Multi-Protocol Module doesn't work with FrSky Horus X10S Express and X12S

[AlphaCharlyX]

General information
OpenTX version 2.3.14 or 1e09791)
Hardware Frsky X10S Express
FW: opentx-x10express

Hardware Frsky Taranis X-Lite Pro

OpenTX Companion 2.3.14 on Win10

Hello,
I have the problem, that my new MultiProtocol-Module JP4IN1-SE doesn't work with my FrSky X10S Express and OpenTX version 2.3.14.

As you can see on the picture on the radio and opentx the status of the Multimodule is "No Multi-Telemetry detected". Binding models and Flashing the Multimodule is so impossible.

On my Taranis X9d and on my X-lite Pro with JR-Adapter the Multimodule works perfectly (binding models and flashing the module with the newest firmware is no problem here.

On the Multimodule itself is the newest Firmware 1.3.3.0 successfully installed.

I am pretty sure that I have the right firmware on the Multimodule because the same module works - as mentioned - perfectly on my FrSky X-lite Pro and on my Taranis X9d 2019. This is the back of my multimodule.

Thanks for your project and your help.

Greetings Alpha

[pascallanger]

This is a known issue on the Horus X10S and not specific to the Jumper 4in1 but all multi modules.
A wire needs to be soldered to solve the issue.

[pascallanger]

Solder a wire as shown in red:

[AlphaCharlyX]

Hello Pascall!
Thank you very much, for your great help. I did the soldering as you shown in the picture above. Now it is working perfectly in my X10s Express.

Does this modification influence the function in my other radios? I haven't tested yet the soldered MPM in my X-lite Pro and X9d.

Greetings Alpha

[pascallanger]

It shouldn't affect anything on the other radios.

[enzo-molinari]

Hello

I have the same problem with my Frsky Taranis X9 Lite S and Irange iRX4 lite module. Could it be a fundamental problem for all access transmitters?

Many thanks and kind regards

Enzo

[pascallanger]

May be... I don't know...

[AlphaCharlyX]

Are somewhere pictures how to solder the IRangeX4 modules?

[pascallanger]

It should be pretty similar. If you can't find out post a closeup picture of the PCB and I'll indicate where the wire needs to be soldered.

[enzo-molinari]

[AlphaCharlyX]

Hello Pascall,
thank you! Herr is a picture of the back of my IRangeX4 Module.

[pascallanger]

@AlphaCharlyX
Solder a wire as indicated by the red line:

[pascallanger]

@enzo-molinari
Solder a wire as indicated by the red line:

[enzo-molinari]

Thank you very much. As soon as I have soldered and tested it I will give feedback.
With kind regards
Enzo

[AlphaCharlyX]

Everything works except flashing the Multiprotokoll-Modul through the X10S Express. The radio always shows "Sync error". With the other radios flashing the Modul is no Problem.

[pascallanger]

@AlphaCharlyX if the telemetry works fine (the module version is displayed under the protocol), then the flashing problem is an opentx issue.

[enzo-molinari]

Hello Pascal

I just found out that the MPM works on my X9 Lite S and my x10s Express without soldering a bridge. You only have to switch off the internal module. This means that only one module can be in operation at a time. Either the internal or the external.
Many thanks and kind regards

Enzo

[AlphaCharlyX]

Hello Pascal

I just found out that the MPM works on my X9 Lite S and my x10s Express without soldering a bridge. You only have to switch off the internal module. This means that only one module can be in operation at a time. Either the internal or the external. Many thanks and kind regards

Enzo

In my case and with my X10s Express, switching off the internal modul did´t solve the problem.

[OpenUAS]

@AlphaCharlyX it would be really appreciated if you could add the here proposed fixes and information to the DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module documentation. Then the issue can be closed.

[wollenagold]

Hallo Pascal ,
I saw the problems of charlyX and can tell that i have the same Board. Making the soldering didn't solve the Problem, Not to see the module. I can't get communikation with my horus x12s.
When i Flash the Firmware with the flasher All is going well, flasher is showing the New firmware but i can't see the Modul in opentx as external Modul. Internal Modul is off.
The Board is exactly the same like seeing in the comment @AlphaCharlyX

[HazzaHFPV]

Is the 10S running the Opentx Version from the FrSky website? If yes, frsky removed support for third-party modules in their own version. Official version loaded via the Companion should show the module as option.

[wollenagold]

Hello together,
now it's running, i think the problem was sitting in front of the PC ;-).
Because loading the 2.3.14 with companion i forgot to mark the position "external Modul with unsupported Firmwares" After reloading the 2.3.14 with this option all is working well and i could connect my different RX'es with SFHSS. But the External Modul isn't visible when looking in the Groundsettings of OpenTX. Telemetrie with my FrSky-RX in my testmodel is also running so that's ok for me.
Wish you all a good time. Stay without Corona and have good flying times.

[yura869]

Hello. I have a horus x12s with a irange irx4+ module. In horus, the firmware is opentx 2.3.15, in module 1.3.3.14 (the latest). The wire is soldered as shown in the figure above in the discussions, but still writes that the module is not connected. What could be the reason?


This is the situation with two irx4+ modules.

[yura869]

This is the situation with two irx4+ modules.

[AlphaCharlyX]

I think your soldering is not good. It should be a shining and straight connection. Practise first a few times on another piece and then try it again. Then we will see.

[Unb0rn]

I can report the similar problem.
I have an X12S with several mods - external ACCESS and inverter replaced. Haven't used MPM for a while.

I have an iRangeX 4+ module with mod from this thread, it reports no telemetry. I also borrowed another IRX4 with quite an old FW. Without mod it reported no telemetry, with mod it reports "wrong protocol" and after updating it to the latest version it has the same no telemetry message. So two IRX4/IRX4+ modules with exactly the same faulty behavior in X12S, both work fine in X9D+ 2019, both can be updated in it.

This update thing that changed the behavior from "no telemetry" to "wrong protocol" indicates that it may be a software issue as well. I've also updated several things on X12S since I last used MPM - both internal ISRM module firmware and transmitter's fw (runs EdgeTX 2.9.1 now).

[alm-nl]

Just to make sure, you have disabled the internal module while using the (modded) IRX4/IRX4+ module? Also, did it work when you did not have the external ACCESS modification done to the X12S?

[Unb0rn]

Okay, I've run several tests and these are my findings:

• Downgrading EdgeTX to 2.8.0 didn't help (only firmware, not sdcard contents or radio.yaml). Maybe I need to try 2.7...
• Turning internal module on and then back off changes the status message from "no telemetry" to "no serial input"
• Other external modules work fine (tried R9M 2019 with ACCESS mod and a couple of ExpressLRS modules(in CRSF proto) - Thor 2.4 and DIY 433MHz, both work fine, both are able to communicate with LUA script and models, Thor even works on F1000 mode, so probably the inverter is exceeding 400k baudrate without any problems - could the problem be in this port baudrate negotiation?
• Haven't tried downgrading ISRM firmware yet

@alm-nl yep, tried with both isrm enabled and disabled. Regarding your second question - if only I could remember =) I had the same problem as this topic describes, probably back in 2021 or 2022, then I made this solder bridge and it worked for me. After that I haven't used the MPM for a while... It could be 2.7.x branch of EdgeTX and probably I already had this ACCESS mod, but I'm not 100% sure. EdgeTX now allows to use this "externalaccessmod" thing without rebuilding the firmware, so I just disabled the ACCESS port. It didn't help.

Maybe I should open the same issue in EdgeTX too

Upd. Discovered one more oddity - toggling internal isrm on and back off and thus switching from "no telemetry" to "no serial input" gives additional strange communication artifacts - switching between protocols in MULTI briefly changes from "no serial input" to actual correct module firmware version.

[kevinlieb21]

I've got the same problem as @jimmy6616 - Radiomaster RM4IN1 external module and a Horus X10S radio. Does anyone know which pins are supposed to be joined? There are some good pictures of the PCB in here and I can provide more detail as needed. Thanks!

[Merga189]

Same issue here as experienced by @kevinlieb21 kevinlieb21and @jimmy6616

And it does not seem to be a general problem, but only affects here the combination FrSky X10(S) Express and the RADIOMASTER RM 4IN1.

My FrSky X10S Express with edgeTX 2.10.5 / OTX 2.3.15 works with no problem with those modules

but there is an issue with that module on the right here

and I have two! of those IRangeX modules here. And NO soldering on both IRangeX board was necessary.

All I see when trying the RM 4IN1 on the X10S Express either with edgeTX or OTX ist that:

and flashing the module from the radio

And the funny thing is, that putting that RM 4IN1 in one of my FrSky Taranis X9D/X9D+ radios (OTX 2.3.15) ... no problem!

Neither flashing the RM 4IN1 from the Taranis with firmware nor using the RM 4IN1.

br Kalle

[oSPANNERo]

It looks like I am hitting this same issue as @kevinlieb21 and @Merga189 with my X10S Express running v2.10.5 with the Radiomaster RM 4IN1. Unfortunately, neither of the PCBs that have been addressed in this thread look like ours. @pascallanger when you have a moment, could you please tell us where we need to solder the jumper on this board? Happy to take any additional pictures as necessary.

[Merga189]

Pictures of the RM board were published in Sep 2, 2023 here #880

There was no answer then and I fear, you will get no answer now.

br KH

[alm-nl]

If you have a multimeter you can probably find where the wire needs to go if you measure from the other side of the diode (anode side) that is below (right one on the photo) and connected to the C86 chip (pin 7). It should connect to a resistor, measuring zero ohm between the resistor and the diode (anode side).
Then I think you have to connect a wire between the top-side of the diode (cathode/marked side, which is also connected to the C86 chip on pin 7) to the other side of the resistor that is directly connected to the anode of the diode.
This is based on what I see in the picture of the first Radiomaster 4 in 1 module in this topic (it has the same C86 chip), although the resistor sizes are different.
For safety, check if you're not creating a short between ground and the pins where you put the wire because that can damage the module.

[Merga189]

As I do have 2 of those RM modules here, I am willing to do a test, but it needs a sketch of the required wiring.

[oSPANNERo]

If you have a multimeter you can probably find where the wire needs to go if you measure from the other side of the diode (anode side) that is below (right one on the photo) and connected to the C86 chip (pin 7). It should connect to a resistor, measuring zero ohm between the resistor and the diode (anode side). Then I think you have to connect a wire between the top-side of the diode (cathode/marked side, which is also connected to the C86 chip on pin 7) to the other side of the resistor that is directly connected to the anode of the diode. This is based on what I see in the picture of the first Radiomaster 4 in 1 module in this topic (it has the same C86 chip), although the resistor sizes are different. For safety, check if you're not creating a short between ground and the pins where you put the wire because that can damage the module.

Thanks for the instruction @alm-nl, I pulled the board back out and after looking at it up close and validating with my multimeter it appears there is no resistor connected to the anode of the diode. Instead there is only a trace that goes straight from the diode to the pin of the JST connector which then just goes to the module's external connector to the radio. (See attached photo.) Assuming I understood you correctly and what I am observing is correct, seems like I would just need to delete the diode and jumper the pads. Does that sound correct?

[alm-nl]

If you have a multimeter you can probably find where the wire needs to go if you measure from the other side of the diode (anode side) that is below (right one on the photo) and connected to the C86 chip (pin 7). It should connect to a resistor, measuring zero ohm between the resistor and the diode (anode side). Then I think you have to connect a wire between the top-side of the diode (cathode/marked side, which is also connected to the C86 chip on pin 7) to the other side of the resistor that is directly connected to the anode of the diode. This is based on what I see in the picture of the first Radiomaster 4 in 1 module in this topic (it has the same C86 chip), although the resistor sizes are different. For safety, check if you're not creating a short between ground and the pins where you put the wire because that can damage the module.

Thanks for the instruction @alm-nl, I pulled the board back out and after looking at it up close and validating with my multimeter it appears there is no resistor connected to the anode of the diode. Instead there is only a trace that goes straight from the diode to the pin of the JST connector which then just goes to the module's external connector to the radio. (See attached photo.) Assuming I understood you correctly and what I am observing is correct, seems like I would just need to delete the diode and jumper the pads. Does that sound correct?

No, I wouldn't do that unless you want to risk breaking things. Have you measured from the right side of the diode (as in your picture) to all sides of the resistors on both sides of the board (what is reachable at least)?

[oSPANNERo]

No, I wouldn't do that unless you want to risk breaking things. Have you measured from the right side of the diode (as in your picture) to all sides of the resistors on both sides of the board (what is reachable at least)?

I just re-checked and the only two points I am finding continuity with the anode of the diode in question is the pin of the JST and the cathode of the diode next to it. (See attached picture.) I will say I am definitely just a "hobbiest" so its entirely possible I am screwing something up but I would still be willing to bet a taco lunch on it.

[oSPANNERo]

That said... if trace through the second diode it comes to a 10K resistor ("103") which then leads to pin 48(?) of the STM31F1 microcontroller. That pin looks to be VDD_3.

[alm-nl]

This is the original schematic I found in the github repository: https://github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module/blob/master/STM32%20PCB/Schematic_Multiprotocol_STM32_MB_v1.0_t.jpg

The yellow line is what was missing in the earlier photo's. What it does is add a resistor of 470 ohm in parallel over the upper diode (in your photo). Maybe this resistor was left out of the board of RadioMaster because it didn't connect anywhere (only a jumper which was empty).

[oSPANNERo]

So, again assuming I am not missing something, it sounds like what I might need to do is attach a 470ohm resistor to the same pads as the diode as that would effectively give me the same parallel path of diode and resistor?

I wonder if the diode serves a purpose other than protection? Cause if that is its sole job, I might take the chance of just swapping it out with the resistor and live "dangerously".

[alm-nl]

I think you will be safe to go, it's to limit the voltage/current that flows when pin 1 (output) of the SL74LVC2G86 is pulled down. Adding a resistor will also limit the current that can flow but will be more detectable by the radio I guess.

[alm-nl]

Just to be sure that we are talking about the right diode, I have marked it with a yellow square.

[Merga189]

.... and that quite simple solution is unknown to RM?

I opened an issue with RM on that non working with my X10 last year.

This are the signals CPPM and SPORT recorded when powering the transmitter on

X9D+ and the RM4IN1

Horus and an IRangeX MPM module

and Horus and RM4IN1

RM was not able to present such a simple (one wire to get the SPORT going) solution, but send me another of those modules.

Good luck!

[oSPANNERo]

Guess I need to go find a 470 ohm resistor and see how bad my microsoldering skills are.

[alm-nl]

and Horus and RM4IN1

RM was not able to present such a simple (one wire to get the SPORT going) solution, but send me another of those modules.

Clearly shows something ain't right. 👍

[alm-nl]

Guess I need to go find a 470 ohm resistor and see how bad my microsoldering skills are.

A normal 470 ohm, 1/4 Watt or less, resistor might probably fit just fine when you bend the legs. But you'll definately need a fine tip soldering iron and some electronics flux can be helpful as well. And some fine-tip tweezers ofcourse. 😉

[Merga189]

@alm-nl

fingers crossed! And please post a pic of your soldering. Might help others.

br KH

[alm-nl]

@alm-nl

fingers crossed! And please post a pic of your soldering. Might help others.

br KH

You meant @oSPANNERo 😉

[Merga189]

Cab happen. Sorry. Then good luck to @oSPANNERo ;-)

[oSPANNERo]

@alm-nl

fingers crossed! And please post a pic of your soldering. Might help others.

br KH

New micro soldering iron arriving this afternoon and hopefully resistors should arrive the beginning of the week.

[Merga189]

WORKS!!

Just a normal resistor, don't have a 470 SMD at hand.

Not modified RM

and modified

YOU ARE THE BEST @alm-nl

[oSPANNERo]

Nice work @Merga189