FrSky Taranis Q-X7 teardown and review

[@JamieBignell]

I finally made the jump from a Spektrum DX6i to FrSky and bought my QX7 from Gearbest because they sent you the QX7s. Thumbs up Gearbest. Quick delivery and £74 in a deal! Unbelievable value! Hooked a D8R-XP up to an Omnibus and now have a fully functioning vario thanks to the telemetry. Amazing!

[@CheapCheerful]

If there's one thing which always brings me back.... it's the tear downs. Another great one Bruce!

[@kevalinopicks5555]

Another precise and to the point review, Bruce and as usual, you keep it interesting. I know it's cheap but if they are offering colours, the antenna should match!

[@tabdougherty8549]

I really appreciate your extremely thorough reviews with the open cases in these reviews keep up the great work if i reach a point to afford a patron account your channel will be the first thank you very informative

[@ggjflyguy]

I ordered one of these yesterday, glad to see your review is positive and I've made a good purchase. Keep up the excellent work

[@JF-cl6cj]

This is the best channel for reviews I like how you tell the truth and every company hates you for being honest. Now I'm going to go buy that remote

[@ecwhite3621]

I've had mine for about 4 months and it is a great radio. It was frustrating at first as I had no experience with Open TX. All is good now, love it

[@ridgehawk1]

Looking forward to your teardown review of the X10... keep up they great work!

[@johncgibson4720]

Thank god and you for these teardowns. Today's hobby is missing out on these. I am trying to make a car roof top radio system so that I can hide inside the car while doing a longer range droning. I need to use a extension ribbon cable between the RF module and the TX base band electronics. Most people don't know how that is done. Only teardowns can tell it all.

[@FPV420.]

Thank you for the honest review Bruce! I still fly with my Turnigy 9XR and although I have access to QX7 I stick to 9XR. JR is so convenient though.

[@taqyon]

Thanks :) Few comments: - Soft switch is AWESOME! I've lost a model before by accidentally switching off my x9d thinking I was trimming the opposite side.. - The styling for (in white or black) me is way better than the old gaudy fake toy metal / chrome design of the x9d! Plastics are also of a much better quality.

[@whollymindless]

Any chance we can get a quick RF check? Are we leaking? Are we spread spectrum-ing like we should? Range? When they went cheap, what did we give up?

[@jdev_fr]

I've got a Qx7 and it's really great. They gave up on a few switches and sliders, the battery option can be made but by default it take 6 AA and no charging via radio option (personnaly i don't care), also the screen resolution is a bit lower than the x9d but for what I use it for it's just perfect (mini quads only). I have way enough switches for my modes and checks. Maybe one nob more would make it easier to change PID directly from radio but I still manage well.

[@tomrosch8690]

So I got my qx7 (no mods done) and the RF performance is great, went 2,5km with my x4r on a full carbon quad (not ideal for RF ) and had no Fail-Safe, Rssi was above 90 all the time (I tested the RSSI and it works from 0-99). I use a L9R on my fpv wing, because I have no RTH on that and want to have extra relatability, also never had a issue, even at 2km with very high banking angles.

[@P44man]

AFAIK, the RF module is the exact same one as in the Taranis. And therefore, pretty much bullet proof.. Its clear what you "give up": less switches, smaller screen, no sliders, cheap plastic case and finally, no battery, charger or even sd card included. Add that all up, the price difference with a discounted taranis becomes small enough, that I would pick the taranis.

[@SgtRic58]

Wholly Mindless I

[@rl2109]

Thanks for the detailed review! I haven't purchased one yet, but I'm quite sure this will be my next radio!

[@bullproductions]

My QX7 came with the neck strap adapter, it balances fine

[@FPV-wi8fw]

mine balances well with the adapter and a 1500 2s lipo

[@martinturner5484]

As far as I'm aware the only place selling coloured cases is banggood, which would probably indicate those cases aren't the official ones. My white one is nice hard plastic. This would also explain the white antenna because the official black one comes with a black antenna (and sells out fast) and the white ones comes with a white antenna, and no one else seems to want white so they probably had a glut of them.

[@gizfpv]

I was thinking that. The plastic on this orange one looks completely different to the plastic on my black QX7. The coloured plastic almost looks 3D printed when you look at the macro shots

[@BladeScraper]

6:16 My Q X7 came with the neck strap adapter. I didn't use it since I hold my TX, but it does come with one. Not sure why yours didn't? Also, Alofthobbies (For those in the USA) sells a 3800mAh 2s LiPo designed specifically for the Q X7.. that's what I use.. it lasts several weeks, or even a month depending how much you fly (I fly a lot).

[@norgtube]

The servo connector's used to flash receivers FYI

[@belperflyer7419]

That's great. Thanks for the info I've made a lead with reversed power connections to connect to a receiver from the module pins for flashing (not by dropping my trousers btw :) ) on my Taranis X9D. Much more convenient to be able to use a standard lead.

[@ZylonFPV]

It's a shame that FrSky won't talk to you anymore (Telemetry lost?) but I enjoy the fact that you give blunt reviews and tell it how it is. I've had this radio for a while now and it's been great, but I've had a few issues: 1. Once I was running late for a flying sesh and quickly put the SD card in the slot.. it ended up disappearing inside like your Runcam 3 and rattled around for 2 weeks till I could be arsed to fix it :P 2. the on off switch really gets annoying after a while, having to hold your finger on the button for 4 seconds to turn off every time becomes a drag 3. After adjusting the gimbles a few times, my plastic moulded screw holes inside don't hold the case together so well 4. The circular jog wheel to the right of the screen seems pretty crap, try turning it fast. Sometimes it goes backwards! :| 5. The FrSky logo at the top of the radio came unstuck within 10 minutes of taking it out the box. I think it's glued in with the world's least sticky glue. Otherwise, for the price I've been damn pleased, all of that OpenTX functionality is a steal for the price. Would I buy again? Yep.

[@renzevenir4853]

The power button and scroll wheel are the biggest gripe. The rest is fine. Wish they made the dimension a bit smaller though.

[@cup_and_cone]

Soft latch power switches are just better. Analogue switches can get intermittent when the wipers wear as it gets old, and you can accidentally turn it off with one flip. With digital it's either on or off, and you have to be actively trying turn it off...no accidental shutdown.

[@renzevenir4853]

Yeah but holding power button for 4 seconds? Ain't nobody got time for that.

[@ZylonFPV]

IRFZ44 I ain't got time for that! That's 4 seconds of my life just gone :P

[@renzevenir4853]

I usually turn up and down my X7 at least 6 times each session. That will be 4x6= 24 seconds. I lost 24 seconds only for turning off my transmitter!! :P

[@Nightsd01]

Great review Bruce. Already got a normal Taranis but I’m thinking of picking one of these so my friend can operate the gimbal on my quad separately

[@funkygrib1]

One mans meat is another mans poison ! The switch is great ! ! The positive timer for power down ensures it cannot be accidently switched off … unlike the FrSky Horrors ;-) The Nav, Wheel is also a great touch similar to my 9E, I have had too replaced both sets of buttons on my 9A/B (could be age or just rough handling ;-) This is really subjective ! the Q7 is the best radio I have ever held in “MY” hands, I feel really comfortable with it and natural. OMG………… turning into a Fan Boy 

[@FPV-wi8fw]

I swapped from a spektrum dx9 to the qx7 and I love it :D

[@sipspanelsaustralia6032]

Ihave a Orange spectrum plug pack for the rear of my Turnigy 9XRPro did yiu use that for your QX7

[@RobB_VK6ES]

Get your facts right. Horus has a soft switch too as well as the missile launch cover.

[@WinstonSmith1984]

Bruce, could you please share some ideas on what's going on with those less than 1/5 wave FrSky antennas that are appearing on some of the newer receivers? There's too much contradictory information and speculation floating around about them.

[@erikdravn]

Please forgive me if this is a stupid question. What is the little servo-looking motor on the right side (as you look at the back) used for? I'm guessing to send vibration into the handset?

[@RCModelReviews]

Correct. Just don't fly FPV with the transmitter on your lap or you might get pleasantly distracted. :-)

[@erikdravn]

A pleasant distraction is always.. well, pleasent! ;) I've never had a radio that vibrated that I remember. Might be a nice feature. I've noticed when I'm concentrating hard, (like when I fly helis) my hearing is the first thing to go. So I don't always hear the alerts and what not. So a vibration might be a good thing.

[@petiteminum]

Hi Bruce. What is the component just off to the right of the main board? Love your reviews.

[@petiteminum]

Hi Ya. Thanks

[@nueschtsNutzername]

Awesome review Bruce! Thank's a lot!

[@PeteSztencel]

Ah, nostalgia... My old Waltron 4/5 radio from the 70s was bright orange, too... Tx, Rx, battery, servos... Even the aerial was orange!

[@malelonewolf80]

Would love your opinion on the Turnigy Evolution vs. the Taranis/Futaba/Spektrum style radioes, as a thumb-flyer. A Taranis Q X7 electronis inside a Turnigy Evolution with some added switches and potmeters, and the Taranis range and recievers, would be the perfect radio I think.

[@lowtus7]

Just bit the bullet last night and purchased mine, in Blue. $146 NZD from Banggood. Came from a JR Dx9. Hopefully the telemetry makes up for the quality of the materials etc on the Qx7. The JR is just such a solid radio, it was a hard decision.

[@ianlainchbury]

Bruce...have you seen the multiprotocol module for this? If you get your hands on one...can you review plz

[@choppergirl]

Which is better in real world usage, the Qx7 or the Jumper T16? The Radiomaster TX-16s is suppose to be out this month, but someone's offering me a Qx7 dirt cheap. Should I wait? I kind of want both, but then I think the Qx7 would just be redundant. I don't know why they don't put the screens at the top like on the Duplex DS-12, the neck strap gets in the way of the screen.

[@sUASNews]

I hear what you did with the knobs. Will you still be able to use that soft switch with an adapter?

[@superjimnz]

There are few poor through-hole solder joints on the connectors visible there, there is no solder visible at all on the top side of a few holes (presumably they are partially soldered on the back).

[@legion2k988]

I use two 18650's for the power. Shoved a bit of foam in there to keep them from rattling.

[@FenderRealm]

Bruce, does it suffer the audio feedback buzz when using a UHF module like the original TarAnus?

[@RCModelReviews]

I will check for that.

[@FenderRealm]

Thanks mate!

[@WinstonSmith1984]

FYI I got rid of most of that Taranis buzzing by adding clamp on chokes (bought on ebay) onto all of the internal wiring. I also saw that someone added a capacitor over 2 of the JR module pins too (I guess between GND and power).

[@FenderRealm]

Yeah, I fixed mine similarly too. Just interested to know if it's still an issue with the new radio.

[@lasersbee]

9:04 if you recommend removing the AA battery tray and putting a flat rechargeable pack... why haven't you done it ?? 11:08 seems to be missing a bit of solder on the center pin of the 3 pin connector at the top near center of the PCB.

[@ytfpv2627]

I noticed the missing solder on the connectors. The left pin on the 2 pin connector is the same too.

[@TheST150]

I just love my Q X7. Only thing I would have changed is to make the battery bay 1mm deeper. Its only 18mm deep which is a tight fit to put 18650 batteries in when they have battery wrap on them. They fit, but the battery cover bulges slightly.

[@johnfm2731]

I see no way to send you a message. I am a member of the QuadcopterForum where another member recommended you as a possible avenue for assistance. I have the Taranis QX7 Access. I can perform Firmware Updates and am current, but I have made so many changes to my radio during my learning, I want to reset it to "Out of Box". Firmware updates have NO option for a complete wipe of all models and reset of default settings shown in the GUI. Is there a backend CLI method of doing this that your aware of? Its been said that you have used this radio alot and may have some thoughts on how to do this. Thanks, John

[@eg5160]

Thanks again for another great review! Have you put this on your spectrum analyzer? How does it compare to the X9D?

[@sipspanelsaustralia6032]

Do you know if the Turnigy 9XR Pro Orange Spectrum Module will work with the Taranis QX 7

[@Tryin2FlyII]

Reminds me of my Futaba 7c Heli radio w/the wheel and center enter button I love my Futaba 6EXA & 7c. I really think (so far at least) if Turnigy would offer the Audio talk back for warnings for the TGYi10 I would think that would be a better deal from a price point again IMO plus with all the extras that it comes with the i10 for $100.44 US what are your thoughts????

[@juancatalan3095]

Hey bruce! I do need some advice. Currently I do own a Turinigy 9xr pro with a XJT module. The pots are not as smooth as this one, so do you recommend me to move to this radio? thanks!

[@gboulter]

Even on mini quads I would still use the full Taranis I use the right hand slider for arming doesn't accidentally get knocked on like a switch and its easy to fly with your finger rested on it no fumbling when it needs to be killed quick.

[@k.orengaarder7438]

Could you do a video on "long range mini quad"? For my part not long range but long flight time. What to look for in parts to build one. The tbs vendetta is suppose to fly 15-20 min and i would like a budget long range mini with that flight time.

[@tonybeverley5406]

Hey there Bruce Tony here from Australia Just wondering if I switch radio and got with taranis,would I get any interfearence if I ran the x8r receiver In a 20cc gas plane.is frsky saseptable to cdi ignition noise, thanks Bruce would like to here ur thoughts thinking of going with the x9d special edition carbon.

[@barrycole8378]

Fixed wing any day would be good. Quote from Frsky " Blues is our friend", did they send you some new aerials.

[@xdroner1009]

Hi Bruce,do you know how to add a 6-position encoder for flight mods (PixHawk) ?

[@atw98]

PLEASE HELP I have the origonal Ezuhf and had it on mg Thx9 and seen it on taranis radios before but cant see in the video or find what order the pins are in in the JR bay. Anyone know signal power grnd pin order? Thanks in advance.

[@kevinorns4716]

Hey Bruce thanks for all your hard work to bring us informative reviews but I got a problem I hope you could check and see if yours does it also. My qx7 came with a neck strap adapter to help it balance but when I use it and i let it rest from my neck on the strap it turns off could you check and see if this is happening or do I got a bad connection somewhere thank you !!

[@vzachari]

Did the video work? Is FrSky sending you the Horus x10 for review :)

[@simonwallace699]

Nice review Bruce, however I think it's a bit unrealistic to expect flappy paddles/sliders on a USD$100 radio... It's great for what it is.

[@samgab]

Is it worth paying ~NZD$60 for a set of M9 FrSky Taranis Hall Effect Gimbals for the current Taranis X9D plus?

[@samgab]

PS, I just saw on Banggood that now you can get a factory modded Taranis X9D plus with all the good mods already done! Comes with a nice protective carry case, M9 Hall sensor gimbals, detachable SMA connector antenna, upgraded switches, custom aluminium thumb thingees, and custom case finishes, like carbon fiber look or graphics. Pretty good value for NZD$350. I think I paid nearly NZD$300 for my standard Taranis.

[@LazarusLong]

that's sounds like a worthwhile option in my opinion as I have done the mods.

[@flyingdream777]

M7 Hall sensors available at Horus RC for US$20.5

[@brendanedmonds]

Will my MiniUSB fit into the MiniSB connector?

[@ZylonFPV]

RE: neck strap - the Q X7 should have come with a little adaptor with 4 holes that allows you to balance it properly. Either yours didn't come with one or you lost it ;)

[@RCModelReviews]

It might be in the box :-) But why on earth not just design the mount-point so that the radio balances without the need for an adaptor? Ah well, nothing's perfect I suppose :-)

[@ZylonFPV]

Haha :D They do it so that you can chose your balance angle I suppose, but I always keep it in the bottom hole (equally balanced) and never change it

[@kawaki8572]

Is that Ron's transmitter?

[@georgeherman7846]

Is there a charging port i you add a lipo.

[@frankbarajas]

Maybe FrSky will like you now? Liking 2 out 3 ain't bad...just saying! One thing, is there anything special to the soft switch, can we mod it to a regular switch?

[@DEADB33F]

Anyone know if OpenTX are planning on adding support for the two unused JST sockets (labled P400/P401) on the board to add a pair of extra switches.

[@keereelewah4524]

I've got a first generation X9D. Since I've started flying pinch I'm probably going to pick up a X9E. The lost switches and sliders are just too much for me, and I'd rather just have the one radio for just about everything. Though I'm tempted still to pick up one of these for a trainer, if one of my friends want to fly a plank around!

[@origamihawk]

I don't know if a tray radio is really worth it these days unless you are one of the 3D heli weirdos that swear by them

[@razhua]

which one you prefer, the Qx7 or the 9xd?

[@roofneck]

Antenna is not quarter wave. It is 1/5.. And I dont know if its better..

[@KViNFPV]

Mine came with a battery and check the neck strap they give you, you will find the adapter to balance the radio ;)

[@tomaspuodziukynas5361]

1 million dollar question: Spektrum DX6 vs Taranis x7?

[@user-rs8zg8ey2b]

Question, do you want to lose RF link or not? X7 if NO, Speky if YES. Also don't forget Specky has great service because you will be using it. :)

[@L_O_Zombie]

your radio is very different then mine. i have a black x7 all my switches have shrink tube on them. not some. also i see bits of your main board that are missing solder. also my antena is not soldered on. it snaps on to a port. i dont remember what the port is called but cellphones use them to.

[@renzevenir4853]

Yours seems early batch with UFL connector and green-ish screen. Newer one have white backlight, slightly different PCB and direct soldered antenna.

[@atomicskull6405]

It's called a UF.L connector. Take care as the male plug is only rated for around 10 connect disconnect cycles. Also they have a tendency to pull the female SMD connector off the board if you aren't careful disconnecting them (you can use an exacto knife to pry it up, and they also make a special tool for this)

[@CoppertopFPV]

Mines orange for the reason I lose everything. Agree with the toytown feel. Hate the notchy throttle on the new versions.

[@simonq9406]

Coppertop FPV open the radio and loosen the spring with the notch in it and then adjust the flat spring, notching feeling gone hope that helps.

[@CoppertopFPV]

Simon Q thanks mate. been too lazy to bother lol

[@amax2624]

The first batch had an U/FL connector and I am lucky to have one of these. The only downside was, flashing receivers only worked from the bay pins, the bottom s_port was not connected. I don´t care much about this.

[@renzevenir4853]

The first batch has green/blue-ish backlight and different PCB layout. I like the second batch which has white backlight and refined PCB layout.

[@labourdoo6130]

Hello. I have quastion about QX7 main board. does anybody know what is to unused 2 pin conectors on the top of mainboard? One is No. 401 and otherr is NO 401 or something.

[@labourdoo6130]

sorry one is NO 401 an te other is NO 402

[@sailorjohn2224]

Blew my budget on ev100 goggles preorder which as best I can find out may not be here for Christmas, wish I had got the x7 cause it appears that there is a long learning curve to learn open source Taranis application. more used to spectrum and futaba. Taranis seems to be more directed towards quad flying

[@superninjazx9r358]

I know this is old video, but I finally made the leap from FlySky radio, to the Taranis QX7 and im so upset atm. Brand new QX7 out the box and one of the trims only works one way, meaning, I can not get into BootLoader mode >:( wtf

[@Tribal1974]

Thanks again Bruce

[@Edward-Norton]

I wouldn't go replace my x9d with one but if I was just starting then this is the radio I would get. It wasn't available when I bought my x9d. About half the money. You still have to get your own battery, case, neck strap and sd card, so figure that into the cost.

[@alistairsutherland3006]

Still Love my Taranis Plus SE with the better sticks and switches !

[@ToddtheLoneDroner]

I have a brand new 1I just bought from gear best they will not return it because their service sucks the unit is AQ7 and it will not power on I would rather sell it is it worth anything

[@RCModelReviews]

Check the battery holder -- worst part of the radio. Try plugging a 2S lipo into the board using the balance lead.

[@ToddtheLoneDroner]

RCModelReviews I tried that simply cannot get no power to it do you think it's worth anything I bought a new one and its black although I don't like it I'm still having trouble trying to bind it to my baby hawks

[@RobB_VK6ES]

You missed the 3S plug and socket on the radio so a standard 2S pack will not connect correctly. BTW Bruce you do know for US$15 you can get a full set of production boards ( like every single board) new switch cover and case back cover for the Beta Horus. Production boards even address some of the things you did not like.

[@drewb213]

My qx7 has been a blessing for the most part. I've upgraded to m7 gumball and my flying has become unmatched to before. The only problem is I can not upgrade the firmware to get lua script for the life of me! I have tried a dozen times and don't understand, maybe I got a bunk radio? Anyone have this issue?

[@JustForFunRC]

Being the first hobby grade transmitter I ever touched, it feels really premium to me :D lol that usb cover is the one thing i hate about it :)

[@gustavgans6075]

Andrew newton did a mod for the qx7 so it has sliders.

[@tabdougherty8549]

It does seem a bit on the inexpensive looking side as far as construction

[@FPV-wi8fw]

yeah it looks a bit cheap at first but it feels really nice

[@P44man]

Yeah, the orange one in Bruce's video does look like cheap plastic. I saw a black one IRL, and it looked a lot better. Still, even if it does look cheap, it really *is* cheap for such a versatile 16/32ch radio. It does things most radio's 5x that price can't do and it doesnt compromise where it really matters: RF signal, sticks and programmability.

[@soyo]

i noticed 2 pot inputs, so slide mod is easy too!

[@Tritone_b5]

Second!! Yes!! a teardown!! clicked on it right away!! Someone did a slider mode on this so I think i'll do that too if I get one of these..

[@niklaswallin9478]

slide switch MUST be made and positioned good, sometimes they are not, like the devo7. So we're probably better off with a button..

[@graywoulf]

Woo Hoo! I like my Q X7!

[@flyboy5736]

I think you need to look at the current Horus model to make comment and comparisons to it. Not fair to FrSky otherwise.

[@xN3BST3Rx]

Making me want to upgrade to FrSky from my Evolution even more...

[@AntsRC]

I love mine, nothing To complain about

[@acroquad1407]

“Bob’s your aunty” Love it.

[@WinstonSmith1984]

Screwing the back cover off and back on will wear those plastic lugs out fast.

[@kawaki8572]

It does look like something Fisher Price would make.

[@EnuffsEnuff318]

Please peel the clear plastic from your displays....thanks.

[@RCModelReviews]

What? next thing you'll want me to peel the plastic off the car seats of my 1991 Toyota, or take the price-tag off my shirts! How dare you sir! :-)

[@SimRacer101]

I don’t understand the Q-X7S. Taranis QX7 $105 + Hall Gimbals $50 = Taranis Q-X7S $199. ??????? Ok, it comes with a bag and a battery but it still seems overpriced.

[@virre62]

I did a similar mod to kababfpv and put 2 18650!!! 4200mah!! Lasts AGES!!... haven't charged it more than 2 times a month....

[@renzevenir4853]

There is no legit 4200mAh 18650 cell.

[@glenby2u]

perhaps a 28 series. I think they are in that range.

[@renzevenir4853]

28xxx cells don't fit in Q X7 battery bay.

[@RobB_VK6ES]

More to the point if the maker feels the need to inflate the specs you might wonder if they also cut the quality. If you want quality branded 18650's check out the local vape suppliers.

[@renzevenir4853]

Vape suppliers usually only have low capacity high discharge 18650 cells and quite expensive. We need higher capacity over drain current in this application.

[@1257Dark]

Okay, call me a neophyte if you want, it's even mostly true, but why do you want sliders? The only gliders I have access to are 4 channel.

[@belperflyer7419]

I like them and use the LH one a lot. I use them for flaps and, in the case of a cartoon scale Eurofighter I'm building in Depron, canard control. On my Phoenix 2k electric glider, the slider is for flaps only and a switch brings in crow braking for landing.

[@belperflyer7419]

Oops. That reply was intended for 1257Dark who wondered why sliders are useful. Sorry :)

[@AlexNZL]

its a shame about the glossy plastic. That is the main thing that stopped me buying the qx7. but I will probably get a qx7s

[@transgenerations]

Did you steal Ron's radio again? LOL

[@RoboTekno]

Can someone lend Bruce their Horus so he can review one that FrSky didn't give him?

[@juanp3337]

first comment , i love your videos. Keep going

[@trevorimpulsebuyguy6398]

Can I have it?

[@agentbertram4769]

Aha! So that's what the module bay is for. Thanks.

[@gnormanhayes]

Banggood link please Bruce please Bruce please banggood link

[@plop386]

it's pretty garbage considering the price. i had trouble to convert one to accept elrs module wich is just plug and play on other radios

[@gnormanhayes]

I want more videos on more products from you and so does everyone once banggood realizes how many followers you have they'll send you more products to review. I hope . because I want to see him

[@schmudge]

They look like Melvin prototypes off Hitch Hikers Guide to the you know where. aka ick

[@FPV-wi8fw]

I thought I was the only one who didn't have a ufl connector on the antenna lol