X9 lite S as buddy Para Trainer

[Mr-Punk]

Hey I recently made the switch to FrSky from Futaba and Hitec. I have a Horus X10S running OpenTX on Access. All rx's are archer (access) and other than the steep learning curve I'm very happy with Frsky.
I'm a fixed wing plane pilot that flys pattern.

Now for my Issue.. I bought a X9 Lite S to use as a trainer box with the bluetooth para system.. I have them linked up and everything is working fine but the throttle throw is limited to half. It will only work -100 to 0 or 0 to 100. I have the trainer set up to "sticks" and all the stick channels seem to be properly assigned.

The 2nd issue I'm noticing is that while on the X9 slave the resolution is poor.. The servos act slightly notchy and not as smooth as when the X10s (master) is driving them.

It's flyable other that the throttle range. But one of the reason I bought the x9 Lite S was the hall gimbals. I figured it would be as good as my Horus.

Thanks,

 

[Mr-Punk]

OK I figured out the throttle range.. Duh.. I calibrated the trainer throttle with the stick down.. Once I calibrated the center and full range it works correctly.. I went ahead and also added the 3 position mometary switch Aloft sells in SE position to act as the trainer button. I already use the stock momentary to call out a stepping pattern manuaver lua script.

I still cant figure out why the servos are a little notchy and not as smoot when It's on the slave buddy box. I have the both set to same channel #'s 1-16. Is the Lite just so cheap that even the hall effect gimbals don't compare to say a Horus? I thought this buddy box could let other flyers fly my pattern planes to get a feel for how well a trimmed comp pattern pattern plane flys.. But this trainer box would negate the coreless servos and how smooth I have them set up.

Maybe next I'll use the wired trainer setup using a 3.5mm cord and see if it's something with the bluetooth.

When I get some more RX's I will bind one direct to the X9 Lite and see how smooth the servos work

 

[Wayne]

Be curious if the wired connection cures the issue for you. I have not setup a trainer on the bluetooth connection, but done a bunch on wires and that is sweet. Especially for first time pilots, I pass only basic channels and keep throttle to myself. I give the first time student about 60% throws, enough they can get a feel for the plane, but I can overpower them as needed to keep the plane safe. This has worked out really well, and usually after the first pack of flying this way I can add throttle on the next flight, or more if they did really well. Students seem to take to it much faster this way. (Rather than me passing 100% control off to them, we share the pilot duties and I act only when needed to save the plane.)

The trainer setup under OpenTX is very powerful. You can do a lot with it.

 

[Mr-Punk]

Thanks Wayne.. I was able to hook it up with a cable and the notchiness went away.. I guess the Bluetooth doesn't have enough of bandwidth or something. I read on some other forums that it was known issue and unsure if or when a fix would come. Over the holidays I'm going to update to 2.3.14 currently running 2.3.12 on Horus and put the same on the X9 Lite.

I actually flew it with a buddy the other day.. He couldn't notice the notchy servos in flight at least not on the little trainer we were flying. But It did raise another flag that makes me not trust the BT.. While on a 7m flight it lost trainer connection twice. He was standing right beside me the whole time. It's funny I tested the BT range and got about 30' away before It warned me. Guess I'll just have to pick up a longer 3.5 cable. Does it matter if it's stereo or mono? The short stereo cable I tested would only work if I pulled it out slightly from the X9 Lite.

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

[Wayne]

We sell this one:

Trainer Cable

Allows you to connect two Taranis' together enabling the flight instructor take control of the students aircraft when necessary.

alofthobbies.com

It is stereo and works well. We just get them from Monoprice. If you look at the photo, you will see the spacing on the conductors for the plug. You will want to buy something that is very similar. Seems there is not a strong standard on these audio cables as there are about 3 different versions being made and sold. Since you have to pull your plug slightly out, you have the wrong version, but as you found, they can be made to work. Sadly if buying online it is hard to tell for sure what version you will get, so may take a few tries. That is what we did. Monoprice is well known for their cables, and they do a lot of research to provide the most common versions, so I gave them a try, and sure enough they work. Always been pleased with cable products from them.