I am starting this thread due to the high interest in my module builds and to keep my PM box more manageable. Please post your inquiries here instead of sending PMs to me. I am reasonably flexible and in most cases will work with you to have your needs satisfied. Send me a PM when you are ready to place an order with your location so I can provide accurate shipped price. Payment is through PayPal.

References:
=============
Design - Post #2
Assembly - Post #3
Compatibility - Post #4
Warranty - Post #5
Price - Post #6
Shipping - Post #7
Taranis Settings. Using the Module with Taranis and OpenTX - Post #8
Video Feedback - Post #9
Ordering an Incomplete Module - Post #10
OpenTX Model Files - Post #11

Here's a short review (thanks Rob!!!) of the module:

DSMX Module for Taranis by IvanC (1 min 46 sec)

Ivan

I started working on this project a couple of years ago but shelved it due to lack of time and enough interest in it. The original idea was to "decode" the data in a model backup file from the Futaba 8FG and 14SG transmitters and create a utility which would allow me to enter the data through a PC. I still have models not transferred from a Futaba 9C I was using in the past to the 8FG and later to the 14SG. I did have most of my models in the 8FG though and because the 14SG reads directly models from the 8FG I ended up shelving the project without completely "deciphering" the memory mapping of the 8FG and 14SG.

As the new Futaba 18SZ transmitter can not read model files from any other transmitter but another 18SZ, I decided to get the project going again, but this time the main goal would be reading data from 8FG and 14SG model files, converting and saving it to an 18SZ model file.

This is a very tedious process as using trial and error, changing one or two model parameters at a time, moving the SD cards between the transmitters and the PC card reader, then trying to figure out what each byte of changed data means takes a lot of time.



So far most features in the Function menu work, basically all except the telemetry functions, nothing in Model menu - it is a work in progress. No conversion yet, hitting Convert and Save would only save the file in its current format, so it is not very useful so far. Currently I'm working on reading and...Continue Reading

I recently got this 6FN. As it was on the no longer legal 72.240MHz frequency and has a broken throttle trim tab but had otherwise clean good sticks and pots I decided to convert it to DSM2 using a Spektrum DM8 module:





There were several issues using the 6FN as is for a DSM conversion:

1. Futaba uses opposite servo movement to stick deflection compared to Spektrum.

2. Old Futaba transmitters use 1310µs as center pulse length, Spektrum uses 1500µs.

3. The "half-shot" chain encoder uses pots which are offset from their center position.

4. Switch operated channel 6 would provide too much throw when re-centered for 1500µs pulse width.

5. Futaba uses ATER channel sequencing while the module expects AETR which it converts to TAER.

6. Provide positive pulse PPM with open collector output for the DSM2 RF board from a Spektrum DM8 module.

7. Limited space inside the transmitter case for the DSM2 RF boards.

Well, the whole idea behind the conversion is to be able to use the transmitter to fly the BNF aircraft under the Horizon Hobby brands - HobbyZone, ParkZone, Blade and E-flite. To be able to do that I decided to convert the transmitter so it emulates a Spektrum DX5e transmitter while retaining most of the electronics and all control inputs. For that I had to do a couple of substitutions - the DX5e uses a 3-position switch for mode select on channel 3 and the spring loaded 2-position trainer/bind switch for panic/bail-out/SAFE mode on...Continue Reading

This was another request from Tim S (Warjet1950). Tim didn't want to use the internal module hack to the Evo so I made an adapter board which plugs into the Evo trainer port and a Spektrum DM8 DSM2 or OrangeRX DSM2/DSMX module plugs into the adapter. This is not limited to the DSM modules - any RF module for Futaba 7U, 8U and 9C will work with this adapter, including the Futaba FASST TM-7 and TM-8, the S-FHSS TM-FH, the OrangeRX 433MHz modules.

The adapter is based on the one I made for Futaba 8FG/14SG. It takes power and PPM signal from the trainer port and feeds them to the module.





...Continue Reading

By request from Tim S (Warjet1950) I made a cable for using the AnyLink2 adapter with a Multiplex Royal Evo and Cockpit.



Here's Tim's posting regarding the cable in the Royal Evo thread.

With this cable we can fly the Flyzone Tx-R planes and use the inexpensive Tactic receivers with the Evo and Cockpit.

Ivan

Futaba never made FASST module for JR module based transmitters. This is unlike Spektrum who make DSM2 modules for Futaba module based transmitters.

I had a question from another RCG member about making it possible, so I made one:





...Continue Reading

Update February 12, 2017

The Spektrum DM8 module has been discontinued for several months. Also discontinued is the "original" OrangeRX DSM2/DSMX module and its two replacements are working with mixed success (or not working ) with some of the latest Spektrum receivers. OTOH Spektrum still sells the DM9 module. I still get requests from RCG users for a DSM2 solution for the SD-10G, so I decided to do what I've done for Futaba users - make a modified Spektrum DM9 module for the Airtronics SD-10G. The design is based on the adapter board (see original post description below) with all conversion components installed inside the module plus adding a module power switch so the user can leave the battery connection plugged.





The modified module still needs external battery for power through the battery connector on the module. Some users have tapped into the transmitter battery with a Y-harness connected to the transmitter battery and one end plugged into the transmitter and the second end plugged into the module battery connector. To use the Y-harness you'll have to make a small opening in the transmitter battery hatch so the wire can exit the battery compartment.

You can download the instructions on how to use the module:
Modified Spektrum DM9 Module for Airtronics SD-10G Transmitter - Instructions
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________

Original Post from May 7, 2014

...Continue Reading

I received several requests to make a version of the adapter board which converts the signal from the trainer port of Futaba radios to the Spektrum DSM2 module to work with the Futaba "Z" transmitters. These are the 12Z, 14MZ and 18MZ and 18SZ.

The issue with the "non-Z" adapter board and the Futaba 12Z, 14MZ, 18MZ or 18SZ is that the adapter board takes power from the trainer port and sends it to the module. The module has a built-in voltage regulator for 3.3V which in order to work properly needs at least 5.0-5.2V. The trainer port of the "Z" transmitters does not provide battery voltage so an external battery power source is needed.

The "Z" adapter board has a separate servo type connector (Futaba style) used to connect an external battery which powers the module. This battery can be a 2S LiPo or LiFe or even a 5- to 8-cell NiCd or NiMH. The adapter board provides protection from battery reverse polarity.



Testing with a 2S LiFe pack:


I also tested the adapter board and module with a 5-cell NiMH pack and it worked without an issue.

This adapter board works also with all other Futaba transmitters with the micro (square) trainer port like the 4YF, 4YBF, 6EX, 6J, 7C, 8FG, 8J, 9C, 10C, 12FG and 14SG but it still requires the use of the external battery as a power source because it is not connected to the power output of the trainer port - the red wire between the trainer port connector and the adapter board is not...Continue Reading

I developed an adapter board which converts the PPM signal from a Futaba trainer port to a Spektrum DM8 DSM2 module or an OrangeRX DSM2/DSMX module (please read the note at the end of the post regarding the OrangeRX module).

This is a non-intrusive to the module version of the mod I showed here.

The board is compatible with most Futaba transmitters with the square micro trainer port connector. Here is a list of the compatible Futaba transmitters:

4YF
4YBF
6EX
6J
7C
8FG
8J
9C
10C
10J
12FG
14SG


It is NOT compatible with:

12Z
14MZ
18MZ
18SZ

I made a "Z" version of the adapter board which works with Futaba 12Z, 14MZ, 18MZ and 18SZ - Spektrumizing Futaba 12Z, 14MZ, 18MZ and 18SZ Transmitters.


Here's a kit of the adapter:

• Adapter Board with a Futaba micro trainer port connector- fully assembled and ready to be used

• Antenna - 2.4GHz 2db with RP-SMA connector

• Strip of mounting tape

• Strip of adhesive back velcro

What one needs to be able to fly Spektrum BNF models:

• A DSM2/DSMX module - either the Spektrum or an OrangeRX.

• This adapter board

If you decide to use the OrangeRX module you will need to re-flash it using this USB Firmware Update Kit. This allows the module to remap the channel assignment from Futaba's AETR to Spektrum/JR's TAER which is important if you want to fly Spektrum's UMX BNF models and your transmitter does not support channel remapping (4YF, 4YBF, 6EX, 7C, 9C).


What you need to do to use the adapter...Continue Reading

This modified DM9 module is similar to the Modified Spektrum DM9 DSM2 Module for Futaba 18SZ, 14SG, 10J and Others as it uses the same module, case with integrated antenna and Futaba square trainer plug but adds a battery connector for an external battery used to power the module. Similar to the other module it has a power switch which turns on the power to the module and it also sends a signal to the transmitter via the trainer port to turn it automatically on while the transmitter power switch stays in the off position. Turning the module power off also turns off the transmitter the module is connected to.

Although the module has been designed for the 12Z, 14MZ and 18MZ, it works successfully with any other Futaba transmitter with the square trainer connector like the 12FG/8FG/14SG, 9C/10C, 8J/10J but it still requires the use of the external battery as the trainer port connector is not wired to pick up power from the transmitter as it will not work correctly with the 12Z, 14MZ and 18MZ transmitters.





Module Availability

As of May 2019 the modified module is still available but note that I make them to order. What that means is that I have all parts in stock except for the stock, unmodified DM9 module. You will have to make payment after which I will order the module from Horizon Hobby, modify and test it when it arrives from Horizon then ship it to you.

Ivan

This modified DM9 module works with the following Futaba transmitters equipped with the micro square trainer port:

18SZ
14SG
12FG
8FG
10J
8J
6J
10C
9C
7C
6EX
4YBF
4YF

Note that the power switch on the module works only with the higher end transmitters - the 8FG, 9C, 10C, 12FG, 14SG and 18SZ and will not work with the rest from the above list as they do not provide unswitched battery power to the trainer port.

Added on February 5, 2017 and updated on February 9, 2018:

Spektrum discontinued the DM8 module in 2016. There are no longer reliable sources for NOS DM8 modules so I can no longer offer the modified DM8 module.

The DM9 module is still sold by Horizon. I can modify it to work with the higher end Futaba transmitters from the list above - models in black. They will work with the UMX, BNF and RTF aircraft from Horizon (Eflite, Blade, H9, etc). For this you will need to reassign the functions to the channels to match the Spektrum order:

CH1 - Motor/Throttle
CH2 - Aileron
CH3 - Elevator
CH4 - Rudder

The transmitter models in red letters above can also use the modified DM9 module but only with standalone receivers and even then it may not be safe to use them as on the lower-end Spektrum receivers the preset fail-safe works only on the first channel (marked THR on the receiver).

end of text added on February 5, 2017 and updated on February 9, 2018.


Download the Modified Spektrum DM9 for Futaba 8FG, 12FG, 14SG and 18SZ Instructions.


...Continue Reading

S.A.D. stands for Society of Aircraft Demolishers . Each month our club elects a crasher of the month and he is given a S.A.D. patch. I've got 3 - one for my Hobbistar 60, one for the Cap 580 inverted "landing" at WOT and one for a spectacular midair between my Combat SPAD #1 and another Combat SPAD (the other guy won a S.A.D. patch too ).

BTW, these are not all the crashes I've had - the others were not so "spectacular" so I didn't win the Crasher of the Month patch . And I keep crashing...

Edit 09/14/2006:
I just received another patch (#4). For crashing the Cap 580... again.

http://www.charlesriverrc.org/articl...n-Line%20Plans

Sig Rascal 40 ARF - started Feb 16, 2006

Phoenix Sukhoi Su-31 46 ARF - started Sep 28, 2005.

My first plane design - CoroStar 40 - started Feb 07, 2005.

.

Reserved.