I've been wanting to setup a trainer "buddy box" configuration to teach my daughter to fly, but the idea of buying an expensive second radio and stringing cables to my Taranis wasn't appealing. Doing some research on the web, I found a great article on RCGroups about building a wireless trainer module using a Specktrum compatible receiver with a CPPM output capability.
The idea is to use any old Spectrum DSM2/DSMX compatible trainer transmitter (like the little cheapo units that come with all the RTF Champs, Vapors, etc) and have it send instructions to a little receiver like the OrangeRX R410x or R610. That tiny little receiver can output CPPM instructions right into the trainer jack of the master radio. From there it's just a matter of configuring the trainer settings on the master radio just like it was cable connected to a student radio.
Due to some fancy wiring figured out by DaddyBigas on RCGroups (his diagram referenced below) it's possible to have the whole thing operate off a single power switch. If it's powered on before plugging into the master radio, everything is normal. If it's powered on while plugged into the master radio, the receiver enters binding mode. Pretty slick.
I chose to build this wireless buddy box in a RadioShack project box big enough to hold the receiver, battery, etc. but still small enough to just hang off the back of my Taranis supported by the plug into the trainer port.
To keep it from tilting, I added a little piece of bamboo skewer placed to rest in the headphone jack. Also a nice shiny orange led so I know if it's on or not.
Since I will need frequent access to the battery, I used magnets instead of screws to hold the box lid in place.
Overall, it works great and allows me to use any Specktrum compatible transmitter as a student radio - including those little cheap Parkzone or Hobbyzone jobbies from RTF kits that fit really well in small hands. And at a bargain - the receiver was less than $10, and the rest of the parts were from my junk drawer, but could probably be sourced for another $10 or less.
Happy flying!
The idea is to use any old Spectrum DSM2/DSMX compatible trainer transmitter (like the little cheapo units that come with all the RTF Champs, Vapors, etc) and have it send instructions to a little receiver like the OrangeRX R410x or R610. That tiny little receiver can output CPPM instructions right into the trainer jack of the master radio. From there it's just a matter of configuring the trainer settings on the master radio just like it was cable connected to a student radio.
Due to some fancy wiring figured out by DaddyBigas on RCGroups (his diagram referenced below) it's possible to have the whole thing operate off a single power switch. If it's powered on before plugging into the master radio, everything is normal. If it's powered on while plugged into the master radio, the receiver enters binding mode. Pretty slick.
I chose to build this wireless buddy box in a RadioShack project box big enough to hold the receiver, battery, etc. but still small enough to just hang off the back of my Taranis supported by the plug into the trainer port.
To keep it from tilting, I added a little piece of bamboo skewer placed to rest in the headphone jack. Also a nice shiny orange led so I know if it's on or not.
Since I will need frequent access to the battery, I used magnets instead of screws to hold the box lid in place.
Overall, it works great and allows me to use any Specktrum compatible transmitter as a student radio - including those little cheap Parkzone or Hobbyzone jobbies from RTF kits that fit really well in small hands. And at a bargain - the receiver was less than $10, and the rest of the parts were from my junk drawer, but could probably be sourced for another $10 or less.
Happy flying!
