Not allowed to use any TX with open TX on it

[CliffEvans]

In the UK, the Large Model Association have been told by their advisor on radio systems that anything using OpenTX is not allowed to be used on any flight line where public are watching, i.e. any model shows. Can this be addressed.

[Kilrah]

Not unless we actually know why...
AFAIK there is absolutely no reason to place such a limitation and it's the first time we hear about such a thing.

What we have heard about is that someone has spread rumors about FrSky radios being illegal due to the possibility of flashing non-compliant RF firmware, but that is just wrong since the requirement for that not to be possible is not yet active, AND FrSky radios have actually already complied for a few months. And it's not something OpenTX is involved in.

[jhsa]

Pressure from the big boys that sponsor the events and magazines?

João

[MikeB]

So just put er9x/ersky9x on it

Seriously, we do need to know why this has been stated. I could accept not using revisions that are not "approved" in some way. Does this include, for example, the original firmware as shipped on a transmitter. If so, then this is the same as preventing the use of certain makes of radio gear.

One also wonders who this "advisor on radio systems" actually is?

Mike.

[thebriars0]

Pressure from the big boys that sponsor the events and magazines?

João

Certainly not the magazines. I am currently doing a series of articles for the largest UK model flying magazine on OpenTX, and much to my surprise, this is not an issue with them. I'll do some checking with someone I know in the LMA.

[jhsa]

well, maybe not all.. But don't forget that the magazines make good money with advertising..

João

[thebriars0]

Only too well aware of that. Hence the reason I'm surprised. The only condition "imposed" on the articles was to focus on OpenTX, as it can be used on a widening platform of transmitters rather than solely focus on the Taranis, although the editor has chosen to plonk a large picture of a Taranis at the start of each article. The articles have not had any editorial editing either and do work much better for starting from the OpenTX perspective.

Had a trawl through the LMA site, no mention of OpenTX there or in their forums.

[jhsa]

That is a great thing (about your articles)..

João

[thebriars0]

Just heard from my friend who is an LMA official. He is on his way back from an LMA show and has heard nothing about this. He is going to check further for me.

[thebriars0]

Got a better response on what is happening here. It seems somebody on a UK radio advisory body had concerns about an early Taranis, the tx not the receiver. However, as far as the LMA are concerned there is certainly no ban on either the Taranis or OpenTX, and apparently at a LMA show last weekend there were several flying using the Taranis.

UKRCC Link

Hmmm. Probably also made a convert to OpenTX in the process with my friend.

[Kilrah]

How ironic

Yup, same kind of unfounded rumors I heard about from another source then. Someone must be scared...

[mrunx]

Someone must be scared...

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." -- Mahatma Gandhi

[CliffEvans]

I was told by Ivan Goodchild that anything with open TX would not be allowed, he is the radio guru for the LMA He can be contacted here: [email protected] Please do not mention my name.

[thebriars0]

From what I gather, the LMA have not taken his advice. Odd that he's questioning OpenTX, when it is the FrSky firmware that communicates with the receiver.

He is not the radio guru for the LMA but for the organisation I gave a link to above. Wonder if he might be afraid of not getting the latest freebees from Spektrum and Futaba etc. to test and play with.

[CliffEvans]

His actual words to me were " I will never allow anything with OpenTX on the flight line of any LMA event"

[Kilrah]

Did you ask him "why" when he said that? The response or lack thereof is what would have been interesting/important. Without that there's nothing we can do.

When people say that kind of thing without justification nor any effort to contact relevant people to discuss their issues and attempt to have them fixed it's usually that they have absolutely no good reason but personal gripe/dislike. Saddening such people end in positions where they can say that.

[jhsa]

So, can he forbidden radios with open source firmware?
One thing is what he says, the other is if he really can do it.. legally..

João

[thebriars0]

No he can't, and the LMA are clearly not taking any notice of him.

[jhsa]

Then there is no problem? Unless he changes the mind of someone who can??

João