That was a nice write up, it confirms what I already knew about the radio. I guess my question really digs deeper... is there any thing new that the MPX setup flexibility brings to the table? i.e. Here is all that power and flexibility of MPX programming, is there some way that people are harnessing it that makes my top shelf TX obsolete because it can't do what this radio can?
It seems to me that all the mixes we do to control a sailplane are basically known and understood, and all of the top shelf radios are capable. If that is true, I don't see where the extra flexibility is needed. In fact, I imagine it can lead to all kinds of unique setups that can make it difficult for even experts of the radio to understand other peoples setups, just because of all the different combinations to do essentially the same thing.
Now the above doesn't mean I can't understand why people would like to roll their own, I can see where that could be quite interesting to some folks. But the end result is the same, we all basically move the same sticks in the same directions, and expect the sailplane mixes we all know and love in the end.
Jim
At 01:41 PM 1/16/2004, Jon Stone wrote:
Jim,
I've used the Stylus, 8103, and Vision. I've also studied each of the manuals for the 8UAF, 8103, 10X and Evo several times. And like you, I program computers.
In short, the Evo's programming paradigm is completely different, and gives you many new ways to skin the cat. In the end, you still have to move the sticks to make your time and put it on the end of the landing tape.
The good side of the Evo is conceptually, it is pretty clean. It does have a few gotchas, which have been discussed to death on rcgroups. There are limitations. The battery management system is a major step up from anything I've mentioned.
On the Vision and mostly the Stylus, all the mixers are pre-programmed. All you have to do is fill in some numbers. Other brands require you to program a few mixers here and there. Some brands require "creative" use of available mixers, flight modes, etc. to get the job done.
However, the Evo is a like really cool erector set.... unassembled. You turn it on, and you've got nothing. They make you assign switches & sticks to mixers, and then mixers to servo channels, and fill in tens of values along the way. THEN.... servos on your plane start moving.
Take aileron differential. On the Stylus, you get 4 numbers to fill it for each of the flight modes. Launch, land, thermal, and cruise. On the evo, it is a blank check. You have to create mixers, assign to flight modes, assign input "widgets" and output channels to the mixers.... THEN you get to plugging in the same 4 numbers.
Kind of like buying your house assembled. You put the furniture in, and move in. But you can't change the room layout if you don't like it. The Evo, is like a full custom house. You have to make decisions what kind of door knobs, door jams, and countertops you get... for months. Then you get exactly the house you want. But it takes a few months of studying and planning, and decision making the first time.
It's a really cool radio, but not for everyone.
Jim Downers Grove, IL Member of the Chicago SOAR club, AMA 592537 LSF 7560 Level IV ICQ: 6997780 AIM: InventorJim R/C Soaring blog at www.jimbacus.net
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