New solution for 2.4 conversion of older radios.

[Wayne]

Thought I'd share this from another section on the site here:

Thread 'X8R as D16 transmitter'

Dec 19, 2025

With the DHT and XHT modules not being readily available, I'm working on firmware that runs on a X8R (or X6R) and turns it into a D16 transmitter.
It takes a CPPM input and transmits D16 protocol. It doesn't handle telemetry as the likely use for this is for 2.4G upgrades to "retro" transmitters.

I have this pretty much sorted.

Mike

• MikeB
• Replies: 11
• Forum: FrSky

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Basically FrSky no longer makes the popular modules used for converting vintage radios to FrSky. So he has written some new firmware that will convert a FrSky X8R receiver into a transmitter module. Click the link above to learn the details.

 

[davemcddd]

Using Mike's firmware, I've got an X8R working as a hack module temporarily connected to an old Futaba 8UAF. Bench tests are looking good, so the next step is to put an old RX8R Pro receiver in a plane, do some range testing, and then fly it.

 

[Wayne]

Excellent.

I'll add that if you end up replacing the antenna to have an external unit (probably a good idea when you have a metal case) you may want to stick with the FrSky options (if you can still find them, I think we might have some.) I only say this as RF quality on alot of the stuff on ebay and amazon are pretty poor. Maybe they are a bit better these days?

This is the only one we have in stock anymore:

FrSky RF Coax Assembly - 250mm

The RF Coax Assembly can be used when you need a longer lead out to your antenna from your module. Handy for those BIG case transmitters.

alofthobbies.com

 

[davemcddd]

Here is my test setup. This Futaba 8UAF had been previously converted to 2.4 DSM2/DSMX using a LemonRx DIY module. The PPM/Power output plug from the 8UAF was switched over from feeding the LemonRx module to feeding the X8R hack module. Note the 10K resistor connecting the signal and the positive wire. This was required to make the LemonRx DIY module work, and is also required to make the X8R hack module work. Without it the X8R doesn't recognize the PPM signal feed. This 8UAF runs on a 3S Life at 9.9 volts. Mike's comments about not exceeding 8 volts into the X8R prompted me to install a DC to DC buck converter to limit the voltage to the X8R to 5 volts. A bind plug is used to put the X8R in bind mode, or in range check mode.

Currently this setup is bound to an old RX8R Pro which is installed in a foamy test plane. Hoping to get a range check and a test flight on Wednesday afternoon.

 

[MikeB]

For anyone that has D8 receivers I've added D8 (hack) versions of firmware for the X8R to the post on RC Groups.

Mike

 

[MikeB]

V protocol added, and all protocols rolled into a single firmware file.

Mike