Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

General Help and support for the Taranis Radio.
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kalle123
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

So you are still busy, Jonathan :D

Did you experience the same behavior with your test, that there is no communication, when at start up, your nano is connected at the output of MPX HFMG3?

If YES, directly connecting output of HFMG3 to arduino is (in that way) not correct, I think!

Jonathan, the problem is, that to my knowledge, there is no documentation, what is on the output of HFMG3!

When I look at that output here, with RX and Vario connected, I see every 1/10s a data package.
Bildschirmfoto20.png
and a closer look at one package
Bildschirmfoto19.png
and that is totally different from the packages on MPX sensor bus .... (which is documented well)

br KH

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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH,

Yup , you cannot connect directly to the HFMG3 and it will stop the module from binding to the receiver. Think can work on this later.

Yup , i figured the output from HFMG3 is not MSB bus at all...it is actuated already decoded by the module and sending out as a display protocol to the telemetry display or logger. Which should means it make it easier...so I should be looking for 8.2V or 8.3V , etc....

Jonathan
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

NOW I am puzzled, Jonathan :D

Did a few tests here.
For data transfer from the MPX M-Link TX output used a bt module as described here http://www.ubit-rc.de
Recorded the data stream with a terminal on my smartphone. Lot of numbers like your recording ....
Screenshot_2016-01-18-14-01-39.png
I did two tests:
#1 on my "good old" MPX EVO with HFM4 TX module
See those values on my phone
Screenshot_HF44.png
and the data recording looks like that
HF44.png
#2 with Taranis and HFMG4 TX module
Smartphone screen
Screenshot_HF41.png
with that recording
HF41.png
Those recordings look a bit different :roll: and I don't understand .......
br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH : just to confirm the BT module is connected to the HFM4 TX module ? Can the terminal show more detail as those ? is not useful..:-)

Mike : I suspect the tft.print already convert the byte received into Decimals...I added another code to add "," after each byte and it suggest that I am looking at decimals. Below is a a picture that shows what is captured now...

I did a couple of scenarios testing to try to captured some patterns :
i) 1S and 2S
ii) with receiver only and with receiver + altimeter

I did some work and trying to decode, it seems like I am getting a group of consistent 8 bytes of data....may be some headers.
But I could not link it
a) to the actual valued logged on the Multiplex loggers ( looking for 100% LOI, 4.1V or 8.2V , 0 meter , -0.1 to 0.1 m/s )
b) Multiplex would able to display up to 15 sensors... so I should be getting closer to 15 bytes or more

Take a look at the excel attached.

What I would also try is I notice the ubit setup you have have baud rate set at 115,200 , whereas building on top of Tobi apps it have the serial set at 38,400 .... may be I am skipping a couple of bytes ... will look at that later. It could also explain why in some cases I got more then 8 bytes or less....assume I identifying the right headers :oops:

Jonathan
Attachments
Decode.jpg
IMG_7423.JPG
comm output tracking.xlsx
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

jonathanyeo wrote:KH : just to confirm the BT module is connected to the HFM4 TX module ? Can the terminal show more detail as those ? is not useful..:-)
YES Jonathan. The HFM4 has firmware v0.44 and the HFMG3 firmware v0.41 and I connected the bt-module to both outputs.
According to the instruction by ubit. Used the terminal on my phone only to verify data transfer. No more options.

Asked Udo from ubit for help about decoding and I see, he gave me an answer just now. Will go through his comments and come back ....

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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

So Jonathan, we are a step forward. ;)

What is your aim? Display of the MPX values on extra display or transfer and display on Taranis?

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH,

I want it to be transfer into Taranis so I can use all the function of terrines like LUNA scripts as it is frysky telemetry.
One step forward but quite a few steps to go....but definitely a breakthrough from where we started.
I am struggling with the programming language in arduino , not to mention like you I have not touch programming for the last 30 years.
I am looking to see if I can engage someone to do the programming for me..while in parallel i play around with it.
Let me know if you know someone want to take up that engagement.

Jonathan
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Hi Jonathan.

Made some test here. I have a jar with a syringe connected. (My "pressure camber" for testing vario sensors) ;)

Recorded the output in a terminal here on my pc. Looks ok.

Image

The I did send Tobi a PN with my findings on the MPX protocol. As he did all his testing with ACT TX, maybe he can compare and tell us, why his work is not functioning in our testings.

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH,

This is what I got too, similar to your area. I change the baud rate on the Tobi converter program from 38400 to 115200 ( 3 instances , 2 in the libraries xxx.cpp ) ... and I get a lot more sensors detected on taranis, but the rssi keep cutting in and out.

Tobi would be the best bet to help understand where we need to change in the program.
I am also slightly concern if the 9600 speed of input on telemetry if it is fast enough to cpature the telemetry to taranis...could be leading to rssi cutting in and out.

work continue....:-)

question : how do you do the conversion of the byte to vairo speed ?

Jonathan
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

jonathanyeo wrote: question : how do you do the conversion of the byte to vairo speed ?
Jonathan, exactly as the altitude values (38m and -171m)
Only vario scaling is different 0.1m/s!

As I had never to do with two's complement, used those pages ....
http://www.exploringbinary.com/twos-com ... converter/
https://www.unibw.de/etti6/pawelczak/le ... arstellung

Last example: 0xe4 0xff

low byte e4 -> 1110 0100 -> alarm bit removed -> 1110010
high byte ff -> 1111 1111

combine both bytes 111 1111 1111 0010 (now there is 1 bit missing! (1 word = 2 bytes =16 bit!)

add 1 to the left gets you 1111 1111 1111 0010
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Jonathan, have a look here

http://www.imsb.ch/
There they use a bt module for connection to the iphone. I don't see additional batteries or .... Made me think!

and a CLOSE look here ;)
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1543233
(I am active in too much groups at the moment, so I skipped my activities in rcgroups some time ago. Accidentally found that ...)

Reading the article on http://www.imsb.ch/, I did another test here
Connected a 3.3V bt module to the HFMG3, THEN paired the TX to RX. WORKED!!!
Jumped over to my pc and received data over bt connection!!
Tobi used ACT TX. I think, MPX TX needs 3.3V level .....
12.jpeg
13.jpeg
Schaltung Tobi.png
Now it is your turn Jonathan :mrgreen:
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH,

I engaged a local expert to help me with this, let see how it goes.
I just pass hi the stuff...and once we get it working..I will share.

Can you tell me what sensors if your care about...for me is only the vario.

Jonathan
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Primary vario, Jonathan.

Have voltage and gps (experimentally), but vario alone is fine!

br KH, busy soldering a level shifter 5V <-> 3.3V ..... for further tests
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Definitely 3.3V!
Was lucky and found a sparkfun level converter in some box here. Works fine!
IMG_20160121_140546.jpg
Jonathan, what we need now is a program, which picks out the vario values (altitude, vario) from MPX module and coverts those to the frsky protocol. Would appreciate, if the code is for arduino and not for other types of micro controller.
Too old to learn new things .... :D
A simple arduino pro mini 16 MHz 3.3V should do .....

br KH

PS. Jonathan. I did see, that you are also busy in rcgroups. What about starting a new thread "M_Link_to_FrSky_Telemetry" there .
Might find some people, who are interested and can give a hand. What do you think?
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

sure go ahead and start one ... think the US market is more to Jeti , JR and Taranis rather then multiple. But no harm.
Yup my flying buddy is expert in this and will be using arduino nano...but will work on pro mini without a problem.
Let hope we don't get into problem.

WHen you say it work on 3.3V...what do you mean as we always have been able to get some data into Taranis, with 115200 in fact a lot more coming through but getting RSSI dropping in and out. There is a need of a decoding program that will work with multiplex ... that is what my buddy is working on.
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

That was my last posting on rcgroups, so you go ahead :D
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthre ... st31425414
You go first ...... Was only an idea. Think, there are a lot of guys with expensive MPX equipment and a Taranis.

Jonathan, with 5v level we had to switch ON TX, the RX and then could connect arduino. With 3.3v Level I have arduino (bt modul or usb uart) connected to my HFMG3, then switch ON TX and RX and data transfer is ON. That is the difference!

You wrote this here "The power sequence is the same as yours... tx and rex can be on in any sequence, but you have to make sure it tx/rx bounded before you connect the UNO. Else it will stop the bounding." With 3.3v that issue is solved!
br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Hello Jonathan.

Good news. Tobi did reply to my message.

No that I have this level converter (5v <-> 3.3v), I will do further tests with Tobis Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

and post the results here ....

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH, Great that is good ...let me know asap :-)

I am actually still confuse of the 3.3V....as the power to the arduino is from taranis which VCC is around 12V...and there is a 5V pin.
SO where is your level converter connect to , input ? and output ?

Ignore my question : I had mental block for last 2 days :-) ... totally understand what you mean by level down. Change the regular on the arduino will also do the job.

Jonathan
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Hi Jonathan.

I am in discussion with Tobi. Send him our findings about the data stream MPX. He is looking into the difference compared to ACT.

Did make a run with Tobis test programm MSBeinlesen and send the recording to him.
MSBeinlesen.txt
(17.87 KiB) Downloaded 282 times
Jonathan, DONT ASK ME ABOUT THAT LEVEL FROM MPX :roll:

HFMG3 and a bt module fix connected. l switch ON TX, then RX working fine.

HFGM3 + level converter -> usb uart -> terminal on pc. l switch ON TX, then RX working fine.

But when I try level converter with arduino .... No communication with arduino at start. Have to disconnect HFGM3, then TX, RX ON and THEN connect HFGM3. Makes me crazy.

Nice weekend to you - KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Ingo wrote here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthre ... 233&page=2
"it also looks like the RF module must sense a low signal at startup before it starts sending data."
I think, I can confirm. Furthermore the HFMG3 does not switch ON the transmitter ...

Problem is, the arduino rx port is HIGH at startup. I am looking into it ....

Meanwhile Tobis is looking into the protocol.

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

Thanks KH for your update.
I will update once we got any new development...
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Hi Jonathan.

Over the weekend I think, I solved the starting problem. First tried to use a diode inline. No chnace. Then I started reading a little ...

Finally that came out
test1.ino.zip
(654 Bytes) Downloaded 177 times
This is a small sketch, where at the start I set the rx input of my UNO for 10 s on low (It takes the HFMG3 ~8 s to start up) and then on high again.

Here a pic of my "test stand"
IMG_20160125_084359.jpg
Yellow, Red and Black from HFMG3, Green, Yellow and Black to USB UART and from there to terminal on my pc.

Here is the result
Testdaten.csv
(3.63 KiB) Downloaded 255 times
It is doing, what your data logger from MPX is doing, recording the datastream :mrgreen:

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

Very good.... now we are just waiting for the program ... :-)
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

jonathanyeo wrote:Very good.... now we are just waiting for the program ... :-)
Or for another program. With that, Jonathan, it would be quite easy to program (as an example) a logger with micro sd card.

Arduino pro mini + micro card adapter + card ~ 4$ ;)
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

no need micro card adapter + card..... i am not after that as I want the feed to go back into Taranis so I can use all the programming captbilities of Taranis like LUNA scripts on Multiplex converted to Frysky telemetry. :-)
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

You have one, Jonathan, but I don't have the logger. :D

And see, what MPX is asking for one of those .... http://tinyurl.com/zv44q2w

Was just an idea.

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH,

Just some test code modification to get RSSI, voltage and altitude....as you can see it is a bit not stable and altitude decode still need to be work on.
This test video was done with the original arduino nano card with 5V...the test was done by my buddy with a big DUE at 3.3V which looks more stable without drop out.

We are going to continue to work on the program to decode more sensor , but also will be getting a teensy 3.2 running at 3.3V using ardiuno programming environment for further development.

try the code and see what you get.

Jonathan
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by kalle123 »

Hi Jonathan.

Downloaded the code and can compile and load it without error to my UNO.

But please give more information on details.

What hardware connected? Sensor? WHICH? Only Vario? - RX M-Link Taranis with HFMG3 Tobis circuit (1 Transistor, 2 Resistors)!?

Don't see in the code rx pin low at Startup ....

Can you make video/pic on sensor detect screen on Taranis please.

br KH
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

The same one as previous post. yup have not implement the startup code yet, multiplex vario, RX5 and same 5V to Arduino nano.
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Re: Mlink-FrSky-Telemetry converter

Post by jonathanyeo »

KH,
How is your side progressing...over here it is not progressing well on the program :-(

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