DJI Phantom 2 on Spektrum DX18QQ

[r4nd0m]

After playing around with my Phantom 2 I have decided to throw the DJI transmitter where it belongs as it doesnt offer much flexibility.

Unfortunately, you can't bind the Phantom2 to Spektrum nor can you simply add your RX to it as the Phantom controller software doesnt allow you to set it to a native receiver

BUT, there is help - I looked around and found a Spektrum RX that offers SBUS connectivity - the OrangeRX800x ... so I ordered one to see if it works.

I did bind the my DX18QQ to the RX800x with a receiver pack and then disconnected the regular RX of the Phantom 2 on P2 and connected the OrangeRX800x to it via the SBUS port on the RX800x.

I quickly had to realise that SBUS channel assignment is different to Spektrum. After a little play this is what I came up with:

I Setup my DX18QQ in the following fashion:
Model ACRO - luckily the Quad icon was available here

DX18QQ
System Setup
- Channel Assign
- - - RX Port Assignment
THRO - AILERON
AILE - Elevator
ELEV - Throttle
RUDD - Rudder
Gear - Gear

After this the assignment matched what Futaba uses over SBUS.
Now you need to recalibrate your TX to the Phantom 2 and everything should be OK.

Why did I do this? I want to be able to assign EXPO to the rudder/yaw to make them smother when I want to, assigned via switch.
I can setup fixed positions for the gimbal/camera - I use a 3 position switch to go from my favourite forward flight look (slight angle), to further angled to fully look downwards, by simply flicking the switch.

I have assigned another procedure to a leveller as well as the knob so I can fine adjust the gimbal if I wanted to.

Next I will try to add some further mixes for example to fly around an object by flicking a switch rather than trying to control it all the time - I know I am lazy but I think this is a better approach for always the same outcome.

The RX is quite cheap and can be found at the usual spot.

I just thought I share the idea. I might even consider a 3 position switch to have both RXs connected to being able to still use the original DJI if I wanted (requires calibration prior to flight).

edit: quick addition, to house everything inside the Phantom2 you want to take the RX out of the casing and add your favourite shrink tube case

[r4nd0m]

I might even consider a 3 position switch to have both RXs connected to being able to still use the original DJI if I wanted (requires calibration prior to flight).

I finally did it - ordered a 2 position on/on toggle switch with 9 pins ... I have soldered a servo lead connection to the toggle connecting the phantom/controller and servo extensions to plug in the original connectors of the internal futaba receiver and the new OrangeRX receiver ... what can I say ... interestingly I dont even need to recalibrate the phantom after switching between the transmitters ... so basically I select DJI transmitter, switch on TX, switch on phantom and off it goes ... land, shutdown, flick the toggle, switch on the DX18QQ, power on the phantom and off it goes ... amazing, sometimes an idea can become quite handy

[Mike Sanders]

Sounds good. I should be interested to see it.