A look at 2.4GHz radios with in-built telemetry

Telemetry is the "big thing" in 2.4GHz radio systems right now -- but what's it all about.

This video explains some of the basics of telemetry and demonstrates how the Hitec Spectra module/receiver telemetry works to alert you to such things as low-receiver voltage.

I'm also planning to design and build some telemetry sensors and display for the FrSky 2.4GHz system so if you want to have some input into the design process, leave a comment on this video describing what you'd like such a system to offer.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• telemetry
• 2.4ghz
• Hitec
• FrSky
• spread
• spectrum
• radio
• control
• RC
• plane
• model
• airplane
• review
• tutorial

[vanepico]

So what you are saying is the frisky has a serial connection and two analog connections to mess about with! It is a homebrew set! I want one! Will those telemetry units be actually built into the radio transmitter and receiver then?

Hang on a sec, two analog connections? You could use them for a camera!!!

[RCModelReviews]

@vanepico Unfortunately the bandwidth of the analog connections is *far* too low to allow for video.

[vanepico]

So what you are saying is the frisky has a serial connection and two analog connections to mess about with! It is a homebrew set! I want one! Will those telemetry units be actually built into the radio transmitter and receiver then?

[RCModelReviews]

@vanepico Yes, the FrSky has a 4800bps serial connection that can provide a "virtual cable" between transmitter and receiver (so long as you have some extra processing at the transmitter end). See my other video about how I'm planning to use this system to produce a DIY telemetry dashboard.

[spasdirect]

What kind oif data will the transponders be able to handle?For instance could you send Video back?

[RCModelReviews]

@spasdirect No video I'm afraid Mike. It's mainly just for low-speed data such as that you'd get from a GPS, airspeed sensor, tachometer, etc.

[cambridgekiwi]

@dalotel

Your response assumes that the data being returned from the model has to be displayed on a screen when this need not be the case. I aggree completely, while flying it is probably not a good idea to check a view screen all the time to find out if you are a few feet over your altitude limit, however, there is no reason that you couldn't have an audio alarm. Corona's brand new Telemetry FHSS sounds a beeper on the tx module when range is nearing limit or rx battery voltage is low.

[dalotel]

@cambridgekiwi

Like you are going to look at the radio screen when flying the plane. There won't be a warning if a battery issue arises. You're dreaming. If you cycle your batteries and test them with a good charger, you won't find yourself in a situation with a dud battery. It kind of goes with pre-flight checks. Check your battery after each flight.

[cambridgekiwi]

@dalotel

... ever heard of a DUD BATTERY...? I've unfortunately had a few, that appear to take a charge, however due to a bad cell in the pack for what ever reason, the pack discharges rather a lot faster than expected - this is also an issue for electric planes where the speed controller voltage regulators can be faulty etc... The newer telemetry capable module systems mean that extra features can be added to EXISTING transmitters so that you don't have to spend $400 on a new one...!

[qrrak]

looks nice. How does it send signal to radio? is there also a transmitter inside of the receiver? Then what is the range of the reansmitter inside of the receiver?

[dalotel]

Who cares about receiver battery strength? You charge before you fly, everyone has practiced this for decades. Use a voltwatch for $9. Gimmick radios for $400 don't make better pilots when you skip pre-flight checks and rely on telemetry. Ugly screen, not balanced, expensive.

[123RCUK]

Good review Bruce, nice to see useful info about things we all want :-)