FlySky FSTh9X/B 2.4G 9 tx

[npowell28]

I'm after a 2.4 ghz tx and i've seen this one from Giantcod.co.uk

FlySky FSTh9X/B 2.4G 9 Channel Transmitter with module


http://www.giantcod.co.uk/flysky-fst...-p-406149.html

They seem to get decent reviews but i'm still a bit scepticle. Are these really that good? I'm only a begineer but want a 2.4 ghz system which can store my models, doesn't suffer from interference and also has some programming features.

[solentlife]

Plenty of us use the FlySky ... some of use prefer with FrSky module / Rx which has one of the best freq. hopping . interference rejection systems around ...

Price of system + FrSky swap out module / Rx is still well under any other system even second hand.

I started a yahoo group as a self-help / owners group to get best out of the radios ... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flysky_RC_radio/

As you can imagine - because of the price and it's possibilities for the modification brigades - it gets a loot of flak unfairly from the established crowd.

I fly gasoline powered big biplane, EDF's, my 222 km/hr Parkjet, general sport stuff on mine and I have no problems at all .... we have 2 others in my small group here where I fly ... they have FS with FrSky as well - they have no problems.

No-one says it's better than others ... but it is not the 'pig' that some try and make it out to be .. most when truth be known arent even owners opr users of the 9x. It's a radio that tends to get reports handed down from a friend of a friend of a friend who knew some guy who had a problem ... but strangely when you read reports of good - they are from owners !

Up to you ... personally ... go for it and on same order put the FrSky JR compatible Tx Module and Rx to fit it ... giving you double secure feeling ...

[npowell28]

So the standard model with the GSFK modulation is ok as well?

[liff]

Originally Posted by npowell28

I'm after a 2.4 ghz tx and i've seen this one from Giantcod.co.uk

FlySky FSTh9X/B 2.4G 9 Channel Transmitter with module


http://www.giantcod.co.uk/flysky-fst...-p-406149.html

They seem to get decent reviews but i'm still a bit scepticle. Are these really that good? I'm only a begineer but want a 2.4 ghz system which can store my models, doesn't suffer from interference and also has some programming features.

I use the Turnigy 9x v2, which is the same transmitter but with updated firmware. I really do love this Tx. Most people flash it, but I've operated just fine on the standard firmware.

The only reason I'd say not to get the FlySky is that there were a few firmware bugs in the original versions... I'm not sure if they've been fixed. For instance, I heard that you couldn't use dual rates and expo at the same time. I'd love to hear if this is still a problem in the non-turnigy models..

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by liff

I use the Turnigy 9x v2, which is the same transmitter but with updated firmware. I really do love this Tx. Most people flash it, but I've operated just fine on the standard firmware.

The only reason I'd say not to get the FlySky is that there were a few firmware bugs in the original versions... I'm not sure if they've been fixed. For instance, I heard that you couldn't use dual rates and expo at the same time. I'd love to hear if this is still a problem in the non-turnigy models..

Sorry liff .... but this is exactly the reason I started the FlySky group - to dispel the mis-information that gets spread about.

The D/R .. Expo problem was a myth based on a few Vers 1 radios ... it was never a general problem at all.
All vers 2 radios have fully working D/R and Expo ... settable via the D/R menu on all applicable ch's.

Second - there is NO evidence that the Turnigy firmware is any different to FlySky Vers B .. despite many requests to HK and others to document the claims by HK that they have updated FW. The only FW that we can say for sure is different is the eRX DIY flash.

There is one major difference between Turnigy and all other FlySky and rebranded 9X ... the antena wire from module to case ... Turnigy decided to mount the 2.4 stub antena in place of the old FM antena on top of case. Everyone else including FrSky carried the antena on the module - a much better idea as then you have complete separation of module and case when wanted.

[liff]

Originally Posted by solentlife

Sorry liff .... but this is exactly the reason I started the FlySky group - to dispel the mis-information that gets spread about.

The D/R .. Expo problem was a myth based on a few Vers 1 radios ... it was never a general problem at all.
All vers 2 radios have fully working D/R and Expo ... settable via the D/R menu on all applicable ch's.

Second - there is NO evidence that the Turnigy firmware is any different to FlySky Vers B .. despite many requests to HK and others to document the claims by HK that they have updated FW. The only FW that we can say for sure is different is the eRX DIY flash.

There is one major difference between Turnigy and all other FlySky and rebranded 9X ... the antena wire from module to case ... Turnigy decided to mount the 2.4 stub antena in place of the old FM antena on top of case. Everyone else including FrSky carried the antena on the module - a much better idea as then you have complete separation of module and case when wanted.

It might depend on where you buy it then... Maybe its possible that some places are still selling older version 1 boards? I heard about someone having this problem not too long ago from a Tx they bought at hobbypartz..

I could very well be going on outdated information... I can't buy and test every radio. Hell, maybe its a marketing ploy by HK to spread FUD... I don't know.

I'm not trying to spread misinformation... I was actually trying to vouch for the value of the product. Its a very reliable radio..

[SuchIsLife]

Originally Posted by solentlife

Second - there is NO evidence that the Turnigy firmware is any different to FlySky Vers B ..

Sure there is. There's a Turnigy logo on the display

I have had a 9x for two years. Ran it stock for six months then added a FrSky telemetry module.
I have never had an issue with either system. Well, except that the turnigy/flysky 8ch Rx is Huge and hard to fit in my smaller planes.

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by SuchIsLife

Sure there is. There's a Turnigy logo on the display

As is with Imax, Eurgle and other rebrands - but they do not claim to re-flash the radios. The Logo / front menu screen is just that - a front end.

[quote]I have had a 9x for two years. Ran it stock for six months then added a FrSky telemetry module.[/quote[

Excellent combo - I use the non-telemetry gear but will be soon as I expand my 'horizons'....

I have never had an issue with either system. Well, except that the turnigy/flysky 8ch Rx is Huge and hard to fit in my smaller planes.

I've fitted both FlySky and FrSky 8ch Rx's in all my planes .... but I don't fly micro stuff ... The FrSky is of course a lot smaller than the FlySky ...

[AEAJR]

I don't have this radio, but have been doing a LOTof research on it.

Reports have been quite good. There is a strong preference for the FrSky RF module among those flying more pricy models, which speaks to the value if the FrSky system.

I have read recent reports of questionable soldering issues inside the radio with the wires, not the board. Advice I received is to open it and check the wire joints and touch-up any that look poorly done.

[solentlife]

Given that a lot of factories in China are virtual piece-work set-ups ... the girls are under pressure to keep production lines going ... so soldering and other work is done in limited time. ( I spent time in China last year and got chatting to various commercial people .. no g'tee this is true for FlySky but may explain a few things .. ).

It is true that a check of wiring is recc'd ... and given the case and style inside - is not a difficult task.

The FrSky system allied to the FlySky Tx is a very good system and has proven itself many times over. Not only that - but you see FrSky modules in various other brand radios as well ... including JR, Futaba, Hitec etc.

If I had more money - I'd buy JR, as a long time user of JR gear back in 80's, 90's ... but today - I use FlySky / FrSky as I have serious budget restraints. It works. I do not regret in any way the purchase. I have not crashed any model as far as I know because of the FlySky / FrSky combo.

[AEAJR]

Originally Posted by AEAJR

I don't have this radio, but have been doing a LOTof research on it.

Reports have been quite good. There is a strong preference for the FrSky RF module among those flying more pricy models, which speaks to the value if the FrSky system.

I have read recent reports of questionable soldering issues inside the radio with the wires, not the board. Advice I received is to open it and check the wire joints and touch-up any that look poorly done.

I have continued my research on this radio and will share what I have found even though it is probably a LOT more than you wanted.

Interesting approach as an open source platform. If you are interested here are the resources I have accumulated. I don't have one, at least not yet, so I can't tell you of my personal experience, but most of the reports I have read of radios purchased AFTER mid 2010 have been very good.

While the standard software works it seems a very high percentage of people update the firmware to the ER9X firmware which adds a lot of features and fixes some bugs from the standard software.

The standard FlySky RF module/receiver seems to work fine for the parkflyer crowd and receivers are typically less than $10. For Gliders, Giant Scale and pretty much anything large or expensive people are recommending adding the FrSky module in place of the standard FlySky module.

Happy reading.


9X - FlySky/iMax/Turnigy/Eurgle FOR DUMMIES
Quick summary that will explain a lot
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1616229#post21068397





SOURCES – Hardware



Leader Hobby – Fly Sky TH9X
FlySky makes the radio. Others re-lable and may have different firmware
http://leaderhobby.com/list.asp?type=categories&categories=70

FlySky FS-TH9X
http://www.megarc.com/flysky-fsth9x-24g-9ch-system-tx-rx-p-379.html

Turnigy 9X – Hobbyking – USA warehouse – We would not want this one
RF module antenna is wired in. Others have antenna on module making it easy to change to FrSky module
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=19673
A powerful 2.4 GHz radio, programmable with a receiver for 40

Eurgle
http://r2hobbies.com/eng/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61207_mode




Alternate RF module (JR type) that I believe fits the 9X
http://www.alofthobbies.com/jr-transmiter-telemetry-module.html





FIRMWARE – Update interface board, instructions and firmware sources



Smartie Parts Programming Board – allows firmware updates and provides backlight for display
http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_ id=331
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1338412#post16549680

FlySky Firmware Update Instructions – Tons of info on boards, procedures, etc. KAOS seems to be the resident wizard on this
http://www.rcdiscuss.com/showthread.php?38989-FLYSKY-TH9X-Firmware-upgrade-instructions-and-links&highlight=PROGRAMMING

Firmware update instructions from hobbyking – PDF
FlySky 9ch

Flashing Firmware
http://code.google.com/p/er9x/wiki/Flashing9x

ER9X Firware firmware – This seems to be the most popular firmware update based on posts I have read
http://code.google.com/p/er9x/

Open9X Firmware – This seems to take sailplanes into account more than others, based on the description
http://code.google.com/p/open9x/

TH9X alternate Firmware
http://code.google.com/p/th9x/

gruvin9x - Firmware
http://code.google.com/p/gruvin9x/


RADIO DOCUMENTATION

Basic Documentation – one version
Documentation (engl)





REVIEWS – HW changed in 2010, so pre 2010 reviews have not been included
– SW updates have occurred via third party updates – see firmware section.




FlySky 9X review - 2010
http://kenbuys.com/flysky-fs-th9x-2-4ghz-transmitter/
http://kenbuys.com/flysky-fs-th9x-backlight-led-lcd-mod/

RC Model Reivews – 9X – 6-2010
http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/turnigy9xv2review.shtml



Imax 9 test flight - 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqpYLgyxM40



FORMS AND DISCUSSION GROUPS SPECIFIC TO THIS RADIO

9X forums
http://9xforums.com/forum/index.php

Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flysky_RC_radio/

FrSky has made an important announcement by way of an advisory affecting anyone using their 2-way system telemetry modules and DIY kits with non-telemetry receivers. If this is you then you must read this. This initialization of the GUID needs only be done once, when the module is first used in 1-way mode. Once set, the GUID will be retained and the risk of a Zero GUID situation is eliminated
http://www.frsky-rc.com/ShowNews.asp?id=65





USER DISCUSSIONS



Discussion – Note user XJet is the guy on RCModelReviews and also performed the IMAX 9 test flight above
http://www.****/forums/showthread.php?t=62466
http://www.****/forums/showpost.php?p=1547072&postcount=35


Discussion - RC Discuss (RC Discuss talks about this radio a lot) KAOS seems to be resident wizard
http://www.rcdiscuss.com/showthread.php?42824-Anyone-flying-sailplanes-with-a-Turnigy-9X-radio&p=309242#post309242

Flysky Set-up problems
http://www.rcdiscuss.com/showthread.php?38886-FlySky-TH9X-set-up-problems

Discussion – Model Flying UK user report
http://www.modelflying.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=65916#1150222
http://www.modelflying.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=65916#1150356

Discussion - RCG
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1606788#post20932126
Anyone flying Turnigy 9X for full house sailplanes?
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1606788
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1589437&highlight=9x
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1583278&highlight=9x

Backlight panel mod
http://kenbuys.com/flysky-9x-electroluminescent-el-backlight-lcd-mod/

DLG set-up for Turnigy 9X
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1428583#post18049473

Alternate main borad for 9X
http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1415
Use with simulator
http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=183&start=10







Advice I received was to follow this sequence,

1- order 9x from leader hobby,(no wire from module to ant.) – Approx. 65.00 + Shipping including FlySky module and 8 ch receiver. They FlySky system seems fine for smaller planes/parkflyers. Receivers are around $10.

2- Buy and install smartyparts board, 45.00 – allows firmware updates and backlight of display

Trans. battery of your choice 10.00 to 20.00 dollars

Around $150 total with shipping.

For larger planes, or more expensive planes and gliders - Get FrSky module and receiver, approx. 45.00 Receivers $25 to $35.

The stock firmware for the 9x works, but is limited. The ER9X firmware, will probably do everything you would ever want to do.




_____________________________

Long Island Silent Flyers
www.lisf.org
Newsletter Editor, Eastern Soaring League
www.flyesl.com

[solentlife]

Good round up and fair.

Speaking personally why I use FrSky in the FS 9x ...

FrSky has excellent reviews for its frequency hopping and rejection of other signals. It uses the full width of the band and not just a few slots as some others do.
FrSky appears to listen to users and incorporates suggestions from users / reviewers.
FrSky are not afraid to give their gear to such as RCModelreviews (xjet) to tear apart / check out.
FrSky will follow me to other radio brands IF I decide to change, so I don't lose any installations I have.
FrSky is the preferred system for use with Firmware upgrades.
FrSky Rx's are economic to buy and have actual dual active antena on the full range Rx unlike some that the two are actually just one split inside the case and do not act independent.

As to the original factory FlySky module and Rx ... they work. The Rx is full range and not Parkfly, but many distrust or should we say feel happier having a twin antena on their RX instead of FlySky's dipole antena.

I think over time the trust factors and anti-9x will improve ... die down and maybe other manufacturers will look to make their products more affordable.
Over the last few years, we have seen incredible strides in models and pricing. Yes a lot of rubbish has appeared but luckily most of that has stayed in the Supermarket kiddies shelves... Given that electronics has moved on from the high physical old style component count - I only have to look inside an old Futaba M or JR to see the crammed in electronivs with little spare room inside ... and look at todays inside cases ! I ask why doesn't pricing reflect this ... PC and entertainment gear has become a buy in board and assembly business ... and I think to an extent RC systems have done ... but RC still has a way to go till it meets same levels of buy-in ready boards etc. When it does - I think we will see more budget pricing.

[AEAJR]

npowell28,

Did you buy a radio? You may have reported it somewhere else, but let's hear the result of your research.

What did you get?

How do you like it?

If no buy yet, what questions remain?

[dahawk]

I've been looking at that radio as I'm looking to upgrade from the Futaba 6EX . Been drooling over the Futaba 8GL, but man, it's expensive for the type of flying I do. Already use several knock-off Frysky Fasst rx's with no issue.

Question: Will the Fly Sky 9x TX support my existing Fasst compatible Rx's ? or is there a module available that allows for this compatibility?

[AEAJR]

I am not aware of a FASST module for the FlySky TH9X or the Turnigy 9X. But, unless you NEED to sell your 6EX you just continue to use it with your current receivers and use new receivers with your new radio. Simple enough.

[dahawk]

Originally Posted by AEAJR

I am not aware of a FASST module for the FlySky TH9X or the Turnigy 9X. But, unless you NEED to sell your 6EX you just continue to use it with your current receivers and use new receivers with your new radio. Simple enough.

Thanks,

Common sense prevails always. That's my plan for now. But as I grow into more complex setups in the future and the need for more model memory, I am just looking ahead. Think I'll just stay with Futaba. They've served me well so far and there are some thing to Futaba that are actually reversed in other systems.

-Hawk

[AEAJR]

Can't go wrong with Futaba, especially with the availablity of low cost FASST compatible receivers.

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by dahawk

I've been looking at that radio as I'm looking to upgrade from the Futaba 6EX . Been drooling over the Futaba 8GL, but man, it's expensive for the type of flying I do. Already use several knock-off Frysky Fasst rx's with no issue.

Question: Will the Fly Sky 9x TX support my existing Fasst compatible Rx's ? or is there a module available that allows for this compatibility?

FASST is Futaba country and not compatible with 9x ... 9x needs JR compatible module - but NOT actual JR .....
FrSky makes both standards.

[npowell28]

Originally Posted by AEAJR

npowell28,

Did you buy a radio? You may have reported it somewhere else, but let's hear the result of your research.

What did you get?

How do you like it?

If no buy yet, what questions remain?

Hi, I didn't buy this one purely because theres no stock in the UK, unless of course you want to buy one off ebay at twice the price from hong kong.

I bought a Hitec Optic 6 brand new for £35. It's the 35mhz version. Going to buy a corona 2.4 ghz module and receivers as soon as www.giantcod.co.uk move to thier new premises at the start of may.

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by npowell28

Hi, I didn't buy this one purely because theres no stock in the UK, unless of course you want to buy one off ebay at twice the price from hong kong.

I bought a Hitec Optic 6 brand new for £35. It's the 35mhz version. Going to buy a corona 2.4 ghz module and receivers as soon as www.giantcod.co.uk move to thier new premises at the start of may.

Suggest you read RCModel Reviews .....

[npowell28]

Originally Posted by solentlife

Suggest you read RCModel Reviews .....

THe reviews on teh Giantcod site were really positive,. If they are a bit rubbish i may well just keep it 35mhz.

[AEAJR]

I don't think anyone is suggesting that the Corona system is bad. However there seems to be several people in the discussion who would recommend the FrSky system over the Corona. But you will probably be happy with either.

I just looked at that site and they indicate the Corona system is in stock.

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by npowell28

THe reviews on teh Giantcod site were really positive,. If they are a bit rubbish i may well just keep it 35mhz.

I went through a lot of reviews, ex0plored all I could to decide what 2.4 module system to go for and in the end plumped for FrSky .... it seemed to have the best overall results. The costs of Rx's and the possibility to expand to Telemetry later and still use existing non-telemetry FrSky Rx's etc.

Most reviews I read on Corona were not so positive ... but I believe they have revised their gear.

On 35Mhz .... I have a 35 JR set and it can take FrSky, but I have kept it on 35. With so many people going to 2.4 .... the peg-board will end up virtually unused .. leaving 35 clear to use.
It is my understanding that in terms of signal strength and range - that 35 is better than 2.4 ....
2.4 may have interference rejection and bound Rx's .... but there are reports of chain link fences etc. affecting signal path .... re-locking time after a glitch / so-called brown-out that can be less than instantaneous. 35 will relock instantly on signal reception.

I'm no radio engineer and can only go by what I read / hear / observe etc. And we all know there is no perfect answer to anything in life.

[AEAJR]

The research project resulted in two articles. Overall the 9X seems to be a good choice for the right person. I think the articles should clarify what I learned.

Part one can be found here, RC Soaring Digest July 2012
http://www.rcsoaringdigest.com/pdfs/RCSD-2012/RCSD-2012-07.pdf

Reducing the Cost of Flying Sailplanes Research Project - Part 1
Looking at the economics of upgrading 72 MHz sailplane radios to 2.4 GHz. By Ed Anderson.


RC Soaring digest - August 2012, the current edition -
http://rcsoaringdigest.com/pdfs/RCSD-2012/RCSD-2012-08.pdf

Reducing the Cost of Flying Sailplanes: Research Project - Part 2 -
Ed Anderson follows up with descriptions of some alternative and inexpensive 2.4GHz systems.
This is about the FlySky TH9X which is the same as the Turnigy 9X.

[dahawk]

Great Article Ed !

I'm a Futaba guy also but have been buying the Frysky Fasst Rx's. I have yet to have an issue with them. If I didn't have so much invested already in Fasst, I'd strongly consider the Turnigy 9X or Frysky as my upgrade to the 6EX. Dropping coins in the piggy bank for the 8FG. Wish they would at least go to a color screen like the 14MZ. Would need to refinance my house for the next level up for Futaba.

Great reading as usual !

-Hawk