Should I get the Turnigy 9X or 9XR?

I currently have a Hobbyking 6ch Transmitter that I got for around $25. It works great but my dad is starting to get into the hobby and so I think we will both be getting a higher end Tx and use the HK 6ch as a spare/extra.

We are both beginners. I have a few planes and just fly line-of-sight but I would like to someday fly with an FPV setup. My dad will soon have a plane and also wants to get a 3D heli eventually.

What would I benefit from getting the 9XR? Would just the 9X fulfill all my needs. Why would I want to be able to choose my own module and is it worth the extra cost? I don't quite understand the whole concept of a module...why don't they have that built in?

Thanks guys!
 

lobstermash

Propaganda machine
Mentor
On modular radios, the module contains the radio transmitter. The base unit is pretty much a computer that tells the radio transmitter in the module what to say to the receiver. Different modules provide options for different transmission protocols (kind of like the language that the radios speak), different transmission power levels (how loud it speaks) and what bandwidth it uses (I can't think of an analogy for this).

The choice between the 9X and 9XR is really up to you. The 9XR comes pre-loaded with better firmware than the 9X, but the other than that and the plastics, they're the same radio.
 

zev

lumpy member
I have a 9x, and from what I have heard, the the 9xr is is not manufactured quite as nicely, a little more chintzy, but comes with the the better software and the backlight for about $30 more.
 

Joker 53150

Mmmmmmm, balsa.
Mentor
I have the 9X and have upgraded the firmware to make it an ER9X. In my opinion, the stock programming in the 9X is horrible and completely kills a great radio. After upgrading the firmware I love it. It does more than I'll ever need it to do and is reasonably easy to program (if you take the time to learn). Personally, I don't like the look of the 9XR and would go through the effort of upgrading the 9X before I'd buy the 9XR. The 9X has a long history and is a more known commodity.
 
Very helpful guys, thanks! My main worry was that if I got the 9X then I would regret not being able to change/upgrade my module down the road. But it sounds like that shouldn't really be a problem, right? Can the 9X use a lipo like the 9XR does? because that seems like a pretty handy feature.
 

Tritium

Amateur Extra Class K5TWM
Very helpful guys, thanks! My main worry was that if I got the 9X then I would regret not being able to change/upgrade my module down the road. But it sounds like that shouldn't really be a problem, right? Can the 9X use a lipo like the 9XR does? because that seems like a pretty handy feature.

9X and 9XR modules are both switchable EASILY! Removal of the original 9X module does require desoldering or cutting the antenna lead, after that modules (with external antennas) just plug in and go.

Yes my 9X is powered by LIFe. ANY electronic device can use ANY battery of the correct voltage range.

The 9XR is just the 9X blinged out with the Open Source hardware and software developments that came from the 9X.
(mainly.....LED Display Back lighting and a provision to flash the main board.

BUT the 9X MUST be flashed with the ER9X firmware for model equivalency in function.

Personally I like the 9X "shell" much more than the 9XR.

Thurmond
 

Joker 53150

Mmmmmmm, balsa.
Mentor
9X and 9XR modules are both switchable EASILY! Removal of the original 9X module does require desoldering or cutting the antenna lead, after that modules (with external antennas) just plug in and go.

Yes my 9X is powered by LIFe. ANY electronic device can use ANY battery of the correct voltage range.

The 9XR is just the 9X blinged out with the Open Source hardware and software developments that came from the 9X.
(mainly.....LED Display Back lighting and a provision to flash the main board.

BUT the 9X MUST be flashed with the ER9X firmware for model equivalency in function.

Personally I like the 9X "shell" much more than the 9XR.

Thurmond

I went with the LiFe battery as well. MUCH better than the brick of AA cells and a better option than a LiPo in the radio. Upgrading the 9X isn't necessarily fast or easy, but it is worth it for the final product. My dad needs a new radio and I'm probably going to set up an ER9X for him.
 

robschonk

Senior Member
Both good radios.

If you want anything but the stock firmware on the 9X, you need a smartieparts board, or be prepared to do some fine soldering.

http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/in...Path=3&zenid=f13d7bce2cdd8ede2b7d3aca378daa29

The 9XR also includes backlighting, which is DIY for the 9X.

If you don't want the Flysky system on the 9X, you need to install a new module.

If you have a bit more money, and some patience, consider the Frsky Taranis. Price just announced in Toledo, and it is going to be a super system. I've got both a 9X and 9XR, but I'm jumping on this one as soon as its released.

http://www.frsky-rc.com/NewProducts/

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1866206
 
9X and 9XR modules are both switchable EASILY! Removal of the original 9X module does require desoldering or cutting the antenna lead, after that modules (with external antennas) just plug in and go.

Yes my 9X is powered by LIFe. ANY electronic device can use ANY battery of the correct voltage range.

The 9XR is just the 9X blinged out with the Open Source hardware and software developments that came from the 9X.
(mainly.....LED Display Back lighting and a provision to flash the main board.

BUT the 9X MUST be flashed with the ER9X firmware for model equivalency in function.

Personally I like the 9X "shell" much more than the 9XR.

Thurmond
By "flash" do you mean like install new software? What's wrong with the original software and what is model equivalency?
I didn't realize I could replace the module on the 9X! Could I maybe get a link to what battery you are talking about?
Both good radios.

If you want anything but the stock firmware on the 9X, you need a smartieparts board, or be prepared to do some fine soldering.

http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/in...Path=3&zenid=f13d7bce2cdd8ede2b7d3aca378daa29

The 9XR also includes backlighting, which is DIY for the 9X.

If you don't want the Flysky system on the 9X, you need to install a new module.
What is the Flysky system? Is it a good module?
 

Tritium

Amateur Extra Class K5TWM
By "flash" do you mean like install new software?
Yes.

What's wrong with the original software and what is model equivalency?

Original (Software) "firmware" is NOT very intuitive or user friendly.

Model Equivalency 9X = 9XR functionally.

I didn't realize I could replace the module on the 9X!
Yes Module is interchangeable with several "JR" style modules.

Could I maybe get a link to what battery you are talking about?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...d_11_1v_3s_2200mAh_1_5C_Transmitter_Pack.html

or

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16529__Turnigy_2650mAh_3S_1C_LLF_Tx_Pack_Futaba_JR_.html

LiFe:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...lightmax_1800mAh_9_9V_5C_LiFePo4_TX_Pack.html



What is the Flysky system? Is it a good module?

FrSky, Get them here best price I have found:

http://www.alofthobbies.com/jr-transmiter-telemetry-module.html

Thurmond
 
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robschonk

Senior Member
Yes install new firmware. The 9X has standard V2 firmware. The 9XR comes with a version of ER9X, but there are other packages you can install.

http://flitetest.com/articles/9xr-firmware-update-process

http://flitetest.com/articles/Flashing_ER9X_to_the_Turnigy_9X_radio

http://flitetest.com/articles/Turnigy_9X_TX_Li_Fe_Battery_Conversion



Both the 9X and 9XR will accept any JR compatable module which will allow you to run different protocols, like Frsky, spektrum, or even 433mhz long range gear.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...ack_for_JR_w_Telemetry_Module_V8FR_II_RX.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._433MHz_TX_Module_JR_Turnigy_compatible_.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...ransmitter_Module_JR_Turnigy_compatible_.html
 
Thank you very much guys for all your help! Alright, so from the information gathered, my plan is two buy two 9X's from Hobbyking along with this USB to flash the radios. I'll follow that tutuorial that robschonk linked to (http://flitetest.com/articles/Flashing_ER9X_to_the_Turnigy_9X_radio). But I think I will stick with the stock module until I want to upgrade sometime in the future. I'll also get a LiPo for each radio so I don't have to use AAs, but what battery do you guys recommend? and is there a danger of discharging the LiPo too much in the Tx or will it shut off before that happens?

Sound like a good plan? :)
 

Joker 53150

Mmmmmmm, balsa.
Mentor
I'm using an 1800mAh LiFe, not LiPo. Seems that is the way to go. I've put a few weeks use on my last charge and it is still around 60% charged. I don't know if a LiPo is as good on a radio as LiFe.

Here is a link to more info: http://parkeflyer.com/9x-batteries/9xbattery.html

I did minor mods to let it plug directly into the radio with the plug from the original battery brick and also made a simple charging harness so I could charge properly. You'd need a charger capable of charging LiFe batteries.
 
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earthsciteach

Moderator
Moderator
I also use the liFe from Parkeflyer. The charge lasts a Looooonng time! I'm very happy with it. Currently, a FrSky module is heading my way. I'm excited to try it out!
 

lobstermash

Propaganda machine
Mentor
@teach, the best kind of module is the one you don't notice ;) Frsky is great because you don't have to worry about your connection to the aircraft, and even the antenna is reasonably out of the way (unlike the OrangeRx modules).
 

Joker 53150

Mmmmmmm, balsa.
Mentor
@teach, the best kind of module is the one you don't notice ;) Frsky is great because you don't have to worry about your connection to the aircraft, and even the antenna is reasonably out of the way (unlike the OrangeRx modules).

Correct, the antenna on my Orange sticks out way to far, a poor design.
 
This battery from Hobbyking looks like a good one for the 9X and they say in the reviews that it plugs right in, but how do I go about charging it? Do I need to solder on a different plug for charging?

Along with the two LiFe batteries, I think I'll order four 3S 2200s. Can they ship those internationally?

Someone said in a thread that they have to ship them to a special place to be checked before shipping overseas, is this true? If so, will that cost me extra and how long would it take before they arrive?

P.S. I live in North Dakota, United States