Buddybox compatibility X18 to Spektrum Tx

[Jeronimo770]

I wish to set up my X18 Tx running Ethos 1.6.3 with a Spektrum Tx as slave. I have the IRangeX IRX4 multiprotocol module installed in my X18 and know this works OK to bind with my old V8RF-II receivers.

I understand from the Spectrum Tx manual that the slave Tx is not powered on but is powered from the master Tx by the cable. Correct?

If so, presumably the X18 needs to be bound to the Spectrum Rx in the model. Correct?

Will this work for a FrSky master Tx with a Spektrum slave connected by cable/lead? The master Tx should be configured as per the Spectrum for channel assignments and throws etc.

Advice/confirmations appreciated, thank you.

 

[alm_nl]

The Spektrum radio might turn on by plugging in the trainer cable, but it won't be powered from the X18. So you need to make sure that the Spektrum radio battery is charged enough to prevent it from powering down during flight. The X18 will simply receive the CPPM signal from the Spektrum radio and send it to the assigned channels.

The X18 will need to be bound to the Spektrum RX in the model.

 

[Wayne]

Yes, you can use this combo. You may want to read up on the trainer function in the ethos manual. Spektrum uses a little different center positions than other brands, so using the calibration feature might be helpful. (Pretty sure that is in Ethos)

As far as trainer setups go, there are some good discussions here in the past. I like to "share" the model with the student. I always have FULL control of the model, and they have about 50% control over the model. This allows me to act as a stabilizer and fix their errors. This works a lot better than the traditional method and the student progresses much faster. After a few flights like this, the student should be past the most common mistakes and flying pretty well with minimal corrections from the instructor. This is one of the best features of the FrSky trainer setups in both Ethos and OpenTX!

 

[Jeronimo770]

Thanks for that alm_nl. Guess I did not make clear what I'm trying to do in the first instance.

(Thanks Wayne, I was writing this as you posted. I will search for trainer setups).

That is to set up a buddy box connection for a friend learning to fly. He has a DX6i Spectrum Tx with a Spektrum AR6100e receiver in his plane.

I managed to bind my Tx to his receiver but the channel assignments were all wrong and I could not figure out how/what to change on my X18 to make the controls function.

Although the Rx was marked with (apparently) a channel order across its terminals of AETR (same as in the X18), that did not correspond. Moving the aileron stick just tweeked the rudder, the elevator was driven to full down and neither ailerons or throttle worked.

Any advice appreciated

 

[alm_nl]

The channel order of Spektrum is TAER. The default firmware of the MPM (your IRX4 module) will convert AETR to TAER as far as I know. So channel 1 (Aileron) becomes channel 2, channel 2 (Elevator) becomes channel 3, channel 3 (Throttle) becomes channel 1, and channel 4 (Rudder) stays at channel 4. You can also disable the reordering, but then you have to program the channel order the same as the receiver (TAER).

 

[Jeronimo770]

Thank you Alm. That would help if I could follow your (the) logic. However, if that was the case for me, moving any stick would move some surface or run the motor. That did not happen. The only stick resulting in action was my aileron stick which moved the rudder some and would twitch the ele which was driven right down. No other control (T, E, R sticks) produced action on the model. I re-bound the DX6i to the model and all worked OK. I suspect Wayne's comment about centre positions would have relevance. I may need to use the calibration feature - but never have done so.

I have since watched the Painless 360 video on setting up a DX7 on an X9D master. Think I should be able to translate that to Ethos trainer setup on my X9D

 

[Wayne]

That is a good video as I recall.

Not sure about the channel assignments, but you can just edit the channel output in your mix screen.