DSM2/DSMX JR Module, Turnigy 9x Compatible

I've been looking for one of these for quite a while.  Spektrum had a JR-compatible DSM2 module, but it was almost $100.  But now HobbyKing has them for $30.

OrangeRX DSMX/DSM2 2.4Ghz Transmitter Module (JR/Turnigy compatible)



This is great news for anybody that has a Turnigy 9x transmitter and

• loves Parkzone small flyers such as the Night Vapor and Champ (like me!)
• like the orange receivers for their park flyers
• Looking for a Tx/Rx pair with failsafe

DSMX binding example here.


Mine's on order, I'll update this space once it comes in.

Update

The first batch sent by HobbyKing had a firmware bug.

executive summary:

• it only affected the first batch that was sent
• it's been fixed
• newly ordered units are not affected
• if you use er9x, you can work around the problem but can only use 6 channels

symptom:

• Ch. 2 is flaky
• seems to be related to frame timing

workaround 1, if you have er9x:

• tested against OrangeRX and Champ with built-in RX:
• - on menu 1, set:

Proto PPM 8CH 200 mSec
PPM FrLen 20.0 mSec

• - on mix menu, set

ch 1 100% THR
ch 2 -100% AIL (i.e. reversed)
ch 3 100% ELE
ch 4 100% RUD

workaround 2, only works with external Rx:

• avoid Ch 2, route whatever would normally be plugged into Ch 2 into Ch 5
• works if you have discrete Rx
• of course, doesn't work with any built-in Rx since you can't change the channel options