! Any errors in the connections and you will blow your power regulator for the module bay. This does a lot of damage ($$$) to the radio. We have seen a steady supply of folks doing this while trying to update smart port firmwares.

I guess you mean the Smart Port on the back of the transmitter, I have an X10S. I have used it at least once. Can you explain what you mean? If the cable is the correct, then nothing will happen unless you plug in a cable that has the wrong polarity? Do not understand, what do you mean when saying "Any errors in the connections"?
How do you know that the power regulator has been damaged, I have no external module to test with.

/Ville
 

RCdiy

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A word of warning about using cables with a Horus (X10 or X12) radios - DON'T!! Any errors in the connections and you will blow your power regulator for the module bay. This does a lot of damage ($$$) to the radio. We have seen a steady supply of folks doing this while trying to update smart port firmwares.
Since the radio is the one supplying the power how does it getting damaged? Usually its the Rx that gets damaged when positive and negative are interchaged.
 

liukku

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Today, I tried 3 different methods to update my receivers and the method that does not work with my X10S is update via the Smart Port jack on the back. Update via the lower three pins of the module bay connector works well, with shifted plus and minus cables in the module bay.
Update with my S.Port Airlink also works well.

/Ville :)
 
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