2.4 modules discontinued!

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jmendoza
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Joined: 18 Feb 2018, 23:07

2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by jmendoza »

I went to order more modules, and found the DHT Fr-Sky and the Orange Rx DSM2/X DIY modules have been discontinued, they are are on back-order with no planned delivery dates. . Hobby King had not responded to my questions about if they plan to order them again, which in my experience means they are going to be discontinued.

The only option left are the multi-protocol modules which are double the price and require you to download firmware and do some configuration. In addition they come in a bulky case which may, or may not fit inside a given transmitter without some extra work. I did a little research on the Multi Protocol modules and it is unclear what kind of cable or hardware (programmer? ) is required to down load the firmware they require.
Jay
jackdaw
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Location: Wet and Windy North Wales

Re: 2.4 modules disscontinued!

Post by jackdaw »

You can get the internal module. You need the version with the control knob etc not the one controlled by serial data that goes inside the Jumper T16 Tx. I think Grayson sells them for about $30. Some links:
Serial control version https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthr ... are-Update
RCGroups main thread with various types https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthr ... -TX-Module
GitHub https://github.com/benlye/flash-multi#i ... lash-multi
You can buy direct from some on the main RCGroups thread
It looks to me this unit will be the 'converters' and 'button' Tx builders only option. The big pluse is it covers just about all protocols required.
jackdaw
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Location: Wet and Windy North Wales

Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by jackdaw »

A good site for info on these units
https://www.multi-module.org/
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_AL_
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Location: Sydney Australia

Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by _AL_ »

Nice link.

Al
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Mike_K
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Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by Mike_K »

Phil_G wrote: 23 Jan 2020, 23:51 Is this one the favourite for PPM homebrews?
https://www.banggood.com/IRangeX-IRX4-P ... 25080.html
One of these multis would suit me as I've no brand loyalty - I use Frsky, Flysky, Futaba, DSM2...
Hi Phil

That's the one I've been trying out and it has worked flawlessly with DSMX and FrSky receivers. I've been looking through the code for OpenTx to see if we can implement the serial comms to the module as there is a cheaper version, but without ppm input or switches to select the mode, you'd chose the protocol you want when compiling the Arduino encoder.

https://www.banggood.com/IRangeX-IRX4-2 ... rehouse=CN

I've also had the module from a Spektrum DX5e (the same module as a DX6i) running with a cut-down version of my encoder. I'll try integrating the code into your V2 encoder, so DSM2/DSMX users have another option. But you have to use a 3.3V regulator to power the module (I removed the one from the donor Spektrum DX5e) and the modules pin spacing is 2mm, not the more convienient 0.1"/2.54mm. But Spektrum DX4e/DX5e/DX6i are quite cheap second hand on flea bay.

Mike
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Wayne_H
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Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by Wayne_H »

Phil_G wrote: 23 Jan 2020, 23:51 Is this one the favourite for PPM homebrews?
https://www.banggood.com/IRangeX-IRX4-P ... 25080.html
...
This (& the earlier version) -
2.4G CC2500 NRF24L01 A7105 CTRF6936 4-IN-1 Multi-protocol STM32 TX Module With Antenna
https://banggood.app.link/EuMb2vXCv3
is the multi- module I have used to date, in both serial & ppm modes. Very happy with them👍

I have just acquired the IRANGE plug in module, but haven't flown with it yet (but I expect to have NO problems with it either :) )
Cheers,

Wayne
Once a Retrobate, always a Retrobate............ ;)
MaxZ
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Joined: 31 Jan 2019, 11:48
Location: Boskoop, Netherlands

Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by MaxZ »

Wayne_H wrote: 24 Jan 2020, 12:18This (& the earlier version) -
2.4G CC2500 NRF24L01 A7105 CTRF6936 4-IN-1 Multi-protocol STM32 TX Module With Antenna
https://banggood.app.link/EuMb2vXCv3
is the multi- module I have used to date, in both serial & ppm modes. Very happy with them👍
Hi Wayne,
I had a look at this module. It seems you have to choose between Flysky, Frsky and JR versions, is this purely for serial input mode, so not relevant for ppm mode?

Cheers,
Max.
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Mike_K
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Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by Mike_K »

Max

All the multi-protocol modules that have the 16 position rotary switch can have the protocol set manually and work with ppm. The one in your link is OK for PPM or serial, but I don't know why they have options for FlySky, FrSky and JR when buying, as they all have the same JR module.

Some others like the Jumper multi-protocol modules assume they'll be fitted in an OpenTx or ER9X based transmitter that has the serial communication built-in, so you can choose the protocol from the menu and don't have the manual selection switch fitted presumably to save costs.

https://www.banggood.com/Jumper-JP4IN1- ... rehouse=CN

They all use the same software and the same circuit board (open source hardware), so are really all identical. Even the jumper has the same circuit board, it just hasn't got the selector switch fitted.

Mike
jmendoza
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Joined: 18 Feb 2018, 23:07

Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by jmendoza »

OK, you guys are way over my head on this, so let me ask some really basic simple questions:

Can the I-Range Multi protocol module be used with Phil G's encoder in an Arduino?
Better yet, can it be used with an old school PPM encoder from an Orbit, or Kraft?
What models of these multi protocol modules can be used with an old school encoder or the Arduino without having to do anything other than connect up to the PPM signal, and plus and minus power?

I have not seen a pin-out for the I-Range or the Jumper either.

My concern is that these new multi-protocol modules need to communicate with the transmitter they are used in, and need additional tweaking in the form of hardware, or software/firmware to work like the stand alone DHT or Orange RX 2.4 GHz modules. I have seen the versions with the rotary switch that mention they are for selecting PPM modes, but it is unclear if that is all they require to work. Some mention you need todownload load firmware from a website before the module will work.

It is all very nebulous because there is no clear cut path and step by step instructions on how to use these modules. Instead, you get links to websites which then open up a can of worms.
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Mike_K
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Re: 2.4 modules discontinued!

Post by Mike_K »

Hi Jay
jmendoza wrote: 24 Jan 2020, 18:33
Can the I-Range Multi protocol module be used with Phil G's encoder in an Arduino?
Better yet, can it be used with an old school PPM encoder from an Orbit, or Kraft?
What models of these multi protocol modules can be used with an old school encoder or the Arduino without having to do anything other than connect up to the PPM signal, and plus and minus power?
Yes, they'll work with just about any ppm, both positive and negative polarity pulses, just about any separator pulse, I've tested at 300uS and 400uS OK, so will work with Phil_G encoders and should work OK with Kraft, Orbit etc though I haven't tested them on older encoders. One minor caution, most expect a 3.3V logic level, so you ought to connect via a Schottky to ensure they don't get 5V (or higher)
jmendoza wrote: 24 Jan 2020, 18:33
I have not seen a pin-out for the I-Range or the Jumper either.
It's JR module compatible, as that's become something of a standard, FrSky, Jumper and the er9x sets like the Turnigy all having a JR-module slot. So it's the same pinout as a JR-module (from memory its top to bottom PPM, No Connection, + Battery voltage, GND and RF/Antenna), you only need connect PPM, + battery and GND and you're complete
jmendoza wrote: 24 Jan 2020, 18:33
My concern is that these new multi-protocol modules need to communicate with the transmitter they are used in, and need additional tweaking in the form of hardware, or software/firmware to work like the stand alone DHT or Orange RX 2.4 GHz modules. I have seen the versions with the rotary switch that mention they are for selecting PPM modes, but it is unclear if that is all they require to work. Some mention you need todownload load firmware from a website before the module will work.

It is all very nebulous because there is no clear cut path and step by step instructions on how to use these modules. Instead, you get links to websites which then open up a can of worms.
You honestly don't need regular updates, I'm told by people who use them in our club, that the firmware has been stable for a few years for the common protocols such as DSM2/DSMX and FrSky D and X. The only reason for the regular updates is that new protocols keep getting added or the Chinese manufacturers of the cheap drones subtly change their protocol that stops the multi-protocol module from working (without an update). For the DSM2/DSMX and the FrSky protocols, it should be no different to using a DHT or OrangeRx DIY module, except that there's no remote bind button/LED on a fly lead, but you can carefully solder them on. So for the iRanger you need the selector switch in position 4 for FrSky D, position 5 for FrSky X, position 6 for Futaba S-FHSS, position 7 for DSM2 and position 8 for DSMX.

Get one and have a go, it is so much simpler than first impressions.

Cheers

Mike
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