Project Review - How to, Pros and Cons of Deviation firmware
Synopsis: One of the best kept secret of a Walkera transmitter is the ability to support multiple protocols. So if you are flying a selection of models, such as
Walkera QR-X350 Pro/Runner 250, Hubsan x4, Parkzone Micro Warplane, Ladybird, Spektrum DSM2 plane,
you can turn your affordable Devo transmitter into a power house that supports multiple protocols, all you need is the provided Walkera USB transmitter
cable.
Specification:
The Deviation hacking project supports multiple protocols without any
modifications to the transmitter:
● Devo 6/7e/8/10/12 WK2401/WK2601/WK2801
● DSM2/DSMX JR,Spektrum,Turnigy
● Nine Eagles J6 Pro (with telemetry module)
It also supports other popular protocols with easy transmitter
modifications
● Turnigy 9X
● Hubsan X4
● V202
● Skyartec
● Tactic SLT/Anylink
● Hisky
What’s more, you can store up-to 255 different models and you
can select the transmitter power up-to 150mW. Easily setup multiple customized
timers, for example countdown and total time stopwatch.
We began our transition to Deviation when we were looking to
purchase an external OrangeRX DSMX/DSM2 2.4Ghz transmitter module for our FrSky
Taranis and realized we can do it for free with a Devo 10 on hand.
Pros:
1) Free and easy to upgrade
2) Programmable timers, scales, curves, failsafe, personalized icons, etc.
3) Stores 255 models in different protocols instead of 30 models on devo
protocol only
4) Output power: long range 150mW power instead of 100mW limitation
5) Easy backup and reversible to Devention firmwares
+ Plus: We
always had difficulty recovering in mid-air while flying a Walkera QR
x350 with the stock firmware, but with Deviation you can overwrite the throttle warning messages, resume connectivity
without bringing down your throttle.
Cons:
1) Setting up Dual Rates 3 way switches and exponential curves took a few more
steps. Best way to learn is to download sample models from the forum and
try them. Don't get intimated, I suggest you take your time to learn it
and will love this conversion.
Notes: When you change between DSMX and Devo receiver,
make sure you reassign the SRC Channels 1 & 3, Elevator and Throttle are
switched around. Make sure no props are in place when you first test your setup
or be prepared to stop your model from flying, if you forgot to assign these
channels properly. A warning message may show 3% channel error.
DIYdrone Lab ... behind the scenes
Saturday October 15, 2016
You may have to clear and rebind existing receivers with fixed
ids. If you change the number channels of a model, you may have to rebind.
When you create a new model, make sure you go to Mixer, set
Throttle Simple SRC = THR, before binding. Check the rest of the channel AIL.
ELE and RUD assigned to the right source too. Be careful of throttle when
binding, just in case you had it reversed. Set a safety switch to your throttle, example
set
Safety = RUD DR0, Safe Val = -100. A good old fashion technique, a safety switch disables the throttle
so you don't accidentally bump the throttle.