Spectrum telemetry on the f550

farmerfred

Member
I'm just about to install a spektrum telemetry module and gps sensor because I want to know altitude (after loosing my f550 in a flyaway incident!!!)
Has anyone fitted one?

I'm wondering about installing the antenna and how it doesn't interfere with the receiver?? Also can I download the flight data?

I might have to buy a flytrex to review my flights?
 

topshots

Member
I have mine mounted on the bottom of the F550 which seems to work fine. I use a DX8 which saves all the data to the SD card in the transmitter.
 

farmerfred

Member
I couldn't find much on the internet so here is my own setup and install for the telemetry;

First of all I ordered the TM1000 and the GPS sensor. I thought you had to buy every sensor separately



But as you can see the basic telemetry module comes with a few simple sensors included.



I chose to add the voltage sensor and soldered this to my main f550 board. Seen here just between the two soldered joints. Its a small wire and I thought it would be useful to know the the voltage to help adjust the battery alarm.




Mounting the unit - I was concerned about interference but I also wanted it tidy. I chose to mount it on the underside of the top board. I did a new compass calibration once it was all installed as there are a few new addition near the Naza and GPS sensor.



I mounted the antenna along one of the arms. It says to keep it away from metal objects and I was concerned about the heat from the ESC but you can just see it in this photo below. It seems to work well here.



Finally the GPS sensor; I chose to mount this on top as a good signal is import although i would have preferred to have put this out of sight.



And then the flight test. Initally i couldn't get a response and had to bind the telemetry a few times. It appeared to have binder but when it worked correctly after a few goes the "binding" message on my DX8 also had the word "telemetry". I then had to play with the menus to get the telemetry to show as I wanted.
The only thing not working at the moment is the time at the bottom of the screen. I have seen this mentioned on another website so Ill have to play to get it working. But its also not really necessary?!
After a quick flight test it worked excellently - Recorded almost 40mph downwind and then I flew my f550 up to almost 500ft. Don't forget that the spectrum GPS unit works off the WGS84 GPS datum above sea level and so you altitude is not height above ground. For me this means i start at 100ft when at ground level.




Hopefully this will all help/interest somebody as I really couldn't find much on the internet about spectrum telemetry. Although I have the IOS iPad app for my F500 this telemetry is nice and simple to use and doesn't require me to take anything else to go flying.
 
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Droider

Drone Enthusiast
Aye Up Farmer Fred.

There is also an Altitude sensor that gives you altitude above take off point and you can set alarms to let yopu know you have reached your legal operation altitude. Only problem is here in the UK they are like trying to find chikins teeth for sale!

Dave
 

farmerfred

Member
yes but the GPS sensor gives more functionality. And its not prone to any pressure changes (as I've heard the altimeters are extremely sensitive).

Just had a second test and already sorted out the logging onto the SD card. Its fantastic! I nearly got a flytrex a few days ago but this stores all the data on the SD card at the transmitter so in the event (hopefully never again) of a flyaway you still have all your position data to analyse if you need help to search for it!
Or if you simply want your speed/height/voltage its all there...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

I'm just about to install a spektrum telemetry module and gps sensor because I want to know altitude (after loosing my f550 in a flyaway incident!!!)
Has anyone fitted one?

I'm wondering about installing the antenna and how it doesn't interfere with the receiver?? Also can I download the flight data?

I might have to buy a flytrex to review my flights?

I use it on all my Naza's (4) and it works fine.
It says mount it so it sees the sky. I have it on the top plate of 3 and under a thin canopy of another and all work very well.
 



farmerfred

Member
There are two programs. A free one and a £10 one. They both do it though. Its all detailed on another forum but if you search spectrum telemetry reader you'll find it.
 


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