HK6S Radio - How do I use it as a buddy box? - Need help.

[panther3001]

I am trying to use the HK6S radio (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... aff=281904) in a trainer system. It comes with a trainer port which uses a 3.5mm female mono audio jack which outputs its PPM signal. I scoped it on a very nice oscilloscope, and the PPM signal has a period of 20.00ms, with a voltage high of 3.36V (I'm assuming it's using a 3.3V voltage regulator) and a voltage low of 0V. I'm borrowing this radio from a friend, and I have to mail it to him soon, but if I can determine that it's possible, I'd like to recommend to another friend (new in the hobby) that he purchase 2 of these radios and use one as a master and one as a slave in a buddy box trainer system. This would be really nice for helping beginners, new in the hobby, get a cheap buddy box.

I originally thought this was an easy problem: I *thought* that there was a PPM signal wire which went from the microcontroller board to the RF module, as well as a PPM signal which went from the microcontroller board to the mono audio jack, for use as a slave radio in a trainer system. However, on closer analysis, I can't find any PPM signal going from the microcontroller board to the RF module, and I don't know how to hack the radio. I was going to wire in a SP3T switch to disconnect the PPM output signal to the audio jack, and instead import the PPM signal *from* the audio jack and route it into its RF module. This way, it would be acting as a master radio, sending the slave's PPM signal to the Master radio's RF module. However, again, I have no idea where to input a slave's PPM signal now, as I can't find any PPM signal to the RF module. The RF module is soldered directly onto the transmitter's main board hosting the microcontroller.

I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. Any ideas?

[Kilrah]

Most radios now don't use any PPM internally anymore. So if the trainer input function wasn't "engineered in" by having the microcontroller read an input and use it, there's usually no way to add it anymore.

[panther3001]

That's probably what's happening here then, sadly. No PPM signal from Tx main board to RF board. Is it true that all Tx *modules* still use PPM signals though to operate? I guess I could always add a cheap module, if I had to, then have a switch to choose which PPM signal, of two different Tx's, is routed to the module. This would be a buddy box. Of course it also triples the price of a home-made buddy box having to buy a $30+ module, when each Tx is also only $30.

[panther3001]

Also, if there is a PPM input engineered into the radio, how do I recognize it? Would it have a special waveform or voltage on a scope or multimeter, or would it just be a flat 0V when checked from it to ground? I do see 2 pins right next to the output PPM signal wires, and one is ground and one is 3.2V, which I thought was odd that they'd just be sitting there next to the PPM output lines.

[ShowMaster]

Start here
http://users.belgacom.net/TX2TX/tx2tx/e ... 2txgb1.htm
Read every section.
As mentioned, many newer systems never actually deal with PPM anymore to reduce latency and processing.
My $.02.
The radio and a solid link is like the air we breath. The better the quality the better we operate. The best quality bang for your $ is a th9x, or FS-9X ( better quality) radio.
Yes the cost is $54 not $28 with shipping about the same but....
What do you get?
You get a working tx and ok RX out of the box that has a buddy system ready to go. You have 8 model memories and a ok computer radio with ok inexpensive RX's.

Then later just solder in 6 wires and a $5, USBasp programmer, or a screw in $35 programmer, reflash it with one of the super free firmware upgrades and not only will this tx act like or better than, a $300 tx, but you'll increase the model memories to double what you had.
Then if you so desire, you can plug in tx modules of you choice to add telemetry, dsm2, UHF and even upgrade to 16 servo channels!
As a buddy box trainer it can have it's channels remapped ( after FW upgrade) to match any master tx channels you want to use it on that has a trainer option. Pretty much the same if used as a master.
Next you add technical support here from hundreds of persons that know everything needed to mod or repair 9x as well as FW writers that usually can answer questions or even add a feature if its worthwhile!
So .....
Spend $28 and be on your own or spend $54 and "the sky's the limit"!
Skimp on cheap planes, motors, and lipo's, but step it up a notch on the "master link" to control all your fun for years to come.
Spend the $54!
SM


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[panther3001]

Thanks for the responses thus far! Great advice Showmaster. I'll have to read that info. for sure.

What do you guys think about the Turnigy 9XR (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... aff=281904) instead of the TH9X or FS-9X? I know it has sticky buttons in cold weather (big deal, I'll pull it apart and sand them), but it has the plus of not needing the programmer soldered in. No soldering required. Just buy the USBasp programmer and go.

I'm planning on using the 9XR radio with the FrSky telemetry system here: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... aff=281904

and this Rx: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... aff=281904

Also, I found the TH9X: http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-th9x-r9b- ... nQodAjYA5A

But is this the FS-9X?: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... ware_.html

What are the main differences, pros, and cons of each of these radios, other than the 9XR already having the programming stuff soldered onto it stock?

[ShowMaster]

The 9xr is just a tx case, no tx module or RX with it.
Yes the buttons may stick in cold Wx and by now it may be fixed. The buttons are soft like your tv remote and can give a double push. Not my favorite type of button. Yes it has the programmer soldered in and a backlight. To use it to fly a plane you'll have to pay the $50 for it as well as a tx module, dsm2 $28 and a $5 or more RX to go with it. The $5 RX is OK but it is a $5 RX!
Next would be a Frsky DJT tx module, my personal favorite for $24ish, and a matching Frsky RX for around $25. Add a battery to this, my favorite is a 9.9v 1500Ma life04 battery for around $7. Others use a 3 cell lipo that fits the battery box for $?.

The 9x series system comes with a tx module and RX as I mentioned for $54 plus a battery, again your choice. You take it out of the box, install it and go flying. Later add the solder in programmer for $5 and 6 wires or as I said, a $35 screw in programmer and your ready to upgrade the FW.
Add the same Frsky DJY tx module and RX later as the 9xr uses and you have a super system!
You can also use the dsm2 HK module and RX in the 9x.
All the 9x model systems are the same, just rebranded FlySky FS-9x. HK calls it a TH-9x I think. Look it up.
So...
The 9xr without shipping, ready to fly a plane with the cheapest dsm2 setup and a battery, around $93.
A TH-9x with battery $61, you do the math and decide the better bargain.
Again, if you can spend another $5 and solder 6 wires, you can program a th-9x and I think have a better radio, for $66.
In my and others opinion, the 9xr was made to be a $50 tx case. The TH-9x was made to be a $100 complete RC system that HK and others sell for $54 up to a $100.
I have a 9xr that after several flights on it, just stays home and I fly my 9x modified to run er9x or open9x FW.
SM




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[ShowMaster]

The dht-u is a bit of a kludge to hang on the tx case but it does it all and Frsky is a good way to go. I'm not sure about hanging it on the rectangle cutout plastic handle setup on the 9xr?
The TXs electronically will both work with the DHT-U so it's your choice.
Just wondering where you're located and if your ok soldering and using a multimeter?
SM


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[nicco]

anyone who has hk6s original firmware.. pls share it i need it so much..!