Setting up the trainer system for ETHOS and OpenTX

[@jamesceastep8874]

Darren: Thanks for remembering those who are just starting up and structuring your explainations simply and step by step. It seems that many experienced pilots never bother with buddy boxing, but it is very important for beginners. You are great for our hobby. Jim

[@MrD]

No problem Jim. I’m glad the video helps. The more new people we can get involved, the better the hobby becomes.

[@randallpatrickc]

Whooppee! Exactly what I (and I expect a bunch of peeps) was looking for. Thanks again

[@MrD]

Glad I could help 👍

[@ruben9003]

Hello great videos. Could you show how to setup a Motionsic pan and tilt fpv setup on the x20s using channels 7 and 8 for FPV? That be great help

[@randallpatrickc]

Can I ask a conceptual question? (I had OTX and Ethos working last night tks to ur excellent vid) Do I set up a “trainer” only model on my slave and use that to control all the models on the master?

[@N2RIT]

Question. Is there away to have the momentary switch switch over to the slave radio with out holding the switch and when the Master radio moves either the throttle or surface stick it gains control of the plane. Or even have the option of doing both holding the momentary switch.

[@MrD]

Someone has also asked about this. I will be making a video in the near future.

[@billrenfro7113]

Darren, I am setting up my x20s as a wireless master and my new x20 pro as a slave. The connection is only reliable if the radios are within 3 feet of each other. If separated by 8 to 10 feet or more the connection is totally unreliable. I have checked and rechecked all of the settings. Is this the best that this system can do? I'm thinking that a wired connection is the only reliable way to go. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[@christiancml]

Excellent explanation, a question about a complex program, say I have an FrSky X18 glider with multiple flight modes as a Master linked to an OpenTX transmitter as a Student. Do all the programming and mixes are managed by the X18 and the Student is really a dummy box with matching controls (elevator, ailerons, and rudder)? or do both radios must have the exact programming (in terms of flight modes, Logic switches, special functions, etc.)? Thank you!

[@Aymarddemeyere]

your videos are really helpfull! thanks!!

[@MrD]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching :)

[@HighlanderJC]

Hi Darren, good video especially the cross platform. I remember seeing a vid on how to use logic switches in opentx to take back control of model instantly by moving the controls on master. Wondering if you can do a video for Ethos to do this.

[@MrD]

Hi John. Thanks for the comments. I’ll add that to the list 👍🏻

[@AlbertoSanchez-f2u]

Hi Darren, your videos are really helpful. I tried conecting my futaba 16SZ as salve to my X20 using de audio cable as you did with the spectrum, but didnt work, is there a diferent way of doing it?

[@MrD]

I imagine it would only work with a cable. Sorry, I don’t have any Futaba equipment.

[@jerseyeveningflyers445]

Darren hi, please can you clarify the cable to be used? I thought it had to be a MONO cable but you said it should be a stereo one.

[@MrD]

I’ve always just used stereo in the past. A mono socket will just have the tip and base connections. So the appropriate parts of the cable will be connected. With stereo there are just more uses for it.

[@jerseyeveningflyers445]

@@MrD Understood, thanks 👍

[@fastrack59]

Something off topic. Exactly what is SBUS? What are it’s functions? What is it for? Thanks.

[@MrD]

SBUS is a serial protocol that contains all the channel data. You can use it in may ways including: - an SBUS to PWM converter to get access to all 16 channels if your receiver only has 8 outputs - directly controlling SBUS servos - to connect the receiver to a flight controller

[@gertjeklaver7401]

Everything is working perfect. Except when I reboot my X20 it will not reconnect automatic. Ive to manual search for the trainer again.

[@blessmexx280]

Hallo, I want to buy a x18 without Bluetooth, there is a Wireless PAPA trainer function. How does it work? I want to connect with a FrSky Taranis Qx7s. This one has also this PARA function. At the moment I use two Spectrum radios Connection with wireless WLAN. I don‘t want to use a cable. Thank you

[@MrD]

The PARA trainer is Bluetooth. All the X18 lineup is the same with regards to Bluetooth. They all have the PARA trainer module. The X20S has a second Bluetooth module, which can be used for other purposes. If your Q-X7S also has PARA; it will be able to work as a wireless trainer with the X18.

[@blessmexx280]

@@MrD Great, thank you very much.

[@blessmexx280]

I have one more question please. I fly with children in the club who want to learn model flying. Holding the moment switch while the student flies is not optimal in the long run. Is there also a possibility, as with Spektrum, to activate the student transmitter via a switch and when moving a rudder automatically switches to the teacher (master)? Thanks.

[@MrD]

Someone else asked me about that. So I’ll mak a video on how to set that up 👍🏻

[@larryoakley]

Darren, Excellent video as usual!! however, at least in my case, I'm having mixed results when using the wireless/Bluetooth trainer method, the slave radio (X10S OTX) randomly disconnects even at close range (less than 2-3 feet), any idea what could be happening? both radios are updated to their latest firmware version.

[@MrD]

Unfortunately not Larry. I’ve only been told of the issue effecting the PARA module in the early X20 radios. Is the other radio on OpenTX or ETHOS? I can ask if there have been problems with your transmitter. I’m guessing your X10S is the original, non-Express version?

[@larryoakley]

@@MrD The other radio is an X10S non-express running OpenTX, not sure if that is the problem

[@MrD]

No, that should be fine. Just switch the X20S to use normal speed Bluetooth trainer as opposed to fast. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXuwh3hnoMp3oqs

[@KhosrowGhoujalou]

Can you use FR sky radio X 20 S as a trainer Radyo with the spectrum DX eight please let me know. I got the external module for it too for FR sky Radyo.

[@MrD]

You should be able to set up a buddy box with Spektrum if you use a cable.

[@KhosrowGhoujalou]

@@MrD but I don’t know how to do it. Do you know how please let me know if you can thank you.

[@randallpatrickc]

Great vid - got it working X20S Ethos slave, OTX X10S master. Now, next day, can’t get the X10S to discover the X20S. Clicking discover has no list of BT addresses. Just sits there saying “discover”. Something stupid? OTX Model shows Master/Bluetooth. Update: setup another OTX model and when I switched trainer to master/bluetooth, the discover field showed “init”. Hit this and subsequent “discover” and Ethos X20 BT addresses then appeared. Odd.

[@TheXanthoman]

Sorry not to be off topic again , but i had previously inquired about the viability of setting up x20 (slave ) to spektrum master via cable connection . If i interpreted your answer correctly , my impression was that you thought it was possible but werent 100% sure . In addition ( if i read your answer correctly ) you seemed to imply that you would check it out when you had the time . So i guess my original question stiil stands . I was wondering if you have been able to do that ? I hate to be such a pest on the issue but frsky , spektrum , amain hobbies , aloft hobbies , all seem to be clueless , as well painless said he thought it would work but was sort of vague , none of which really helps . At this point , short of buying both radios , you seem to be my only hope of getting this question answered . Thanks . ps i iknow you are a busy guy with other priorities , so i would be more than hppy to make an appropriate donation to patreon to get this question answered . Thanks

[@jerseyeveningflyers445]

If you need to buy a new radio anyway for this purpose, why don't you buy the same brand radio you have already? I am on Frsky and am only interested in slaving spektrum txs because then I can help train new guys who use spektrum.

[@TheXanthoman]

@@jerseyeveningflyers445 am looking to get back into the hobby after 20 year hiatus , dont currently have a radio , pretty much set on buying an x20 , but the most conveniently located club will only accept new flyers with radios that can trainer link to spektrum ( its an all spektrum club ) but have zero interest in a spektrum radio , only plan on using the club long enough to make sure i can still fly , then switching to another local club that only accepts established flyers .

[@jerseyeveningflyers445]

@@TheXanthoman That makes sense. If using your model then presumably you will want to set it up on Frsky and use a spektrum slave. Your instructor would then just hold your x20 and you the spektrum? When using a spektrum set up plane is when you would potentially need a spektrum master tx. Otherwise just buy a used dx6 or something for the purpose of training and sell it later on.

[@MrD]

I will see if I can get hold of a Spektrum receiver to test. But, Jersey Evening Flyers has a point. If you are being buddied by someone at the club, and flying your own plane. Your plane will have an FrSky receiver in it. So your FrSky radio will need to be the master. One of their Spektrum radios would be the slave.