RadioMaster TX16S review: can it crush my X9D Plus?

It's a great time for OpenTX fans! While FrSky still dominates with its proprietary systems, new manufacturers like Jumper and RadioMaster are offering an alternative path. 

One such transmitter is the RadioMaster TX16S, a full feature radio at a budget price. The centrepiece is its built-in 4-in-1 multi-protocol module (MPM), a clever gismo which works with different brands of receiver including FrSky, HOTT, Spektrum and Futaba. 

The TX16S is an interesting transmitter, but can it succeed where the Jumper T16 failed, and replace my old faithful Taranis X9D+? Read on and find out!

A template for flying wings - and a new test tool!

Lockdown! Here in the UK it's been three weeks of relative quiet. On the bright side, I've been keeping busy with a couple of projects - a new template, and a testing tool for OpenTX setups...

Jumper T16 Pro - is it ready for prime time?

The launch of the Jumper T16 has attracted a lot of attention. It's well equipped, runs OpenTx, and is very aggressively priced. But is it good enough for high value sailplanes? Could it replace my FrSky X9D Plus?

There was only one way to find out, which was to get one and play with it!

Crow-aware adaptive elevator trim

In this post I describe an adaptive trim system which makes it easy to achieve perfect pitch trim when using crow brakes.

Using the adaptive trim, it takes only a single flight to optimise the trim across the full range of crow. Furthermore, the process is completely transparent since it uses the regular trim lever.

I'm now using this system across all my F3F models.

A 3D printed CG scale

How do you measure the CG of your model? Very likely, you'll be balancing the model over a pair of pivoting arms, or - worse - your fingertips. Low cost yes, but not very effective. Well, here's a better way using 3D printed parts and a couple of Arduinos...

A 3D-printed case for the RX6R

FrSky's latest RX6R receiver is a great little unit - except for one thing: the 'case' is just a flimsy cardboard wrapper. Okay for a foamie perhaps, but not much good for anything else.

Ahi 1.0: an OpenTx template for aerobatic slopers

I've just added a new setup to my library of soaring templates. It's for 4-channel aerobatic slope soarers like the Ahi, Phase 6, Voltij etc.