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.
OpenTX
OpenTX is stable and works well with the templates. However development has stalled and it does not support newer radios. If using with the templates:
- 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 for compatibility.
EdgeTX
EdgeTX is a fork of OpenTX, and is the current focus of development. The programming is identical. The main difference is that EdgeTX offers a touch interface and better support for ELRS. If using with the templates:
- Use 2.7.1 or later.
Currently EdgeTX does not support mixer scripts, so the advanced snapflap script cannot be used .
For more info about EdgeTX, visit edgetx.org and RC groups thread.
Migrating model data from OpenTX to EdgeTX
- 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.
Using the RC-Soar templates with ELRS
The templates work well with ELRS, however a simple mod is required for channel 5.
The ELRS Channel 5 mod
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.
ELRS settings for sailplanes
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.
Issues with the RC-Soar templates
Open issues
There are currently no open issues
Closed issues
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.
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.