A template for DLG, and a channel changer script

With summer just around the corner, I've just added a brand new setup to my family of OpenTX templates. It’s called, simply, 'DLG', and it’s intended for 4-servo discus launch gliders like the Blaster, Snipe, Vortex etc.  Read on and find out if DLG is the right solution for you...!

Universal DLG template

The DLG template doesn't depend on any Lua scripts, and it runs on virtually any OpenTX or EdgeTX transmitter including the X-Lite Pro,  X9D, Q X7, X10 and Radiomaster TX12 and TX16S. The only requirement is a momentary switch for launching (more on this below).

DLG works with OpenTX 2.2 and later. 

The template does not include F3K specific scoring screens - if those are important to you, then you'll need to look elsewhere.

Author with Topsky 2

Calibration mode

Many pilots have problems getting the flaps to track each other precisely. With the DLG template, achieving precise tracking is simple, using the built in CAL (calibration) mode. CAL mode cancels all the mixing and trims for the channels being calibrated, allowing end points and centres to be adjusted visually.  

CAL mode is not just for initial configuration - it'll help you identify and correct for drifting servos or temperature effects on the field, so you can keep your model in a consistant state, regardless of trim settings.

Zoom mode

Zoom mode is activated automatically after the launch button is released. It overrides all other flight modes, so you can throw without worrying about the position of the brakes or the flight mode switch. 

To exit Zoom mode, you push forward on the elevator stick. If the brake stick is not at idle, the brakes are suppressed and you get a warning. 

[edit] After a delay of three seconds, the launch height is announced (for this to work, a receiver with altitude telemetry is needed, for example the FrSky G-RX6 or RadioMaster ER6G).

Supertrim

[edit] Starting with version 2.1, the template features Supertrim. In normal use, it acts as a regular trim. But as soon as you pull the brakes, it repurposes itself to adjust the brake-to-elevator mix ('compensation'). This makes trimming very simple. 

For fine tuning, you can adjust a crow compensation curve.

You can read more about Supertrim here.

Channel changer script

I'm also making available a simple channel changer script which allows you to re-order channels 1-16, if the default channel order doesn't suit. It works with any OpenTX or EdgeTX transmitter.

Channel changer script running on TX16S.
Latest version supports 16 channels.

Links

• DLG template
• Channel changer script
  
  

The launch switch

Most OpenTX transmitters have a single momentary switch mounted on the right shoulder.  That's fine for left-handers, but if you're right handed you'll want to move it to the other side - and some transmitters are easier to modify than others. 

The FrSky X9D and X9 Lite offer easy access to the switches, and it's just a quick soldering job. 

The Radiomaster TX16S (and similar radios) have switches soldered to daughterboards - and they are a pain to deal with as the left and right boards are not interchangable, and soldering is tricky. The easiest option is to get an aftermarket LHS board. Alternatively, add your own button, using the SI and SJ pads on the motherboard. The Radiomaster website has instructions for this.

A couple of honourable exceptions: the RadioMaster TX12 has momentary buttons on both sides (though they are not particularly comfortable to reach); the X9D Plus 2019 has a dedicated launch button on the left. 

Whichever transmitter you use, I'm sure you'll enjoy the DLG template!