TEST: FrSky Taranis Q X7S

[Drone News]

INTRODUCTION

The FrSky Taranis Q X7S represents the new revision of their former popular X7 itself the direct successor of their super popular X9D series. With the X7S, we have some M7 gimbals with Hall sensor so offering super precision in the controls. The X7S also includes a Bluetooth module to connect wireless the radio to a trainer software. The X7S runs OpenTX 2.2, directly installed out of the box. I will review the Internal version.

BOX CONTENT

+ 1 x FrSky Taranis Q X7S
+ 1 x 2000mAh NiMh battery pack (with balancer plug)
+ 1 x Neckstrap
+ 1 x charger
+ 1 x AC/DC power unit
+ 1 x Set of stickers
+ 1 x Instruction manual (English)
+ 1 x Transportation bag

As each FrSky product, the X7S comes with a great transportation bag.

OVERVIEW

The X7S uses exactly the same X7 chassis in blue color.

On the front side, four 3-way switches are installed. On shoulders only one two-way and press and return switch. The Taranis X9D got two extra switches versus the X7S. Notice the antenna can’t be detach. No SMA or RP-SMA connector :(. In comparaison, the X7S is huge…, the Jumper T8SG looks super compact comparatively. To turn on the radio, long press 3s the flat central button (will turn in green).

OpenTX 2.2 is installed out of the box :). The screen is a basic black & white 128 x 64 display. Of course D8, D18 and LR12 protocols are supported natively via the builtin CC2500 RF chip.

One of screen displaying the sticks & switches current state.

Compared to the X9D, here the switches looks solidely installed.

Two 3.5mm jack ports. The left one is an earphone and the right one is used as trainer port. Notice than the miniUSB can be also be used as trainer port.

The external module bay is here where you can connect all existing RF module already available for former Taranis modules. More particulary, the iRangeX IRX4 where hundreds of protocols and settings are directly available through OpenTX. With such module communications are done via PPM protocol so less fast/efficient than direct SPI connexion as can offer the Jumper T8SG with its builtin 4-in-1 multimodule.

A 2000mAh Ni-Mh battery is directly connected.

The battery is connected via a 2S balancer plug.

To charche it, you will need first to disconnect the connector. I regret the absence of a builtin charger….

-WEIGHT

Close to 800g !!!!! it’s super heavy… more than twice more heavier than the Jumper radio.

-ACCESORIES

A small charger is provided. A switch to select the Ni-Mh or LiPo charging mode. So be sure to select Ni-Mh if you are using the default Ni-Mh battery pack

Charging circuit

UNBOXING AND ANALYSIS

The X7S chassis is super confortable to grab. The quality is here. Gimbals movements are just super pricize and a lot of grip is offerered for both thumbers or pinchers. 60 config files can be stored inside the builtin memory and many many more via the microSD card. For each model file, everything can be set: from the radio settings, channel mapping, mixer, etc…. several hundreds of options are available, it’s impressive. Like most of previous FrSKy radios, voice alert can be set in coordination with telemetry information feedbacks for example. The navigation in all OpenTX pages/settings is natural and easy

One of feature proposed by any Taranis is the possibility to flash a firmware for the radio itself of course but also for a FrSky receiver via serial connexion. Two ports are available: one in the external RF module and the second in the bottom bay.

CONCLUSIONS

A super “no brain” radio where everything is polished and solid. The openTX OS is mature and offers ton of parameters. The M7 gimbals with hall sensor are really great. So no real drawback can be reported. The X7S is 50 USD cheaper than the X9D plus special edition (with M9 gimbal hall sensors)

PROS

+ M7 gimbals with Hall sensor
+ OpenTX 2.2
+ Quality build
+ Compatible with all existing external RF modules (with PPM communication)
+ Wireless trainer port
+ Audio & vibrations alerts
+ Comptability of config file with the X9D’s serie

CONS

– Heavy
– Less switches vs the Taranis X9D
– None removable 2.4G antenna

This quadcopter have been courtesy provided by Banggood in order to make a fair and not biased review. I would like to thank them for this attitude.
You can find it actually for 28USD at https://www.banggood.com/Frsky-2_4G-16CH-ACCST-Taranis-Q-X7S-Transmitter-Mode-2-M7-Gimbal-Wireless-Trainer-Free-Link-App-Bag-p-1183984.html

Cet article TEST: FrSky Taranis Q X7S est apparu en premier sur Drone-Maniac !!!!!!!.

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