TXMOD User Guide
- Conor McCaffrey (Unlicensed)
- Hope Nelson (Unlicensed)
Introduction
The Horus Controller with RFD TXMOD is a combination long range R/C control and telemetry system. It is capable of achieving many miles of range. The system consists of an RFD TXMOD radio module and an FrSky Horus X10S Express.
TXMOD
The TXMOD system uses a 900 MHz frequency hopping signal for long-range low data rate communication between the aircraft and the ground module. The ground module is attached directly to an R/C controller. The module has a built-in WiFi transceiver. By default the module acts as a WiFi hotspot. The hotspot is used to access the aircraft telemetry data and to change settings of the communications link if desired.
The TXMOD module on the ground and the radio in the aircraft are paired and tested before shipping.
Horus Controller
The Horus R/C controller provides power to the TXMOD module and R/C control data to be transmitted to the aircraft. The controller is capable of displaying aircraft telemetry directly on the built-in screen.
Instructions to Connect
The instructions below are specific instructions designed to expand on actions in the aircraft checklist. This information is supplemental and is not to be used as a guide for operations. Please follow the aircraft checklist for procedures and instructions for when to power on the aircraft.
For aircraft equipped with a TXMod and a Network radio (such as a Doodle or Silvus), either the TXMod or the network link may be used to connect to the flight controller. Both connections may be used independently and simultaneously.
Connect to TXMOD Access Point
Power on the Horus controller using the red power button on the face
Press and hold the button for three seconds to power on
If there are switch warnings, please place the switches into the desired positions before proceeding
Note: A warning may appear to alert the user that telemetry alarms have been disabled. This is part of the current TXMOD configuration and can be safely ignored. Future updates will alleviate this error.
Power on the aircraft *when safety procedures allow*
Use you ground station computer or tablet to connect to the WiFi hotspot generated by the TXMOD unit
SSID is the aircraft designation
This may be changed in the TXMOD settings
Default Password: 1BigDroneRadio
Connect with Ground Control Software
Using Mission Planner
Windows
In the top right corner select the drop down menu and pick UDP
Enter 14550 for the local port and click ok
Wait for the parameters to download
You are now connected
Using QGroundcontrol
Windows
Select the Purple icon in the top left of the screen to go to settings
Select Comm Links in the sidebar
Click Add at the bottom of the screen
Enter a name for the Vehicle
Choose type UDP
Enter 14550 for the listening port
Leave target hosts blank
Click Ok
Select the new link in the menu
Click connect
Android or iOS
Select the Purple icon in the top left of the screen to go to settings
Select Comm Links in the sidebar
Click Add at the bottom of the screen
Enter a name for the Vehicle
Choose type UDP
Enter 14550 for the listening port
Leave target hosts blank
Click Ok
Select the new link in the menu
Click connect
TXMOD Settings
The TXMOD unit hosts a webpage that can be used to access and change settings on the unit. Here it is possible to change the settings of the WiFi Access Point and the RFD radio settings.
Connect to the TXMOD Access Point over WiFi
Open a browser
Navigate to 192.168.4.1
You will see the following page
Go to “General Settings” to change Wifi settings
Go to “RFD900x Radio Settings” to see and change settings for the aircraft radio units
Troubleshooting
Connection to WiFi Access Point established, but can not connect with a ground control software
Close and reopen Mission Planner or QGround Control.
Close Mission Planner/QGround Control. Reboot Horus Radio and aircraft and then reopen software.
Make sure computer firewalls are set to allow Mission Planner or QGroundControl Communication over the WiFi network.
BFD Systems – 2020