JR PCM9X, Sell or Convert to 2.4Mhz Multi-Protocol?

[EvilC57]

I guess like most RC flyers I moved most of my models from 35MHz to 2.4GHz (Spektrum DX8 G1) around 10 years ago.

 

However I still have a perfectly serviceable JR PCM9X 35MHz transmitter which I was on the verge of putting on eBay, when it occurred to me that maybe it could be used with one of those multi-protocol 2.4GHz plug in Tx modules to fly a couple of different indoor drones I have, instead of using the cheap & nasty Jumper Tx I currently use.

 

My question is, can you use a PCM9X with any of the iRangeX IRX multi-protocol modules, and indeed are they compatible? The compatibility list on Banggood for the IRX4 lists various FrSky, Futaba, FlySky and Turnigy transmitters as being compatible, but no mention of JR/McGregor.

 

Also I see that FrSky have the XJT module, which I believe is compatible with the PCM9X, but (I think) only transmits in their own protocol.

 

Anyone have any guidance on this please?

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

My 9X has a FRSKY module in, plenty RXs available and at good prices, been faultless, still a great set to use and wouldn't part with it.

[RottenRow]

Some of the multiprotocol modules have a small rotary selector switch with which to set the protocol required. One of this type would work with your transmitter and allow you to control your indoor drones. These just use the PPM signal from the transmitter, and require no modification to the transmitter itself.

 

Other multiprotocol modules do not have the switch; these rely on using the transmitter to set the required protocol, and will only work with transmitters with suitable firmware such as FrSky etc. running OpenTX as one example.

 

You’ll need to check whether the module that you are looking at has the selector switch fitted.

 

As you said, FrSky’s own modules (XJT etc) only transmit on FrSky’s own protocols (ACCST or ACCESS depending on the module) and won’t work with other protocol receivers, which I guess your drones have fitted.

 

Brian.

[EvilC57]

49 minutes ago, john stones 1 - Moderator said:

My 9X has a FRSKY module in, plenty RXs available and at good prices, been faultless, still a great set to use and wouldn't part with it.

Yes that’s my feeling too. Although I no longer use it, my 9X seems too good to get rid of, which is why I hit on the idea of extending its life by going 2.4GHz with it.

[EvilC57]

42 minutes ago, RottenRow said:

Some of the multiprotocol modules have a small rotary selector switch with which to set the protocol required. One of this type would work with your transmitter and allow you to control your indoor drones. These just use the PPM signal from the transmitter, and require no modification to the transmitter itself.

 

Other multiprotocol modules do not have the switch; these rely on using the transmitter to set the required protocol, and will only work with transmitters with suitable firmware such as FrSky etc. running OpenTX as one example.

 

You’ll need to check whether the module that you are looking at has the selector switch fitted.

 

So Brian, presumably you’re talking about the different iRangeX units.

 

The IRX4 relying on a Tx with OpenTX (as it has no switches), so no good to me:

'

 

And the IRX4 Plus having switches, so presumably would work (and be compatible) with my PCM9X:

 

[RottenRow]

Yes the 4+ looks like the one you want, see here

 

https://www.flyingtech.co.uk/electronics/irangex-irx4-plus-24ghz-4-1-stm32-multiprotocol-tx-module

 

This one can still be put into serial mode if necessary so would also work with an OpenTX or similar transmitter, should you ever have the need.

 

Brian.

[kc]

Of course your old 35 mhz will still have old wiring ( black wire corrosion? ) worn switches , worn sticks and probably an old nicad to worry about......

[EvilC57]

28 minutes ago, kc said:

Of course your old 35 mhz will still have old wiring ( black wire corrosion? ) worn switches , worn sticks and probably an old nicad to worry about......

I had the back off recently to clean, lubricate and adjust the throttle stick quadrant. I took the opportunity to check the battery wiring at the time, and thankfully no sign of any corrosion. It didn’t have heavy use during its time before being usurped by the DX8 (which has held up well over 10 years of much more intensive use), so the only thing that probably could do with changing is the battery which was flat when I dug the Tx out from its slumbers recently.

 

Looking at recently sold PCM9Xs on eBay I might be lucky to get £40 - £50 at most, so it’s probably more valuable to me as a conversion to 2.4G multi-protocol - as I said in my OP, to use instead of a horrible little Jumper T8SG.

[David Ovenden]

Still using my JR 10X tx with a 2.4 module. Utterly reluable and I wouldn't think of parting with it.

[Mike T]

JR stuff is bullet proof*.   My 388s, bought in '98, is still going strong and no sign of corrosion.  I picked up a 9Xii last year as a backup - for all of £20.

 

 

 

 

*not literally - I accept no responsibility for any damages resulting from testing this assertion...