OpenTX 2.1 Telemetry: The FrSky GPS Sensor, setting up, using and creating extra sensors

[@vyoufinder]

After watching this, I ordered two. The logging of flights as a lost copter finder is invaluable. "Find my model" saved me twice using DJI drones. As far as I can tell, this is way better than what DJI offers because with DJI when the power on the lost model runs out, that's it. It's not saved anywhere.

[@Painless360]

Don't forget about the RSSI trick with the radio too. Used that again yesterday to find my flying buddies model...

[@vyoufinder]

@@Painless360 Do you have a video about it? It's news to me.

[@Painless360]

Lots on the channel... Google something like 'lost model painless360'...

[@OwenFromOhio]

Sometimes it's like you're reading my mind. I'm still pretty new to the sport but heavily into my second build, a 500 size Quadcopter this time, my first, a 700. I tired of trying to operate everything with my cheap or hacked together Transmitters and just ordered a Tarantis 9XE, two D8R-XP Receivers and the X6R Receiver that comes with the E Transmitter. I've of course never used a tray Transmitter, or anything that I could successfully get to send a full 8 PPM signals. I also ordered a flashing cable to allow me to flash firmware to expand the frame lengths onto the Receivers if needed. I look forward to trying all this telemetry equipment in the future... and my new Transmitter... so keep this good stuff coming! Thank you!

[@Painless360]

Thanks Terry - best of luck with the new Radio!

[@bradpigott8883]

Your clips are those that just keep giving, thanks. Just sorted out why my verio and GPS had stupid height readings. Stupid operator was the answer.

[@WinstonSmith1984]

Some older autopilots can fly planes on GPS only (e.g. DragonOSD). That obviously requires an inherently stable plane. So in theory, GPS telemetry opens doors for the possibility of a future version of OpenTx being able to fly the plane for you (e.g. in loiter or RTH mode) as a ground based autopilot. It's not much of a useful feature since without a radio link it is useless, but it could be a nice gimmick to have.

[@Painless360]

That would be nice but if you need that I'd always pop an APM/Pixhawk into the model and use their excellent GPS Home mode.. Happy flying!

[@alistairsutherland3006]

Again, great video ! Just one small point regarding speed recorded from GPS , it is actually ground speed and not airspeed of model ! I tried this a while back.

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

Ive got an XJT w X8R and I have been looking at these glad to see your on it. I got the idea to use my CC3D for my Delta wing and these Frsky sensors all seemed like a good option. Cheers!

[@mikepatriot9963]

Not sure if this will help anyone, but on my latest quad build with an M8N gps module installed, I get GPS coordinates, Alt, and heading data through the flight controller to my Taranis X9D Plus. It appears to be pretty accurate. I'm going to be doing a little more testing as time allows, but I'm starting to set up log files so I can see the data. If it works as I suspect, it will be VERY helpful using the Google Earth app to track a lost model or even look at flight paths.

[@etab83]

Best info on you tube for this GPS sensor.

[@Painless360]

Thanks :D

[@adriangough5283]

So as it takes the sbus port on my RX8R how do i then get the battery voltage telemetry that was fed from my FC smartport ? and is there a way to get the gps speed and alt to show up in the BF osd , via a channel similar to the way to get rssi?

[@Painless360]

First question: You connect the smartport wire to the FC - see my 'Quadcopter building' series on the channel where I do it almost every time. Second Question: See previous answer :D Best of luck!

[@vyoufinder]

Can these be mounted underneath carbon fiber? By that I mean does the "up" side need an unobstructed from above view of the sky? There is not mention of it or requiring a clear view in the manual.

[@Painless360]

Ideally covering it with anything isn't ideal in practice thin layers of foam shouldn't make a big difference but I would avoid metal and CF cover... Happy flying

[@kaanan222]

as always a very helpful video. Can't you get the same functionality if you use a Pixhawk with a GPS that has a frsky telemitry adapter?

[@haroonmuhammad7119]

it is a very quick response

[@dsarnson]

Thanks for this vid. I'm still on 2.0.19 and looks to be a bit of a pain to upgrade to 2.1.X eh? Maybe over the winter and I am bookmarking this. Thx again mate.

[@Painless360]

+DSA44 i resisted it for months too and only finally upgraded as so many subscribers needed help with the latest version of telemetry. Happy flying!

[@danarrib]

I guess it's underrated because pilot cannot read the TX screen using FPV goggles. So an OSD is the most used alternative.

[@Painless360]

If you're an FPV pilot - sure, but for that we'd be using an FC with a GPS and OSD. This is more useful for those times where you're not flying FPV ;)

[@CertsUAsPilot]

Does radio update the coordinance on its display in real time or just recording data for later viewing in the companion? Thanks.

[@Painless360]

Real Time and logged too... Happy flying

[@CertsUAsPilot]

@@Painless360 Thank you, sir.

[@CertsUAsPilot]

@@Painless360 One more question: If all this was done on the Ethos based radio such as Frsky X20, will the log file be output in excel format? Thanks for all your informative videos.

[@rizen3467]

Does somebody know if this module still works with the new access receivers?

[@jeantrouche873]

video très instructive . Bravo

[@iflylilplanes]

Hi Lee, I have been wondering and maybe looking in the wrong places for info on the web, can the GPS (I have one) be used to give an automatic audible warning when the aircraft has travelled a particular distance from home? Say 300 metres, and, could it be set to a different distance for North, East, South and West, Like an audible geofencing.Thanks,Dave

[@Painless360]

+iflylilplanes yes it could. Happy flying!

[@sachinspektor]

Thank you for this video.

[@aarif0609]

Hi, just saw the omninxt f7 board on Banggood, it says in its product description that to use SDA & SCL pad for Mag it need a Pull Up Resistor, how can one install a Pull Up resistor, googling didn't help either. Could u pls help here.

[@Painless360]

I have a video on most things. Google something like "fixing i2c painless360" to find a video on that topic. Best of luck..

[@jwc4520]

Wow more features for the radio with too many buttons ... thanks gives me yet another distraction, but I'll try it and learn a bit. Take care.

[@aerografixs]

thank you for this gps video, just what the doctor ordered, I do have a question if I may, on mine I did set to MPH, and Ft but the audio voice gives me the speed in percentage although the numbers are correct, and the altitude, again with the numbers right, the sound is Mili amps , have no idea how to change that, again, thanks for your work Roger

[@Painless360]

You do need to make aure you are using the right sound pack for the version of OpenTX2.1 you are using (see out video on upgrading to 2.1) I'll play with that and make a Quick Tip when I figure it out - let me know if you find the answer in advance..

[@aerografixs]

Thanks will check this for sure.

[@aerografixs]

OK just to let you know, the problem is with the Taranis plus, I installed it in my Taranis X9E tray radio and everything is perfect, will still look to update the plus

[@garybulmer3490]

is it possible that you could do a video on setting up the Frsky Air Speed Smart Port Sensor ASS-70 -, including how to get it to talk your speed to you, thanks

[@AshikBanjade]

Will this also work on the S8R? Line? The stabilization line of receivers? Thanks mate

[@Painless360]

They have Smartport too so it should... Happy flying

[@dalovehall]

is it possible to send this info to an antenna tracker through Bluetooth from r9m smartport mod? no flight controller.

[@Painless360]

No idea. Let me know if you get it working.. Best of luck

[@mnero83]

Great video/s! I wonder how to show mximum values reached for Galt, Grange and Gspeed on screen of my taranis?! I have tried adding virtual sensors with calculated and "max" function there but it does not seem to work. Any sugestion? Thanks, continue with your great work. bye

[@Painless360]

Not sure, we've never tried. Let me know if you figure it out! :D

[@mnero83]

Choose "Galt+" or "Gspd+" in telemetery screen. that works.bye

[@rguptaca]

Have you tried lua scripts? If we loose sight of an aircraft could we flip a switch to execute a lua script that takes the aircraft to a particular height amd heads back towards where it was powered up at the field?

[@Painless360]

That would be cool. If you find one send me the link!

[@rguptaca]

+Painless360 any chance you will introduce us to lua scripts?

[@Painless360]

I'm not planning to - I asked in the community for some help in getting the basics but had a very poor response..

[@rguptaca]

where did you get stuck? I've started looking and finally found this www.gitbook.com/book/opentx/opentx-lua-reference-guide/details

[@alifaisal9]

I love your videos, always informative just a quick one, any possibility if this can be viewed thru my FPV goggles

[@Painless360]

Not that I've seen yet. If you wanted the GPS information then you'll need to add a GPS and MinimOSD to the flight controller you are using. Best of luck!

[@alifaisal9]

Painless360 thanks just another question not related to this video, can I install parallel antenna port, one which is fixed 2.5db and another port with rpsma connection, so I can plug the 5db antenna as in when required

[@Painless360]

For FPV? You'd need a diversity receiver for that really..

[@alifaisal9]

Sir, my point was on my Taranis 9XD plus, i want to add another antenna along with the factory antenna

[@Painless360]

I've not seen that, if you get it working I'd like to see how you did it all. Best of luck!

[@deemybutt]

awesome, does the radio display last location? so can it be used to find a lost model

[@Painless360]

Sadly not by default, I'd always use the SD card logs then you can pop the SD card into the PC and see the last reading.. Maybe there is a LUA script? Happy flying!

[@salvadorsordo5032]

This is a great video Thanks. I have my GPS working, could you give us a little more information on how to do Google Earth set up to obtain the path of the flight on 3D . After following the video I get a screen on Google Earth, with a bunch of dots corresponding to the GPS points readings taken every 20 seconds. Thanks in advance for your videos, I follow your channel

[@Painless360]

All that worked is in the video. I do not have a video that shows more detail. Other do, i.e. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6qrcnyYltGXnLs

[@ricksquebecrc4627]

hi painless ! i would like to ask you a question about frsky temperature sensor, i bought this sensor for my hexacopter but the temperature leads are too short to reach the motors and esc`s , would it be possible to extend these leads with a 2 pins extention wire,,,,thanks

[@Painless360]

Hi, I;m not too sure as I've not used one here but looking at the specs I can't see anything 'special' about the copper conductor used in the connecting wires. It looks like a thermistor at the end so adding wire may affect the overall drop in the cable.. Best of luck!

[@ricksquebecrc4627]

THANKS PAINLESS,,,,ILL GIVE IT A TRY

[@Calhoon4]

Hello! How to customize the display of the number of GPS satellites?

[@Painless360]

All i figured out is in the video. I use GPS enabled flight controllers instead of this these days..

[@admargodoy]

Awesome!! Is there a way to use this GPS on a quad controller?

[@Painless360]

If you are looking for GPS on your quadcopter then check out my series on INav. Betaflight is also adding a lot more capability with GPS controllers now so by adding a GPS to the flight controller that's already in there you can unlock lots of extra cool stuff. Hope that helps..

[@nunocosta6]

hi, thank you for your videos , it's very helpfull to configure my taranis. In telemetry menu i added gps and in distance menu, i set "m" as unit predefinition but in voice alerts i listen like "miliams" not meters has i expeted. can you help ?

[@Painless360]

+nuno costa make sure you have the right sound package on the SD card. The numbering and layout changes between Opentx versions. Best of luck!

[@nunocosta6]

Painless360 thank you for your replay. I find today if i define f/s as a units in my alt2 menu the voice on alerts say meters and find my units don't correspond correctly to the voices!

[@TheRCfunny]

So, now time to show how to do set up for Taranis Q7

[@Painless360]

+TheRCfunny actually it's not quite. The final official release of OpenTX 2.2 isn't released yet..

[@TheRCfunny]

"The final official release of OpenTX 2.2 isn't released yet.." Yes, you right, will wait...

[@TheStickyBusiness]

Hi, I would like to know which is the cheapest flight controller with gps, fail safe return to home autopilot, and maybe with mission planer, for fixed wings? Mostly I am interested in something that will bring the model back if the connection is lost or at the flip of a switch and osd, like a little icon that shows the aircraft position in relation to the launch or pilot position. Since every 6 month something new come up maybe I am missing something. I think the cheapest I have seen was around USD there is one at hobbiking in sale for around $45 I think but It does not say it could be used on fixed wings only multirotors , mmm the sale ended

[@Painless360]

See our flight controller comparison video - we cover all of this and a little more too. Hope it helps..

[@TheStickyBusiness]

yes I know but I was wondering if you knew a specific cheap one I have been researching trying to find the cheapest one at the moment this one has the title but maybe is all in Chinese www.banggood.com/F2S-Flight-Controller-with-M8N-GPS-XT60-Galvanometer-for-FPV-Aircraft-p-1059807.html are you familiar with it?

[@Painless360]

We don't use lots of versions of the same one so tricky to help. Best of luck!

[@bob55today]

This one I think is very good for you: www.ebay.com/itm/DJI-Naza-M-Lite-Flight-Controller-w-PMU-Module-LED-Cable-Ublox-GPS-Holder/252354280773

[@Painless360]

Thanks for the suggestion..

[@craigrjrich]

Guessing this will work with the r9 receiver?

[@Painless360]

If it has Smartport..

[@georgeherman7846]

Do you know if this will work with a Frsky D8r-ii plus receiver. I am having real trouble finding info on what sensors work with it.

[@Painless360]

The older D series receivers used non smartport sensors. They have been replaced now in the majority of models that we fly with the later X Series receivers that use smartport sensors. See my OpenTX series where I did cover this in the telemetry videos.

[@stephenhathaway269]

everything seemed to be working perfectly, had my telemetry screen setup to display gps, Gspd, Gdis and Galt. Although it took longer than expected, gps lock was finally established at home in the garden and the co ordinates were accurate. Went out for a test flight, my other gps module (rth and flight stab) aquired satalites within a couple of minutes. The frsky gps remained flashing fast for 15 minutes before i lost patience and launched. throughout a 23 minute flight the gps was still aquiring satalites without success. Any suggestions?

[@Painless360]

+Stephen hathaway sadly the Frsky module isn't the fastest. See the comments in the video. I hope the v3 is more sensitive. Best of luck!

[@stephenhathaway269]

+Painless360 speed is one thing, reliability is another

[@pmarsh838]

Interesting, thank you. So if I launch my glider from the top of a 600 ft slope, as soon as it leaves the slope it's 600 or more feet above sea level, am I now breaking the law ! Or is my 400 foot ceiling above the launch point ?

[@Painless360]

See the drone code and the register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/flying-safely-and-responsibly site that answers all of the common questions about flying in the UK

[@gamestv4875]

Is it possible to use this with a Flysky radio?

[@Painless360]

Only if its running OpenTX..

[@Benzimma]

Will the r9sx work

[@johncarr123]

Anyway we can send the GPS data to the Naze 32 so we can see it on the OSD?

[@davvvvvo]

+1

[@Painless360]

This is for those times when you're looking for GPS detail on a model without a flight controller. If you have a FC installed in the craft then we have lots of videos on how you connect a GPS to them (and an OSD ;) ) that shows how to get that part working. I see this GPS being more useful for fixed wing pilots (that's how we use them here) to monitor range etc.

[@johncarr123]

+Painless360 got it

[@lwg66]

How do I start the logs recording? When I fly and go back to reed them I never have and logs to read and the proper boxed are checked in Telemetry. everything works great just no logs to view..any help would be great.

[@Painless360]

You need to assign that function to a switch and flick the switch to start it - see the other videos in the series that we reference in this video for how to set it up..

[@lwg66]

Found it Thanks for the help

[@Painless360]

No worries - happy flying! Logfiles are cool..

[@lwg66]

I could't see my flight path in Google Earth until I found this helps it helps someone (In the top left part of the screen, under ‘Temporary Places’, you should see your flight track listed. Right click on it and select ‘Properties’. Click on the ‘Altitude’ tab and change the drop down box from ‘Absolute’ to ‘Relative to Ground’. If you don’t do that, then portions of your flight track will be underground!

[@bruceaustin7498]

Hi there, Bruce here once again, but this time I have a little mystery with my FrSky Variometer. My taranis Plus LBT (2.1.9) X8R (LBT) and Vario High precision Smart port are my equipment. I have set the vario up in a glider, and set up my Taranis "radio set up" to receive the sensors info (i think???) I have activated the vario beeps and the Play value through Special functions and the SC switch, centre position and down. PROBLEM Play value is reading out "miliamps" instead of my setting of "alt" Have you got a video on setting up a FrSky Variometer, please? Regards Bruce

[@Painless360]

Sorry we've not played with that. Make sure you are using the right sound pack on the SD card for the version of OpenTX you are using. They changed some of the files and formatting for sounds in 2.1..

[@balde3867]

good evening Sir. is there a way to use this gps as a variometer ??? thank you

[@Painless360]

I've not seen one as they sell a variometer separately. I bet that someone has written code that can be run as a LUA script on the radio that will produce the tone in response to the changing GPS height reported back to the radio.. If you get it working please let me know..

[@stickfurniture02]

YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY DONE A VIDEO, BUT IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADD TELEMETRY TO THE XK X380 OR THE XK X500 ? IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE A VIDEO COULD YOU AND IF YOU HAVE CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO IT ? THANK-YOU.

[@Painless360]

Depends on the flight controller it's using. Once you know that you can look up the details for it. Best of luck!

[@rscarawa]

I want my taranis to tell me my speed. Is there a way to tap in to my pixhawk GPS and send that data to Taranis either directly via telemetry, or indirectly via mission planner? I only want speed data to shoot very controlled landing approaches. My laptop is over 100feet from me when I am flying. Thx.

[@Painless360]

+Scot Caraway see the Pixhawk 2.1 series for the latest. I've not done that personally. Best of luck

[@rscarawa]

I will look into your 2.1 series. Here is what I found in the mean time. diydrones.com/forum/topics/amp-to-frsky-x8r-sport-converter?id=705844%3ATopic%3A1539556&page=1#comments Looks like you can put a Teensy between your Pixhawk and X8R to send a lot of the data directly to Taranis. Not sure what the refresh rate is but the rate of the FR Sky GPS is 1hz. My plane's GPS is 5hz so that might b a bonus if the telemetry runs faster than 1hz. ALso, nice to have minimal hardware on the plane too. Thx

[@paulantonucci6933]

Hello Thank you fot the video I t work like you said it was something that I miss I got it to go

[@gurt.yuri3378]

Will this gps sensor work with a Flysky FS-I8 and FS IA-10B receiver? PLEASE HELP ME

[@Painless360]

Nope. You need a Frsky X series RX..

[@HariKalay]

My GPS logs are totally wrong - it used to work well, I could see the RC route on google earth via companion. now they are 50 miles + off location wise. Anyone now why that's happening?

[@Desrtfox71]

You should probably also point out that the accuracy of the sensor is limited because of it's refresh rate as well. This GPS sensor refreshes at 1 Hz, or once per second. This means that, on average, any information from the GPS is about a half second delayed. I see videos of people using GPS sensors to indicate speed when, in reality, they are quite inaccurate for that unless the platform is moving at a constant speed and direction for several seconds at least. That's a rarity for quad users anyway, but may be more reliable for fixed wing pilots. Basically, people should just keep in mind that the sensor only outputs a new data-point once a second. Derivative values, like speed, are naturally an additional second behind and even less accurate because of that.

[@Painless360]

Thanks for the comment, in practice I've found this fine for fixed wing models. I'm hoping that FrSky are listening and give us a much larger sensor and improved resolution in the V3!

[@harryholt6484]

Keep looking at this GPS ! but any idea when the V3 will be coming out ? Or any one know how to connect a bigger-better antenna to this V2 ? Thanks for the great video's.

[@Painless360]

No idea, on this I'm just another FrSky customer..

[@gwizzfpv6741]

hi there can this be used with the tbs micro?

[@Painless360]

No, it doesn’t have Smartport.. happy flying!

[@hunter49ish]

I'm new to this can someone tell me where do I find the sensor ID numbers? I have the volt & Verio sensor and soon will be adding the GPS sensor. Thanks

[@Painless360]

By default they should all come setup with different numbers so unless you intend to install two of the same type of SmartPort sensor you don't need to worry about that.. Best of luck!

[@hunter49ish]

Thank you, BTW: love your videos they've been very helpful .

[@demonFpv]

thanks vor the Info !

[@varkokonyi]

+Painless360 Would you be so nice to measure this unit's weight without any cable attached, only the base unit?

[@Painless360]

The weight of the GPS?

[@varkokonyi]

Painless360 Yes, please. I want to install it on my copter, but I want to keep it as light as possible

[@Painless360]

All of ours are in 'planes at the moment so that'd be tricky. It's listed as 11.3g on the HobbyKing site..

[@varkokonyi]

Painless360 Okay, thanks. I have seen that, I was just curious if that is real or not

[@demonFpv]

i can not find the SWR on telemetry Screen! after update to open tx 2.2 how i can ad it?

[@Painless360]

+Sas Wie sorry, no idea. We're not looking at 2.2 until it's officially released. Best of luck.

[@demonFpv]

Painless360 ok but i vatched a video from joshua Barduell for 5dbi antenna mod snd he say in s video from you you show how ad swr on open tx 2.1 and i hope its rhe same Way ?

[@RCdiy]

See github.com/opentx/opentx/issues/3851

[@MuhammadSoleh01]

sorry if my question does not relate to this video. please show me video tutorial on how to install micro sd module to the Crius AIO pro board or multiwii board(if the same case). I hope you can explain how to connect the cable or the driver for micro sd... I am very, very appealed to you because I believe you are a pro in this case, thanks a lot ^_^

[@Painless360]

+aDe sorry, we've never done that. Best of luck with it!

[@psychio1234]

Will this work with the r9 series?

[@Painless360]

I’ve not tried it but if that receiver has SmartPort on it, then it should.

[@gwizzfpv6741]

hi there please could you help I have a d4r 2 will this work with the frsky gps sensor if not which one will I also have a taranis plues

[@Painless360]

ggvaper you need an X Series receiver with smartport to connect the GPS to. Happy flying

[@gwizzfpv6741]

god that was a speedy reply thanks very much which one do you recomende I have the diation trident 180

[@Painless360]

+ggvaper we use the XSR a lot..

[@haroonmuhammad7119]

can we use frsky GPS sensor with s6r receiver?????

[@Painless360]

+Haroon Muhammad yes!!!!!!

[@macinm97]

Hi, how can I send my telemetry data to PC ? Thanks for reply.

[@Painless360]

Not sure, I've not done it myself. There is lots of documentation kicking around in the forums though. So it's probably worth a look. Best of luck!

[@masonsutherland2726]

How do I use this with a battery voltage monitor at the same time

[@Painless360]

You daisy chain them. That's why the sensors have two S.Port connections - one in, one out..

[@masonsutherland2726]

Painless360 thank you so much. I love your videos

[@varkokonyi]

You can also use an Y splitter, it is not really two ports, they are exactly the same. So if you have two sensors with only one port or you can only place them in a way where it would be complicated, just keep that in mind :)

[@chrissypage123]

can it be used with open tx 2.0?

[@Painless360]

+chrystal sawyer I'd upgrade to a later version if you want to use telemetry. Best of luck.

[@sharjeelahmad7462]

hi dear, I am big fan of you, will you please let me know how to connect multuple frsky sensors on single x series receivers.

[@Painless360]

If they are SmartPort then you simply daisy-chain them together. You'll find that most have two connections.. Best of luck!

[@sharjeelahmad7462]

Than you so much, I will try of I found some problem then come back to you for help

[@haroonmuhammad7119]

thanks a lot sir

[@144steveg]

When I write to you, I always fear asking stupid questions and wasting your time. Also, asking what has been previously answered/demonstrated by you, I do worry about, also. So, the Frsky XSR w smart port, is currently being used for telemetry with a F3 FC, how can one add this module using smart port on the XSR? how does one daisy it? Or does one daisy it?

[@Painless360]

+Steve Gross you could daisy chain them. Personally I'd use a GPS on the FC and then get the telemetry from that into the receiver. The FrSky GPS is only really handy when you have a model without a FC (like a plane). Happy flying!

[@bob55today]

FrSky Smart Port GPS (V2) Sensor dose not work very well and I can not see much benefit from using it, as to its data reporting is very slow (late) and inaccurate (bad data reporting). This FrSky Smart Port GPS (V2) Sensor Very ,Very Over Rated.