Support/FAQ for RC-Soar templates

This page is for support of the RC-Soar templates.

Supported operating systems

The RC-Soar templates are compatible with both OpenTX and EdgeTX.

EdgeTX

EdgeTX is derived from the OpenTX project. The main differences are that EdgeTX offers a touch interface and better support for ELRS.

If using the templates with EdgeTX please note the following:

Recommended stable versions: 2.7.1 to 2.9.4, 2.10.2.
Important!! Avoid Companion 2.10.0 and 2.10.1 (see below)
Mixer scripts - for example the advanced snapflap script - are supported only on colour screen radios and the RadioMaster MT12.

Tip: if using a touch screen, consider disabling touch - this will minimise the risk of accidental changes. To disable touch, create a special function with action = 'No touch' and switch = 'ON'.

For more info about EdgeTX, visit edgetx.org and RC groups thread.

OpenTX

OpenTX is a mature and stable operating system, however development has stalled and it does not support newer radios. If using OpenTX with the RC-Soar templates please note:

Recommended version is 2.3.15.
Avoid 2.3.12, and 2.3.13 if using ISRM/Horus (servo stutter issues)
If running 2.2.x or 2.1.x, check template info for compatibility.

IMPORTANT: EdgeTX Companion 2.10

Please do not use EdgeTX Companion 2.10.0 or 2.10.1 to open a template file. This is due to a corruption issue (#5137) which is fixed in Companion 2.10.2.

Migrating model data from OpenTX to EdgeTX

If you are running OpenTX and wish to migrate to EdgeTX, the process is quite easy, though with older versions of OpenTX it's best done in two steps.

From OpenTX 2.3: Convert the model data by importing into EdgeTX Companion
From OpenTX 2.2 or lower: Import model data into OTX Companion 2.3, save as .OTX file, them import the saved file to EdgeTX Companion

Note that migration is one way only - model data from EdgeTX cannot be converted to OpenTX.

Always backup your data before migrating!

Using the RC-Soar templates with ELRS

The templates work well with ELRS. However a simple mod is required for channel 5.

Channel 5

For historical reasons, ELRS maintains an arming state indicated by the state of CH5. The easiest way to deal with this is to:

Swap CH5 with the first unused (empty) channel using the Channel Changer script.
CH5 will now be empty. Create a mix, set the source to MAX (='permanently armed'), leave all other fields at their default values.

For further info, see my blog post Introduction to ELRS: Managing Channel 5.

Recommended configuration

These settings are based on the devs' recommendations:

Packet rate: 100 Hz
Max RF power: 100 mW
Dynamic RF: enabled
Switch mode: 8 CH full res
Telemetry Ratio (TLM): affects telemetry data rate - use the default value. Exception: for DLG setups with launch height callout, a lower TLM ratio may be required to capture launch height with sufficient precision.

Known issues

Open issues

None

Closed issues

Date	Problem description
2024-06-10	Template corruption after opening in EdgeTX Companion 2.10
2023-07-12	Crow aware trim script: runtime error in EdgeTX 2.9 and above
2021-10-26	Show It All widget: runtime error in EdgeTX [fixed in ShowItAll 0.9.8]
2020-10-31	Flaps do not move [F3F template V5.0.1]
2020-06-20	Unexpected behaviour in Companion simulator [OpenTX 2.3.8]
2019-10-12	Advanced snapflap script (snp401) fails after migrating to OpenTX 2.3
2018-05-10	Custom sounds no longer work after upgrading from OpenTx 2.1 to 2.2
2017-12-10	Servo centres shift after upgrading from OpenTx 2.1 to 2.2
2017-10-23	Cannot calibrate flap neutral [OpenTx 2.2.0, fixed in 2.2.1]
2017-12-05	GV's corrupted in Companion after conversion [OpenTx 2.2.1 RC1]
2017-04-07	Cannot reverse left flap CH4 [OpenTx 2.2 RC14/ N366]
2017-04-06	CAL and/or arming gesture not recognised [E-Soar and E-Soar Plus]
2017-02-17	Timer starts at startup [E-Soar Plus 2.0 & OTX 2.2]
2016-12-23	'Speed' callout not working [F3J/TD 3.0.0 & X9E]
2016-02-01	LS, RS not mapped correctly on X9E [X9E]
2015-10-03	Can't switch flight modes [OpenTx 2.1.2 - 2.1.4]
2014-11-05	Incorrect Inputs spec [F3F 3.0.0]

Converting a template for EdgeTX or another transmitter

The RC-Soar templates target the FrSky X9D on OpenTX. To convert a template for another transmitter or to EdgeTX:

Launch OTX or ETX Companion (must match what is on your transmitter).
Select a profile for your transmitter
Open the template file. Companion will perform the conversion.

Conversion warnings

Starting with OpenTX 2.2.2, Companion displays if conversion issues are encountered. Usually no action is needed. However if there's a genuine issue, it's best to correct it in Companion rather than in the tx.

The conversion will usually generate an RF protocol error. This just means that you need to set the RF protocol in the Model Setup menu.

In the example below, four mixes need to be verified, however no correction is required since the 'old' and 'new' columns are identical.

Saving the converted file

Once the model data has been converted, save it on your computer as an .otx or .etx file. This is now your working template, ready for transfer to your transmitter.

Loading a template to your transmitter

Here's the recommended way to load a template into your transmitter. It preserves your existing models and radio settings, including stick calibrations.

Note: If using EdgeTX, or a transmitter other than the X9D, convert the template file first (see previous section for instructions).

Start Companion and select a profile for your transmitter.
Open the template file. The data is displayed in a new window.
Connect your transmitter by USB and choose "read models and settings from radio". This will open a second 'tx' window.
Drag one or more models from the template window to the tx window.
Close the template window. There should now be a single window open for the target transmitter.
Choose 'write models and settings' to update the transmitter.
Copy all model-specific sound files to the target's SD card.
Disconnect the target transmitter.

How to report issues

If you find an issue, please email me with the following detailed info:

Template name & version, transmitter type, and OpenTx version
Enough info to reproduce the problem

If there's insufficient info to reproduce the problem, I'll just pass it back, so please take the time to document the steps carefully.

FAQ

Motor control (CH7) is not working on G-RX8 receiver: Make sure that CH7 is configured for PWM output (and not S.BUS out). See receiver instructions.

A switch is missing from the dropdown list: Sometimes, a switch which exists on the transmitter may be missing in the drop-down menus of the radio and/or Companion. To fix this, go to the System>Hardware menu. The chances are that the switch has not been defined. Once corrected, the switch should appear in the dropdown menus.

Where's the GVARs menu?!: There's no dedicated GVARS menu on tx's with small mono screens like Q X7, X-Lite, and X-Lite Pro. For these transmitters, the GVARS are set in the Flight Modes menu.
For all other transmitters, the most likely cause is incorrect settings when downloading the OpenTX firmware. Re-flash OpenTx ensuring that the NOGVARS option is unchecked in Companion Settings -> Build options.

How do I re-order the servo channels?: Servo channels can be re-ordered using Channel Changer script

My global functions have disappeared.: If you have some global functions defined but can't see them in your model setup, then go to the Model Setup menu and make sure that 'Global functions' is ticked.

I think I've pressed the wrong key - help!: If you suspect you made a data entry error, then there's no need to start again. In Companion, load a .eepe or .otx file containing a known working version of the template, and use Companion's 'Compare models' tool to identify any differences.

Queries/feedback

Comments and queries are always welcome, I can be contacted by email.