Telemetry Fact Fiction or Hype?

[genesc]

I'm trying to understand RC radios and picking one up that fits my budget. Under the $200.00 range for at least a 6 Channel Radio. My questions are:

Do all the newer RC Radio Models offer Telemetry? Is it that important?

What would be the best reciever for lets say a Spectrum DX6i? Do I need it to buy a reciever with a Module?

I know everyone has there preference on radios and pros n cons on them but I sure could use some help on picking one up with the right reciever.

My current project is the Group Build by Bartman. I do not plan on adding a Camera. Just fun casual stable flying.

Thanks
Gene

 

[PeteDee]

If you want basic info like battery voltage it is nice to have but most FPV flyers pretty much go with a full onscreen telemetry set up of some sort or another. If you are just flying line of site then not important, most of us just use an onboard buzzer and/or fly to a timer on the Tx.

Pete

 

[Motopreserve]

For the $200 range there is Taranis - which has cheap add-on telemetry sensors that can tell you various things. I've tried a few and the onboard battery monitor is really seems the most useful. With the taranis , it's possible to have the voice feature read off the telemetry data which is nice.

 

[genesc]

Thank you guys. That explains allot. Now I can get radio without thinking I am missing something important.

Gene

 

[chipwich]

If you are considering the Spektrum DX6i for your $200 radio, the current model is a generation or two behind the FrSky Taranis, which is more comparable to the Spektrum DX9. I have nothing against Spektrum and think that they make great great equipment. But in that price range the Taranis 9XD is the mac daddy. Or spend a little more ($20) and get the new Spektrum DX6, if you want a Spektrum.

 

[genesc]

Chip, after your suggestion, I am looking at the FrSky Taranis 9XD, I leaned that the difference in mode 1 & 2 is throttle location, left or right. Cannot seem to find one to buy with the throttle on the left. Can this be changed easily?? Also would I need to change software, flash etc.??

Thanks
Gene

 

[Motopreserve]

You can try HERE: in the second post there are several dealers. Seems like Aloft may be out - but some of the others may have something.

 

[chipwich]

Mode 2 is throttle/rudder on the left and elevator/aileron on the right by default. Since you are from SC, most US flyers use this setup. It also translates somewhat to a full scale rotor aircraft with cyclic/collective, although it depends which seat you are sitting in.

 

[genesc]

I purchased the FrSky 2.4GHz ACCST TARANIS X9D Mode 1, and the FrSky V8FR-II 2.4Ghz 8CH Receiver (HV) with it. Question: If I change the radio to Mode 2, will have to change the receiver to Mode 2 as well?

Sorry for the redundant and stupid questions but I am learning and no one I know flies or builds these quads.

Thank you
Gene

 

[Motopreserve]

I purchased the FrSky 2.4GHz ACCST TARANIS X9D Mode 1, and the FrSky V8FR-II 2.4Ghz 8CH Receiver (HV) with it. Question: If I change the radio to Mode 2, will have to change the receiver to Mode 2 as well?

Sorry for the redundant and stupid questions but I am learning and no one I know flies or builds these quads.

Thank you
Gene

Did they not have Mode 2??? If you are getting Mode 1 there is going to be a slightly stepped or indented stick on the right. you shoudl be able to open it and swap the gimbal in there.

The reciever does not have to be changed. Also, you may have wanted to get the X8R receiver for the telemetry???? That uses the Smart Port for the newer sensors. They are cheap at about $32.

Where did you buy this stuff???

 

[genesc]

No, I could not find a Mode 2 that was not on back order. So I ended up getting what HobbyKing had which was a mode 2. Thank you for clarifying that for me. So now I just have to figure out how to change from Mode 1 to Mode 2. Sure wish I could find a step by step video on this..

Would this be the one I would want? FrSky X8R Rx - 8/16 channel, Sbus, Smart Port Receiver with PCB Gain Antenna

Thank you
Gene

 

[Motopreserve]

Would this be the one I would want? FrSky X8R Rx - 8/16 channel, Sbus, Smart Port Receiver with PCB Gain Antenna
Thank you
Gene

thats the one. I don't think the other one has the telemetry. I could be wrong. I know that the Taranis that ship with an RX are definitely shipping with the X8R.

I dont think hunk there is a video - but THIS should help you swap from mode 1 to mode 2. You really only have to worry about the mechanical since the software is so flexible, that part is a snap.

 

[PeteDee]

Or just man up and fly mode 1 like I have been for 40 years..... just kidding about the man up, not about me flying mode 1, I have tried mode 2 on the simulator and I just can't do it, way too hard, most of the guys I fly with are mode 1 anyway.

Anyway given the choice of radios I would always go for a radio that had extra features if I could afford to spend the money even if I was not planning on using the features straight away, in general you would find it would be a better radio, as you can see from my sig I have both a DX18 and a 14SG, love them both, both great radios but seriously thinking about grabbing a Taranis just for my long range flying, it has some features and that the others don't that would just make life easier for LR.

Pete

 

[genesc]

LOL Pete

I have never flown anything with power but have flown many years flying slope racers. That was way back n the 90's. For the life of me, I cant remember if my rudder was set on the left gimble or right... Age has its pros but it also has it's cons..

Gene