What's new
Aloft Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Taranis 9XD Plus binding to a UMX Timber BNF?

Scottand1000

New User
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Location
Boston area
Thanks OilNbolts. The HH module/Rx you pointed out is a little pricey even if reselling the Rx separately. I also saw the iRangeX IRX4. But reading reviews, ppl report there can be issues with it binding to DSM2/DSMX Rx's (perhaps they can be overcome, don't know). Also saw a HK Orange module, but again reviews suggest possible issues w DSM2/DSMX & Rx's. I guess I'm just surprised there aren't more, mature modules available with the kinks worked out so they just plug and play. Seems like there would be a good call for it... Perhaps picking up a used Dx5,6,7 is more economical, and that removes any doubt about compatibility. But I need another radio like I need a hole in the head :)
 

Tsoukan

New User
Joined
Feb 2, 2018
Messages
12
Reaction score
1
I have the fully assembled hack module (PCB, RF module, case) available through a guy on RC groups, it uses the PCB described in the flightest article. It was a bit pricey but it was truly plug and fly. It also uses the genuine DSM2/DSMX protocol and fully supports model match and binding through radios interface using opentx firmware - just google "Taranis Spektrum Hack DSMX Module" and you'll see lots of options. The other options I could find did not integrate as seamlessly, although they can be significantly more economical. Also depending on the non-brand name module others I know have experienced some range issues.

The hack module has worked flawlessly with a dozen indoor BNF planes/quads and with my BNF Radian which I flew in ALES and F5J competitions - so farther and higher than your likely to fly a Timber without FPV.
 

peter_john

New User
Joined
Mar 30, 2018
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi...i am a new user here. I want to know is this mod a change from a regular Spektrum module? I'm just wondering if the normal Spektrum module will do the same thing or if there is a difference in this board that allows direct communication with the Taranis?

quick-turn pcb assembly
 
Last edited:

Scottand1000

New User
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Location
Boston area
Hi...i am a new user here. I want to know is this mod a change from a regular Spektrum module? I'm just wondering if the normal Spektrum module will do the same thing or if there is a difference in this board that allows direct communication with the Taranis?

IDK, in regards to your specific question. I never got that far... I ended up buying a used Spektrum DX7s for my immediate need. For $80, it seemed like the simplest solution for me. It is a nice radio and it took me less than 5 minutes to set up my UMX Timber. The channel assignments, the switches, the recommended throws were either spelled out in the Timber manual and/or were just there by default. One very quick shot and everything was programmed & working as expected. At the end of the day, I'm happy I went this route. For now, I'm keeping the HH Bind and Fly world and FrSky worlds separate.

I had interest in this module "iRangeX IRX4 Plus 2.4G CC2500 NRF24L01 A7105 CYRF6936 4 IN 1 Multiprotocol STM32 TX Module With Case" since it would open up a whole host of protocols, not just the DSM2/DSMX, but decided this wasn't the time to invest in the learning curve. Maybe down the road...
 

Zipper1949 Wally

New User
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
3
I bought an Irange X 4 in 1, They now have an IrangeX Plus. I had to upload a new version into my Taranis X9D + using Companion Tx. You have to Checkbox Multi in the Application settings. I also checkbox Lua, something I plan to learn.
Doing this I followed some videos and tried binding to an older eFlite Razorback with AS3X only. In the Tx Model setup page, you choose remove internal RF then select external RF and Multi then DSM and sub-protocol 11ms. I originally tried 22ms the most likely choice but since I had the "Automatic Format" box checked, it changed to 11ms after binding. What I learned from the forums is that you set your channels to AETR, the Taranis default. I thought the Spektrum TAER channel order should be set, but I learned after binding, that the IrangeX module automatically converts to TAER. So after changing by model setup back to AETR, all worked well. The only issue I've been coming across on the forums is range and lost signal. Most of the users seem to be hard core quad users and want to get rid of all their Tx's. I will range check before I fly. So I can't report results as of now. Previous I used the OrangRx RF module with all my Bind N Fly electrics and they worked well, but it only had Dsm/DsmX protocols. I thought I'd expand my horizons (pun intended) by using the IrangeX RF module. So, you must at least have 2.20 Open Tx upgraded with the multi mode support as I've outlined. The learning curve isn't as steep, at least for me, than it was for the S8R Rx. Boy, that was a tough one! If I started today, I'd get the Irangex plus, mainly because they are positioning it to be firmware upgradeable. At least these are my thoughts as of now.
 
Last edited:

Scottand1000

New User
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Location
Boston area
I bought an Irange X 4 in 1, They now have an IrangeX Plus. I had to upload a new version into my Taranis X9D + using Companion Tx. You have to Checkbox Multi in the Application settings. I also checkbox Lua, something I plan to learn.
Doing this I followed some videos and tried binding to an older eFlite Razorback with AS3X only. In the Tx Model setup page, you choose remove internal RF then select external RF and Multi then DSM and sub-protocol 11ms. I originally tried 22ms the most likely choice but since I had the "Automatic Format" box checked, it changed to 11ms after binding. What I learned from the forums is that you set your channels to AETR, the Taranis default. I thought the Spektrum TAER channel order should be set, but I learned after binding, that the IrangeX module automatically converts to TAER. So after changing by model setup back to AETR, all worked well. The only issue I've been coming across on the forums is range and lost signal. Most of the users seem to be hard core quad users and want to get rid of all their Tx's. I will range check before I fly. So I can't report results as of now. Previous I used the OrangRx RF module with all my Bind N Fly electrics and they worked well, but it only had Dsm/DsmX protocols. I thought I'd expand my horizons (pun intended) by using the IrangeX RF module. So, you must at least have 2.20 Open Tx upgraded with the multi mode support as I've outlined. The learning curve isn't as steep, at least for me, than it was for the S8R Rx. Boy, that was a tough one! If I started today, I'd get the Irangex plus, mainly because they are positioning it to be firmware upgradeable. At least these are my thoughts as of now.

Thanks for sharing! I would be interested in hearing about the range and lost signal experience after you get some flight time with the IrangeX. Thanks
 

Zipper1949 Wally

New User
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
3
I got to the field today and did a range check. I walked out about 50-60 ft in range mode and along the way, I started getting low or critical alarm messages. I repeated this out of the range mode expecting to get greater distance, but no joy. The alarms continued and at about 100 ft. I lost signal. Needless to say, I didn't fly. I was concerned that LOS, (line of sight) flying wouldn't be possible. Someone with appropriate equipment needs to check out this 4 in 1 module. I don't have it. The Tx RSSI feature is all I can use. From all of what I read in the forums, IRange x may be ok for the close flying toys, but I am seriously concerned right now about using it for any LOS flying that you'd normally get with matched Tx and Rx systems. I'd like to see some enterprising electronic engineer chime in here and check this IRangeX out.

As an aside, I tried using my older OrangRx transmitter module in my new Taranis Plus radio to verify a possible range difference. I wanted to verify module output from my new Tx against my older one which I knew worked. I successfully used the OrangRx module in my older X9D and used this combination on all my BNF planes i.e. Spitfire, small Cub-S, small B17, Convergence, a Corsair. Sadly, switching the OrangeRx to my X9D+, I lost the binding to my Spitfire. I tried everything I knew at the field to rebind and no luck. I put back into my X9D and I now noticed that my green blinking light is gone. Normally, 3 taps would switch modes. I guessed that somehow I might try them all and get it to work, since I forgot what I used for over 2 years. Now I fear my OrangeRx module is acting dead. All I know is that if you leave the antenna off and fire it up, you can kill the module. I didn't do that. I also shut down Tx's to swap modules. switching hot could also kill a module. I started thinking that maybe the 5 pins are different between my 2 Tx's and I bent them somehow. I tried different protocols using the X9D+ Multi selection options and again no luck. Feeling hopeless, I came home to start some bench diagnostics. The voltage at Pin 1 on my 9xD was 8.4 volts (w/LIFE battery). That matched my TX output, so the Tx seems ok. But again, I suspect a dead OrangeRx. I'll keep digging, but I'm wondering now if the new OpenTX programing on the 9XD+ Tx, somehow screwed up my OrangRx module. The Rx ID is confused or something. I plan to do some systematic debugging today due to rain.

Bottom line, isn't new technology wonderful? It just stirred up a hornet's nest in my flight plans. My BNF flying is on hold right now if I can't get my OrangeRx module working, or get better range on my IrangeRx 4 in 1. I'll post success or failure later.
 
Last edited:

Zipper1949 Wally

New User
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
3
Update: I checked the pin voltages in the Tx bay and there was output proportional to the battery voltage. Pin 4 Pin 2 is ground. The Tx's are ok. I re-soldered the OrangeRx board and it is still dead. I bought a Spektrum DM9 and it bound well with all my electrics. PPM, 22.5 400 - were my values set on the radio RF page. Bottom line? I won't trust the IRangeX module till I see some real data and professional report on it. Probably ok for toys at close range.

When the OrangeRx works, it works. Why it died is a mystery. At least I can now fly with the DM9 module. The range testing on it was well over 200 feet with range (bind) mode button held. I flew my Spitfire LOS without issue.
 
Last edited:
Top