9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Cant get your radio to work? General Hardware issues?
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bob195558
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9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

:( (This Board is OUT OF STOCK ! ):cry:
Here is a list of components and features for the new 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios.
Steven Morehouse (SmartieParts.com) and Mike Blandford (9x Developer) have worked together to create
this new 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for the 9x Radios.

9Xtreme Upgrade Board See: (http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/index. ... cts_id=378).
Also please consider/making a donation to Mike B. (9x Developer): (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?c ... 43JR3J7XGW).
9Xtreme Upgrade Board
9Xtreme Upgrade Board
9Xtreme Upgrade Board_a.jpg (62.23 KiB) Viewed 23938 times
...........................................................................................................................
9Xtreme Upgrade Board features for 9x Radios
More Powerful Processor: STM32F205 will provide more flash for firmware upgrades.
USB Programmer: easy USB Bootloader connection to your computer.
Telemetry: includes telemetry cable that goes through back of radio case.
Sound / Voice: includes Speaker and Micro sd card Reader Slot.
More Current Power: is increase to 500mA current power.
Backlight: includes custom-made RGB Backlight kit, able to set Backlight Colors.
Easy Installation: no soldering to make circuit (wire) connections.
Cost: $69.00 (US) + shipping.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: SmartieParts maybe out of the 9Xtreme Upgrade Boards,
but you can use the AR9X Upgrade Board (out of stock) to upgrade your 9x radio ($29.90).
Find AR9x here:
(http://www.ar9x.net/).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See more info about the 9Xtreme here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 607#p99607)
and (http://smartieparts.com/shop/index.php? ... cts_id=378).
Also see: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=126)[size],
and see here: (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost ... ount=22895).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Directory of information to help with installing the 9Xtreme Board
and using erSky9x and eepSkye:



List of additional components needed for installation:
1) Micro SD card
1) CR1220 3V watch battery, brand name like the Energizer ECR1220BP
(http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-ECR1220 ... nk23398-20 link).
CR1220 3V watch battery installed on <br />Backside of 9Xtreme Upgrade Board.
CR1220 3V watch battery installed on
Backside of 9Xtreme Upgrade Board.
Voice Pack for Ersky9x: create a folder on your SD card and name it "voice" then add the Voice Pack files to it.
Voice Pack found here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7715).
Micro SD Card list of folder Directories, see here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 34#p116982).
Video help here: 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW9Bdrov0Ck),
2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq3XGliAJDc) and
3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WRosEfIqC0).

You need to Upgrade to the newest 9Xtreme radio FIRMWARE:
Find here ersky9x-9XT and the newest PC eeprom editor eePSkye:
(https://www.er9x.com/).
ErSky9x directory layout for your SD card: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 84#p116984).
For advance users Ersky9x Test Versions: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 676#p65894).
mbtx/radio/er9x/changelog.txt: (https://github.com/MikeBland/mbtx/blob/ ... ngelog.txt).


=================================================================================================================
SmartieParts 9Xtreme Installation Instructions: (http://smartieparts.com/shop/index.php? ... cts_id=378).
And my (Bob B.) 9Xtreme installation here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 90#p103320).
João's "My 9Xtreme Installation": (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=7987).
More 9Xtreme information here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=126).
Connecting Telemetry Wires for the FrSky Modules XJT / DJT Modules: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=7771)
and (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=8506) and (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 22#p103817).

Also see João's Video Tutorials for er9x / ersky9x here: (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... qcuIqJXhb9).
Video instructions to install eePSkye and download the radio eeprom into eePSkye: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNJPUZcqZRs).
Video instructions to flash the ersky9x firmware to the radio using eePSkye,
and also how to backup the eeprom and burn it back to your radio: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwy6JHyY0hE).
Video instructions using erSky9x with your PC eeprom editor program eePSkye: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX30WhY4eo0).
Video of 9Xtreme board without telemetry (not in English) instructions: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJctizhuwxc).
9xtreme usb driver info: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 33#p121832).

_......................................................................................................................................................._
For User Manuals for now use the Er9x Manual find it here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6473).

(Note: Being created is an ErSky9x Manual.
Update November 3, 2020, life has seemed to have placed a pause on the making of an erSky9x firmware manual,
which has a new name now of erSkyTx.)

Here is some ErSky9x Video Manuals: (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... fxUB5C-mpr).
Also you can see the 9XR-Pro Manuals for erSky9x: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 575#p79483).
Er9x/Ersky9x Video Tutorials: (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... qcuIqJXhb9).
_......................................................................................................................................................_

When a used 9x radio has mods, which need to be removed before installing your new 9Xtreme board:
3dr_iris_to_9xtreme.pdf
(812.12 KiB) Downloaded 523 times
==================================================================================
Optional 9Xtreme Radio Mods:
Reverse Current Protection Mod: see here for mod info: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=7745) Good mod to do !
Will need a SS34 Vishay DIODE SCHOTTKY you may find here: (http://www.ebay.com/itm/20PCS-SS34-Vish ... 2a5236986c).
Upgrade to 3-Position Switches Mod, 9Xtreme: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=8443).
PPM Protection (Resistor) Mod: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=8778). Good mod to do !
Essential 9x Radio Module Bay Mod: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 55#p114455).
Upgrade mod to FrSky M9 gimbals: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 7&start=30)
and here: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 30#p128295).
9Xtreme FrSky Haptic Upgrade Mod:(http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=8488).
9Xtreme Radio 6-Position Switch Upgrade Mod: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 40#p110824).
9Xtreme Add 2nd Internal XJT module Mod: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=8226),
(http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 26&t=10428).
9Xtreme Mod / use the original Mini USB Type B Female Connector: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 126&t=7756).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An RC tip: How to use GitHub to get information and find answers: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEe7P1lHawU).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

..................................................................................................................
Other Mods and Technical info
How do Antennas work ? : (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSoXIqBlg9M&t=610s).
Antenna theory: The FrSky receiver antenna puzzle (part 1): (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBE_KqqHbM0&t=183s),
The Fresnel Zone explained: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCVd3QGQhKU),
RF power versus antenna gain, the results may shock you: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MigTBIsk6IA)
Why I modified the antenna on my 2.4GHz RC radio: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... nK3HGzdmTc).
CP omnis near ground = Increased gain ?: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej3_kZ5zi1I).
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NXFps7ZIlg)
Antenna Directions: viewtopic.php?f=95&t=12826
Path loss, its effect on long-range RC and FPV links: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3eKTBIFeUI).
Testing Home Made 5.8ghz Antennas: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlz8MTTntGI).
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiBi9RbNBUY) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPKEpJEt_cM&t=127)
Immersion RC RF Power Meter: (http://www.immersionrc.com/downloads/ma ... Manual.pdf).
(https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/sto ... duct=51616),
RF Explorer 6G Combo: (http://j3.rf-explorer.com/40-rfe/articl ... cification).
more info about spectrum analyzers: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19JNDCVHaQQ)
and (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_spectrum).
opentx University Introduction to Antennas: (http://open-txu.org/home/continuing-edu ... -antennas/).
SWR reading: (viewtopic.php?p=144100#p144102)
DIY SWR meter: (https://vimeo.com/33569417).
OpenTX University: (http://open-txu.org/),
SWR: (http://open-txu.org/?s=SWR&x=15&y=14).
Directional Antenna find lost model: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... 45&t=10466)
Mr. Steele Aug 21, 2018 / Signal and Antenna / STANDING vs SITTING ? with FPV Flying : (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL0PyoutHIM).
Some people using Blacksheep-TBS-Crossfire: (https://www.amazon.com/Team-Blacksheep- ... way&sr=8-7)
Mr. Steele TBS TRACER Switching Everything! (Fastest Link EVER): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oQgtZbYRjw


GPS Racing Discussion: (https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthr ... Discussion)
FrSky GPS 10Hz firmware: (https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthr ... z-firmware).
Horizontal Trims Digital Ground Mod: (http://openrcforums.com/forum/viewtopic ... mod#p69475).
FrSky X8R Receiver Different Binding Options (video): (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST9LON1 ... e=youtu.be).
LIPO batteries and Ohm's Law explained: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CztiI0re5Eo).

..................................................................................................................

Mike, because some of the 9x Radios now have different processor on the original main 9x control board, (M64, M128, M1281, M2561)
I speculate the original 9x control board may become a support board for the new main 9Xtreme control board, if this is correct,
will there a need to flash the older 9x control board processor with support firmware ? :?:
And if these older 9x control board processors flashed with their own individual supporting firmware,
would there be a need to flash each processor separately or would both be flashed together ? :?:
(New 9Xtreme main board processor STM32F205 with eePSkye firmware and the older 9x control board processor with support firmware)

Bob B.
Last edited by bob195558 on Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:57 am, edited 148 times in total.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).

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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

The 9Xtreme includes the ability to flash the 9X main processor with the relevant supporting firmware. It will be able to check the version of the of the supporting firmware and update it if necessary. I don't expect this firmware to change very often.

Mike.
erskyTx/er9x developer
The difficult we do immediately,
The impossible takes a little longer!
Daedalus66
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by Daedalus66 »

It looks terrific. I'm in the line for a couple of the 9Xtreme boards! It's hard to go wrong with something produced by Mike and Steven!

One suggestion: if the existing board is required to support the new one, please provide a source of replacement programming switches. I have two essentially new 9x transmitters with Menu buttons that have lost their click, and I know I'm not alone.
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by s_mack »

You mean the tactile switches that are engaged by pressing, for example, the "menu" and "exit" buttons?. Is so, then first off check that your board is seated properly and that nothing is in the way of the plastic faces that engage those switches. I've personally had tons of times where I took stuff out, put it back in, and had trouble with those switches. Then I'd realize I didn't have something seated properly, and magically it works. The simplest way I can think of to know if you have a seating vs. an actual switch problem is to try them with the board (carefully) lifted out of the radio.

If your switches really are performing poorly, then rather than looking for a source of switches, I'd just get a new board, although I don't know if it is ever actually stocked (we all know how it is with HK). If you really want to bother desoldering the existing switches and putting new ones on, I wouldn't *think* it would be too hard to find suitable replacements from a place like DigiKey. I'll take a look sometime, but confirm that's what you mean.
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by s_mack »


Daedalus66
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by Daedalus66 »

Thanks. I'll follow up on that.

The existing switches work, but the lack of click is a bit disconcerting.

My thought was that others have the same issue (judging from reports on the forums) and would gladly pay for the convenience of getting replacements without having to mess with probably costly shipping from such a source. I would certainly pay a few dollars for some spares when ordering a 9Xtreme board.
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

I too have had some problems with non-clicking switches, but in every case it has been something not quite aligned correctly when re-assembling the PCB in the case. Taking it apart and assembling it again has always fixed the problem. I think if the switch assembles part pressed, due to misalignment,you get this problem. The test is to remove the board and press the actual switches directly. If they click, then it is an alignment problem when assembling.

Mike.
erskyTx/er9x developer
The difficult we do immediately,
The impossible takes a little longer!
ReSt
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by ReSt »

That are the correct ones, at least for the 9x. I already replaced several switches on two of my radios and it is no real problem to do.
And if you have the time to wait, get them here ( or similar)
http://www.ebay.de/itm/100pcs-6-x-6-x-9 ... 2c9cf26cf3

Reinhard
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bob195558
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

Hi,
I received an Email from Steven Morehouse at SmartieParts.com,
Come to the new store: (http://www.smartieparts.com/store/en/)
Preorder, which you can do on the old store (http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/)
Effort to collect funds for Mike: (http://www.smartieparts.com/store/en/9x ... ike-b.html)
I meant to get this out last week, but I had (and continue to have) major troubles with my website. You'll see‚

You've waited long enough to get to this point though.
I invite you to come to the new store and check things out.
Feel free to give me feedback on the store (which isn't finished) but I know you're anxious to get to the preorder, which you can do on the old store (I know, confusing. Sorry).

There's some info you won't find on either store at the moment, so I'll mention it here. Most importantly, the time-line: We're on schedule! I know it probably feels like things are going slow, but really this project only had its first conceived thought around May 20. That's right around 2 months ago. A project like this typically would take about 6 to 12 months to go from conception to product, but (thanks to Mike!) we're way ahead of that.
So where are we?
I'm sorry but I still can't give you that elusive ETA.
But we're moving forward!

The prototypes are in production right now. They have been for almost 2 weeks. There was a 2 week delay starting the prototype process because the circuit board shop I used in the past didn't have the capability required to produce this board efficiently.
That meant shopping things around, and that takes time.
I settled on two potential suppliers, and I decided to go ahead and have both make prototypes.
That means I'm more assured at least one of them is as competent as they claim, and if they both are then I have a backup supplier should there be any problems down the road.
The prototypes are expected to be finished July 27 to July 30.
They'll be in my and Mike's hands a couple days later because I'm forking out the big bucks for express shipping (I'm as anxious as you are!).
Mike and I put a lot of thought into the design, and hopefully the prototypes work great with no surprises or need for subsequent rounds of design/testing.
That's the expectation at least.
From there, production won't really take that long.

Now on to price!
If you weren't trigger happy and you've read down this far before clicking the links, you'll be super excited to know I've dropped the prices for preorders even lower than previously announced!, 20% lower, to be exact.
That puts the 9Xtreme at roughly $55 and the Basic below $17!
For the 9Xtreme, that beats my initial targets of "around the price of the SP board + TelemetrEZ ($60)".
For the Basic, I managed to get it even less than the "50% to 60% of the SP board" figure!
That is a special price for those willing to entrust me to get this job done.
Please note that any customer can cancel their preorder at any time minus $5.
I need you to understand that these are still a ways off, and the discount is specifically offered for your help in providing funds to the production order.
Cancelled orders hurt that effort, hence the $5 discouragement.

I also want to draw your attention to my effort to collect funds for Mike!
He didn't ask me to do this, but I think it is important to acknowledge his contribution to the project with more than just "thanks".
He graciously offered his help in the theory and schematic design, without which the project would have taken a lot longer.
I'm going to pledge an amount from each sale to him, but with the pre-sale discounts I'm hoping at least some of you can help fill the coffers as well.
Please note that donations go directly to Mike (I even pay the PayPal fees!) and there are no refunds no matter what happens.
These are for his contribution to your hobby, not directly for the 9Xtreme.

In case it isn't obvious, I decided not to do a Kick-Starter Campaign.
It would have caused too many delays and I wouldn't have been able to get the price as low.
Thank you all who provided feedback regarding marketing. I took it all in!

Any/all feedback is appreciated, regarding this email, the website(s), the products or anything else. I'm taking a day or two off to recoup and it may take me awhile to respond.

As always, thanks for reading!

Steven Morehouse
SmartieParts.com
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).
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jhsa
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by jhsa »

Got the email too.. Done :)
My er9x/Ersky9x/eepskye Video Tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uJhoD7sAKidZmkhMpYpp_qcuIqJXhb9

Donate to Er9x/Ersky9x:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YHX43JR3J7XGW
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LTMNO
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by LTMNO »

Got the Email... did the Pre-Order and Donation... Thanks Mike and Steven.
Custom 9x with M64/Telemetry Mod
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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

Just to give a little more detail of what this board will do:

Solderless
Able to flash the original AVR processor
Uses the original AVR processor as an I/O processor
STM32F205 32-bit ARM processor, 512K flash running at 120MHz
1Mbyte EEPROM
USB
Voice
SD card
Real Time Clock
Telemetry input - inverting/buffered, supports FrSky DJT, XJT (SPort), HK DSM telemetry
2 PPM/PXX outputs, one internal
Power switches for both internal and external modules
Backlight: includes custom-made RGB backlight kit, able to select color and brightness.
Reverse Current Protection: protects circuits if battery power is connected reverse polarity.
Uncommitted I2C connection for future expansion.
Uncommitted, logic level, serial connection for future expansion, e.g. bluetooth.
Unused switch/stick connections on original mainboard available for future expansion.

Mike.
erskyTx/er9x developer
The difficult we do immediately,
The impossible takes a little longer!
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jhsa
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by jhsa »

Thanks Mike
I'm glad I have ordered one :) This sounds very powerful :D
Add some decent gimbals, a rotary encoder, and you have something as good or even better than the taranis in my opinion, maybe except the bigger LCD, but for me the original LCD is fine ;)

João
My er9x/Ersky9x/eepskye Video Tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5uJhoD7sAKidZmkhMpYpp_qcuIqJXhb9

Donate to Er9x/Ersky9x:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YHX43JR3J7XGW
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bob195558
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

Mike B wrote:Just to give a little more detail of what this board will do:
2 PPM/PXX outputs, one internal
Mike.
Hi Mike,
Dose the detail (2 PPM/PXX outputs, one internal) mean there can be two transmitter like the Taranis has ? :?:

Bob B.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).
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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

Exactly that. Each includes a module power switch so you may select one or the other, or both as on the Taranis. The idea is you might fit a DHT internally (or a XHT when available), then something else in the module bay.

Mike.
erskyTx/er9x developer
The difficult we do immediately,
The impossible takes a little longer!
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

That sound Great ! :D
And it you have had time to see if we could have the option to choose which transmitter to be primary (for telemetry) that would be really great also ?
When using both transmitters at the same time. :)
Bob B.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).
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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

We have a SPort type telemetry connection, compatible with the DJT/DHT voltage levels, but only the one. This does mean if you use both modules at the same time, you may have a problem with them both sending telemetry data, the same as on the Taranis.

There are, however, some other possibilities. There is a spare, logic level, serial port, that could be connected, via a buffer, to a telemetry signal. There is also an uncommitted I2C connection, although the two wires for this may also be configured as a logic level serial port.

Since the telemetry will need to be connected to the board, there may be a possibility of adding some external circuitry to select one or the other telemetry signal.

Mike.
erskyTx/er9x developer
The difficult we do immediately,
The impossible takes a little longer!
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by s_mack »

To be honest, segregating telemetry data isn't something I had considered at all. Hmm...
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

Hi Steve & Mike,
I have a need to use two transmitter, external being DJT (PPM) primary (com2) telemetry
and secondary internal transmitter (PPM or PXX) with no telemetry (com1).
Using two D-series receivers so to have 16 channels for my (MultiWii FC) 700 Quad with FPV cameras pan and tilt.
(viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4582&start=360#p99104)

Is the 9Xtreme processor a lot more powerful then the Taranis processor ? :?:

Bob B.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

It is basically the same processor as the Taranis, STM32 ARM running at 120MHz.

Regarding telemetry, it is necessary to connect the telemetry signal(s) to the 9Xtreme board. For solderless operation, this is done by plugging a cable into the external module and the 9Xtreme board. If you install an internal DHT (or XHT), you have the choice whether to connect the telemetry or not. If you are in to soldering anyway, one solution would be a physical switch to let you choose which telemetry signal you wish to use.

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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by jhsa »

Supposing we are into soldering ;) :D would it be possible to switch between them in the software by using something like I2C or serial and a couple of BJTs or FETs? That would be perfect. :)

Thanks
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by s_mack »

bob195558 wrote:Is the 9Xtreme processor a lot more powerful then the Taranis processor ? :?:
Since "a lot" is relative, I'm going to say "yes" :) The processor itself, as Mike mentioned, is the same. But ours says, "hey you... Atmega 64. Yeah, you. Go get me some coffee" while the Taranis has to get its own.

Who wants to make their own coffed?

That's power.
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

If I remember correctly, the 9Xtreme processor has 512K flash
and the taranis only has something like 47K flash which is a limiting factor, if I remember right. :?:

Bob B.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by s_mack »

I think the lowest this processor family goes is 128K flash. I think it does have 512K, same as ours. You may be thinking about eeprom where we've got 1M of eeprom available, which is 32 times what the Taranis has. This isn't really a measure of "power" though. It is storage space.

edit: For clarity and consistency with Mike's post below, I converted 8Mbit to 1Mbyte. Really I should always use bytes (so should cable companies when they tell you how fast your Internet is!). But I tend to just spew out the same figures the part makers do. The microprocessor gives their flash and ram in bytes while the eeprom chip maker gives theirs as 4 or 8 megabits. 8 bits in a byte.
Last edited by s_mack on Thu Jul 30, 2015 4:47 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Reason: converted bits to bytes
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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

They have the same processor core, with 512K flash for firmware and 128K RAM. The big difference is the Taranis only has a 32K byte external EEPROM, while the 9Xtreme has a 1Mbyte one (OK it's flash not EE, but it is treated the same). Initially, I shall only be using 512K of this EEPROM, the same size we have on the SKY board and the 9XR-PRO.

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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by jhsa »

I think that is more than enough?? ;)

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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by bob195558 »

Here is some information from an update email from Steven Morehouse:
First off, thanks so much for putting your trust in me and paying your hard earned money for something with no solid answer for the big question of "when". I appreciate that, as your funds go a long way to making the production run possible. I also want to thank those of you who added a donation to Mike. I've tallied them up and will be sending them over to him in the next 24 hours. Since I forgot to ask at the time of donation, I have to assume the donation should be presented anonymously. If any of you would like me to pass on a message, let me know or just send him a note directly.

Things have been coming along nicely. As I may have previously reported, the pen only first hit the paper on this project on May 21st. In just over 2 months, the design was completed, components researched, suppliers secured, and the first of two sets of prototypes produced (I have two companies making them in case one is no good. So far only one has finished). Those prototypes have been simultaneously shipped to Mike in the UK and myself in Canada and should be arriving in the next couple of days. Then the next step of fun begins!

I'll be testing them mostly for physical design mistakes (screw hole alignment, connector placement, make sure nothing is contacting anything it shouldn't be, etc) and also production flaws to make sure the company I chose did as good a job as I had hope. Mike will be using them for confirming the firmware works with the hardware and making any necessary adjustments. He has the harder job and I really have no idea how long he needs, so we'll just be giving him some breathing room and I trust that you'll all remain patient through this step.

We already know there are a couple of design mistakes that weren't caught before the things went to prototyping, but they are minor. We'll surely find more. So long as they are all minor and we don't need any subsequent round(s) of prototypes, I should have an answer for "when" fairly soon.

I plan to remove the current pre-order discount as soon as a solid ETA is determined. That discount was to reward you folks that ponied up without knowing when. If you know anyone that might want to get in on the discount, please let them know that it will be vanishing at some point. I think the regular price still represents a terrific value to the customer though, so if they wish to wait, that is understandable too.

Again, thanks very much! This is very exciting for me, as I know it is for some of you. Below are some common questions I've been getting, and answers I find myself typing a lot. Until next time!

- Steven

Question: Ok, Ok, I know you're refusing to say when, but seriously... when??
Answer: For those that have forced a guess out of me, I've been saying between October and December. September is possible if everything goes perfectly... but so is next July if everything goes poorly. It really is only my best guess. I'll have a much better answer once production starts, but even then there may be component availability problems.

Question: I logged in to look at my order status and it wasn't there!
Answer: I'm still struggling with this website fiasco, and I'm sorry. If you log in on the "new" site (smartieparts.com/store) you can view product information but no order info is there. You have to log in at the "old" site (smartieparts.com/shop) to see order information. I know, I know... I'm working on it [so embarrassing], but obviously my focus has to be on the parts more than the website.

Question: Can we have XYZ feature on the 9Xtreme?
Answer: Yes! And no! The design is finalized and it is what it is. But what it is, if nothing else, is flexible! Chances are, you can add anything you want to add with a little work, a few parts and a whole lot of begging for Mike to add firmware support (or do it yourself because it is Open). The 9Xtreme hardware provides both an I2C and UART connection which can be used in more ways than my brain can fathom and there should be more than enough available power for you to work with.

Question: Do you need a beta tester?
Answer: My answer so far has been "no", but... we do have "extra" prototypes, if you can call them that. The thing is, many people naturally look at beta testing as a way to get early access without paying as much or anything. I understand that, but these prototypes cost over $200 each and they are very limited in quantity! My decision to have two different factories make us prototypes is what has given us "spares" (if/when they arrive, that is). So if you REALLY want one, contact me with an offer of some combination of how much you're willing to pay and/or how much work you'll do, and understand that they are already known to be flawed so you'll have to be prepared to do a little cutting here, a little soldering there...

Question: Do I need both the SP Basic and the 9Xtreme?
Answer: No, not at all. The 9Xtreme does what the Basic does... plus a gazillion.

Question: Do you have any Rev 2.4 boards or TelemetrEZ boards left?
Answer: No.

Question: Do you ship to my country?
Answer: If it isn't called Malaysia, then yes. If it is called Malaysia, then contact me for options.
Last edited by s_mack on Mon Aug 03, 2015 2:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Mod note: Since this post contained my "signature", I felt it better to quote my email exactly. Originally it contained some incorrect passages.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).
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MikeB
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by MikeB »

I should have a prototype tomorrow! It would have been today, but I was out when the DHL person tried to deliver it.
I've been working on the firmware and have most of it ready for testing. There will be a bit of time getting everything set up for testing, then starting carefully to make sure tere are no surprises with the power supply. I normally test a new board like this by running it from a variable bench power supply, and slowly increasing its voltage while checking the regulator output(s) to make sure they are working correctly and so prevent blowing chips with too high a voltage.

I'll keep posting progress as I go.

Mike.
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by jhsa »

Thanks Mike.. I would love to have a prototype.. You know ( from testing the 9XR PRO)that I do a lot of flying, and can do quite small soldering if necessary. I did manage to save some money and pre order the 9xtreme board without being killed by my wife. ;) But no way I can pay for a prototype as per Steven's idea above. :(
I am not allowed to even make an offer.. I would if I could.. I do understand that prototypes are a big investment though.. Oh well, I will test what I can when I receive the pre ordered board. I'm sure there will be still a lot to test :(

João
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Re: 9Xtreme Upgrade Board for 9x Radios

Post by s_mack »

I don't think the hardware really benefits from so-called "beta" testing anyway. Beta may apply to new features of the firmware, but that is a different matter.

Just ignore my "idea above" if it is a turn off. I was just a common question and that was the best answer I could think of at the time.

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