Taranis X9E first impression and how to upgrade it to 2.3.10 safely

[SMYK]

Hi folks
I am new to FrySky and new to OpenTX
I have used MPX Profi 4000 for more then 25 years and still using it.
Currently there is no other tray Tx then X9E to go with and Open TX is very tempting to learn

I got second hand X9E transmitter from 2015 in mint condition with 2.2.1 version of Open TX
At first batteries would not keep the charge long enough to spent sufficient time with software. I am planning to put 3 LiIon cells pack with similar voltage ( 12.45V max (11V nominal) versus 11.5 max for NiMh). I hope it would not make the Tx board stupid. Of course charging system has to be different, but it is no problem with me and I would feel safer using modern cells then unreliable NiXx technology
On the several approaches to learn what Open Tx is all about I have noticed that software is not showing proper moves of the sticks. it seemed like pots got stuck on aileron and rudder functions. Something I have never observed on Profi 4000. As long I liked the ergonomics of original gimbals I have decided to put M9 gimbals and did it successfully. Now sticks are moving in opposite direction. I have read there is some necessary settings in software to deal with M9 stick replacement. New sticks feel very crisp, but high location of the pivot point is something I can not get use to or accept. If I would find replacement of original sticks I would be very happy. Maybe just get new and better pots to replace the bad ones. With M9 sticks I have noticed that they will show movements on one set of the display and would not show on the other pages. It might be a software or setting for a new gimbals.
Now I am facing upgrading procedure to latest 2.3.10 version. I have never done this before. I have done such thing on MPX transmitters. Is there any step by step video? I have looked at German clip, but it is German. Is there any settings I have to do on the Companion before writing to the transmitter. In older videos I see they use bootloader term to deal with updating the firmware.
Is there any step by step tutorial how to do it correctly on this particular Tranny. I do not plan to use any previous owner model settings. I would like to deal with plain factory like settings up front to have a better picture of what firmware is all about.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Mike

I know there is long process to learn Open Tx over all, but I see lots of similarities to my old trusty MPX Profi 4000 logic in it. Open Tx creates lots of new terminology to deal with complex control issues. First step would be to learn what it sets behind. I do fly complex models and I hope Open Tx won't disappoint me

 

[Konrad]

In the radio set you need to check Horus sticks.

X9E, Getting to know you

I finally got the real replacement for my grand old ladies, the Multiplex Profi mc 4000v2. That is the FrSky X9E. The X9E has much the same programing power and layout. https://alofthobbies.com/frsky-taranis-x9e.html I need to make it clear that the real power of the Profi was in the object...

forum.alofthobbies.com

X9E upgrade

I need to update the gimbals on my X9E--don't trust the ailerons. I've already lost one airplane and almost lost a second one. Had to go back to my X9D+. When will you get the upgrade kit back in stock for the X9E?

forum.alofthobbies.com

OpenTX is the Profi 4000mc on steroids! You will love it! None of that menu driven crap nor that master/slave stuff. Just input+mixer+output.

DON'T follow out dated video! I'm using 2.2.3 same basic family as yours What do you want in the 2.3.10

DO get an OpenTX manual and down load Companion for the maintenance of the radio and model programs.

 

[SMYK]

Thanks Konrad

You mean to check horusstick (red) ?
What else I have to set before the Writing to transmitter command.
I am new to Companion as well.
This is huge to digest it at every level

Mike

 

[Konrad]

That's it. You might want some other feature like FAI if you fly competitively. This kills some of the telemetry not allowed in FAI competitions. But I don't know what you want to do.

The manual for the X9D+ is effectively the same radio other than form factor. Also OpenTX 2.2 and above is basically the same other than when ACCESS is added. The X9E will not support ACCESS so there is little reason to upgrade to 2.3.X

Taranis Plus-OpenTX User Manual

Comprehensive and concise, rich with graphics and diagrams the Taranis Plus User Manual is exactly what so many of us have been waiting for. While there is a plethora of information available online for thThe manual starts you with the basic features and

alofthobbies.com

 

[Konrad]

..
I am new to Companion as well.
This is huge to digest it at every level

Mike

No it's not. You already got 95% of the power down. If I could move from the Profi400 to the X9E anybody can! Believe me when I say I hate programing (bits and bites suck)!!!

Don't freak yourself out, just take it one step at a time. Now I will say program a simple 4 channel ship with dual rates and expo before trying a complicated full house glider.

I also love the templets by Mike Shellim. I would, as I used his programing guide with the Profi 4000.

OpenTX/EdgeTX Clinic

Tutorials and templates for OpenTX and EdgeTX

rc-soar.com

 

[SMYK]

Great input Konrad
Mike Shellim material has been flagship tutorial for all these years for me.
His recent Open TX works are fantastic and I went through it several times
The thing is ... it is way too much to overcome with single head.
It is must " dive in first" situation before you have further questions
My concern is to establish pure factory like set up with no bugs or accidental wrong setting.
Firmware 3.3.8 and 3.3.9 already had bugs to deal with D16 and it seems like 3.3.10 operates correctly with my external module
I also got other OpenTX transmitters and trying to learn massively to overcome obstacles and lack of "know how"
Tray transmitter I consider as a most comfortable and ergonomic device to fly long duration flights with scale ships. These ships are also expensive and complex. No room for experiments, failure or mishaps.
About templets.
Templets do work on two identical models as long you thoroughly understand particular setup.
You still need to adjust servo linkage and this still might be a challenge beyond your perception or intelligence
I find out the only way to go is to build your set up from scratch. This is why Profi 4000 was soo unique

Mike
Thanks for all these links
I use to have fully blown web site devoted to scale gliding
I have just test started new one, but interest in scale aerotowing is almost none
LittleSoaringFleet.com as a primer

 

[Konrad]

Responce in RED

Great input Konrad
Mike Shellim material has been flagship tutorial for all these years for me.
His recent Open TX works are fantastic and I went through it several times
The thing is ... it is way too much to overcome with single head.
It is must " dive in first" situation before you have further questions
Yes, Like everything in life you need to walk before you can run
My concern is to establish pure factory like set up with no bugs or accidental wrong setting.
Not going to happen. Factory setting are never what you want. Go through each screen and set what you want. The manuals help a lot with this. But start with a "NEW" model to clear out any unwanted settings.
Firmware 3.3.8 and 3.3.9 already had bugs to deal with D16 and it seems like 3.3.10 operates correctly with my external module
3.3.10? What external module? The only D-16 bug I'm aware of is in the XJT module this is ACCST v1 the new fix is ACCST V2.1.3 This has nothing to do with OpenTX
I also got other OpenTX transmitters and trying to learn massively to overcome obstacles and lack of "know how"
As with everything you need to start at the beginning. Again the manuals help. You are way ahead of the game if you know how to follow the logic with the Profi 4000
Tray transmitter I consider as a most comfortable and ergonomic device to fly long duration flights with scale ships. These ships are also expensive and complex. No room for experiments, failure or mishaps.
Sorry to tell you I have failures all the time with my 4 meter scale ships. It's a fact of life
About templets.
Templets do work on two identical models as long you thoroughly understand particular setup.
You still need to adjust servo linkage and this still might be a challenge beyond your perception or intelligence
I find out the only way to go is to build your set up from scratch. This is why Profi 4000 was so unique.
You lost me with this Templet stuff. Templets as written by Mike Shellim are just programing out lines. You have to fill in the details for each particular set up

Mike
Thanks for all these links
I use to have fully blown web site devoted to scale gliding
I have just test started new one, but interest in scale aerotowing is almost none
LittleSoaringFleet.com as a primer

All the best,
Konrad

 

[HENNY]

I would wait before going to OTX 2.3.10. There maybe some early issues with this version and OTX 2.3.11 is in the works so stay with OTX 2.3.9 . The D16 issues you mention were with FRsky transmission protocols, nothing to do with OTX. If your radio is older the transmission issues will still be there unless you have reflashed the Transmitter XJT module to FRsky v2.1.0 and any receivers you intend to use with this later version of RF protocol firmware. Once you upgrade all receivers must have matching firmware. Re the pots getting stuck on Aileron maybe perform the stick alignment first. In Opentx there are no factory setups, however you could use the Wizard to get you started.

 

[Konrad]

This graphic might help with isolating the XJT RF protocol and the TX programing

For FrSky RF protocol updates go here. I strongly recommend going to ACCST v2 from the start. (Note the X9E hardware will not support ACCESS).

Taranis X9E - FrSky - Lets you set the limits

www.frsky-rc.com

Go here for the the OS OpenTX, (that best fits your needs).

Welcome to OpenTX

www.open-tx.org

 

[SMYK]

Bug of 3.3.8 and 3.3.9 was discovered on XPS forum on RGgroups
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/sho...ompatibility-what-radios-are-supported/page20
I did experience lost packets every 9 seconds with dangerous servo movement. There is several pages around this subject starting from #290, but most important statements are #345 , #348
Now we see that upper channel data got fixed and 3.3.10 has no missing packets.
About the gimbal pots
After replacing original gimbals with M9 problem with drifting input movements is gone. I got left with calibration for new firmware and mysterious no movement indication on 2.2.1. It might be no case for upgraded firmware.

Mike

Thank you for all great input here

 

[Konrad]

Still can't find any data on OpenTX 3.3.xx. I assume you mean 2.3.xx

Now here is the painful truth about FrSky. Their engineering house is nothing compared to what we had with Multiplex in the pre Mr. Parks days. That is there is little in the way of configuration control and validation with FrSky.

I think what you noticed was an undocumented feature in the XJT (PXX) that was not made available to the OpenTX group.
This will be a life long issue with FrSky until they (FrSky's management) gives their engineering department the resources an engineering department needs.
I've take to fall back on implementing any FrSky upgrade until close to a year has passed. It is hoped that by then the market (unpaid beta testers, their customers) have vetted out all the issues with the new product.

While I love my X9E it isn't the $1200 Profi 4000 (yes the Profi is dated but it was/ is solid)!

If this is your true position then FrSky is NOT for you!

..
Tray transmitter I consider as a most comfortable and ergonomic device to fly long duration flights with scale ships. These ships are also expensive and complex. No room for experiments, failure or mishaps.
...

All the best,
Konrad

 

[SMYK]

sure 2.3.10 it is
mistype

Sorry
Mike

Yeah

I got 3 trannies of 4000
non of them give me ever any troubles.
same the Royal Evos. Now with 16 channels they are still contenders

I see lots of failing points of frySky devices already, but I will drill it in the name of OpenTX
If I run of my patience I hope there will be more reliable product on the market based on it. Or ... maybe we all have no permission to fly anymore.

 

[HENNY]

I believe the Fix PXX upper channel cycle was a fix for companion only displaying 16 of the 32 custom curves on the Xlite Pro. Nothing to do with transmission protocols.

 

[Kilrah]

No, he's right.

 

[Konrad]

He being SMYK (AKA Mike).

As I understand it it was a clocking issue keeping the commands with the higher servo channels in time with the lower channels. Mainly piss poor documentation from FrSky as to the XJT protocols. This wasn't conveyed properly to OpenTX! While it looks like a hit against OpenTX, the true culprit is again FrSky lack of proper documentation as to what they are doing. I'm actually starting to think that the aftermarket (clones?) are doing a much better job than FrSky when it comes to documenting what is really going on in the RF enviroment.

FrSky is no Multiplex!

Edit:
As I now understand it it is an issue with XPS (Jim Drew) reverse engineeing of the FrSky protocal.

 

[Kilrah]

No, that's completely wrong. There was just a bug where the higher channels were not sent when failsafe was updated as he mentioned.

 

[Konrad]

I stand corrected. Where was it stated that this was a failsafe only issue?

Bug of 3.3.8 and 3.3.9 was discovered on XPS forum on RGgroups
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/sho...ompatibility-what-radios-are-supported/page20
I did experience lost packets every 9 seconds with dangerous servo movement. There is several pages around this subject starting from #290, but most important statements are #345 , #348
Now we see that upper channel data got fixed and 3.3.10 has no missing packets.
About the gimbal pots
After replacing original gimbals with M9 problem with drifting input movements is gone. I got left with calibration for new firmware and mysterious no movement indication on 2.2.1. It might be no case for upgraded firmware.

Mike

Thank you for all great input here

 

[SMYK]

Konrad

I am not the expert in this field. It was discovered by FlyingW and presented on XPS forum. By pure coincidence I was working on updating my radio gear and was able to follow FyingW steps and compare with other versions of Open TX firmware. It was specifically affecting 2.3.8 and 2.3.9 ( RadioMaster TX16s in my case). We have alarmed Jim Drew and he did some testing. Transmitter was skipping data in 9 seconds intervals and XPS X10 expander was able to detect it. Sudden servo movements were observed as well. Jim did some changes to his JR modules and released version 4.4.
Use of failsafe terminology came from members closer to OpenTX people. They look at this kind of issues from different perspective. Logically if data is missing failsafe is kicking in. FrySky newer over the air protocol is still mystery if skipping of this nature is not detected or used for other reason. I am end user of this technology and expect radio link to be tight not random, flimsy or glitchy.

Mike

 

[Konrad]

To my way of thinking if the data packet get corupted it isn't a failsafe issue. It is a data packed processing issue. Failsafe to my way of thinking is a way for the RX to cover this data breakdown (RF or timing) while the RX looks to reestablish a valid RF link with valid data.

I have some of Drew's radio stuff going back about 15 years. In fact one of my Profi 4000 was converted to 2.4 ghz with his RF module. Multiplex M-Link was never FCC certified in the USA. I may have to look at bringing my Profi 4000s back into rotation. I have to say I've lost a lot of faith in my FrSky equipment (Mainly the FrSky management).

 

[Kilrah]

Nobody was saying "the receiver was going in failsafe".
But every 9 seconds the positions servos should assume in case of failsafe are transmitted by the radio to the module and by the module to the receiver instead of a normal rc position frame, and there was a bug around that that would only show on the XPS module because JD reverse engineered and reimplemented the protocol used by the XJT but made assumptions that are not valid.