22-Mar-2016, 12:08 AM (This post was last modified: 22-Mar-2016, 12:29 AM by Oscar.)
Got this new FC in the post today.
After giving FPVModel my feedbacks just 2 months ago, they released a new version of the XRacer flight controller - XRacer F303 FC V2. On the new FC, they addressed a few problems, made some improvements which I will go through briefly.
So here is a summary of the changes as far as I can see from the previous version, which I reviewed before:
- Added VBAT support (see VBAT solder pads on the back of the FC) - Added RSSI support (solder pads next to VBAT) - Added RGB LED support (header pin holes next to the RC pins) - for cleanflight
- Matte finish - looks so much better than the shiny finish before
What didn't change is the 6050MPU + I2C. Also Price stays the same.
I am scratching my head about RSSI pins on this FC. Most of the time we pass RSSI info through one of the PPM or SBUS channel from Taranis, or connect the RSSI port on RX directly to the OSD. Even for those who use Telemetry data, can get RSSI info directly from the TX (e.g. D4R-II or X4R-SB). Hope someone can enlighten me why it could be useful. Anyway it's good to have it available i guess.
NOTE (21/Mar/2016): I just realised the PWM pins labelling on the back don't match the ones on the front, be aware! I have reported this to FPVModel.
22-Mar-2016, 05:51 PM (This post was last modified: 22-Mar-2016, 06:01 PM by Oscar.)
Oscar just out of curiosity all this stuff you are sent for review purposes do the companies let you keep it or do they required you to send it back to them after testing?
(22-Mar-2016, 05:51 PM)lolFPV Wrote: Oscar just out of curiosity all this stuff you are sent for review purposes do the companies let you keep it or do they required you to send it back to them after testing?
Depends.. If they want it back then I would send it back.. If they don't ask that then I can keep it... When I found a fault or the product is damaged during testing I also send it back so they can look into it
(28-Mar-2016, 06:27 AM)Tracoby Wrote: Does this thing have soft serial? I have 2 coming in the mail this week to anxious to wait and find out more about this bad boy.
Yes it has the same pinout as the SPracing, i believe radio pin 3/4 and 7/8 are the serial pins when they are not used.. but why would you use soft serial when you have 3 hardware serial ports?
(28-Mar-2016, 02:14 PM)Oscar Wrote: Yes it has the same pinout as the SPracing, i believe radio pin 3/4 and 7/8 are the serial pins when they are not used.. but why would you use soft serial when you have 3 hardware serial ports?
Will hardware serial ports pump out telemetry to an x4r-sb without arming? Been using soft serial on the sp3 racing to do this.
(28-Mar-2016, 05:50 PM)Tracoby Wrote: Will hardware serial ports pump out telemetry to an x4r-sb without arming? Been using soft serial on the sp3 racing to do this.
i see, I can't confirm this as it's not mentioned in their documentation.. I can give that a try when I have a moment maybe...
29-Mar-2016, 05:18 AM (This post was last modified: 29-Mar-2016, 05:24 AM by Tracoby.)
(28-Mar-2016, 06:56 PM)Oscar Wrote: i see, I can't confirm this as it's not mentioned in their documentation.. I can give that a try when I have a moment maybe...
That is why I asked you. You've helped me several times with your blog, and its much appreciated. I didn't see it in any documentation either. I as well will help with what I can when I get my 2 boards this week. Thanks in advance if you get to it before me.
29-Mar-2016, 04:07 PM (This post was last modified: 29-Mar-2016, 04:08 PM by Twistyml.)
Great Question Tracoby, i just got my F303 V2 Last night, I installed the telemetry to Uart 1, and solder the Vbat, but it only shows when armed... if its capable of being on when not Armed that would be beneficial, I would also like to know what these RSSI ports are for and is it possible to program the ESC's through this board? I have only ever used Naze boards so this was a big step for me LOL.
I was wondering what voltage can this board handle? Does it have built in voltage regulation, and where are you wiring in voltage dont see a labeled area?
31-Mar-2016, 06:38 AM (This post was last modified: 31-Mar-2016, 06:42 AM by Tracoby.)
(29-Mar-2016, 04:07 PM)Twistyml Wrote: Great Question Tracoby, i just got my F303 V2 Last night, I installed the telemetry to Uart 1, and solder the Vbat, but it only shows when armed... if its capable of being on when not Armed that would be beneficial, I would also like to know what these RSSI ports are for and is it possible to program the ESC's through this board? I have only ever used Naze boards so this was a big step for me LOL.
Thanks for all your help guys,
If you enable soft serial and use the 5 and 6 signal pins (that would be pwm 5 and 6) take both those signal wires to the telemetry port (green wire only) and you will have telemetry without needing to be armed. I have not got my boards yet to test for sure but this should work just like with the SP3 Racing board. All you have to do is enable soft serial on the config tab then on the ports tab set soft serial port 1 under telemetry to smart port.
(31-Mar-2016, 04:25 AM)NolaFPV Wrote: I was wondering what voltage can this board handle? Does it have built in voltage regulation, and where are you wiring in voltage dont see a labeled area?
its powered with 5 volts. power it with any unused motor port with a 5V source conect just the positive and ground to say motor output 8. You can also just power your reciever and let it power the FC with the same 5V that most reciever take.
(31-Mar-2016, 06:38 AM)Tracoby Wrote: If you enable soft serial and use the 5 and 6 signal pins (that would be pwm 5 and 6) take both those signal wires to the telemetry port (green wire only) and you will have telemetry without needing to be armed. I have not got my boards yet to test for sure but this should work just like with the SP3 Racing board. All you have to do is enable soft serial on the config tab then on the ports tab set soft serial port 1 under telemetry to smart port. its powered with 5 volts. power it with any unused motor port with a 5V source conect just the positive and ground to say motor output 8. You can also just power your reciever and let it power the FC with the same 5V that most reciever take.
Thanks for the quick reply! I was also wondering if this FC can do pass through for blheli?