Radio/FBL integration

[RichardV]

So who else is doing the Radio/Telemetry/FBL integration thing besides Mikado?

I've heard Jeti and Spirit do it as well, but I haven't seen any details. Spektrum/BeastX, JR, Futaba or FrSKy maybe? It's a pity about the whole being locked in thing, I can't see a way around it though.

How far are these other systems off from being as good as V Control?

[ChrisB]

Change of opinion

[philipjdall]

Rich, can't comment on other unit's integration but could you not keep your dx8 for just that? I've still got my 14sg - not that I ever use it!

[panosg]

Jeti DS-14 with Spirit and Bavarian.
Full integration with spirit and the telemetry is out of this world.
I just installed a Mezon ESC on my 700L and I'm very impressed with all the data I can receive on my TX.
Also flying with mah and voltage, means no more lipo killing for me lol.

[Bob H]

Until the radio, telemetry and FBL manufacturers can sit down together and work out a common data transmission protocol so any Tx/Rx/FBL combo can send data between them regardless of what each particular unit is doing with the data internally (TCP/IP or similar for RC control to use a computing analogy) then I have to agree with ChrisB. I do like the idea behind Mikados V Control system but until the technology is such that I can use a Tx of my choosing with vBar 6.x or a V Control with a FBL of my choosing then I'll be staying well clear.

[philipjdall]

Bob, the neo runs v6 and can be used with other transmitters.

[myxiplx]

Jeti sound like the closest to an open system at the moment, it's still their protocol but they're opening up the specification so they can potentially work with any vendor. Spirit are integrating with them now, and they're in talks with at least a couple of other FBL manufacturers.

Angelos from SpartanRC also has something in the works, I think that's still a ways off but he's very keen on open specifications and I think that's what he's working on.

[Scotvar]

Woah... I just googled the Jeti... and I've heard people say the V Control is ugly... It's a super model in comparison to the Jeti! It looks like arcade machine joysticks!
In all seriousness it's all about functionality and how something feels in your hands.

I really like the integration concept for tuning the fbl system but can't this be done by a bluetooth app?

Telemetry, I get that and have Spektrum myself and have a telemetry unit and GPS unit ready to fit for the all important speed runs!(lipo voltage a distant second!).

I might regret this comment one day but I really can't see tx and fbl unit integration becoming the norm because for 95% of the time once a unit has been set up it's never touched again. I guess it all comes down to the fact that there are a LOT of really good products on the market now so manufacturers are competing to come up with the next idea that will give them that slight edge from the competition.

Paul

[panosg]

Woah... I just googled the Jeti... and I've heard people say the V Control is ugly... It's a super model in comparison to the Jeti! It looks like arcade machine joysticks!
In all seriousness it's all about functionality and how something feels in your hands.

I really like the integration concept for tuning the fbl system but can't this be done by a bluetooth app?

Telemetry, I get that and have Spektrum myself and have a telemetry unit and GPS unit ready to fit for the all important speed runs!(lipo voltage a distant second!).

I might regret this comment one day but I really can't see tx and fbl unit integration becoming the norm because for 95% of the time once a unit has been set up it's never touched again. I guess it all comes down to the fact that there are a LOT of really good products on the market now so manufacturers are competing to come up with the next idea that will give them that slight edge from the competition.

Paul

Yea lol the DC is strange looking tx.
The DS is gorgeous though. And the feel is quality ;-)

[KevDavies]

what we need here is a transmitter with computer functionality that can adjust all fbl systems from the transmitter.

[myxiplx]

what we need here is a transmitter with computer functionality that can adjust all fbl systems from the transmitter.

That's basically what Angelos is working on. A transmitter that has Android running as well as the TX functions, as well as a protocol allowing android apps to communicate with the components inside the heli. I love the concept, I just hope he has the time to put it together, he's a seriously busy chap :-)