Here's how to update the XJT module in the FrSky Taranis with an FTDI cable. I had an FTDI cable I was using for other RC projects and I thought I'd try it before buying the FrSky cables.

FrSky's update cable is nothing more than an FTDI cable. And the S Port converter is just a diode put inline with the TX and connected to the RX line.

Go to Radio Shack and get a doide. FrSky recommends the 1N4007, but I had a 1N4005 laying around and it works fine. We are not using this in a way that would pull more than 1A or anything greater than 5 volts, so anything in the 1N4001 and 1N5400 series of diodes should work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1N4001_..._series_diodes

There's a schematic in the FrSky PDF on "How to update S. Port Products". But here it is:
FTDI cable ------------ FrSky Taranis
Ground -> -> Ground
TX -> diode -> S. Port
RX -> -> S. Port

I used some hookup wires I got at Radio shack to hook it all together. You could even use a bread board. Just pick up what you need when you get the diode.

Here's a picture of what I did. It doesn't need to look pretty, you're only going to use it for a few minutes!!


Here's the schematic of the JR module bay in the Taranis:
http://eastbay-rc.blogspot.com/2014/...e-pin-out.html

With the Taranis standing up, the bottom pin in the JR module bay is the S Port pin which is the TX/RX lines with the diode in it. The pin above it is...Continue Reading