MPM Lite Multi-Protocol Module for X-Lite Review
The MPM Lite promises instant compatibility with DSM-2/DSM-X, Futaba SFHSS and a range of other systems for the FrSky X-Lite. Does that even work? Read on after the break!
Tag: Transmitter
FrSky Taranis X-Lite Review
So the X-Lite has finally arrived and we’re going to take a look at this gamepad-styled TX. Is it worth the 120-140 bucks that they ask for? Is it just for quads or can you actually use this as your main transmitter for planes and similar? And is OpenTX even usable by a normal human, considering it’s open source and all that?
Read on after the break for the full review!
More FrSky X-Lite photos
Fans of the Turnigy Evolution rejoice! The FrSky X-Lite seems to be shaping up to be an excellent new controller-style TX, as these gorgeous new shots show:
FrSky X-Lite RC Transmitter for FPV Race Pilots
It was only a matter of time before the form factor of the Turnigy Evolution caught on. Styled after console controllers, these are the perfect blend of RC flying and gaming. After the iRangeX multi-protocol transmitter came out recently, FrSky have announced their version of a new ergonomic transmitter for FPV pilots, the X-Lite.
We don’t have much info beyond the fact that it runs OpenTX, which means the UI should be snappy and streamlined. The battery on the X-Lite is said to be replaceable, and it has a dual antenna setup (one internal, one external). In addition to supporting USB, MicroSD cards and featuring a headphone output, the X-Lite is said to also support external transmitter modules… somehow. The LCD is 128×64, so not exactly a giant screen – not that such a transmitter needs it.
Oh and the X-Lite is reported to feature hall effect gimbals (!)
Right now Banggood.com has a placeholder offer with a fantasy price of 999 dollars, but the actual street price is rumored to be around 120 USD. If this is true, then this could be a breakthrough product. We don’t expect this to be a full range transmitter, but here’s hoping.
We’ll update this post as we learn more.
Spektrum iX12 Review
The Spektrum iX12 combines the RF backend of the DX9 with an Android-powered user interface. Will it revolutionize RC radios?
Spoiler: No.
It’s perhaps the most ridiculous, underpowered, unfinished and overpriced products Spektrum has released to date. Read on for a detailed breakdown.
5.8GHz 200mW FPV Transmitter Review
Looking for a small, lightweight FPV transmitter that plugs right into your GoPro and has an integrated cloverleaf antenna? This $60 video transmitter for the 5.8GHz band may fit the bill – but is it any good? Find out in our review after the break.
FPV Shopping Bag
FPV shopping time! In this new segment we’ll take a look at various new products that came out recently, in the hope that there’s something interesting for you. As always, if you have any hints or suggestions for new gear, please let us know!
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The Pixhawk flight controller is now shipping. Yours for $280 (sans GPS and telemetry), it can be ordered from the 3DR store. Designed for the new QGroundControl software, this open source flight controller is ready for fleet operations where one ground station controls multiple UAVs in flight, with tons of connectivity options. Warning: SBUS or CPPM receiver output signal required, or you need to order an extra PPM Encoder board! |
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This dual 5.8GHz transmitter allows you to send two video signals on two different channels. This can be used for diversity sending on the aircraft side, or to transmit two different viewpoints at the same time. It’s a bit pricy at $120 over at GLB. Allegedly it’s 500mW, but it does support audio transmission (for antenna trackers) |
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A BEC for $9? That’s not bad by itself, but this is an integrated power distribution board with dual BECs specifically for multicopters. Up to 6S LiPos are supported, though each BEC can only drive up to 2A. Oh and one BEC output can be adjusted between 5 and 20V – which is awesome if you need 12V on a 4S multicopter but don’t want extra weight. |
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Helical antenna are great. Most builds suffer from poor construction however. This one is just $30 and features a solid guided construction that prevents the springy bit from compressing and thus detuning. It comes with a flex cable, and is available only in right handed circular polarization. If your transmitter antenna is left-circular, this is not what you want. On the plus side, you can order SMA and RP-SMA versions depending on your connector. |
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Got a great camera for FPV that unfortunately only outputs HDMI? This little converter board will take your HDMI signal and output analog video for a little over $28. It supports a whole range of HDMI resolutions and runs off the 5V of your typical BEC. |
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Got a Canon 5D Mark III? Gimbals for this beast can cost a pretty penny. Here’s a cost effective carbon fiber gimbal, available in a two axis version for $222, as well as a three axis version for $269. No gimbal controller included, so you have to spend another $100-$150 depending on your setup. You can’t reasonably expect DJI level build quality here. However judging from our experiences with the Zenmuse H3-2D (the gimbal switches OFF if you bang against the endpoint), better build quality does not always mean less problems. Ultimately the 5D is an expensive camera, so the question is whether you want to entrust it to a budget gimbal. |
Spektrum DX9 adds multicopter/camera related voice output
The latest v1.02 firmware for Spektrum’s DX9 adds several bugfixes as well as something a lot of owners will appreciate: Extra voice events for multicopter flight as well as camera operation. Specifically, words like “self leveling”, “hover mode”, “stabilize mode”, “return to launch”, “circle mode”, “head tracker on/off”, “gimbal control on/off/locked” as well as “video start” and “video stop” should prove extremely useful to multicopter and FPV pilots. Also contained are the words “Waypoint 1” all the way up to 9 – a hint at a possible waypoint upgrade for the Blade QX350?
All in all, a nice christmas present from Spektrum, which you can download for free from their website after you register your transmitter serial number.
Full changelog after the break.
10g 5.8GHz 220mW FPV Transmitter
GLB has a set of neat little FPV video transmitters on sale. It’s a 220mW 5.8GHz TX with integrated cloverleaf antenna, weighing only 10 grams. You can choose between a version with servo connector or one that fits right into your GoPro. Both cost around USD $58.- which is not a bad deal. Keep in mind that you will need a compatible left-hand circular polarized antenna on the receiver side as well.
Supported frequencies are 5.705, 5.685, 5.665, 5.645, 5.885, 5.905, 5.925 and 5.945 GHz, which means this won’t work with your ImmersionRC/FatShark receiver. But then again, there are better (higher selectivity, diversity etc.) receiver modules available that do work with these frequencies.
FrSky X12D and X16D
Dying for a transmitter with a bigger screen? FrSky is here to quench that particular thirst, with several new models that obviously expand on the theme of larger color screens on transmitters. More technical info after the break.
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Walkera announces Devo F7 integrated FPV transmitter system
Walkera has obviously been looking at the Hubsan FPV transmitter and has just come out with their own integrated system, the Devo F7 FPV transmitter. This new model offers a color LCD screen and integrated 5.8GHz video receiver. Click the read more link for fancy press photos and details.
Fix for Devo 6 battery drain problem
Are your batteries getting drained in your Devo6 even though you made sure to turn it off? Read up on a simple fix that will allow you to finally keep those batteries in the transmitter over the week without starting the weekend with a dead transmitter.
Walkera Devention Devo6 Review
Up until now getting a Transmitter with a color touch display set you back at least 2 grand. The Futaba 14MZ was the de-facto standard for this kind of extravaganza. But bling aside, a colorful touch display has another advantage: It allows for much more intuitive controls.
But who are we kidding? It looks cool too. But is cool enough to justify fumbling with a touchscreen? Find out in our in-depth review!
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