OpenTx Companion Tutorial • Flight Modes with 6 Position Switch • Radiomaster TX16s • [Intermediate]

This OpenTx tutorial from rcvideoreviews.com shows you how to configure Flight Modes on OpenTx and how to switch modes using the 6 position switch.
UPDATE: One of our RCVR subscribers: Johan informed me he found there is a bug in OpenTx Companion that does not always recognize activation of the 6P switch; however, in the radio, the switch does appear to activate and is recognized in individual Flight Modes as the selector. So if you want to use the 6P switch as a source in the radio, you can do that, but you will not be able to validate your config using OpenTx. You can validate it within the radio though, and you should do that anyway.
This is not to be confused with flight modes on flight computers/autopilots. The flight modes covered in this video are radio flight modes which allow various configurations of trims, rates, and mixes within the individual modes. This has nothing to do with stabilization, hover, waypoints, or return to home.
I learned while editing the video the 6 position switch must also be calibrated during the OpenTx hardware calibration process. I cover both calibrated and uncalibrated 6 position channel outputs in the video.
Before you attempt the techniques demonstrated in this video, you should be comfortable using OpenTx Companion and with creating mixes. You can get up-to-speed with the two videos below:
OpenTx Companion: Video • OpenTx Companion Tutor...
Mixing Video: • OpenTx Companion Tutor...
Here is a link to the Flight Mode Crib Sheet I used throughout the video:
rcvideoreviews....
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[@orellanajuan9431]

I’m really glad you are covering these topics. Very professionally put together.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thank you. Appreciate the sentiment. Were you able to follow along?

[@Wolverine1228d]

Informative, and presented at a pace that was easy to follow. Another job well done John (as usual)!

[@RCVideoReviews]

Many thanks! Thanks for watching and commenting. J

[@FL_Engineer]

I ran into the same thing online discussing FC's when searching FM. This is the video I needed. That said I'm saving this for a year from now when I'm more skilled. Please keep it up, love that you don't rehash what others already cover.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I really don't know why there's so very little information on Flight Modes. Every time I've searched for it I get hits on iNav, Ardupilot, Betaflight--it's annoying. OpenTx flight modes are very powerful. I've never been a glider pilot, but I can imagine all their soaring setups might come in very handy. Also, think of something like a BAe Hawk: Gear down, flaps down, elevator to flaps mix--that could be a "landing mode" on a single button. On the same plane: Gear down, flaps half, elevator to flaps mix for takeoff mode. There are just so many different ways this capability can be exploited.

[@FL_Engineer]

@@RCVideoReviews Landing modes are a perfect example. I could see it useful on my Timber X for modes to switch from scale flight with normal flaps and low rate but have a mode with full span flaps and high rates.

[@RCVideoReviews]

And the kindling is burning: Just blow on it a little bit... ;)

[@FL_Engineer]

@@RCVideoReviews Given my current skill level if I let this flame grow my Timber will be kindling. That joke would work better on a balsa build.

[@RCVideoReviews]

​@@FL_Engineer I was referring to your imagination, not your planes ;) But hey, we all have scrap balsa that used to fly.

[@RC-qw8nk]

I want to thank your great effort sharing this great videos about TX16S, Im retaking flying RC models, I am scared about all the tech that has changed the hobby from when I left it (17 years ago). All about lipos, Open Tx Radios, failsafe Radios, 2.4GHz, all that, it really scared me. But I like to see all the videos you made about this radio, that I bought last week, and Im feeling that Im getting out of me all that fear invaded me since 3 months ago. Hope I can setup my plane, my Helicopter and my drone with all the knowledge I acquired from your videos... Thanks John!!

[@RCVideoReviews]

Glad to help. Best of luck with your radio. Just take it one step at a time. You can join our discord server for help if you need it: discord.gg/jSFTASU

[@perrinms]

Thank you for saving me a bunch of crashes with my quad. I followed these instructions with the EdgeTX Companion and it all worked.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Awesome! Glad to hear it helped.

[@TWmarkjohns]

Thanks you so much for doing this video, it's really solved a lot of questions I had, as I had not set up flight modes yet, and just wasn't getting it from other channels, well done, love your work, Cheers Mark

[@RCVideoReviews]

Glad it helped!

[@jeanlucvassort6411]

what a nice demo, so much to learn, so powerful and flexible - Thanks

[@RCVideoReviews]

You're very welcome!

[@ricklee6370]

Really appreciate your effort in making these TX16s tutorial videos, help a lot of people especially newbie like me :D Off topic a bit, can TX16s bind to Detrum receiver like MSR66A? Saw you have some Detrum staff in other video. I'm considering to buy Dynam BNF with stabilizer as second plane, more user friendly to beginner.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks for the comment Rick. I don't believe the Multiprotocol module can bind to the Detrum Rx's unfortunately. That would be a HUGE HUGE win IMHO because I do like the MSR66A and the SR86A/G. If you want a Dynam Stabilizer look at the iStone v2. They work very well: www.bitgohobby.com/Detrum-Istone-All-6-Axis-Airplanes-DSM-S-bus-Stabilizer?affid=8

[@ricklee6370]

@@RCVideoReviews Thanks for the quick reply :D As a total beginner, I hope to have gyro in my future PNP/BNF plane. But I have very limited knowledge on receiver with gyro in current market, so not sure which model can bind to TX16s. Or there is none? Just have to connect stabilizer to RX?

[@RCVideoReviews]

@@ricklee6370 One of the best integrated Rx/Stabilizers you can get for the money is the FrSky S6R. I did a full setup video with it and the TX16s here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIDFpJivhJaWoKc The S6R is a 6 axis stabilizer. No GPS and no return to home. If you want a GPS And Return to Home look at pairing a Detrum Z3 Autopilot with a FrSky XSR s.Bus Receiver. www.bitgohobby.com/Detrum-Z3-Lite-RC-Airplane-Flight-Controller-WGPS?affid=8 XSR s.bus Receiver amzn.to/31hRkL9

[@Flierman1945]

With regard to the 6 position switch controlling L11-L16, I can't get the rotary switch to make the logical switches move in Companion. But if I select P1, then close the "Simulate" screen, reopen it, the logical switch will change correctly. So to check each position is set correctly, select P2, re-open the "Simulate" and it will work. Repeat for P3 to P6. As yet, I have not uploaded a test template to see if it works on the TX.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I found out after making this video companion doesn't show 6p switch movement but the radio does. So you don't need to use logical switches in the radio for the 6p switch, just use the 6p switch directly and it will work.

[@Flierman1945]

I do like your very clear voice and the speed at which you talk. Certainly, on my companion the only way to test is to select which P swich you want, close simulate and reopen, the new values are then workable for that particular P( 1-6 ) number. One other point, I think I needed to recalibrate the P switch for each new model created.

[@RCVideoReviews]

@@Flierman1945 You should not have to recalibrate your hardware..? Are you saying when you select a 6P switch for use in the Simulator you can get it to actuate in the Simulator after closing and reopening it? I'll try that.

[@Flierman1945]

Yes, select new switch pos, close simulate, reopen. new switch position will show its properties etc you have selected i.e, speech ,setting

[@bradleynorton1085]

What would be the best way to setup flight controller for plane like the sparrow 2 with gps and return to home. Would the 6 position switch be best. I want to setup flight modes in radio as well. How would the master(that's you)do it

[@RCVideoReviews]

The 6 position switch is great for flight controller mode management.

[@peterfynn]

If using a three position switch, do you still have to allocate a logical switch to the three position switch?

[@RCVideoReviews]

No. And I found out later the logic in companion didn’t recognize the 6 position but the radio should. In any case I believe you can use the 6p switch directly now if you wish.

[@BrianRamseysg01]

GM I think I am begining to understand how In my case everything should the same as here only I may use switch SE for just my two flight modes I require, so just follow what you have done and replace the 1-6p with desired switches?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Sure...absolutely.

[@WatsitTooyah]

I calibrated my 6Pos but the positive values are 1 lower than they should be. This is fine though, I just use the approximate comparison "~" and I can still use the round numbers in the logical switches.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I would do it again. When it's calibrated properly it should read a straight -100 -60 -20 20 60 100.

[@WatsitTooyah]

@@RCVideoReviews Hmm I did retry it once, same result. I'm thinking I can't "center" this switch when I start calibration so I start with this switch on 3 or -20. Maybe I'll try starting calibration on 4 instead.

[@RCVideoReviews]

@@WatsitTooyah I think I put the switch on position 1 when I start calibration, then just hit 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 independently.