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...

Checking out your new FrSky transmitter

Over the last few years I've set up a variety of FrSky transmitters and have got to know what to check out after purchase. So in this post, I list a few tips, including an effective method for checking range.

E-Soar Plus v2, with integral timer, faster setup

It's just over a year now since I published my E-Soar Plus template for full house electric sailplanes. Since then it's been adopted by a number of pilots for both sport and F5J competition. However there's always room for improvement; a few pilots have asked for a flight timer. Also I wanted to reduce the time to calibrate the servos and adjust the mixers. The result is E-Soar Plus version 2.0. Let's take a quick tour...

F3J setup v.3.0 with KAPOW!

I've just released a new version of my F3J setup. Version 3.0 offers an optional 'Kapow' mode, and a quicker setup procedure. It supports OpenTx 2.1 or higher, and there are separate packages for the Taranis and Horus. In this post, I'll describe the various changes.

F3F setup v.4.1 with PUMP mode

Following hard on the heels of v 4.0, I've just released a further update of my F3F Setup for the FrSky Taranis. The new version 4.1 features an optional Pump mode.

F3F setup v.4.0 with quicker config

Version 4.0 of F3F setup for Taranis is now available. Enhancements are aimed at getting your 6-servo F3F ship into the air as quickly as possible. So if you want the mixing without the fiddling, this is the version for you!

[Update 20 October 2016: version 4.1 is imminent, featuring a new Pump mode.]

E-Soar and E-Soar Plus version 1.1

Version 1.1 of E-Soar and E-Soar Plus setups for OpenTx are now available.

Migrating setups from Taranis X9D to X9E

The Taranis X9E contains a superset of the X9D's controls, and in theory any setup designed for the X9D will also run on the X9E. In practice, setups which use LS or RS will need modification.

In this post I'll explain the background, and the fix. Or you can jump straight to 'Fix'.

EU, non-EU/World and EU-LBT - module firmware demystified

[last updated 9 April 2017]

The latest ETSI directive EN 300 328 V1.8.1 has, I think it's fair to say, caused a certain amount of confusion amongst Taranis users. Many pilots are unsure whether they should upgrade their firmware, or how to do so. FrSky's fumbling firmware releases haven't helped matters, either.

The purpose of this post is to try and shed some light, and to answer common questions such as:

First pics of the Taranis X9E (on RC Groups)

First pics on RCGroups of a retail X9E, from T9's first batch.
X9E photos and comments (RC Groups)

F3J/TD setup version 2.0 for Taranis

It's a year since I first published my F3J setup, and during that time it's generated a steady flow of interest. Thanks to all who provided feedback, as a result of which I've now updated the setup to v. 2.

"E-Soar for Taranis" - a setup for electric soarers

Fancy a bit of electric soaring? My latest setup for the FrSky Taranis is now available from OpenTx Clinic. It's called E-Soar for Taranis and it's for full-house sailplanes with motor and 6 servos. Suitable models include the popular MPX Cularis, Heron, Solius, e-Flite Radian Pro, Pulsar Pro etc.

A better motor arming system for OpenTX

With the high power available from modern e-flite motors, motor safety is of vital importance. In this post I'll review a couple of so-called safety features, explain why they're actually unsafe, and describe a couple of simple and secure solutions for OpenTx.

F3F Setup for Taranis version 3.1

Ask ten different F3F pilots for their ideal transmitter configuration, and you can be sure you'll receive ten different answers. Some like US style hand held trannies, others like tray types. I prefer to fly with my thumbs, you might prefer to 'pinch'. And so it goes on, right down to the location and order of the switches.

Thoughts on programming motor control

Glider pilots love props! Well that seems to be the conclusion, judging from the requests to add motor support to my F3F and F3J setups. With my Multiplex Cularis ripe for conversion, I decided to take on the challenge.

The key issues with any power conversion are: (1) safety (2) preventing conflicts between motor and other functions and (2) providing a safe arming/disarming function. In this post, I'll describe my thoughts on how to tackle the project.

Taranis at La Muela. Or how RSSI found my models.

I’ve just got back from the annual F3F competition at La Muela in Spain. It was the 20th Anniversary event, and Pierre Rondel won the event. Pierre was using a 'cheapo' FrSky Taranis, having recently switched over from JR after three years as a sponsored pilot.

Alert for users of F3F Setup version 3.0.0

There is a potential issue with F3F setup for Taranis version 3.0.0 (thanks to Clayt Landells for spotting this).

Reverse Diff - or how to improve your landings

Crow brakes are virtually essential for F3X models. They allow you to bring your model down quickly, without building excessive speed. However, deploying crow brakes can adversely affect roll response. In this post I'll examine the reasons behind it and describe a couple of techniques for improving roll control.

The techniques are particularly relevant for OpenTx which does not provide these features built in - you have to cook them yourself! (A few of us do enjoy cooking...)

A model naming convention for OpenTx

One challenge with OpenTx is keeping track of your models. Over time, you find yourself with lots of setups, each only slightly different from the next. After a while it gets tricky keeping track.

Enhanced snapflap mix using Lua

Just finished flight testing my first Lua script for the FrSky Taranis - an enhanced snapflap mix for F3F sailplanes. The inspiration came from fellow F3Fer and ISA member Matt How. Matt is using my F3F setup and wanted better control over the snapflap curve, in particular to be able to adjust both the volume and deadband dynamically.