I cancelled the purchase when my break started and now that I am back gliding again I picked up where I left off and started the search for a secondhand 8FG.
My search led me to find out about the Taranis Plus by FrSky. I already used FrSky gear as modules and receivers with my Futaba radio and had 100% confidence in the 2.4 system used and the more I read about the capabilities of the Taranis, the more I new it was the radio for me. The Fact that the cost of a new one was going to be around the same as a 2nd hand radio or less was the clincher for me and I purchased one from Rich at T9 Hobbysports.
I knew the programming was a 'bit' more in-depth than what I was used to with the Futaba gear I had used so I downloaded the companion software to have a play with while I waited for my Taranis to arrive.
I found some exceptionally helpful individuals while learning how to use the Taranis.
Mike Shellim has embraced the Taranis and coming from a Multiplex background, has developed an EEPROM (information packet or data file) and user guide aimed at glider guiders especially those interested in F3F. He has lots of very useful info on his website and it's links.
R.Scott-Page has a heap of youtube vids that I found very helpful especially his newer ones that focus on Companion 2.0 and the Taranis plus.
I have only recently discovered the OpenTX University. it's where you can learn all about your TX from the very helpful 'open source' community. For those that don't know, the Taranis runs an Open Source firmware called OpenTX for incredible diversity, adjustability and the distinct possibility to bamboozle yourself!
I have used Mikes EEPROM and setup information as the basis for my racing glider setups with my Taranis and have modified the setup for my Wasabi too. All that is now stored safely as a back up on my laptop!!
Anyway, the initial comprehension of the system takes a bit to get used to but if you just remember...
Sources (Switches, potentiometers, sticks gyros, gps, logical switches......) place an input (rudder, Elevator, Aileron{ the control, not the surface}), via mixers (elevator with aileron when flight mode 2 active, etc) into the servos (Control surfaces assigned to whichever receiver slot you like) via the receiver.
You can set up a basic model quite easily once you understand the pathway. More complicated setups like the one Mike designed, would take some thinking, tinkering and experience (that's why I am more than happy to use Mike's!!!)
I am testing out the Taranis on Saturday in my first F3F comp for ages. I'm flying in the Midlands Winter League as I am going to miss the Welsh one the following week due to work getting in the way again. A bit of a baptism of fire, but the fact that the setup allows me to change some key functions in flight and easily should help me to get the plane screaming pretty easily. The main issue for me is going to be nervous thumbs!!
Wish me luck! Looking forward to seeing some glider guider mates again!!
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