An OpenLRS RX as a TX in a 9X. RCHacker #43

[@KariHautio]

Just a quick note that the openLRSng v3.1 has the LEDs and variable freq buzzer output wired on the servoheaders. (the LEDs and buzzer work parallel with the onboard LEDs/ old buzzer output). For a varianle tone buzzer connect a magnetic passive buzzer to 'port1' (RSSI) via a transistor. Red LED can be connected between GND and port6 (CH5). Green LED can be connected between GND and port7 (CH6).

[@Rchacker]

Yes, or something near that. Not strictly needed, they are there for protection of both devices if I get it wrong.

[@davidmitchell988]

Awesome stuff man, I wish I knew a bit more about electronics.Thanks for taking the time to share.All the best David.

[@Rchacker]

Thanks Kari I have updated the description above.

[@Rchacker]

Not my idea, possibility has been around for a long time. OpenLRSng firmware only recently supported it. I switched 4 lines power, ppm, tx (telemetry to the 9x MCU) and rx. RX is not used by me yet but it is nice to have it there. Best to do the DHT telemetry mod by bypassing the rs232 converter as in my article above. 1k resistors are good in series for the tx and rx lines, good protection incase pins are not configured right or connected wrong.

[@fr9ihty5e]

Hi Marc, Thanks for all the good stuff on your website and channels. Just a stupid question about the buzzer... if you apply 5V continuously does it bip continuously or is it the RX that generate a square signal to produce a sound? I have some buzzers but I con't manage to get a sound of it. Could you please show the wiring diagram of the buzzer part? If you could help me on this it would be really cool ! Thanks by advance,

[@robopony]

That's such an awesome idea to use the FrSky telemetry protocol to the 9x! What lines did you wind up switching besides power? I'd like to be able to turn off my DHT module inside and use an external module -- can I just turn off the power to the DHT, or do I need to disable the PPM line as well? Thanks!

[@MrGolden28473]

Great video! Can you post some links on how to use the RX as a TX? For both programming, binding, and connecting the frsky telemetry? Im building a frsky to openlrs relay, so i can mount a larger 433 moxon antenna with a 1.3g crosshair for a wireless base station.

[@Rchacker]

If I were to do it again I would use a module. If you are happy with risking the quality control, the HK stuff is a great start. Although the stock antennas are crap and I had to re-flash the boot loader on one. If you want an investment get the flytron M3 module. DTFUHF makes a nice small 4channel rx. The author of openLRSng is also designing the next generation openlrs gear, openLRSngTX and openLRSngRX32.

[@jessegutierez]

Awesome tutorial brotha!! Quick question, I'm looking into getting a lrs system. do u think the hk orangerx lrs is good? Is there any benefit on convert the rx to a tx module? Or would the tx module they sell good enough?Your input is greatly appreciated. TY

[@stevechance150]

Great video Marc. I want to step up to UHF and I like the HawkEye LRS, however... I kind of like the module that fits inside my Turnigy 9X rather than hot gluing that HawkEye Deluxe TX on the back of m 9X. My question is, am I giving up something vital by going with the HawkEye module that plugs into the module bay on the 9X? Thanks for your advice!!

[@Rchacker]

I've got a feeling it is exactly the same electrically, just a different board design to fit in the box. Although there is a 100mw module out there, 1W is too much unless you like flying solo.

[@Rchacker]

Not that I know of. It would require some modifications to the open9x code.

[@Rchacker]

If I remember right I Initially I tried that and it did not work. I guess the pins do not automatically go to a high impedance state when powered off.

[@geofrancis2001]

I have also done the ps2 mod and 6 position switch mod but a little different form you. I put the ps2 stick internally a little lower down to clear the main sticks and trimmer pots on the 6 position switch so I can tune each position.

[@kermets]

Marc is there a way to use OpenTX with orange NG software and using the 6 position APM mod to get the 6 modes BUT have the modes show on the 9X screen??? Apart from having stickers on the switch its hard to remember when geting old Cheers Brett

[@geofrancis2001]

Is a switch for the telemetry really necessary ? I was just going to put a on-off-on to switch the power between the modules and leave the telemetry and ppm connected to both.

[@geofrancis2001]

its hard to see but are you still using a 500ohm resistor between the 9x and you rf modules telemetry ports?

[@Rchacker]

It needs a signal to make a tone. I used a transistor to drive the buzzer. Google "openlrs-m2-module.pdf"

[@geofrancis2001]

I also have an idea of using a cheap ppm encoder and some servo testers to add more analog channels to the 9x radio so I can use one of the servo testers to control a camera shutter. I just connect the ps2 stick button to the servo tester mode button so I can put it into auto mode that makes the servo go back and forward constantly working a camera shutter. I suppose I could also put the camera pan and tilt channels onto a pair connected to the pots on the ps2 stick

[@RanchRodCustoms]

RCHacker maybe you can please help. I bought 2 Orangerx lrs 100mw flashed NG on the both. Flashed one as a Tx and the other as a Rx. But I need to figure out where the PPM output is to connect it with my Pixhawk. am I correct in thinking I need to remove the transistor for the speaker and use the bottom left pad as ppm out? what about ground? sorry for the newb questions. Any help would be awesome!!!

[@KariHautio]

I think I will make rx as tx output leds on both header and the onboard leds by default.

[@Rchacker]

Yep its getting pretty hefty. Anyone got the exact mass of an original one?

[@geofrancis2001]

Did you have to switch the ppm also?

[@DF-qe9nr]

I used this as a bit of inspiration, I just moved my stock 9x tx into the handset, and located it behind the board that the switch is on, then made a hole in the plastic where the turngy badge was for access to the bind button. the openlrs module went right into the module socket on the back of the handset, and I ran the power from each of them to different sides of the throttle cut switch, ran the main power to the middle pin of the switch and cut the trace that normaly powers the modules, works like a charm, easily have space for a third module, maybe fourth

[@Rchacker]

Daniel Farley Lots of room in the old 9x, best thing is your radio wont break when you crash. :)

[@DF-qe9nr]

RCHacker Yeh exactly, the only part of the system you dont risk when you fly, unfortunately i burnt my rx for the openlrs trying to flash it, dont know how, but a new one is on the way, i'm looking forward to a little fpv on something other than an expesive multirotor with gps and position hold

[@Rchacker]

Daniel Farley no more than 3.3v. Its the only major design fault with the openlrs. I also suspect that hobbyking make the same mistake and ship out dud ones also.

[@spr00sem00se]

RCHacker yeh i read that everywhere, but I didnt connect the 5V on mine ever, but it would just start the code before arduino could start the upload, so i put a switch on the reset pin, but I put it on the wrong side of the pull up resistor and fried the votlage regulator, I changed the volt reg, and its still botting the sketch and not uplading the new one, grrr

[@DF-qe9nr]

RCHacker hey, i got it working in the end, I had to burn the bootloader with an arduino as an isp, then flash the sketch, the rf module appears to be ok, it works at over 10m in a wifi infested office, and knocks the wifi out when I turn it on, so i guess thats a sign that the rf power is still there, do you have a guide to config inside arduino ? I cant get the beacon to work

[@MrUnder30seconds]

so if those standard 433mhz antennas are helical inside, doesn't that mean the antenna should be pointed at the plane to get a stronger signal?

[@Rchacker]

This is a normal mode helical, you are thinking of an axial mode helical.

[@Rchacker]

No, pattern is like a monopole. There is no reflector and coil is much smaller than the wavelength.

[@johnzabala2021]

Thanks for the inspiration! Just a question, is telemetry on 9x and opentx now possible?

[@Rchacker]

You're welcome. Yes, I've covered it in this article and video: www.rchacker.com/projects/turnigy-9x kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4jOn3RneMaaj5Y

[@johnzabala2021]

Sorry that question was incomplete. Let me rephrase that. Is telemetry possible with a 9X, OpenTx, OpenLRSng, and with an Rx working as s Tx? Thanks for the quick reply! :)

[@Rchacker]

John Zabala Yes, I have that setup myself.

[@johnzabala2021]

Please correct me if I'm wrong. To get telemetry data: I'll connect port13(Tx) & port12(Rx) pins on OpenLRS 9CH Receiver (working as Tx) to 9X's MOSI & MISO? Is this possible? Sorry I'm a total noob to this. :)

[@Rchacker]

John Zabala Seems right, I cannot remember off the top of my head. Check the videos and articles, it is all in there. Its good to put a resistor inline with those connections just to be safe.

[@geofrancis2001]

Thanks but it turned out my receivers were the v8 ones with no telemetry so I am just going to leave it connected to the lrs.

[@Rchacker]

I don't have one so cannot advise you much at all. I have seen people do a similar setup to my 9x that has both systems installed. The easy option would be just drop an openLRS module in the back. Getting telemetry working will require some extra work.

[@ryalman21]

Yip your truly a Hacker, Not much more you could squeeze into that 9x case. You better start using a chain instead of a neck strap LOL. Good videos and info.

[@Subarooturbo]

I need more open lrs videos because i am hungry [get into my belly] for information it is so cool.

[@Rchacker]

No more on this topic, if you cannot work it out from here you are much better off just getting a module. A repeater sounds great.

[@jessegutierez]

Thank you!!

[@Rchacker]

Hold it above your head.

[@samselectronic4548]

awesome!!!

[@geofrancis2001]

I am doing the Rx as a tx mod because I'm cheap lol but after spending a while googling it I can't find anyone else that has done it lol

[@rchackerbroll]

notification testing

[@Rchacker]

Florian google "arduino pin transistor speaker"

[@Rchacker]

Seriously: openLRSng.