Official Spektrum DX8 Thread!!!

[Turner]

Flight Log is an optional piece of hardware available from Spektrum which is compatible with the DX8. Page 42 of the manual is about using the Flight Log with the DX8.

Spektrum Flight Log (SPM9540)

[JetPlaneFlyer]

ok.. the logger works, I logged a flight today. the downside is that you apparently need a 3rd part bit of software to view the file which is available on a 30day demo but costs $10 for the unlimited version: http://www.robo-software.com/

It seems to work pretty well, see attached screenshot of the software in graph view mode taken of my flight today showing temperature and battery voltage.

[JetPlaneFlyer]

Originally Posted by Turner

Flight Log is an optional piece of hardware available from Spektrum which is compatible with the DX8. Page 42 of the manual is about using the Flight Log with the DX8.

Spektrum Flight Log (SPM9540)

But if you have the telemetry module you dont need the 'Flight log' module, the Tx logs telemetry data to the SD card, as described in previous threads and as i have just demonstrated by logging a flight today.

[Turner]

Thanks for the follow up. That's all very interesting.

[Fishbonez]

This all looks very interesting. I think I could have some fun with this stuff. Not that I would know what to do with the data but...I mean I bet you can figure all kinds of good stuff from battery life to difference in props etc. Thanks for the info. I think I may have to take the plunge with it. The software is pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things

[AndyKunz]

Originally Posted by Turner

I looked. Can you point me to where in the manual it explains those functions. Maybe my manual is not up to date.

It's in the PDF file that you downloaded when you updated your radio. Version 2.05 section notes it. Not detailed, but it tells you it's there.

Andy

[Turner]

Originally Posted by AndyKunz

It's in the PDF file that you downloaded when you updated your radio. Version 2.05 section notes it. Not detailed, but it tells you it's there.

Andy

Okay, that explains it. Don't own a DX8 to update but I appreciate the information. Still using my trusty DX7 but I see a DX8 or 18 in my future.

Oh, and welcome to Wattflyer. Good to see you over here.

[xmech2k]

Yes, welcome Andy. Good to have you here!

[AndyKunz]

Originally Posted by xmech2k

Yes, welcome Andy. Good to have you here!

I've been lurking for a few years. Thanks for making me feel welcome, though.

Andy

[xmech2k]

Andy, I'm sure this one's been beat up at other threads, but about that inactivity timer....

I'm on Airware v2.06, (Haven't done the latest upgrade as I don't believe my only glider, a PZ Radian, can benefit much) and it looks like you can change the length of time until you get the warning, but can't choose on the type of warning. Is that correct, or am I missing something?

Thanks in advance for any enlightenment!

[AndyKunz]

It works just like you see. Tone is for when you leave it outside, Vibe is for when you have it in a box. You can't very well plan ahead where you're going to forget to turn it off, so being able to change it doesn't make much sense.

Andy

[Turner]

Why have it fully configurable on the DX18?

[AndyKunz]

Different class of radio, different specifications.

Andy

[Turner]

That's disingenuous at best.

[JetPlaneFlyer]

xmech2k,

I just solved the 'problem' of the Tx vibrating itself off of surfaces.

The reason it 'walks' during vibration is because it rests on the rear carry handle and two hard plastic pips moulded into the bottom rear of the Tx. Because the 'pips' are hard plastic and the handle is metal it slides easily on hard surfaces such as a table. When the vibrate activates it slowly walks in the direction of the bottom of the Tx.

The solution is childishly simple. You just need a couple of small self adhesive rubber feet, ideally about 12mm diameter and 5mm deep. stick these to the rear of the Tx near the plastic 'pips'.

The Tx will now grip any smooth surface it is rested on and wont budge an inch when it vibrates.

How simple was that

[xmech2k]

OK, thanks Andy. So it is what it is!

Guess I'll go get some of those little rubber dots. Thx for the suggestion, Jetplaneflyer.

[JetPlaneFlyer]

Here's a pic of what I've done with mine using stuff I had to hand. In addition to adding a couple of clear self adhesive'rubber' feet at the bottom of the case I added a couple of grommets (meant for helicopter landing skids) onto the carry handle. This last mod helps the tx to grip the table but mainly it stops the handle getting scratched if you put the tx down on paved surfaces.

An addition to being a 100% cure the the dreaded 'vibrate of the table' syndrome this will help keep the tx in good nick.

To put the grommets on i had to remove the case back which is a bit of a fiddle.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by AndyKunz

It works just like you see. Tone is for when you leave it outside, Vibe is for when you have it in a box. You can't very well plan ahead where you're going to forget to turn it off, so being able to change it doesn't make much sense.

Andy

Yeah, after nearly bouncing my DX8 off the floor, I'll just never leave it on a smooth desktop.

Another question: The DX8 down timer gives a simple "tic" at the one minute mark. That is nearly impossible to hear if you are flying, and someone is running a glow/gasser within 50 feet.

Is there any way to make that "tic" more obvious? I've even thought about locating that buzzer, and hooking up a little microcontroller and my own buzzer to it. But that's a bit of work.

DennyV

[flypaper 2]

I made this trans stand so it wouldn't fall over when using on the grass. One benefit that came out of it is that it doesn't move when the vibrator is operating on a table. Probably it's enough to absorb the vibration. Coathangar wire and heatshrink.

Gord.

[JetPlaneFlyer]

Originally Posted by kyleservicetech

YAnother question: The DX8 down timer gives a simple "tic" at the one minute mark. That is nearly impossible to hear if you are flying, and someone is running a glow/gasser within 50 feet.

Is there any way to make that "tic" more obvious? I've even thought about locating that buzzer, and hooking up a little microcontroller and my own buzzer to it. But that's a bit of work.

DennyV

Denny,

I wondered that myself. Only yesterday i tried setting the Tx to tone and vibrate on the timer but for some odd reason the vibrate only seems to kick in during the final count-down phase of the timer, for the little 'tick' you just get tone. maybe the tick is too short to activate the vibrator.

[AndyKunz]

Originally Posted by flypaper 2

I made this trans stand so it wouldn't fall over when using on the grass. One benefit that came out of it is that it doesn't move when the vibrator is operating on a table. Probably it's enough to absorb the vibration. Coathangar wire and heatshrink.

Nice, Gord! I just use the Hangar 9 stand on mine. Not being able to is the one thing I don't like about my DX18. I've always had stands on my radios.

Andy

[NFA Fabrication]

Originally Posted by kyleservicetech

Yeah, after nearly bouncing my DX8 off the floor, I'll just never leave it on a smooth desktop.

Another question: The DX8 down timer gives a simple "tic" at the one minute mark. That is nearly impossible to hear if you are flying, and someone is running a glow/gasser within 50 feet.

Is there any way to make that "tic" more obvious? I've even thought about locating that buzzer, and hooking up a little microcontroller and my own buzzer to it. But that's a bit of work.

DennyV

Maybe set it a minute earlier? Or use a transistor off the buzzer to run a more powerful buzzer internally? Micro controller would probably be overkill. I run electric, so I use the telemetry battery voltage warning. Maybe make a fuel tank low level set-up with a probe that goes to the 20% level in the tank, and use the battery voltage sensor in your gas plane? Transistorized and what not.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by NFA Fabrication

Maybe set it a minute earlier? Or use a transistor off the buzzer to run a more powerful buzzer internally? Micro controller would probably be overkill. I run electric, so I use the telemetry battery voltage warning. Maybe make a fuel tank low level set-up with a probe that goes to the 20% level in the tank, and use the battery voltage sensor in your gas plane? Transistorized and what not.

Yeah, I'd have to locate that buzzer and see if it is easy to get to. As for those microcontrollers, Those 8 pin Microchip controllers go for a buck apiece, and they can directly drive a buzzer or similar. (I've got a dozen or so in my inventory.) And, they can be programmed to watch for only that "tic", and ignore everything else. Plus, it's fairly easy to program a fixed time delay for the buzzer on time.

[NFA Fabrication]

Originally Posted by kyleservicetech

Yeah, I'd have to locate that buzzer and see if it is easy to get to. As for those microcontrollers, Those 8 pin Microchip controllers go for a buck apiece, and they can directly drive a buzzer or similar. (I've got a dozen or so in my inventory.) And, they can be programmed to watch for only that "tic", and ignore everything else. Plus, it's fairly easy to program a fixed time delay for the buzzer on time.

Yeah, I use them in a bunch of stuff too, I was just thinking to simply amplify the existing buzzer. I think it is behind the little chrome vent thing on the bottom left of the screen.

Edit, I have been using the Arduino Nano's, what one are you using that you can get for a buck? I'd be interested in that for sure!

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by NFA Fabrication

Yeah, I use them in a bunch of stuff too, I was just thinking to simply amplify the existing buzzer. I think it is behind the little chrome vent thing on the bottom left of the screen.

Edit, I have been using the Arduino Nano's, what one are you using that you can get for a buck? I'd be interested in that for sure!

That would be the Microchip #12F675.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...%2FP-ND/459171

But to be honest, it would be much simpler and easier to start off with the MicroChip #18F23K22. This unit uses no memory paging.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...FSP-ND/2480352

This is the programmer/debugger/emulator that I've got:
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...130-ND/2171224

The 12F675 has what's called memory paging that must be kept tract of while programming. It also does not allow debugging. The 18F23K22 allows debugging, using the Microchip Pickit3 programmer. This programmer allows programming your 18F23K22 chip using five wires with a IC test clip while it is in circuit. You can run your program, see what's happening, single step your program, run to break points, the whole works. And, the Pickit3 programmer allows downloading all the registors and memory locations of the 18F23K22 chip while single stepping, or while running to a break point. If your program has a bug, (or many bugs) you can correct them, and erase and reprogram that chip a minimum of 10,000 times. Erase and reprogramming takes a few seconds, depending on the length of your program. Some of my programs were over 30 pages of machine code. That Pickit3 is kind of a poor mans microcontroller emulator.

Both chips have flash memory, EERom, 10 bit A/D converters and so on. (The 18F23K22 can read its A/D converters over 5000 times per second) Some of them will run without a crystal or resonator, using a built in HF oscillator. Most of the Microchips have PWM outputs, or multiple PWM outputs, and a whole slew of capabilities.

Microchip has their own free software for machine code programming that works directly with the Pickit3 programmer. Also available for $$$$ is Microchip Basic, and $$$$$$ Microchip "C" language programming.

Take a look at www.microchip.com. There is a LOT of info there.

If you're interested, I've got a program listing for the 16F675 that makes it into a flight counter for your models. It uses the PicChip, two resistors, an LED, and if you're using LiFe receiver batteries for your receiver, two diodes to drop the LiFe voltage down to 5 VDC or so to run the PicChip. I built them on a Radio Shack perf board. It simply plugs into an unused channel on your receiver. I've made over a dozen of them for various club members.