Ordered an XPS 2.4 system

[ErichF]

Well, the same day I get word from Horizon that my backordered Spektrum module is in, I went and placed my order for an XPS 2.4 JR combo set and another receiver. I canceled my Spektrum module order.

I may still eventually get a full up 2.4 JR9303 set when it comes out..but the best research I could do led me to getting the XPS set for my existing 9303.

The thing that really pushed me towards XPS is the same radio modems used by XPS are used in some UAV datalink systems I also use professionally. They haven't failed.

I also like the true FHSS regime used by XPS, as well as the full time bidirectional datalink.

I'll be able to tell if I made the right choice next weekend.

Erich

[kgfly]

So how is it going ?

[ErichF]

I have only one full day of flying on the system, so far...and so good.

The connection felt great, although I did have to get used to the different feel for my precision work. It was a solid link, though, even when doing far out turn-around manuevers typical of FAi flying.

[kgfly]

Thanks for the update Erich.

Interesting that you noticed a difference in the feel. There is much debate about whether this is real or a kind of placebo affect, but I have seen similar comments from other expert/precision pilots which tends to make me think it is genuine.

Please post back in a few weeks to let us know how it is bedding down.

[Jadesfire]

ok i am a bit of a noob at helis. What kinda things are you noticing??? I am looking at this system for my 9C vs the spektrum. Would it be something a novice might notice or wouldit be something since i am still learning that i wouldntjust be used to???

[ErichF]

I think you would only notice it on a machine you are intimately familiar with, as I am with my contest bird. I've been flying this thing for over a year now, in precision competition.

The first real test of the system for me will be the upcoming contest in Nashville on the 23-24th.

[Jadesfire]

hate to bug ya but was curious as to the size of the RX... thinking about one for my 450 and want to make sure it will fit

[ErichF]

Well, it's a small box, but you have to keep the antenna 2 inches away from anything conductive (which includes carbon frames). That may be difficult on a mini chopper like the T-Rex. I would email XPS (Mr. Drew) and ask him for a suitable solution on a T-Rex.

[kgfly]

Dimensions are on the XPS website: http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/xtremelink.php

6 channel receiver - 1.36" x 1.05" x .375", 9.03 grams (.318 oz)
8 channel receiver - 2.115" x 1.137" x .535", 18.87 grams (.665 oz)

The 8ch is a squeeze but I have seen it mounted in either the front or the rear of a TRex450 with CF or Alu frames. The 6ch should fit easily, once it is available. Especially nice since it does not have any external antenna :)

[Garland]

I have a 9C, 7C, RD6000 super, 8U super.

I have decided to jump into bed with XPS with both feet .....well soon

can I still wreck a heli with the wrong model chosen? I know the competition has a safety feature for that.

all my Tx currently covered for XPS ?

no chance if say I turn heli on 1st then Erich turns on his XPS module before me will he have control of my heli and I his?

[kgfly]

a) No ModelMatch feature since this requires knowledge of the currently selected model in the Tx which a plug-in module cannot have. ModelMatch is available with the DX7, JR X9303/2.4 or JR X12/2.4 only. XPS have said they will have an AutoModel feature with their own integrated Tx which will automatically set the Tx to the correct model for the Rx. It is the bidirectional nature of XtremeLink that makes this possible.

b) IIRC 9c and 8u are modular so yes, the current XPS Futaba Tx module will work. The others (7c, RD6000 etc) will have to wait for the Universal Tx module due out in a month or so. It connects to the Tx trainer port.

c) Correct. There is a unique ID burned into each Tx and Rx. When they are "bound" to each other they will then only ever be able to talk to each other and nobody else ever can. There are 18,446,744,073,709,552,000) valid IDs so XPS have to make and ship that many units before ever duplicating one.

[q8hobbytime]

Well do you have to go through the whole set up or does it have a defaulte set up ?
where can you mount it in the heli as long as you have to keep it away from the electronics + carbon + + + +

[kgfly]

Well do you have to go through the whole set up or does it have a defaulte set up ?
Not sure what you are asking. You have to bind the Rx to the Tx-module. At a minimum you should program the throttle channel failsafe to kill the motor. Other than that you can go with the defaults.

You can mount it anywhere that it fits, just keep a minimum 1inch radius clear around the antenna. People are flying T450 with XPS 8ch Rx without any problems. I saw one mounted underneath the upper battery tray with the antenna pointing down. I saw another with the Rx in the rear of the frame with the antenna pointing up towards the boom. In both cases the clearance rule had been violated but importantly there was nothing actually touching the antenna. Normal range is up to 25000ft. With some crowding of the antenna, even if you reduced it by 100x, it would still be 250ft. Even so, those folks were passing the Mfr's range test so easily had a minimum 3000ft range. Ought to be enough for any heli and most planes too :D

[Garland]

I also like the true FHSS regime used by XPS

What does that mean?

Thanks KG!

I guess my crew cheif B-52 days and H-53J Gunner days have pounded in attn to detail so I havent had a model match issue on 72mhz yet.

I wonder whats the word is on tray use? I think my VArio will still work as it has a square hole for the module already. Id love to see a pic on XPS website.

[DavidH]

http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/images/ifs_01.jpg

There is the module. The new style/current antenna is one on the right side of the above picture.

David

[kgfly]

i think ya ment to type 10x Me ? Nope. 25,000/100 = 250

[ErichF]

I also like the true FHSS regime used by XPS

What does that mean?




XPS will freq hop if interference is experienced, unlike Spektrum DSM, which stays put on the original freq pair it picked on startup.

As noisy as the 2.4 band is, I think freq hopping is a good idea.

[kgfly]

Quite right Erich. However, it is not accurate to describe XPS as FHSS. Their 2.4Ghz product uses DSSS technology but as you describe, will change to a lower noise channel if packet loss becomes unacceptable in the current channel. XPS have announced plans for a 900MHz product which will use FHSS technology.

[q8hobbytime]

Ok what i was trying to say is simple as the following :
when you buy the unit do you have to do all the setup or does it have a default setting
2nd is where do you mount the receiver in the heli in case of the stratus for example its fully carbon

[kgfly]

Not sure what defaults you are thinking of ?
When you get the Tx-module + Rx you have to:

1) Remove FM module and FM antenna from your Tx
2) Install the XPS module in your Tx
3) Provide power to the Rx and follow the simple instructions to bind the Rx to the Tx (takes about 30s to do this)
4) Highly recommended to set the throttle channel failsafe to kill your motor

That's it, no other setup is required. You may find you have to adjust any expo settings in your Tx model as the XPS may respond faster than your legacy FM radio link, you won't know until you fly it the first time.

You can install it anywhere you like in the heli just like you would the FM Rx so long as you keep adequate clearance around the antenna (minimum 1inch radius) and make sure no leads, cables, metal or CF can move and touch it in flight.