DRAGONLINK to TURNIGY 9X HOOKUP
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- It is very simple to connect the Dragonlink 433MHz UHF long-range transmitter module to the Turnigy 9X (and its other labelings) without soldering due to the external access to the power and PPM signal pins on the transmitter. This takes under 30 minutes.
If you have any questions about DragonLink please send me a message and or visit their website: www.dragonlinks...
In this method a male-male servo connector of about 10-20cm is recommended. The crimped-on pin sockets for the power and ground leads are simply swapped at one end. No soldering is required.
The glue procedure is totally optional but helps to preserve the modular function.
At around $60 the Turnigy 9X is a great value for those fliers who might wish to more or less permanently convert it to their long-range transmitter and not feel anxious about making some permanent modifications. However this video does show one way to preserve the ability to easily exchange the Dragonlink, attached to the shell of the stock RF module, with another RF module of the proper size and pinout configuration. Though it is a cheap plastic transmitter it is relatively full-featured and you can hack it up and not feel to bad about it.
There is some potentially confusing documentation on the forums and internet in general which actually shows the JR module pinout and seems to infer that the second pin is 6v, not ground. I have tested this with continuity as well as viewed the PCB traces inside the transmitter and can confirm that pin #2 and pin #4 share a common trace and both serve as grounds on the Turnigy 9X.
Of note, the vertical transmitter antenna orientation gives the most reliable all-around performance as it tends to maintain polarity with a vertically-mounted receiver antenna on the aircraft. Horizontal orientation is documented as being mostly acceptable for casual use and can have even better long range over terrain features BUT the antenna orientation must parallel that of the receiver antenna for reliable reception. This means you must face the correct direction.
Nice a neat mod! Bravo! I replaced the battery pack with a 3S LiPo pack to get better life and more reliable contact. The experienced pilots in our RC club hate those AA battery packs. They said those are dangerous. One battery lost contact and you are doomed while your plane is up.
Yes, pins out for RSSI, no hack no soldering. Setting the failsafe is super easy. You just turn everything on, place the controls in the desired failsafe positions, and hold down the button for about 5 seconds (there is an indicator light). Then you can just turn the radio on and off and watch the failsafe happen. Actually range testing is recommended to be done by walking away with the radio in micro-power mode and watching for failsafe activation at certain distances.
Oh yes, absolutely. If you use the stock Turnigy RF transmitter module then you would have to cut or desolder the antenna though. There are however a bunch of aftermarket RF modules that have the antenna right on them, kind of like the DragonLink does, so you can swap them back and forth. I just made mine semi-permanent as my dedicated FPV transmitter, but there are many variations on how to do this. Have a look at some of the RF modules for the 9X and see if you find a winner for you.
Awsome demonstration! I'm flying with the FlySky 9x with the FrSky 2.4 GHz module. I barely use my DX6i anymore. You just can't beat the range you get for the low cost of the FrSky receivers. And when I plan to step into that DragonLink range, I will definately be buying another 9x radio to dedicated for DL. 9x is a awesome radio for the price.
Oh that battery is just fine too. Calibration is just a matter of jumping signal pins 5-6 (with supplied jumper) and turning on the transmitter for 15 minutes so the receiver can tune in to the exact center frequency of each of the frequency jumps. It's apparently not crucial to even do it at all but it will help get the most precise tuning and therefore the maximum reliability and range.
I did the same thing as Tim. I also bought a dx4e and harvested the Spektrum module out of it and put it in the 9x. So i've got Spektrum 2.4 and LRS all in one package
Ed, I figured you might have a follow up on the Dragonlink Reciever. The cost ratio for this upgrade is astonishing! Hope you are well.
So basically you are taking a generic remote and turning it into a high end long range unit. I love it great idea
Nice. I had just bought the flysky 9x as my 1st starter radio. Havn't even used it yet. I am gathering that FlySky 9x is the same as Turnigy 9x from what I've read.
I would except that the pins (channels) are dependent on the transmitter, not the receiver. Throttle may be on channel 1 for a certain transmitter but channel 3 on another. The only consideration on the DragonLink is that there is an RSSI pin that does not go to a servo. All signal pins are up towards the main receiver antenna connector, which is easy to keep straight in your head: signal-from-antenna. I will do a general DragonLink video though, so stay tuned.
That's great man, I love to repurpose and rescue stuff! Yes, the Dragonlink runs from 7-20 volts, so a 3-cell LiPol works great. You can tap that right off the pins in the 9X. You might already know there are some specific-fit LiPos out there for the 9X. I have a Rhino version that I like a lot.
I think the 9XR came out the day I shot this video! I have not had my hands on one yet. It might be a great option, hard to think of any disadvantages. If I didn't already have the original 9X for awhile......
I am moving over to a dedicated FPV rig which entails the 9X mod here. So far my control needs are pretty basic, but I will certainly do some homework on the firmware upgrade. So many projects.....
Great video, somebody explained something similar to me in his own words, but it's better to see it in a video.
Thanks Ed, hope to hear more from you ! !
Fantastic video.
I was wondering how to do this and was holding off on purchasing the DragonLink until I found out how to connect the wires to the 9X nad DL
Big thanks for such and informative video.
Personally I would have used Velcro instead of double sided tape but thats a personal thing
Well done
Thank you for a simple and informative video. Now i finally know what type radio and uhf system to get :-)
This is the setup I use for fixed wing and multirotor FPV control. The video transmission is a completely separate system. The DragonLink will control an aircraft line of sight for many miles.
Excellent work! very simple and very clear and easy to understand!
That sounds pretty nice. I think I might have gotten a version that did not include that modular plug.
If receiver and transmitter antennas are parallel then the loss in gain will be minimized. If out of polarization, like one vertical and one horizontal, there will always be a loss, like 20db. If you can make your receiver vertical most of the time on the plane, then it's always best to also keep the transmitter antenna vertical, in the same polarization. Any other orientation it is hard to ensure that both antennas are parallel most of the time during flight.
That sounds worthy of a video.
Good ear, man! 500mW I guess even interferes with a GoPro a few inches away. I didn't expect that myself.
I suspect but I'm not sure. I would double check that the second pin is contiguous with the fourth and that it is a ground. Some modules use 6v on the second pin.
Both grounds. I just used #2 because it's adjacent to the power and signal pins. Easier to make the plug that way, out of a servo lead.
There is a dedicated 433MHz DragonLink receiver. The way I did the mod you would have to swap out the module to reinstall a 2.4GHz module with an antenna. But otherwise no, the way you see I did this there is no 2.4GHz capability remaining. The output signal is over 5 times the native 2.4GHz module, and a lower wavelength by far, hence the greatly added range. HAM radio license required in the US. Won't affect other fliers unless they are also on 433MHz.
If multipathing (bouncing signals) or changing orientation of the receiver antenna vs. transmitter antenna then yes, circularly polarized is better. However for 433MHz this would have to be pretty huge. It might work for the ground station but pretty hard to work it out on a small RC plane.
From the DragonLink website. If you're a newbie then you probably don't need it right yet. Though part of me wishes I'd started with DragonLink in all my planes. It would just be much more expensive. But every time my Spektrum browns out and causes a crash - GRRRRRR!
1 x 3-position switches, 5 x 2-position switches, and 3 variable knobs. Yeah man, it was WAY easier than the DX7 hookup. I mean I love my Spektrum because I'm familiar with it, but the 9X was so much easier to connect.
Yeah it's possible and I had given it some though but I also had the same thought as you to have a radio dedicated for long range. Especially when you can get a nice radio like the 9x for such a low price.
Very informative as always. My Dragon Link came with the flat plastic connector that you can use with the wiring harness that came with the DL. You just choose the right order for the wires and push them in to the connector and install in the radio. The wires that came with the DL are a heavier gauge, which can't hurt??
Great vid
Excellent and easy to understand video. Well done :)
As far as the antenna with the 90 degree orientation how much does that affect the range, does it really make that much of a difference. Great video by the way such clear instructions!!
Fantastic Video Ed! What are your thoughts on the Dragonlink? I'm still trying to decide on a UHF system
That dragonlink puts out so much power you can actually hear the interference come through your microphone in the video at the end lol
You will need dedicated DragonLink receiver, which is 433MHz. Sorry I didn't describe the receiver in the video.
Great vid, thanks ED... i'm thinking about making the dragonlink plunge or opting for a LRS module with the turnigy 9xr.
That would be amazing wouldn't it? If there were a standard module I'm sure they would have done just that. In 5 years that will probably be a reality.
It is a common pinout scheme that can be looked up online, and I confirmed it by testing.
Good idea dude. I think there might be a way to make the FlySky and DragonLink work on the same transmitter, maybe with a switch. Dual frequency transmitter? What do you think?
Another great video, thanks Ed
My blue LED does not blink, and honestly I'm not sure what that means if it does. I would have to hit up the RCGroups thread on DragonLink and see. Does yours respond as you expect, and fly normally? Interested to know what you come up with.
Thanks for the quick response sir.
wow, at 8:01 you can hear the interference of the the dragon link signal!!! crazy stuff
Interesting video Ed.
I noticed that turnigy have released a new txt, the 9xr I think it's called, which is specifically designed for hacking. It has no rf module inbuilt. It also has a programming port built-in making it easy to flash with er9x etc.
Btw any experience with openlrs modules?
ed thanks for a great video again.i just want you to no how much its appreciated. but i have to ask could you please do one showing the receiver hookup showing correct pinup and what channel is what? thanks so much
Great video helped alot! Thank you
Hi Ed,
That was really informative. Just a few question for you please. I understand that the range is definitely magnified with this mod. my questions are;
-do I still use the same RX?
-is this still a 2.4G system afer the mod?
-is the output signal stronger than the stock?
-wil this affect flyers around me?
Thanks ! this is so simple where can i order the dragonlink ? for a newbie like me i probably dont need it right ?
Great videos! Have you had and experience hooking a Fatshark Headtracker to the Dragonlink or have any suggestions on doing this. Your videos are so straight forward and easy so I was hoping.
Nice easy install. You Da Man. Now fash that thing with er9X firmware!
A great video! Is it possible to use servo extension wire that you shown on video but just long one. I need to place my Dragon link transmitter and antenna on the 15 feet high post and connect it with gimbals and the rest of the transmitter in the bottom. So, can I use thick about 18 - 20AWG servo connector cable or even thicker not to drop the votage. I'm doing this for better connection because I use the link as a surface radio ( boat aplication). So I need to place my antenna as high as possible.
Ed, you've done it, again. I have not seen any other person/site/resource on the web that shows how to do this awesome modification to this radio in such a simple video. I own a couple of them, because of the low price. When I'm ready to invest in a dragon link, I'll refer to this video. I'm curious if you could do the same mod to the 9x as you did with DX8 - ability to switch from 2.4Ghz to UHF. Would that have been possible?
i was about to throw my 9x out the window due to a pathetic failure from frsky telemetry system, On range test it kept losing signal every second so i couldnt trust it anymore. you saved it now haha cheers!! Thank you for the great video. Running lipo on the transmitter wouldnt damage the dragonlink right?
Ed,
Are you "upgrading" from your Spektrum to the 9x? If so, are you also planning to flash er9x on the transmitter, in lieu on the current Turnigy firmware? I personally did the before even powering up the Tx for the first time and haven't looked back.
Hi Ed, I am still learning so if this is obvious I apoligise..If I do this upgrade will the receivers I now have ( 2.4) still comunicate with my 9x ? or does the DragonLink require its own receiver ? Thanks for the video and the great ideas. I am still flying my Axon and just receintly my NoobTube.
I am very interested in this setup, but is it possible to do the connector like you did on the spektrum, so a person could still use the 2.4 for close in planes?
Very nice as usual!
Sorry I don't know anything about FPV or RC's in general. I did buy a plug and play DJI Phantom though and it is pretty simple. What I want to do next is to mod the DJI Phantom to fly FPV. I do not want to buy a kit and find that I am limited to a kilometer or so and then have to upgrade and spend more dollars. I would like to start with a decent kit that will give me good range.
Do you run the RC vehicle with this and your FPV transmitter with this controller?
I'm a old time RC'er returning to the sport. My question is why? Does the 9x not work out of the box. And if it does, what's the point of the Dragon link? I just don't understand why you would cut up a new transmitter.
I was unable to get the link to work, so I will ask my question here. I think that the Turnigy 9XR is a newer model (just based on the review dates), and I am wondering if your connections will still work with it.
Hello sir. Hopefully my comment cN catch ur attention. Im having trouble with my dragonli k v2..when i turn it on always flashing red. My tx 9x is set to ppm signal all wire are correct same like ur...but i cannot get solid green...any recommendation...thank you...im from philippines.
Hi Ed, I set up my 9x and dragonlink perfectly per your instructions however when hooking up everything to the receiver I get a bunch of beeps that I am not familiar with and can only move the ruddr. Is there something I am not setting up in the 9x? I tried just hooking up a batt. and servo and ch 1 & 2 on the receiver is not working. 3 up works. Any ideas? Thanks for your vids.
yes but i dont think i can find Rhino lipos in the UK unless i order them from abroad, I will have Turnigy 2650mAh transmitter pack lipo which perfectly fits 9x. How do you calibrate this thing? Thanks for the reply buddy
Great info, thanks!
great video and clear instructions :) thank you Sir
yes i done the same without using the glue because i want have the possibility to disconnect the servo cables from radio... thanks. the only problem is sometimes my rangelink doesn't turn on. Maybe the pins are moving a bit into the servo adapter and the signal is not transmitted.. i've fear it can happen during the flight... :| any solution?
Hi there if I was you i would get a lipo for the tx as dragon link night drain battery too quick....
very very informative. thanks.
I don't think so. Try again to watch?
Super helpful, thank you!
Great job!
do you have to buy a special receiver for the dragonlink to work?
Will the circular polarized anttena work better than the lomg whip anttena?
Hi there let me make a fool question? I have a dx8 and I setting the radio in slave mode and then I connect my Dragonlink but I have no control over the trims, an then I remove the slave mode and get back the trims control which is the right way?
how did you know which pins were which on the transmitter?
Why doesn't Dragon Link make a module that fits right into the standard module?
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have a 9x with stock firmware, if I hook up a Dragonlink to it will the 9x support ppm? I've seen that Dragonlabs offers a range of coax extensions, are there significant losses using those extensions? Thanks again!
Excellent!!!
did something go wrong with the upload?
its working now, but when I first watched it, the video showed a total length of 5:33 now its 8:10
Can I power Turnigy9x with 3 cell LiFe? Is it enough or it will be underpowered?
Thank you so much for the video.
By the way, what happened to your hand?? damn...
can i install a dragon link in my flysky th9-x? is It possível?
Hi What is the antenna pin ??
What fail safe if any does this combo provide? rssi for osd on aircraft? thnx! subbed
do any settings need to be set in the turnigy menu
Can I connect a TBS crossfire to a turnigy 9x
What type of ham license should I be getting? Thanks
Is the EX UHF JR 433 module compatible with the 9x V2?
What happend to your left hand?
Can u do this with fly sky 9x?
will this work with DragonLink V2?
hi!!
I'm David
a week since I've got my 9XR pro and waiting for my dragonlink sistem which Mike has sent me 10 days ago and arrived thursday morning. watching your vídeo how to wire the drangon to the 9xr pro I've tryied so but everything went off and I couldn't turne it on anymore. what can I do now?
I've tryied with a lipo to conect on the dragonlink and it does work but flashing a red light. the 9xr pro doesn't work anymore.
could you please help me to sorte it out?
Only Rose even I got a 9x pro but where to get dragonlink
and where does one acquire this Dragon link?
HI, MY FRIEND! IS THERE PROJECT TO IMPROVE RANGES DEVO7 ( WALKERA) ?THANKS.
Why not, I don't think Ed has much experience with the Walkera Radios. I am not sure though. Anyway The transmitter section of Devo must have similar signal leads coming from the "motherboard" of the Tx. You find those and disable the transmitter module just like Ed did in the 9X and connect the three needed for the dragonlink and Bingo! You have incredible range. It is pricey though considering the 9X cost $50 and the Dragonlink is $270 USD. Now the Devo & is a 2.4Gighz Radio so oyou can also use a Wifi amplifier. They can be had for $20 on Ebay, you will have to do the research and make your own antenna, You will need to understand a little about how to make an SMA or RPSMA connection from your raduio where the antenna is connected then to the Wifi amp and then to the antenna of your choice ,a whip, a helical, a clover leaf or a Yagi or a combination. Need I say any more?
Hi. Which difference from pin 2 and pin 4? I want do the same procedure for my rangelink but in this video i see the guy connect the ground to pin number 4...
/watch?v=iZbg-hg-leM
How about on a QX7?
Pretty weird that is. Glitch in the TH-cam Matrix?
You can use crossfire instead .