24-Feb-2016, 03:05 AM
Today, I'd try to show you FrSKY Horus x12s radio transmitter (TX) briefly which is still not released yet on the market, only prototypes sent to some reviewers for beta-testing and feedbacks.
The firmware is still on the beta stage of the development, and I'd try to talk more about hardware part and what is so attractive in this futuristic radio transmitter TX.
![[Image: FhkYgdul.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/FhkYgdul.jpg)
So, why does this TX brings so much of attention
First, because it looks different to almost everything what we've seen before
for example - this classic style radio controller like the Taranis, has the kind of standard sharp just like any other radios.
The Horus X12S not only look futuristic, but also very ergonomic.
how the screen is situated and what is inside
The most important is how many technological solutions are inside
We have GPS, gyro and accelerometers, analogue joystick as another type of control, Bluetooth module, large and bright screen and many control elements.
On top of that, not only we have the new iXJT module inside, but also we would have a possibility to use external JR-type module
Now, about ergonomics and controls
First, all front part is covered with aluminium panels over plastic base, which makes them feel tough and durable.
The sticks have 6 ball bearing design and feel very smooth and precise, and should really be the best in the class. They are based on Hall sensors instead of potentiometers.
![[Image: ouAeZnOl.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/ouAeZnOl.jpg)
Screen is a TN-film panel with wide viewing angles and excellent brightness level, I've tried to expose it to direct sunlight and the screen stayed readable.
It is not a touch screen and I don't think they will make it so. why? because using IPS and touch would significantly lower screen ability to fight direct sunlight, and we would have a lot of fingerprints in this case.
We have some round sliders here with centre de-tents, sliders have patterned surface to prevent fingers from slipping off, all of the sliders are pretty tight and very smooth, this would add to their precise control
Many cheap radios as you know had such issue when sliders are hard to control this is not our case.
Now, about the additional I/O that we have.
Headphones jack is on the right side of the screen.
There is SMA connector for the external antenna on the back. This would be used as an option for internal radio module, so, there is one inner antenna for iXJT. But we would be able to use our own external antenna instead
There is also an external module bay, JR form factor, and more ports under the covers. Such as Futaba-type trainer port, mono trainer jack, micro SD card and mini USB for PC connection, charging port is on the bottom.
This radio has internal battery which is NiMH LSD 2,100mAh. The reason for such battery is because NiMH is not high discharge and secure to use inside electronics and logistics is much less regulated.
Tests show that it is enough to run this transmitter for 7 - 8 hours at maximum screen brightness. Should be enough for most people.
of course, you can still open the radio controller and put your preferred batteries like LiPO or LiFE if you wish, however the charging circuit is designed to charge NiMH only.
FrSKY is working hard on their proprietary firmware - FrTX, but most of the hardware seems to be working already.
While the proprietary firmware is under the development, OpenTX developers are also working on their firmware for the Hours.
Supported radio receiver and RX firmware
Hours has iXJT module inside which is backward compatible with L,X,D and V series receivers
But V-series fall under new current EU regulations and might not be supported by EU LBT firmware for iXJT modules
So, if you are outside EU - make sure that our order Hours with International firmware for iXJT.
I am not saying that iXJT wouldn't be able to change the firmware version, but it is still better to order the one that is suitable for your country from the beginning
The firmware is still on the beta stage of the development, and I'd try to talk more about hardware part and what is so attractive in this futuristic radio transmitter TX.
So, why does this TX brings so much of attention
First, because it looks different to almost everything what we've seen before
for example - this classic style radio controller like the Taranis, has the kind of standard sharp just like any other radios.
The Horus X12S not only look futuristic, but also very ergonomic.
how the screen is situated and what is inside
The most important is how many technological solutions are inside
We have GPS, gyro and accelerometers, analogue joystick as another type of control, Bluetooth module, large and bright screen and many control elements.
On top of that, not only we have the new iXJT module inside, but also we would have a possibility to use external JR-type module
Now, about ergonomics and controls
First, all front part is covered with aluminium panels over plastic base, which makes them feel tough and durable.
The sticks have 6 ball bearing design and feel very smooth and precise, and should really be the best in the class. They are based on Hall sensors instead of potentiometers.
Screen is a TN-film panel with wide viewing angles and excellent brightness level, I've tried to expose it to direct sunlight and the screen stayed readable.
It is not a touch screen and I don't think they will make it so. why? because using IPS and touch would significantly lower screen ability to fight direct sunlight, and we would have a lot of fingerprints in this case.
We have some round sliders here with centre de-tents, sliders have patterned surface to prevent fingers from slipping off, all of the sliders are pretty tight and very smooth, this would add to their precise control
Many cheap radios as you know had such issue when sliders are hard to control this is not our case.
Now, about the additional I/O that we have.
Headphones jack is on the right side of the screen.
There is SMA connector for the external antenna on the back. This would be used as an option for internal radio module, so, there is one inner antenna for iXJT. But we would be able to use our own external antenna instead
There is also an external module bay, JR form factor, and more ports under the covers. Such as Futaba-type trainer port, mono trainer jack, micro SD card and mini USB for PC connection, charging port is on the bottom.
This radio has internal battery which is NiMH LSD 2,100mAh. The reason for such battery is because NiMH is not high discharge and secure to use inside electronics and logistics is much less regulated.
Tests show that it is enough to run this transmitter for 7 - 8 hours at maximum screen brightness. Should be enough for most people.
of course, you can still open the radio controller and put your preferred batteries like LiPO or LiFE if you wish, however the charging circuit is designed to charge NiMH only.
FrSKY is working hard on their proprietary firmware - FrTX, but most of the hardware seems to be working already.
While the proprietary firmware is under the development, OpenTX developers are also working on their firmware for the Hours.
Supported radio receiver and RX firmware
Hours has iXJT module inside which is backward compatible with L,X,D and V series receivers
But V-series fall under new current EU regulations and might not be supported by EU LBT firmware for iXJT modules
So, if you are outside EU - make sure that our order Hours with International firmware for iXJT.
I am not saying that iXJT wouldn't be able to change the firmware version, but it is still better to order the one that is suitable for your country from the beginning
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