Taranis Binding - External DSM2 Module

Here's how to bind using an external module.
tl;dr: activate the module using the model configuration screen.

• power off Tx.
• pop off module cover on back.
• insert module, be careful that the pins line up.
• snap the module into place.
• power on Tx.
• go to model configuration menu 2
• set Internal RF Mode to OFF.
• Set External RF Module to PPM, CH1-8, 22.5ms, 300u, - (minus sign)

Now you're set for normal DSM2-style binding.  I've got a LemonRX receiver ready to go.

• power off Tx, Rx
• insert bind plug on Rx bind port.
• power up Rx
• You should see a fast blink.
• press and hold the module bind button.
• while continuing to hold the module bind button, power on Tx
• wait a few seconds
• the module will beep, and the radio will slow blink, indicating successful bind.
• remove bind plug.

Sometimes the Tx and Rx won't bind if the Tx and Rx are too close together.  If you suspect this is the case, move the Tx away from the Rx about 5-6 feet and try again.

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

howto: bind a transmitter and receiver

Procedure

1. power off receiver
2. power off transmiter
3. insert bind plug onto BAT pins
       - actually, I think it can go on to any pin
       - orientation doesn't matter, it just connect out neutral and control pins
4. power on receiver
       - light will blink
5. put transmitter throttle to zero position
6. toggle and hold bind switch on transmitter
7. power on transmitter
8. hold until binding is made
       - usually just a couple of seconds

Potential Problems

• plugging in servo, power connections into receiver backwards
• turning on transmitter first
• plugging in servo, power connections to wrong terminals

tiny 2.4GHz Receivers

Very impressive!

'Fly Electric' - 2.4GHz Receivers: "Technically, except for the converted receivers at the bottom of the list, all are based on the Cypress CYRF69103. The background colours in the table below indicate designs that are very similar. I have the bare PCB's"

DX7/AR7000/AR6100 Range Test

An interesting range test for DSM2 equipment.

For both receivers in worst-case conditions, reception was solid at 1.5 miles.

DSM2 specification details

• Protocol disassembly notes.
• Notes on USB control of DSM2.