External DSMX Module for Taranis/JR

[gatorlane]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the Flite Test forums (long-time listener / first-time caller??).

So, the TL;DR is I'm planning on building a DSMX module for my Taranis X9D Plus (following the post here: http://johnprikkel.blogspot.dk/2014/07/jr-dsmx.html), and have to buy a minimum of 3 PCB boards. If I do that, I might as well buy 3 times the components listed from Mouser.

I just bought my X9D Plus Tx because it's awesome. However, I have a good deal of money invested into my Spektrum/OrangeRx systems. I have about 10 DSMX/DSM2 receivers and I'm not financially ready to replace them with FrSky Rxs. I plan on slowly phasing out my receivers but, in the meantime I'm going to build an external DSMX module to ease the transition.

You can buy an original Spektrum DSMX module (JR style) through ebay for $109.

Since I'm spending a total of $67, I'm going to ask for $25 each shipped.. Here's a screenshot of my true costs without my costs to ship them to you:

HERE'S THE CATCH: You have to supply your own DSMX module. This requires dismantling a DSMX/DSM2 transmitter and attaching it onto the board. Learn how to do this here (along with learning how to build the module if you're so-inclined and don't want to pay me lol). I have an old DX5e that I'm using for myself. Even though it's a 5 channel Tx, you can get 6 channels out of it. You can buy one for around $40 to $50 on ebay if you don't have one.

In other words, for $75 or less ($25 for my pack and $50 for a DX5e on ebay), you can have an external DSMX module for your transmitter.

I'm not trying to make money on this - I'm only trying to cover my costs. This all arose because I cannot buy fewer than 3 PCB boards. Since I'm not one for waste, I thought I'd spread the costs.

Let me know if you're interested. It will take me several weeks to get the components, assemble them, and ship them out.

Alternatively, if I'm behind the curve and someone has been doing this for long time and/or for cheaper, let me know!

 

[gatorlane]

Also, if you'd like to do a little research on me, my username is the same on fpvlab.com and rcgroups.com. I know it's not always comforting to do business with someone based on their first post on a forum!

 

[pressalltheknobs]

I have been looking at this for a while and I'm interested but the timing is not quite right for me. But assuming I can ignore that.... How are you planning to accept payment assuming you get that far?

 

[gatorlane]

I have been looking at this for a while and I'm interested but the timing is not quite right for me. But assuming I can ignore that.... How are you planning to accept payment assuming you get that far?

I guess just paypal...probably as a payment rather than a gift since it offers a little more protection for the buyer. Should be pretty straight forward that way.

 

[ZoomNBoom]

If you sell your receivers on ebay, add the $75 you where going to spend on the module, how many frsky receivers does that buy? If you dont need telemetry and require only 4 channels, a V8R4-II is $14 at hobbyking. A fully telemetry capable 8 channel D8R is $24. You wont get to 10, but you're not likely to bring 10 planes to the field on a given day, your budget should allow for enough receivers for a day. Receivers that wont compromise on link/range and where needed and offer telemetry.

ANyway, just a thought as $75 sounds like a "lot" of money for something you are typically better off not using.

 

[pressalltheknobs]

If you sell your receivers on ebay, add the $75 you where going to spend on the module, how many frsky receivers does that buy? If you dont need telemetry and require only 4 channels, a V8R4-II is $14 at hobbyking. A fully telemetry capable 8 channel D8R is $24. You wont get to 10, but you're not likely to bring 10 planes to the field on a given day, your budget should allow for enough receivers for a day. Receivers that wont compromise on link/range and where needed and offer telemetry.

ANyway, just a thought as $75 sounds like a "lot" of money for something you are typically better off not using.

Fair enough but not really the point. which is to be able to fly things that have Spektrum rxs in them already and that you either don't want to change out or can't changed out. Eg QX Nano, anything with SAFE, somebody else's plane. some BNF plane you happen to take a fancy to, Blade helicopters etc. It's just nice to have the option. Another reason the Taranis makes sense. Besides it might be a fun project.

 

[bitogre]

I have already done this and bought the board and components. I'd be happy to sell you them. The only part I do not have are the case and DSMX module itself.

 

[gatorlane]

Fair enough but not really the point. which is to be able to fly things that have Spektrum rxs in them already and that you either don't want to change out or can't changed out. Eg QX Nano, anything with SAFE, somebody else's plane. some BNF plane you happen to take a fancy to, Blade helicopters etc. It's just nice to have the option. Another reason the Taranis makes sense. Besides it might be a fun project.

That's my thoughts exactly - I'm not a fan of constantly changing out receivers. Plus, one of my favorite planes is my little indoor FPV Vapor. It won't carry an frsky receiver on it but I want to use my Taranis to fly it.

I appreciate that this isn't a real cost saver - the cost savings really kick in if you already own a Spektrum Tx that you're willing to sacrifice to the Taranis gods.

 

[dezinc]

PC Board and components available

After a group buy of these boards and components by our club I have 4 sets of PC boards and components left over. Includes the OSH Park board, IC1, R1, R2, D1, C1, C2, JP1 & JP2 as listed on http://johnprikkel.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/jr-dsmx.html
Cost posted by regular mail is US$18.00 per set.

PM me for details

Dezinc

 

[gatorlane]

Sorry for being so late getting back to you all. Within hours (I'm guessing here) of posting this thread, my refrigerator decided to die. I'm getting married in less than two weeks, so the $1200 it took to replace my old refrigerator has zapped my RC budget for the next few months. I guess what I'm saying is, between the wedding and the unexpected refrigerator purchase, I'm on a tight leash right now.

I'll check back in later with you all in the next month or two as I replenish my toy budget! I really want to get this done, as it seems all around like a better idea than the orangerx modules.

 

[pressalltheknobs]

Sorry to hear about your fridge. Good Luck and congrats on getting married. Hope you have a fun wedding day and best wishes for the future.