Archer Plus compatibility with ACCESS & OTX radios?

[Flying Dutchman]

What is the current status of Archer Plus Rx's compatibility with ACCESS radios running OTX? I purchased an Archer Plus R8 about a month ago, and today tried to install it in a new plane, but am having problems. Registration and binding with my QX7-ACCESS went OK, but the radio info page doesn't show the Rx or its FW version, and OTA and Rx options don't work. Telemetry does work, so Tx-Rx communication seems OK.

I saw a long and convoluted thread on RCG that seemed to indicate that FrSky is supposed to be working on an OTX update (?) to address this, but I didn't see a solution to the problem yet. Should I just wait until they do provide a solution, or is there a work around? I'm not sure I want to fly a new plane with a questionable Rx...

 

[MikeB]

openTx is being updated, changes have already been pushed to Github.
The radio link and telemetry work fine. It is just openTx has a list of receivers it "knows" about and the Archer plus receivers are not in the list, so it doesn't "know" how to handle Rx options, OTA the FW version.

Mike

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Thanks Mike! Searching on Github I found a thread that indicates that "OpenTX 2.3.16" is now 100% completed and 'closed' but I don't see any download link anywhere. I'm not really familiar with Github, so can you give a hint where/how to get it?

Steven

 

[MikeB]

I assume it will appear as an available update when running companion. I maintain and use erskyTx so I don't have a lot to do with openTx directly.

Mike

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Unfortunately OTX version 2.3.16 never came (been waiting since August), so I'm kinda stuck with my Archer Plus R8 on ACCESS. Moreover, I can't buy any more ACCESS receivers, as they are all 'Plus' and will have the same problem. I'm rather disappointed/disgusted that FrSky has not shown any interest in supporting their customers with this. Yeah, I know they don't own OTX, but they do have the OTX guy that can do this on their payroll.

I was able to install the latest FW upgrade 1.0.10 by S-port cable, hoping that it might make a difference, but alas it did not.

I guess my options are:
1. Just give up and buy an Ethos Tx and forget about using my QX7 going forward, but that's a rather expensive solution.
2. Use the Rx with the above mentioned limitations, not knowing whether there are other problems I'm not aware of - is it safe???
3. Run the new Plus Rx's on ACCST, which to me is a big step backward that I really don't like to make.

Are there any other options?

 

[MikeB]

I've been building openTx for a few transmitters from the "official" sources, so I've just built a version for the QX7 Access, and posted it here: https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14126

I can't test it (I don't have a QX7 with Access), but versions for other radios work OK.

Just backup your existing EEPROM and firmware before flashing this version.

Mike

 

[Wayne]

Mike that is outstanding!

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Wow, that's amazing! Thanks a bunch, Mike.

I'm having some difficulties doing the update (haven't done an OTX update in a long time): getting a "Not a valid firmware!" warning when trying to write the FW.
I'll look for answers on this forum and elsewhere, but I'd appreciate a hint if anyone has one.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Success, mostly. It looks like I was able to update the radio using Companion, and all above mentioned problems are solved. The only issue left is a persistent "SD Card Warning", apparently there is a problem with the "expected version number", but I can click that away and (hopefully) ignore it. Did I do something wrong in Companion or is this due to the 'unofficial' nature of the upgrade?

 

[Chris]

You will just need to update the SD Card. Make a copy of it first (as usual) in case something happens. Then I believe you can update that through companion as well.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Thanks Chris. Turned out I only needed to correct the contents of the 'opentx.sdcard.version' file to '2.3V0039' for the warning to go away. Works perfectly now.
Still in awe of Mike's ongoing efforts to keep us all flying, I'm very grateful.

 

[Curtthedirt]

Thanks Chris. Turned out I only needed to correct the contents of the 'opentx.sdcard.version' file to '2.3V0039' for the warning to go away. Works perfectly now.
Still in awe of Mike's ongoing efforts to keep us all flying, I'm very grateful.

I am also in awe!!!!! Wow ......just wow

 

[Rgs2010]

RE: Archer Plus Rxs

I have RadioMaster T16S using EdgeTx (2.9 version I think) and using ACCST old FrSky XR8s mostly. I need to be able to use the S-Port for voltage telemetry.
In looking at the Archer Rxs, they support ACCST and ACCESS, some features only for ACCESS...do the Archer Rxs support S-Port (not S-Bus) in the ACCST mode?
...and what else does it support in ACCST mode...and does anyone know what compatible frequency (probably wrong word) I would use with them on the RM T16S or is it all automatic?

Thanks!
Russ

 

[Wayne]

Russ,

I honestly do not know if Edge has added the support for the Archer Plus nice or not. I would imagine they have..? OpenTX is still lagging in this department.

Yes, the Archers all support the S-port so you should be fine with that.

I'd assume you will pull up the D16 V2 (ACCST V2) in your radios options to bind. Again, this is assuming they will bind. I simply have no experience on this compatibility.