Radiomaster Noob

[Keith Billinge]

So I fly mostly Spektrum and apart from the prices suddenly skyrocketing for my chosen RX's (AR 410 & AR 620) I've been very pleased with it.

I do have a few planes with different protocols in them and these seem to be the sort of "Toy" models with the inbuild RX and Gyro and they come with an awful TX.

To improve my experience with these models I have ordered the Radiomaster Zorro with 4-in-1 module which should also be able to bind with my spektrum stuff, if need be.

 

My question is: What Radiomaster/Other Receivers would you experienced folks recommend if I decide to build some of my own budget models. I have in mind a depron streamer combat plane and a cheap motor glider.

 

Cheers

KB

[Zflyer]

I have R86 and R88's which seem to work ok. Just be sure to carry out the fine tuning after binding. And if you want a depron combat plane look at the Bloody Barron on Flitetube website. The plan is free to down load. 

[GrumpyGnome]

I've used all of these with no problems in my TX16....

 

Genuine Spektrum DSM2 and DSMX

Cloned Spektrum DSM2 and DSMX

FrSky D8

Generic D8 (FrSky clones)

Radiomaster

FlySky

[Keith Billinge]

The streamer combat plane I was looking at was the spitty......

 

 

[Outrunner]

I like the Lemon receivers with my Radiomaster TX16s. Well made, reliable, good range and good price. In my boats I like the Flysky, should try them in the air too.

I've also used Hitec, Radiomaster and Spektrum RX's. The only issues I've had is with the Hitec so I no longer use them with the RM.

Lemons are my favourite though.

[Andy Gates]

Keith,

 

Give me a shout next time you are at the field and I can bring a multitude along for you to see.

I fly OpenTx on a 4 in 1 module so no different to what you are considering.

[Keith Billinge]

Thanks Andy.....I think mine will use EdgeTX but no too different.

KB

[Zflyer]

I recently purchased the RM TX16S. Updated to latest EDGE TX. I also have Spektrum kit and have successfully bound some of the Spektrum Receivers.

The RM TX will be used for electric whilst the Spektrum eventually will control my i.c. models.

EDGE TX is quite a learning curve and I have found Youtube a treasure trove, in particular Painless360 and RC Video Reviews.

Thing is the system is clearly v good for quad fliers. 

For fixed wing it is also good, however if not careful you can find yourself being sucked into a world of sensors and mixing which in truth you do not need, its exponents  will hail the stuff it can do, and rightly so.

 I have to question on occasions do I need it, does it aid me, is it a safety feature.

I am not knocking just giving my take on it, as I am entitled to do having purchased it an some other ancillary components.

Would I recommend it, value for money for certain, learning curve there certainly is.

 

As an aside if you want an ELRS module see the BMFA classified.

[Ron Gray]

52 minutes ago, Zflyer said:

however if not careful you can find yourself being sucked into a world of sensors and mixing which in truth you do not need

But once used you will probably wonder how you managed without it / them!

[Keith Billinge]

Update: I have found programming the Edge TX on my Radiomaster Zorro so complicated and frustrating.

I have a couple of models working but my overall experience has been a bit of a disaster.

 

Just simple things like setting up the Motor Cut. Setting some Expo and having a timer reset button seem so much easier and more logical on the Spektrum radio than on Edge TX. Stuff that is simple for me on the Spektrum like Aileron differential or Dual rates is now a mystery.

 

Stuff like setting up elevons is excruciating. I was looking forward to having Telemetry and a few bells & whistles but that's way beyond me.

 

I've watched numerous Youtube videos but nothing seems logical and I am toying with the idea of just giving up.

 

 

 

 

[GrumpyGnome]

Gosh. Sounds like a nightmare as those are quite simple, and common....... 

 

This YT video is excellent at explaining the what/why of INPUTS, MIXES, and OUTPUTS, which is where you set Expo, Differential,throws, elevons, flaperons. Have a watch (I recommend using Pause, and having your radio with you). If it doesn't make sense, I can give you some guidance, similar to SPECIAL FUNCTIONS below.

 

 

 

If you want a switch to do something like reset a timer, or lock the throttle, or cut the throttle, use SPECIAL FUNCTIONS.

 

So, here we go!

 

 

 

THROTTLE CUT.

 

Scroll through the screens until you get to SPECIAL FUNCTIONS. Press the '+' at the bottom of the screen, and input these:

• Trigger - which switch you want to use to activate the throttle cut. Hit Enter. Scroll down until you find the switch you want to use. Hit Enter.
• Function - what you want to happen. Hit Enter. Find 'Override'.  Hit Enter.
• CH - which channel you want affected. Scroll to the throttle channel you set up in OUTPUTS. Hit Enter.
• Value - what you want it set to. Usually -100
• Select the 'Enable' slider. Or it won't work 🙂

Now, whenever you select the switch you chose, the throttle servo will go to -100 (closed), and stay there as long as the switch is selected. I use the momentary switch - H.

 

That's it. Done. 

 

 

 

THROTTLE LOCK

 

I use a similar SPECIAL FUNCTION to set the throttle to a pre-determined value (off for leccy, idle for ic) to prevent accidental use of the throttle. Just go through the process above, and use trial and error to find a suitable 'Value'.

 

 

 

TIMER RESET

 

Timers are set in MODEL SETUP area. You can use a SPECIAL FUNCTION to reset them. Set up a SPECIAL FUNCTION with the following:

 

• Trigger - the switch you want to use
• Function -  'Reset'
• Reset - select the timer you set up in MODEL SETUP
• 'Enable'.

You can easily allocate a voice/sound to a SPECIAL FUNCTION. Let me know if you want that. 

 

 

 

I jumped from Spektrum, and as soon as the basics clicked, I knew I'd never go back to a closed, menu driven system. But it's not for everyone, and like most software, there are always different ways to achieve the same end result.

 

 

Let us know how you get on.

[GrumpyGnome]

P.S. I have assumed you have a model already created, and are using the radio to add the parameters.  Let me know if that is not the case.... 

[Jake Bullit]

I`ve has a few R86 RX and some are great ,some have poor range.I prefer the Flysky Rx,very reliable and not to expensive.

I have an ELRS 2.4 module in my TX16S for extra options .Works great.

[John Wagg]

On 07/11/2024 at 11:54, Keith Billinge said:

Update: I have found programming the Edge TX on my Radiomaster Zorro so complicated and frustrating.

I have a couple of models working but my overall experience has been a bit of a disaster.

 

Just simple things like setting up the Motor Cut. Setting some Expo and having a timer reset button seem so much easier and more logical on the Spektrum radio than on Edge TX. Stuff that is simple for me on the Spektrum like Aileron differential or Dual rates is now a mystery.

 

Stuff like setting up elevons is excruciating. I was looking forward to having Telemetry and a few bells & whistles but that's way beyond me.

 

I've watched numerous Youtube videos but nothing seems logical and I am toying with the idea of just giving up.

 

 

 

 

I have a TX16S (Mk1) that came with "Open TX". I converted to "Edge TX" but stopped upgrading at v2.8.5. Edge now up to v2.10.5

It seemed to be getting more complicated with more and more things being added that I don't need.

(the only concern, if I don't update, will I be missing out on any "bugfixes" ?)

Having said that I have got used to it and if I want to do something new, say elevons etc', then YouTube will have the answer.

The main thing, to me, is to understand the "Inputs, Mixes and Outputs and work from there.

Edited November 8 by John Wagg

[GrumpyGnome]

55 minutes ago, John Wagg said:

 

(the only concern, if I don't update, will I be missing out on any "bugfixes" ?)

 

Yes, you will. Maybe that was a rhetorical question.....

 

Also, help wil be harder to come by as others move on to newer versions.

[Keith Billinge]

Thanks for your help I'm going to sit down again this weekend with your guide and the radio and see how I go.

 

Thanks again

 

KB

[MaxG]

Joshua Bardwell on youtube is currently doing a series on using edgeTx from the very beginning. He is up to Episode 6 at present. They are very good and he covers using both colour screen and B&W screen radios, using the Zorro, in each video.

There are lots of videos on this topic , good presenters in my opinion are Painless 360, Joshua Bardwell, RC Video reviews, Bill Clark, Andrew Newton, just to name a few.

The edge Tx Facebook groups are very good as well for helping people. You even get some of the developers answering questions and that can't be bad.

Persevere, it is well worth it in the end and very logical once it clicks.

[GrumpyGnome]

To avoid Facebook numpties, I'd advise going to RCGroups as lots of the developers are there, heavy users are there (like Mike Shellim), and you'll get less people willing to argue that black is in fact white, or blue, or red, or green........or all 4; and despite some of the antics there, you'll generally get treated with respect if you're asking a genuine question - I certainly have been.

 

There are also some users on this forum, far far more skilled so than me, who will help with specific questions.

 

Regards Youtube, I'd avoid leaping from contributor to contributor as they may all have slightly different ways of doing things.  Personally, I like Painless360's style but whatever works for the individual will be the one to stick with.

 

@Keith Billingefeel free to direct message me with any questions if you don't want to ask on an open forum.

 

GG

[Andy Gates]

Don't give up Keith.

 

If necessary look on it as a winter project.

 

Are you trying with the Tx or Companion, the latter is way easier?

 

We will chat at the field or club night.

[GrumpyGnome]

Yes, Companion is great but it's another learning curve....... and Keith will need to be able to do basics, like Weights and Expo, at the field.

 

If you can give him some face to face help, that'll be invaluable.

Edited November 9 by GrumpyGnome

[Brian Dorricott 1]

Painless 360 for me , explains well and thoroughly in a relaxed style with good video and lightning . Recognised him once buying ice cream at Weston Park and spoke to him , very nice chap.

[Wookman]

Mike Shellim at rcsoar.com has created some excellent templates for flying wings and various gliders. There is one for the easyglider power and one for F5j and another for F3f. These are free to download and also come with comprehensive written instructions on how to set them up. 

[Wookman]

There is also a huge amount of info there on how to use open tx and edge tx. Very useful resource. Mike is also a top bloke and pilot.