Unable to register Taranis RX6R with Taranis X9D plus 2019 (both new as of March 18, 2020) Suggestions?

[Old_Salt]

25Aug2020

I am trying to register and bind a transmitter and receiver without success. Any suggestions?

Transmitter: Taranis x9d plus 2019 purchased last week from Aloft Hobbies (OpenTX 2.3.9 installed)

Receiver: Taranis RX6R purchased last week from Aloft Hobbies

powering the receiver without pushing the bind switch: red/blue light immediately then only red flashing (indicates failsafe). (transmitter off, LED codes shown in FrSKY receiver manual)

press bind switch, powering the receiver, release the switch: red/blue immediately then red/green steady (indicates register ). (Transmitter off)

power off the receiver.

I now follow the registration/bind process shown by Oscar Liang (https://oscarliang.com/bind-frsky-access-receiver/). I get to the [register] selection successfully and then power on the receiver: bind switch pressed, power connected, release bind switch. Red/green steady LED's result. The transmitter starts beeping ( upon selecting registration) and shows a screen and the message:

Reg ID m4zz_zKXX
UID 0
Waiting....
[exit]

I expect to see the receiver name appear in place of the “waiting” notation but the above message does not change (even after waiting minutes) and the beeping continues. What can I do to get the registration to continue?

I have tried separating the transmitter and receiver and blocking the signal ( a hand on the transmitter antenna is good for an extra -10 to -15 dB attenuation at this frequency). Numerous attempts have not changed the situation.

I have updated the firmware on the transmitter with the SD card provided by Aloft Hobbies.

Could one of the setup steps in Oscar’s procedure be causing the failure?

I have contacted Wayne at Aloft Hobbies and he has referred me to this site.

I did search this forum but did not find threads specifically relating to this specific hardware and issue.

Thank-you for your assistance particularly as I am new to this forum and FrSKY.

 

[HENNY]

Ok this happens everytime. You have not indicated what firmware versions are in the TX and RX, I see you indicate OTX v2.3.9 but please confirm. You can see the firmware version on the transmitter by going into the System menu. Long press the menu key go to page 7 of 7. This will be an Opentx firmware version v2.3.9 as well as module firmware version, click on the module bar to see. Hopefully the module firmware should be v2.1.0.

Now registering is only necessary if you are going to be using "ACCESS" protocols. Is that what you want to achieve.
So there are two possible protocols available when using an RX6R. ACCESS and D16.
The transmitter defaults to ACCESS when you start a new model, but the RX6R needs to have ACCESS protocols flashed to it to match the transmitter. Normally the default firmware on the RX6R is D16. Did Aloft indicate they had flashed ACCESS to the RX6R if not its most likely D16, are you confused?

If ACCESS firmware is on the RX6R once you have registered correctly and receive [register] selection successfully you are registered. Power both off.

Power off the receiver, power on the TX, go into the model menu and select bind in one of the three possible receiver boxes (assuming you are using ACCESS). Click the bind button on the TX the bind box will flash. Just power the receiver on dont push any buttons. The transmitter will immediately indicate bind success full. You can even enter the model name if you want.

Failsafe
Just one more suggestion Oscar Liang recommends you use NO PULSE that's fine for drones but for aircraft use RECEIVER or CUSTOM for failsafe.

Advise if this works for you.

 

[Old_Salt]

Hi HENNY,

I expect that I have a software revision issue. I would have hoped that everything was to a revision that was comparable but this situation is not unexpected. I made it clear that I was purchasing the transmitter, receiver, SD card with updates and a battery to replace an earlier system and wanted to get compatible components. Now I have a better understanding of some of the additional questions. I am using four metal geared (probably analog) servos supplied by Dream Works in their flight pack.

Aloft Hobbies has a video describing how to update from the SD card they provide. The video is found with the SD card description. I performed the firmware update yesterday. The trick is to press firmly on the two horizontal trim tabs as the Tx is turned on. Press hard as a more gentle touch did not open the boot loader. Hopefully, I did not make a mistake in not purchasing the upgraded SE version with upgraded switches and hall sensor sticks.

On my Powerbook Pro (iOS): OpenTX Companion (from open-tx.org ) version 2.3.9 JUN 14 2020

Transmitter: Taranis x9d + 2019 (Aloft Hobbies identified this as Taranis x9d plus ACCESS)
FW Opentx - x9d + 2019
version 2.3.7 (8b080683)
date 2020-03-28 11:20:11

Firmware options CROSSFIRE INTERNALACCESS MULTIMODULE LUA LUAC

modules/RX version
internal module
ISAM-S-x9
1.10/ 11.3 FCC

external module
off

I do not know what firmware is on the FrSKY RX6R. It is just out of the packaging and I have only been powering it up and attempting to register and bind. I'll ask Aloft Hobbies and see what they say.


I have a Dream Flight Ahi sailplane and that is were I want to install the Rx and four servos. I plan on rudder, elevator, flaperon (aileron and flaps two servos with the appropriate mixes). I will also want to mix a bit of elevator with the flaps. I may also add a bit of reflex to improve inverted flight. My first thought is to get the basic flight controls working and save the fun of dual rates, maybe a bit of differential aileron throw, throw limits, and other refinements once I figure out how to program the transmitter. I have been saving the failsafe settings for later. I had assumed that ACCESS protocol would be the best choice going forward.

I have not tried to update any of the software/firmware/files on the transmitter beyond installing the firmware from Aloft Hobbies preloaded SD card. I did not want to start fooling with that until I understood what issue I needed to correct. OpenTX Companion reports that there are no new updates and I have not tried to do any transmitter updating or programming.

I will look to see if I have the tools to figure out what firmware I have on the receiver. I would anticipate that once I can complete registration and binding there will be an opportunity to load firmware for ACCESS if it is not already loaded.

Can I clarify the status further?


(EDIT to correct HENNY from Henry )

 

[HENNY]

The receiver firmware can be upgraded at any time. Both ACCST and ACCESS firmware is available from the FRsky web site under downloads. Just to be clear your transmitter can operate in ACCST (D16) and ACCESS mode and is selectable in the model menu when binding. The RX6R is a single protocol device and needs to be flashed as required. The SD card contents is only a storage device so any TX firmware still needs to be flashed to the Transmitter mother board before it is resident there.

 

[Old_Salt]

From Aloft Hobbies: All X series receivers come ready for D16. You will need to update these receivers to use ACCESS

 

[Old_Salt]

Hi HENNY,

It looks like I need to update to the following versions (location where I found versions in parenthesis):

Latest SD card
sdcard-212x64-2.3V029.zip (downloads.open-tx.org/2.3/release/sdcard/opentx-x9d+2019)

Latest module
FW-X9DP-ISRM-v 2.10 (downloaded FrSKY/downloads)

Latest OpenTX
FW-X9DP-X9DPSE-2019-200617 (downloaded FrSKY/downloads)

Latest RX6R receiver for ACCESS
FW-ACCESS-RX6R-v2.1.0 (downloaded FrSKY/downloads)

I take it that I will connect OpenTX Companion and the FrSky transmitter with the supplied USB cable to actually perform the updates. I have not figured out which buttons to push and am going to read the manuals further. I saw something about a wireless update of the receiver and there is a YouTube video on updating a RX8R that is three years old (obsolete?).

Am I on an appropriate path?

Thanks.

(I was just playing with this response to see if I could really EDIT and correct oversights. It looks like the EDIT button on the bottom of a post really allows for after the fact changes and deletions. That is probably a good thing. )

 

[HENNY]

Wireless receiver update only is operational on some receiver.

You indicated the radio already has Opentx v2.3.9 as delivered from Aloft so no upgrade required. The module will need update to v2.1.0 as well as the receiver to v2.1.X. Both are simple to achieve, did you indicate you had the Aloft manual, follow that..

 

[rob3dd]

Here is a very recent video on flashing to Access and you don’t have to use companion just SD card.
I have the same radio and receiver and you have the right firmware chosen.
It appears you just need to flash and bind which the video shows clearly,just use your Tx RX version instead of what is used in video.
One note is the polarity of Smart port pins inside battery compartment of the x9d+ SE 2019.I put a white dot on the negative pin side.Looking down at back of radio with battery cover off .the pin order is signal,positive,negative.

 

[rob3dd]

Here is a very recent video on flashing to Access and you don’t have to use companion just SD card.
I have the same radio and receiver and you have the right firmware chosen.
It appears you just need to flash and bind which the video shows clearly,just use your Tx RX version instead of what is used in video.
One note is the polarity of Smart port pins inside battery compartment of the x9d+ SE 2019.I put a white dot on the negative pin side.Looking down at back of radio with battery cover off .the pin order is signal,positive,negative.

This video should help and it’s recent.It says build thread but it’s about flashing firmware and binding Access.

 

[Old_Salt]

27Aug2020

Thanks rob3dd.
It is helpful to know that I am on the correct path. I was also considering if I really need to use Companion. I "found" the socket inside the radio and was looking for at the pin out. I am considering flashing the receiver (rx6r) first. With the ACCESS protocol in place the receiver should register and bind. Once that works I can go on to updating the other elements. I am using the "change only one thing" rule. If something is farkled there are fewer places to look for the issue. The video is a great reference. I will watch it a few times and then head that direction. I note that Joshua updates both the receiver and internal module and then performs the register/bind steps. It looks like not having ACCESS flashed to the receiver is what has been holding up the train.

Hi HENNY,
I just noticed that I did not have your tag spelled correctly. Whoops, Sorry about that. Your advice is very helpful.

The information I need to proceed is available, unfortunately it is scattered and some of the guides are obsolete. I will order an Aloft Hobbies paper manual once they are in stock. One of these days I will actually get the Ahi in the air. Right now I do not want to be outside with the smoke from the nearby fires.

 

[HENNY]

Your welcome. Sometimes my explanations are too complex, but sounds like you are getting there. One caution is the many and varied Youtube videos, some are quite old and no longer represent how Opentx operates today, So by all means watch them and check the publish date. Any video more than 6-12 months old may no longer be correct. I hope the fires are under control soon. Here in Australia we are just starting our fire season.

 

[Old_Salt]

Hi HENNY,

I am in Santa Cruz, California, USA Previously I lived in Southern California where there are two seasons: Brush Fire Season and then Mudslide Season, when the fire scars get rain and start sliding. Some people add Earthquake Season but that is pretty much anytime. Actually, both NorCal and Southern California are pretty good locations with lots to do. Take care of your Koala's, I would like to meet one in person someday.

Figuring out what to pay attention to is a big part of the challenge. I put a date at the top of my questions to help anyone following this thread. It should be apparent when the instructions start to get stale/obselete. It looks like OpenTX updates the software every few months. Once I get this working is it better to quit fooling with the revisions or do folks generally update constantly? I am a great fan of Don't fix it if it isn't broken. It does feel like I am getting closer to sorting this all out. I am spending more time on homework and actually pushing the buttons cautiously. I suspect that the paper manual may suffer from the same condition. I probably will be able to figure that out when I get a copy, hopefully in a few weeks.

 

[Old_Salt]

Hi rob3dd,

I was just looking for a confirmation of your pin out in the smart port of my radio. The "manual" was mute but when I look at the circuit board, labels are barely visible silkscreened behind the connector (and not easily visible). Reading from left to right (and using a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass) I see "S.", "Vcc5", "GND". This confirms your pin out. I wonder if Vcc is 5 volts? I will add a white dot following your lead.

Regards

 

[Old_Salt]

More to the puzzle:

The FrSKY RX6R receiver arrives with two connector cables. There are the six sockets/connectors for servos and a second socket with six pins for what I believe is called the "smart port". This time the pins are are identified in the receiver manual. Way to go FrSKY, providing details is very useful.

One supplied harness has a plug with three wires (black, red, yellow) and three single connectors for the other wires; white, green, blue. The second harness has a white connector with 6 sockets (female) and six bare wires. There are also two plastic connector housings. I am not sure if they are to be crimped or soldered in place. At the moment I am not going down that particular rabbit hole. The harness with the bare wires is probably useful for shifting between HS and FS modes.


On the receiver manual, from left to right: " -", "+ ", " what looks like a sideways "S" character", "AIN2", "sbus_out", "bus_in". The back side of the receiver has silkscreened labels for the servo connections numbered 1 to 6 and pin outs for the "smart port connector". The funny "S" symbol is not a letter but a symbol that is vaguely "S" shaped with two breaks. I recall seeing guidance in another video/post that one should use only the three wire plug in the provided harness. That would be a connection to "-", "+", and funny "S" on the receiver. The reference says to ignore the other pins. Other references talk about swapping wires in the harness but I suspect that the advice is probably OBE (overtaken by events) and safely ignored.

I suspect that the harness is used to connect to "- or ground", "+ or Vcc5" and "S or funny "S" character. The polarity of the socket on the receiver is reversed compared to the transmitter which has ground on the right rather than the left. Another added white dot is probably in order but this time on the right.

This looks like a great opportunity to connect something backwards. I want to be careful and keep the magic white smoke inside.

What is HS mode vs. FS mode? The receiver can be switched between the two modes. The blue LED toggles on or off as the mode changes.

There sure is a bunch of screwing around needed and I still have not managed to get motion out of even one servo. The unfortunate reality is that the more "powerful" software is the less "user friendly. This stuff is bordering on "user vicious".

 

[Kilrah]

The stylised S is the smart port logo for telemetry and flashing.

 

[HENNY]

Yes the RX6R comes with two cable harnesses. The one with the servo connector is wired to the S-Port, the yellow wire. This stands for "Smart Port" S-Port is used to connect a range of sensors such as FLVSS, GPS and other Fr-sky sensors for telemetry feedback. The S-port servo cable connector is also the one you use when flashing a receiver. It has a JR style servo connector that plugs into the X9D+ 2019 rear S-Port socket. When flashing a receiver the TX powers the receiver on once you initiate the flashing process and once complete turns the power off again. The cable with flying leads can be used to wire to drone flight controller or in my case I use it to connect the green wire (A2) meaning analog input-2 as my input for monitoring an external flight pack voltage via a suitable resistor voltage divider. A1 analog-1 is wired internally in the receiver and monitors the power feeding the receiver RxBt. (Receiver battery voltage) The small white connector is keyed and has offset pins however some folks still manage to force it in backwards. If you are my age pop your glasses on before inserting it. FRsky has so many additional features that you will find with time. I always say to other flyers, that FRsky has a great product but you always get something extra if you can find it. I have included it in other posts but find the circuit for the voltage divider for external battery voltage monitoring on A2, all you need is two 1/4 watt resistors. If you use this you will also need to set up a perimeter in the A2 telemetry page. This cct is good upto 10S flight pack with .1 volt accuracy.

 

[Old_Salt]

Hi Henny,

Good. I was thinking that the servo connector was the one to plug into the transmitter. There is no key on the Tx side hence to opportunity to reverse it. I have not connected the harness to the receiver. Thanks for the warning about the key on the white plug.

I am well into the "Old Goat" generation. I do find magnification helpful, particularly as FrSKY seems to like small fonts and occasionally prints black on grey background. I really like a Volk/Nikon 20D aspheric lens as an alternative to a good stereo microscope. The 20D is also really good for finding splinters and removing them. I truly hate that black cactus (carbon) stuff. Maybe one of the USB based microscopes might be handy if the price drops low enough. I already have way too many tools that see only occasional use.

 

[Old_Salt]

These sites have useful videos:

(flashing receiver, ACCESS, watch carefully as the x9d+ has just a momentary appearance)

 

[Old_Salt]

I was just reading another thread, thinking I was here. The response I made is more appropriate here. Hopefully commenting again will not cause confusion as I would not normally respond to two threads with the same comment.

....................................................................................................

The guides I have are not quite detailed enough.

It looks like I should add the updated files (listed above) to the Firmware sub-folder in the SD. Does that mean that I should put the downloaded folders into the FIRMWARE sub-folder or do I need to fish around in each downloaded folder for a specific file? I suspect that the transmitter software will "want" to see each downloaded folder with all the contents and "knows" what goes where.

I can also access the SD card via the supplied USB cable interface or remove the SD card and insert it into my laptop (now an older PowerBook Pro) and load the update files more directly.

I am not planning on exchanging wires on the harness I have. One of the videos above suggests that is needed but I think it is for a slightly earlier transmitter.

 

[FlyBoyDVIII]

Old_ Salt and all, I found it very convenient to use the USB cable and leave the SD Card in the TX to load files in folders I made on SD card.

As Henny has pointed out in the other thread the TX's with active smart port use a servo extension lead in it's original configuration to connect TX and RX smart ports to flash receivers and other devices via SPort.

Ken