Setting Up A Taranis Controller

WARNING: These instructions are old and might not work anymore

Using a Taranis X9D (Plus) RC transmitter as a controller

If you already own a Taranis X9D (Plus) RC transmitter and want to use it as a controller, it can be configured to work with the Python PC client or the Android client app.

Fortunately the transmitter is able to act as an USB Joystick (see https://github.com/opentx/opentx/wiki/OpenTX-USB-Joystick).

Create a new model for the Taranis X9D (Plus)

You should create a new model when using the Taranis as an USB Joystick:

• you can turn off both internal and external TX modules
• you need to configure the thrust input (Weight 50% and Offset 50%)
  • otherwise you can not use the full travel of the axis assigned to thrust
• Servos menu
  • invert Thrust (CH1)
  • invert Eleron (CH3)

You can also download the configuration as an EEPE file and install it with the OpenTX Companion application.

• USB Joystick EEPE file: usbjoystickforandroidcfclient.eepe.zip
• Download the latest Companion application here: https://www.open-tx.org/2015/07/16/opentx-2.1.0

Python PC client

Configure the Python client

1. Turn on the Taranis
2. Connect the Taranis with a USB cable to the PC
3. Go to Input device → Configure device mapping
4. Assign all axes
5. (Optional) Save the configuration as a new profile

Or paste the following code in a new file and save it as FrSkyTaranis.json in the conf/input subdirectory of your Python PC client installation:

{
  "inputconfig": {
    "inputdevice": {
      "updateperiod": 10, 
      "name": "FrSkyTaranis", 
      "axis": [
        {
          "scale": -1.0, 
          "type": "Input.AXIS", 
          "id": 0, 
          "key": "thrust", 
          "name": "thrust"
        }, 
        {
          "scale": 1.0, 
          "type": "Input.AXIS", 
          "id": 3, 
          "key": "yaw", 
          "name": "yaw"
        }, 
        {
          "scale": 1.0, 
          "type": "Input.AXIS", 
          "id": 1, 
          "key": "roll", 
          "name": "roll"
        }, 
        {
          "scale": -1.0, 
          "type": "Input.AXIS", 
          "id": 2, 
          "key": "pitch", 
          "name": "pitch"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

Use the Taranis X9D (Plus) with the Python client

• Before connecting to the Crazyflie, check that all axes are working (values should change in the client)
• Attention: Always make sure that the thrust stick is all the way down before connecting to the Crazyflie
• Fly the Crazyflie with the Taranis and have fun! :-D

Further ideas to explore

• Configure switches on the Taranis as buttons for emergency stop, etc.
• Try out dual rates and/or expo

Android client

Configure the Crazyflie Android client app

Here are the necessary steps to configure the Crazyflie Android client:

1. Turn on the Taranis
2. Connect the Taranis with a USB cable and a USB host (OTG) adapter to the Android device
   • The Taranis screen should display a USB symbol when it’s connected
3. Check that all sticks are in center position
4. Open the Crazyflie Android client
5. Go to Preferences → Controller Settings and switch Controller to Gamepad
6. Go to Gamepad axis and button mapping and configure the following axes
   • Right analog X axis should be AXIS_Y
   • Right analog Y axis should be AXIS_Z
   • Left analog X axis should be AXIS_RX
   • Left analog Y axis should be AXIS_X
7. Depending on the mode you are using on the Taranis (Mode 1 or 2), set the Mode in the Android app
   • Preferences → Flight control settings → Mode

Use the Taranis X9D (Plus) with the Crazyflie Android client

1. Before connecting to the Crazyflie, check that all axes are working (values should change in the Android app)
2. Attention: Always make sure that the thrust stick is all the way down before connecting to the Crazyflie :!:**
3. Connect to the Crazyflie 2 over BLE
   • If you have a Crazyflie 1 you need to use a (powered) USB hub to connect both the Taranis RC transmitter and the Crazyradio USB dongle
4. Fly the Crazyflie with the Taranis and have fun!