FrSky 2.4GHz review

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xjet

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Jan 28, 2010, 2:25:29 AM1/28/10
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If you have comments or questions on the FrSky 2.4GHz module/receiver
review, post them here.

loopedeloop

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Jan 28, 2010, 6:05:01 AM1/28/10
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Hi

Is there a hack module available for this?


Cheers

Geoff

wayne

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Jan 29, 2010, 5:43:41 AM1/29/10
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where do you reccomend to buy these modules? also I am currently using
an Assan without any problems. Is it worth changing?

cheers
Wayne

xjet

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Jan 29, 2010, 3:10:12 PM1/29/10
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I gather that FrSky are still setting up their distribution network.
There are already distributors in the UK and Australia and I know that
an NZ outlet is being set up now. It will probably be just a few
weeks away.

In the final shootout article I'll be including a link to each
manufacturer's list of authorized resellers (of course if I was RCG/
RCU I'd charge resellers for advertising space alongside the reviews
-- but hey, this is RCModelReviews and that doesn't happen here :-)

xjet

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Jan 29, 2010, 3:10:50 PM1/29/10
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As far as I'm aware, there's no hack module available (yet) but it
would be a fairly simple job to convert the JR or Futaba module to
work in a non-module-based transmitter.

On Jan 29, 12:05 am, loopedeloop <p...@vodafone.net.nz> wrote:

kneedrag

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Jan 29, 2010, 3:14:55 PM1/29/10
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Shhh not publicly announced but its me. I pounced before a bigger
importer grabbed it and out priced the stuff from the market.

If you are in Auckland/Waiuku areas I should have a test kit to play
with next week and I will be happy to let you guys play with it. I fly
all around those areas.

loopedeloop

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Jan 29, 2010, 5:47:42 PM1/29/10
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Kneedrag, Im in Blenheim and have only found an Aus distributor but
if your pricing is ok would rather buy from you.

Do you have a shop, or internet based sales?

Any idea of pricing yet?

Cheers

Geoff

> > > > > review, post them here.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

kneedrag

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Jan 29, 2010, 6:50:43 PM1/29/10
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Hi loopdeloop,

I am a very small foam kit manufacturer at the moment. So all run
online. Would like an alternative system to Spektrum's BNF stuff and I
think this system has potential which is why I started down this
path.

I am currently working out pricing etc I am just trying to figure out
what customs might hit me for etc. so I am hoping in the next week to
have a rough idea on pricing. Should be cheaper getting it locally
than via the Aus distributor can't say by how much yet but that is the
aim.

Once I have figured that out I will put in my first import order and
open up for pre-sales and go from there.

I will be able to give you a clearer picture mid next week on costs
time lines etc. But the sooner the better in my mind. ;-)

Regards,

Rob.

loopedeloop

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Jan 29, 2010, 7:40:16 PM1/29/10
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Cool mate, thanks. I think i'll just get Imax9x to run the module
from.

Bruce, I see you using a 9x in your review video.....Does this mean
its a safe option now?
Just concerned due to the doubts you expressed regarding the quality
earlier on


Cheers

Geoff

> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

kneedrag

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Jan 30, 2010, 11:39:47 AM1/30/10
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Guess what I am doing the same as I don't have a module based system.
Ordered the Turnagy 9x to put the test module in.

Either way I worked out rough costing based on the information I found
on the customs page. http://www.parkflyers.org.nz/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=786&forum=16

This may go up or down based on exchange rate jumping falling etc but
this is where I plan to get them.

Regards,

Rob.

loopedeloop

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Jan 30, 2010, 12:14:40 PM1/30/10
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Well thats a pretty reasonable price Rob.
I will be getting in touch a bit later on to order one (got to get
another trans 1st!)
I'm using a futaba T6axs with a 2.4G Corona hack module fitted (only a
week ago) and am quite happy with it, but am teaching my son to fly so
really need a trans for him too.
This Frsky system seems to fit the bill and combined with a 9x makes
for a very good value system.
Let us know how you find the turnigy radio..........

Cheers
geoff


On Jan 31, 5:39 am, kneedrag <rob...@kneedrag.org> wrote:
> Guess what I am doing the same as I don't have a module based system.
> Ordered the Turnagy 9x to put the test module in.
>
> Either way I worked out rough costing based on the information I found

> on the customs page.http://www.parkflyers.org.nz/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=786...

Robert Moody

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Jan 30, 2010, 12:26:51 PM1/30/10
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Yip will do, I am hoping it is not the one that fell of the QA line and
got jumped on. ;-)

But if it works alright I might keep one mode1 and one mode2 version in
stock.

As for the prices I try keep things reasonable and affordable. I
remember being unable to get into the hobby as a kid because of price
and that motivates me to run things really as affordable as possible for
youngsters to get involved.

Again all depends on customs and exchange rates, hopefully there are no
hidden charges that I have missed.

Rob.

kneedrag

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Jan 30, 2010, 9:07:05 PM1/30/10
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Would any of you like to pre-order at a guaranteed price? I am
thinking of opening up the option to buy as soon as my RSM supplier
code comes through leave it a week and then place the order with
FrSky. You would be guaranteed to get the first batch.

I would lock the price, if it comes in higher you score if not then I
will give you credit back so you can purchase an extra rx. Again you
score. It will also help me with the numbers of how many of what I
should be bringing in.

If so let me know as I need to do some configuring on the shop site to
allow that and change some shipping rules as currently I ship large
kits so it has only been set up for large parcels don't want to charge
you $13 for a small box. ;-)

>  smime.p7s
> 8KViewDownload

loopedeloop

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Jan 31, 2010, 3:24:31 AM1/31/10
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I'll be in for one mate, but need an idea of when for budgetary
reasons LOL

Have to get a 9x too

> > 8KViewDownload- Hide quoted text -

kneedrag

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Jan 31, 2010, 3:38:51 PM1/31/10
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I will be putting a link up on the shop today hopefully. I however
will only be placing the order once my RSM supplier number comes in.
This should hopefully be next week as well. I have a few things to
configure on the shop before I can list as my cheapest postage is $13
but all my normal boxes are large. tx and rx are small. ;-)

Reason being is I can import but I can't distribute them without that
number being attached to the units.

Usual caveats apply ie. if for some unknown reason we are declined or
units annoy the RSM all funds are refunded.

Regards,

Rob.

kneedrag

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Feb 1, 2010, 3:56:29 AM2/1/10
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Hi all,

Been configuring the shop for the last hour or so just in the final
moments of testing to make sure I don't over charge and then I will be
able to put the link up for pre-sales.

Regards,

Rob.

kneedrag

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Feb 1, 2010, 4:19:48 AM2/1/10
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Hearts beating the excitement is going, shop has been updated. Any
issues let me know ASAP.

Same with questions etc.

Direct Link

http://www.phlatkits.co.nz/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=24

DblDmg

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Feb 1, 2010, 5:27:06 AM2/1/10
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I ordered mine from this place.

http://www.skyhobbies.com.sg/Radio_Systems.htm

$105 + 15 postage.

Mr.Sneezy

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Feb 5, 2010, 7:27:17 AM2/5/10
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Hi Bruce,

Hey what is your guess on how stable the FrSky RF transmission scheme
and the firmware version is right now. In other words do you get the
impression from them that they understand that us Westerners don't
like seeing a product they bought one week outdated and obsolete by
the next week. My experience with other brands has made me shy of
jumping on a new product till they prove to be stable in those term
(like say Assan is).

Cheers,
Martin

DblDmg

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Feb 5, 2010, 3:54:30 PM2/5/10
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Just received my JR compat. Frsky module.

The fit in my Turnigy 9x was not very good such that the LED's were
flashing but I could not get it to bind. It looked like it was working
however one or more of the pins were not making good contact. Even the
receiver looked like it was binding but wasn't.

I found I had to clip only one side of my module to make it work.
Obviously not an ideal solution and would definitely not fly it like
this. I will likely solder it or find some other solution. It appears
the Turnigy 9x pins are slightly too small for the Frsky Module.

When it is connected correctly, The Frsky module turns orange about 1s
after Tx turned on. The instructions incorrectly state the color as
green.

Theres not a lot of support on the internet with this being such a new
product. The name Frsky doesn't help either when googling. I can see
why they removed the 'i' from the name.

Other than that I am happy with it.

DblDmg

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Feb 5, 2010, 4:13:07 PM2/5/10
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* edit *

Orange LED turns on immediately after Tx is switched on. No 1s delay.

kneedrag

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Feb 10, 2010, 3:42:31 AM2/10/10
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Yip I just connected my test system to a Turnigy 9x Transmitter and
had the same issue. Looked like the module was in bind mode all the
time with the orange light flashing.

I eventually got it to work however it involved carefully reinserting
the module into the transmitter a few times. I actually think my pins
might be to long as it seemed to have pushed the internal circuit
board of the module up against the plastic forcing the bind button to
be pushed.

Tomorrow I will do some more digging and perhaps open the module to
see how it fits and what the connections are doing when they go in.

Other than that I had my little indoor yak flying around the yard
until I nosed it in heavily and knocked the aileron servo loose.

The system was rock solid the whole way and I had no issues with
control what so ever. That was on the little 4 chan. Over the weekend
I want to range test the 4ch and see if I can get more than the said
500m. ;-)

hillflyer

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Feb 18, 2010, 2:36:52 PM2/18/10
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Hello,

first of all, thank you for the sterling work you are doing. Very
helpful and informative.

Re. FrSky:
What is the weight of the 8 channel Rx?
Is the upcoming telemetry capable set compatible with the 'normal'
FrSky Rx/Tx ?

Regards

Hannes

Robert Moody

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Feb 18, 2010, 8:21:01 PM2/18/10
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Hi Hillflyer,

I don't have a scale handy but the first set have just arrived so I will
find in the weekend and weight it and get back to you.

The TX/RX are different for the 2-way comms version, they need extra
connectors.

The 2 way rx is compatible with both tx modules however I see nothing
saying that the modules are compatible with both rx's. I don't have a 2
way in stock to test but I can find out for you. I would suspect they
work with the exception of the telemetry part.

Regards,

Rob.

hillflyer

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Feb 19, 2010, 6:11:00 AM2/19/10
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Thanks for weighing the Rx, Rob.
My compatibilty question is: If I buy the 2 way system, can I use the
normal rx's with it. (of course without the telemetry feature.) I want
to build the Tx module INTO my FX 18 , so no quick changing of Tx
modules. And I don't need telemetry on all my models.
If you do get your hands on a 2 way system, could you also publish the
weight and dimensions of the 2 way Rx?
Thanks for your help!

Regards
Hannes

Robert Moody

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Feb 20, 2010, 6:54:55 PM2/20/10
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Hi Hannes,

Just got back from daughter playcenter camp so unpacking etc. However
FrSky have responded basically saying they have tried to make it
compatible however they are still testing and can't say for sure until
the testing is complete. They will let me know as soon as they have
completed there testing.

I will put an order in for one 2-way system when I order the next shipment.

Regards,

Rob.

Robert Moody

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Feb 24, 2010, 4:44:49 AM2/24/10
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Hi Hannes,

Sorry about the late reply. The official response is that they have
decided to release the telemetery system in March. However as of yet it
is not compatible with the standard rx. They are working on it but it
does not look likely for launch.

On the weight of the rx unfortunately the wife's scale is dead as a
doornail so I need to get myself to a warehouse or something to pick up
one for my workshop as it is the one tool I am lacking at this point.

I will take a lunch time walk and grab one tomorrow if I can get one
from the Auckland City Warehouse.

Regards,

Rob.

kneedrag

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Feb 27, 2010, 5:26:41 PM2/27/10
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Hi Hannes,

I finally managed to get a scale unfortunately it's resolution is only
to 1g. The 8ch rx was bouncing between 14-15g.

4ch is sitting at 4g.

Regards,

Rob.

kneedrag

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Feb 27, 2010, 5:27:52 PM2/27/10
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Hi Hannes,

I will post the weight of the 2-way as soon as I get my hands on the
module. They are due for official release in March will grab on then.

Regards,

Rob.

hillflyer

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Mar 2, 2010, 5:18:09 PM3/2/10
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Thanks Rob for the weight info!

I also read your parkflyer post.
A 6 channel mini Rx with full range and diversity antennas would be
ideal for smaller gliders.
About the 2 way system:
It would be great to make the Tx module switchable between '2 way' and
'normal' mode.
I used the FrSky website to write to them about this, but got no
reply, so I am not sure my comments made it to them.

Kind regards

Hannes

Robert Moody

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Mar 2, 2010, 5:55:00 PM3/2/10
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Hi Hannes,

No worries I will drop them a note and see what they say. I know they
were trying to get them to be totally compatible yet had a few issues
between the standard and two way.

They are planning a 7ch lightweight rx for heli's which they are
planning be ready for launch in April. I don't have any spec's on it at
the moment except that they have started working on it this month. I
will let you know more as I know more.

Regards,

Rob.

xjet

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Mar 3, 2010, 3:10:24 AM3/3/10
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For what it's worth -- I spent last Sunday flying my DLG again with
the 4-channel FrSky receiver and even though it was so high that I
lost sight of it several times I always had 100% solid control.

Unless you're using carbon (which my DLG doesn't) then I don't know
that you'll need diversity and if you can't see your glider well
enough to steer it at 500m then the existing 4-channel receiver would
likely be good enough anyway.

But, as Rob says, they've got some smaller/lighter 6/7 channel
receivers on the way which will probably fit the bill quite nicely.
What's more, not only do they listen to customers but they actually
take *action* based on customer feedback. That's *very* good.

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