9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by **jhsa** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 5:49 pm

Showmaster, you might not be able to connect your ?iPhone? To the radio, but now it is possible to use trainer over blutooth between 2 ersky9x radios (except the taranis?). It's great and I already used it a couple times to teach my son to fly.. it works really good, the problem is that now my bluetooth signal is too strong and interferes with the telemetry since I changed the BT antennas to dipoles

Gotta reduce the power a bit.. maybe solder a normal receiver antenna instead of the dipole

Joäo

Post by **ShowMaster** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 8:48 pm

So 9Xtreme to my Skyboard 9x?
I'll need a second BT now.

Post by **jhsa** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 9:20 pm

Definitely. Get an HC-05

LTMNO · Post by **LTMNO** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 9:50 pm

Well, the good news is that i have my 2 boards... 1x 9Xtreme and one Basic..They just arrived today to Toronto, ON.
Eager to install in my brand new 9x Radio(been sitting on the shelf for over a year), I have the replacement M128 Boards as well.
I have a used Radio with another replacement M128 Board waiting for it.

Has anyone raised any issues using the Replacement 9x Boards?
Are we keeping a Mod Page around that is being updated...? JHSA, I know you always have one of those threads going somewhere? Just checking before I take the plunge.

At this point...

1)Reverse Polarity
2)BT
3)Haptic
.
.
.

Post by **jhsa** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 10:54 pm

I still don't have my board, so I'm not of much help at the moment..

João

Post by **ShowMaster** » Fri Oct 23, 2015 5:05 am

Make sure we check this topic and this
viewtopic.php?t=7718
Many going on that contain very good info on installs.

Post by **ShowMaster** » Fri Oct 23, 2015 5:06 am

jhsa wrote:Showmaster, you might not be able to connect your ?iPhone? To the radio, but now it is possible to use trainer over blutooth between 2 ersky9x radios (except the taranis?). It's great and I already used it a couple times to teach my son to fly.. it works really good, the problem is that now my bluetooth signal is too strong and interferes with the telemetry since I changed the BT antennas to dipoles
Gotta reduce the power a bit.. maybe solder a normal receiver antenna instead of the dipole

Joäo

Good to know, thanks.

Post by **ShowMaster** » Fri Oct 23, 2015 6:51 am

My info here.
viewtopic.php?t=7718

Post by **ShowMaster** » Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:09 pm

jhsa wrote:Definitely. Get an HC-05

I remember seeing a discussion on the HC-05 this year. I bought mine for the Skyboard beta testing several years ago. Any links to a good price these days. I paid a lot at the time.
Thanks

Post by **jhsa** » Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:16 pm

For example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Serial ... SwF1dUN-V0

Simple search on ebay.. They are very cheap now.

João

Post by **ShowMaster** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 7:08 am

I have a XJT in a 9Xtreme converted 9x binding to a D receiver.
I'm ok using the x receiver and the bind option in the ersky9x menus. I haven't touched the dip switches and I'm using the black wire to pin 5 Sport.
All ok, flew great.
I just realized I'm not clear on using the XJT module in this setup with a D receiver. I'll try it tomorrow, midnight now, to see what I do to bind and control a D receiver.
Do I have a D8 mode in the protocol option instead of the D16? That would probably be the answer.
I thought I'd throw it out there to Mike to comment on while I get some sleep, and for anyone else using s XJT module. I briefly saw a ppm mode go by today, but I think that's for the DJT and other brand modules, along with the DSM mode.
I was focused on flying a x receiver today to get some airtime.
SM

Post by **MikeB** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 7:32 am

Yes, PXX and D8 to use the XJT with 'D' receivers.

Mike.

Post by **ShowMaster** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 3:52 pm

Thanks Mike. That made sense as I was thinking it over before hitting the sack fuzzy brained. Thanks for the positive reinforcement I woke up to. I had my tx in my auto. I just checked it and sure enough, there's a D8 and D16 mode option as well as bind and range test.

XJT discussion.
Not a 9Xtreme install issue, but more the usage of a new XJT module in place of a DJT I've always used and have no prior experience with. I did use it on the bench with the 9XR pro testing but never flew it.

My X flying tests with the floating swr were normal and it drifted from 32 down to 1 and back. My RSSI readings were 102-54, normal for my Taranis flying over 14 acres.
My range test seemed half of what I get with my Taranis, but the flight tests as I posted, seemed normal. I'll run a 9x and Taranis test bound to the same receiver install first chance as a true comparison of the range test. It is a new X receiver.
I'll do the same for a D receiver.
I
Mike, is the range test mode a logic trigger that selects a preinstalled/predetermined attenuation in the module, or is it a value you set in the code? I don't have a second XJT to compare a range test to, only my Taranis. They are similar but not the same of course. I could install the XJT into my Taranis and compare to see if it changes from the 9x test. I'm just trying to establish a norm range test for a XJT module. I may find that when I retest it all will be the same. A lot was going on the first time out.
I'm just brainstorming a little to cover all bases. I have no concerns, just trying to set some normal preflight values to expect for now. SWR, range test, and of course RSSI values, high and low, for normal line of sight flying.
Others may ask about this as more use a XJT, the preferred module in my opinion, because the 9Xtreme and ersky9x supports the D and X receivers if the module does.

I think it's your bedtime now?

Post by **MikeB** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 4:53 pm

Just got back from a niece's wedding, so I've been away for a day or so!
The XJT range test uses a pre-defined power setting in the module.

Mike.

Post by **ShowMaster** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 5:01 am

I'm glad you got away and hopefully had drinks and wedding cake.
Ok, the range test mode value is predefined. Then if I add the xjt into my Taranis, I could select internal and get a range for 45 let's say, then turn off the internal and turn on the external XJT and retest. In theory the rf design should be the same. Not a 9Xtreme issue but worth knowing how they both range test.
Thanks Mike.

vahegan · Post by **vahegan** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 9:16 pm

MikeB wrote:I've still to enable the Bluetooth code on the 9Xtreme. We have a single spare digital I/O signal (PA5 near top left of the board). I think I shall allocate this for use in controlling the HC-05 BT module, then the serial port can go to the BT module and everything else should be fairly straightforward to sort.

Mike.

Hi Mike,

If/when Bluetooth is enabled by adding an HC-05 board and updating the firmware (whenever available), what will be its intended use?

Could it be possible to send the telemetry data (namely, model's GPS coordinates) to an external DIY Bluetooth device? I am thinking of building an antenna tracker that would combine both RSSI inputs and model's known GPS position. The possibility of wirelessly sending the model's coordinates from the radio would be very useful, getting rid of the need of building a modem and sending telemetry data through the audio channel.

Post by **MikeB** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 10:52 pm

Yes, there will be an option to send the raw telemetry data out over bluetooth, and also an option to use a bluetooth connection to another Tx as a wireless buddybox. These work on the SKY board and 9XR-PRO.

Mike.

Post by **jhsa** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 12:32 am

Now we just need it to be bidirectional with eepskye

João

vahegan · Post by **vahegan** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 7:19 am

That is just cool! Thank you very much, Mike, for all you are doing!

Post by **ShowMaster** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 4:48 pm

So many topics to post results in?
I'll try this one.
I finally had time off now that Halloween is dead, ha ha!
W7, 32b.
I just loaded eepesky for the 9xtreme and upgraded the fw to the latest I could find.
I had no trouble saving the original fw or uploading the new on. I did save fw and models first. I actually reloaded the original and the new fw just to verify I could do it with no issues.

Tip!
I did recalibrate my sticks as a normal precaution after any fw updates.

I even set the bl to orange for Halloween. Missed loading in s pumpkin face. Maybe a turkey graphic, or Xmas tree soon?

I'm still pleased enough with the audio when flying.

Haptic's still working but I may change motors to something with more mass later. My local surplus parts store always has cellphone motors restocked. I'll see what new type they stock next time I visit.

Unless I'm missing something, my install went in with no surprises except for the black and silver screws being the same size. Steven already addressed that and I used black. I did have to enlarge the plastic post and 9XT board holes to use the supplied screws. Covered in the install info.

The xjt simple black wire to pin 5 install works and was easy!

I've moved my trainer sw to the top left where I'm used to it being on most U.S. Mode 2 Tx's.

I've ordered 2 more HC-05 BT modules. One for the 9XT and one for my HK Pro. I hope to use it with my Skyboard and Pro Tx's as a wireless trainer.

At some point I may upgrade the sticks to know how, but no reason to right now.

More test flights next week with D and X receives and various Frsky sensors. Vario, voltage, current, speed, GPS. I actually have a D hub and an original GPS and fuel level sensor as well as the newer sport GPS.

For Mike, even the WS How High you original added code fit at my request. I haven't checked ersky9x to see if it's still listed but I will. Sadly the Hhigh was discontinued and no circuit details published. It did the job and was so small.

Ok, back on topic.
Unless I'm missing something, I'm good for now.

LTMNO · Post by **LTMNO** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 6:43 pm

Great work ShowMaster...
I just got these in the mail today... Still waiting on my Schottky Diode... and then I am ready to get these boards installed.
I have already removed the components on the Switch Board so I am at a stand still until i get the Diodes.

Post by **ShowMaster** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 7:41 pm

Your good to go!
The Frsky haptic is the best option for the price. I've used them in Taranis upgrades. I used a servo connector pigtail to solder to the 9XT boards voltage and haptic logic pads. I like being able to separate my boards from my accessories. It also helps with troubleshooting or trying new circuits out. Solder once is a good rule with circuit trace.
I used the 5v pad for my DIY motors and to not load down the 3.3v buss.
Your Frsky haptic was designed around a 3.3v source. You're probably ok still on the 3.3v buss but maybe add a few non Schottky diodes in series with the haptic + lead and use the 5v buss? I avoid resistors when I can. Steven or Mike knows what the best buss to use is, 3.3 or 5v. I've never measured the Frsky haptic current draw @ 3.3v. I know it's safe on the Taranis so far.

Post by **MikeB** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 11:30 pm

I tested the prototype using a FrSky haptic running from the 3.3V supply, all seemed fine. I need to find time to get it on the production board now!

Mike.

Post by **ShowMaster** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 1:00 am

I wonder if the Frsky motor has been upgraded? I think the plus I tried shakes the case more than my B does with the first gen. Frsky upgrade haptic DIY board.

LTMNO · Post by **LTMNO** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 1:39 pm

Thanks for the input, still waiting on the other pieces.. I also have 2x HC05 BT modules too.
I would really like to have the BT module take the place of the USB connection so that I just have to flick a switch and they are powered on and can be used to connect to the Computer for programming/etc. That would be stellar! I should get Joao to ask for this feature...

Post by **jhsa** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 2:27 pm

You want to get me into more trouble??

I did mention before that data transfer between 2 radios would be nice to exchange models or voice files at the field for example..

Maybe connect via BT to eepskye for sending send files, including the Firmware files?
joão

Post by **MikeB** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 2:36 pm

To do this sort of thing needs a protocol for the data transfer to be defined and implemented, so it is not something that may be added quickly. The BT connection is really just a serial connection, that may lose data, so any protocol needs to be "robust".
It is also slower than USB.

Mike.

Post by **jhsa** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 2:59 pm

it is slower than USB of course.. We really need WiFi support

That's fast

And it could probably do all? Trainer? comms with the PC and between radios? Heck, someone could port eepskye to a browser like app like the user interface for my mixing desk I use for work.. Check below

I can control it from any PC, tablet or smartphone..

http://www.soundcraft.com/ui-demo/mixer.html

João

EDIT: I have a couple wifi modules

bob195558 · Post by **bob195558** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 4:22 pm

I like the idea of using WiFi over the BT.
Is there a small WiFi device that dose bi-directional, (WiFi Transmitter & Receiver) ?
Something like this maybe: (http://www.amazon.com/SainSonic-PAT-330 ... r+receiver).

I have little understanding to how the frequencies work with Transmitters & Receivers.
I have been working on (studying) to getting up to speed to what and how frequency are and how they work.
But I find I am having difficulty getting up to speed with what is new terminologies for me
and understanding how they compare to each other.
I will just need to keep at it until it all clicks in my head.

Bob B.

Post by **jhsa** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 4:49 pm

Something like this

http://www.banggood.com/ESP8266-ESP-05- ... 61246.html

or this. This is what I have,, Might order the one above though.

http://www.banggood.com/ESP8266-Remote- ... 47259.html

João

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