Taranis
My questions keep coming.....
So there is no special firmware or hardware modifications to the Taranis to get telemetry?
It looks like it comes with the module installed in it already. Is it like the Turnigy 9X where if you want to remove it, you have to cut the antenna wire?
How would I get an altitude reading from a D4R-II receiver?
The included X8R receiver looks like it only does low voltage warning and not telemetry. Is that right? What is the difference?
It is in stock at getfpv.com for $210. Is there any of you have ordered it from?
http://www.getfpv.com/frsky-taranis...kFnzz44KaZG1P4bLNLpM5ReSimrHxck91KxoCuBbw_wcB
I own a Taranis and love it. There is a learning curve, but it is a very capable system because of it's Open TX architecture.
The Taranis does telemetry thru the X8R by adding modules that plug into the Smart Port. This is a Serial Protocol data bus that allows you to add modules for GPS, Amperage draw, Vario, or Lipo voltage including automatic lowest cel in your pack. I think there is also an Airspeed sensor. They are a simple 3 pin daisy chain of standard servo cables. No propritary cables or adapters. They are compatible with the older modules that use a hub, and in fact the Vario does the job of adapting the older modules to the Smart Port bus for you.
You can set up any of the info to display on one of three Screens in the Telemetry section. Each screen can have up to 12 values per screen in number mode, and up to I think 6 in gauge mode. You can also set it up so if you flip a switch Taranis READS any value (or chain of values) to you so you don't have to take your eyes off the model to check the desired value. You can set alarms for any value, (min voltage or MAX altitude for instance) and even customize the audio alerts with wave files of your own. (this can be a lot of fun all by itself)
These Modules are very cheap for what they are, the most expensive being around $50 for the GPS module, Most of the rest are around $25 to $35. Additional X8R's are $33 each and are HALF the cost of my Futaba R2008's
As an example, I fly my Radian with a Lipo sensor and a Vario. The Vario can be turned on and off with a switch, and really helps me find thermals or for that matter sink when I start to "Spec Out" and need to come down a bit. I fly my Twinstar with the GPS and Amp Meter, and sometimes a Lipo sensor too. I set alarms so that my lowest cel value will trigger a "Yo Fool, You Better Land" wave file when it hits my desired limit. I also have it give me audio confirmation when I throw a switch, such as Hi, Medium, or Low Rates, Change of Flight Mode on my Multi-rotor or to verify that I am in Throttle Cutoff Safety mode, to prevent inadvertent motor starts.
For more channels you can gang two X8R's together for control of up to 16 analog servos. If you have Serial Bus Servos, a single X8R will handle up to 16 channels, and yes, you can double it up and run up to 32 serial channels. All this from a Radio that sells for less than $220 WITH a receiver.
Other MFR's are taking note, (and playing catch up), Just look at the $330 Futaba T10J. A lot of the same features, just a year and a half later, and No Open Tx software.
I could go on for days about this TX. A wonderful unit with amazing features, you just have to watch the videos on YT and learn to use the features.
Matt