Binding Orange to Spektrum

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Binding Orange to Spektrum

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15 June 2018 at 18:26 #77545
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Hi all,

I guess it had to happen, me being endlessly unfortunate where electrics are concerned.

A while back I bought myself a Spektrum TX a DX5e, then I bought a then very affordable Orange 6 channel Rx. I don't need 6 channels, but then I was also considering some aircraft activity.

Neither have been out of their packaging since they arrived as I only really do boat stuff in Summer.

Well, today I got together Tx. with batteries, RX. with a 5 cell pack (the Rx is fine from 3.7V to 9.6V. and a watch of youtubes and a read of the instructions. I did all that was presented to me and of course, nowt 'appened. The flashing of the Rx. didn't stop. I toggled the trainer lever and switched the TX on as instructed. The Tx. biddlybooped and it's lights came on, though Gawd knows what that means, but the Rx. just kept on flashing till my back ached too much to carry on sitting still.

What am I doing (or not) wrong? Anyone got any ideas, because I don't "do" problems. I expect stuff to work or it's out the window. Often followed by a large hammer, just to make me feel good. But this stuff is all new, never been used.

Help?

Cheers,

Martin
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15 June 2018 at 18:26 #5522
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
15 June 2018 at 19:21 #77546
Paul T
Participant
@pault84577
Martin

I had no end of trouble trying to bind orange to Spektrum, standing on one leg, in a bucket, at the bottom of the garden, on a day with a B in it, switched off everything that uses 2.4 and sacrificed a hamster to the great electronics god.

All no good.

I came to the conclusion that orange is just to awkward to use so I did some fine tuning with my sledge hammer.

So I keep my multi channel systems for helicopters and bought a super 2 channel 2.4 from Steve Webb for the boats.

Paul
15 June 2018 at 19:32 #77547
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Not really what I was wanting to hear, Paul, though a pc of you on one leg at the bottom of the garden would have been good.

So I have to look at my old 27 megs or buy again? But it's all new!

I'll check the cost of a Spektrum RX. Or even an Orange Tx.!

But I've spent a lot on getting some basic stuff in this damned tub and no closer to a working set-up. I HATE working models. Always have. Free sailing has a lot to recommend it. I like building. Don't really give a stuff about playing toy boats…round and round and figures of eight till the batteries run out…wake me up when it hits the bank could you?

Martin
15 June 2018 at 19:42 #77548
Paul T
Participant
@pault84577
Martin

The new kit that I bought is wonderful as it does everything it is supposed to do without any fuss (or standing in a bucket) it is literally plug and play.

Its just as simple as the old 27meg but without the interference and is a real joy to use.

Paul
15 June 2018 at 20:02 #77549
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Paul, I can't justify spending another 40 quid when I have 2 brand new items that simply don't work. Someone must know what to do.

Martin
15 June 2018 at 20:35 #77550
Andy C
Participant
@andyc56856
Hi Martin

Quick search of Youtube found a couple of videos. One where the bloke did not actually speak. Just twiddled a few buttons and hey presto. This one however did actually talk. See if it helps.
15 June 2018 at 21:19 #77553
Paul Freshney
Participant
@paulfreshney24971
Martin

I have had no problems whatsover binding a current manufactured Orange receiver to a Spektrum dx6, dx7 or dx8 Tx and have 3 in current use.

I stress the word ‘current’. The current Orange receivers will only work with DSM2 & DSMX protocols, which is the current operating system for Spektrum radios. Older radios, perhaps 5+ years old, were DSM and the newer (current) receivers will not work with the older system and vice-versa.

So, I would suggest you first check that both the receiver and Tx are the same protocol and that will be clear from the specification label on the receiver and the Tx manual/ front/rear cover.

I would also assume you have plugged in the binding plug to the receiver as nothing will happen if that is missing. It has to go in the bind socket and I had one really cheap orange receiver bought from the back of van (yes!) that had the label on back to front.

Finally, if I remember correctly, some early version 1 orange receivers had a button you needed to push, to also facilitate the binding process,

If the answers to the above bring no luck, then I have no idea what is wrong – sorry.

Good luck

Paul Freshney.
15 June 2018 at 21:55 #77554
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Paul, thanks for your thoughts. The Orange Rx. is DSM2, I think, either that or DSMX. The Spektrum DX5e is DSMX, but its instructions insist it is completely compatible with the alternative protocol. Do you happen to know which way round for the label is correct? I have read of that being found in other cases. Mine has the bind plug in the left side as you look down on the top surface with the plug section towards you. It says BIND/BATT.

I can afford to cast out the Rx as it only cost me £8, but I will have to find an RX. that will bind with the Tx as the Tx. was not an amount I am prepared to write off.

So, now I need to find something that will definitely bind with the Tx.

Cheers,

Martin
15 June 2018 at 22:34 #77555
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Well, I just bought some Chinese (ain't it all) Rx. that actually specifies my Tx. for compatibility. It's called an S603. I will also get some heavy duty alkalines for the TX. when the new Rx. arrives as it might be that that has stopped the binding of the Orange. I have no idea what the lights on the TX. refer to.

I can spend the weeks before it arrives from Hong Kong discharging and recharging my new rechargeables for the boat system's RC (sail winch and steering only, I'm really not ready for ESCs).

Cheers,

Martin
16 June 2018 at 00:18 #77560
Paul Freshney
Participant
@paulfreshney24971
Martin

I am currently not at home, away at our daughter’s, but I think your description of how you see your Orange Rx is correct.

With regard to a receiver, obviously a Spektrum original branded one should always work, but the cheapest is now c£30 or so.

If all else fails, then Al’s Hobbies are now the UK agent for Spektrum and offer a service facility I understand.

A couple of other thoughts:

The Tx and Rx actually will sometimes NOT bind if too close together on the bench. A metre or so apart is best, and the same applies when switching on at the pond side, that is assuming you have got it all working ok at home!

Batteries? If you have flashing lights on the Tx and Rx, then I would guess they are okay.

Finally, I stopped using the oblong orange receivers with a very short aerial (I only paid £4!) because they were/are park flyer, ie relatively short range. Currently I am using the orange 6 channel telemetry enabled receivers in two hulls because at £17.70 each from HobbyKing they are a third of the price of the genuine Spektrum version, one of which came with the Dx8 Tx, These Orange £17.70 receivers have two quite long aerials and are described as ‘full range’.

Very finally, my experience with r/c is that it is handy either to have two of everything, OR to have a friend with the same brand of system, because you can then compare the two to find the fault. For example, you currently don’t know for sure if the Tx or Rx is at fault, even though as you say, the Tx is making all the right light signals/noises and it is probably therefore a receiver problem.

Cheers for now – back to baby sittting…

Paul.
16 June 2018 at 09:09 #77562
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Paul, I think you hit the nail on the head with the statement about having a friend with the same gear. Alas, round here there are no other model boat fans. I did used to know a model aircraft guy, but he was all Futaba and is now unfortunately in the early stages of dementure. I would still go and see him, but his wife was never very pleased to see me, so that leaves me completely "on me Jack Jones" with the RC stuff and with no-one to swap notes with.

The Tx. lights don't actually flash. I think that might be for the DX6 and upwards. The instructions for the DX5e don't actually mention the lights at all.

I read about the "too close" possibility, so tried it from tother side of the room, still no good. I read somewhere that somebody found that the Rx. had bound without the flashing light going "solid", so I plugged the steering servo in on the yacht, but nothing happened beyond the servo "hunting" briefly.

We await the arrival of the new Rx. eagerly. I will report on that one when it happens.

Babysitting, eh? I can remember that, playing with their toys, then playing cards and then Scrabble. Now, they only want to look at heir 'phones and tonight that sweet little girl is off to a party looking like an 18 year old. Help! Where does it all go? Make the most of it, Paul, it'll soon pass. Oh and the little bu****s will be beating you at cards and Scrabble long before you thought they should.

Cheers,

Martin
16 June 2018 at 18:18 #77568
Paul Freshney
Participant
@paulfreshney24971
Martin

I did not mention that babysitting for our daughter and her partner (they went to a pop concert at the Eden Project last night) for Mrs F and myself, involves a 276 mile drive to Plymouth from Essex and the same to come back….

WRT Spektrum – my DX8 and Dx7 date from late-2010 and mid-2012 respectively. The price now is near enough the same as it was then, which says something about the cost of electronics.The benefit of their having a screen, is that if the binding fails, it says so on that screen and you can also visually see the binding process. Anyway, they have been fine for me, and both had LiPo packs installed early in 2017 to replace the old NiMH packs.

Cheers & good luck (!)

Paul.
16 June 2018 at 19:11 #77569
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Man, that's a hike to go babysitting. One of our sons lives way Ooop North and we have only seen the grandkids a few times.

My dear bride has just ordered me a set of Flysky RC gear as even she couldn't see the point in fretting over the Spektrum/Orange debacle when 20 quid settles it, so July birthday sees me opening a nice present. Meanwhile the other Rx. is on its way from Onk Onk and will tell us if the Spektrum is working as a brand new thing should.

Thanks,

Cheers,

Martin
16 June 2018 at 20:56 #77570
Gareth Jones
Participant
@garethjones79649
Martin,

Here are a couple of pointers that might help. Firstly I am a bit concerned by your comment in your last but one post that the transmitter lights do not flash and the instructions do not mention them flashing. I have just been out in my workshop and bound a DX5E transmitter to a Spektrum AR500 receiver, both DSM2 standard. The transmitter lights do flash and the instructions do mention them flashing. The sequence of events is as follows:-

Push the bind plug into the bind socket of the receiver and power the receiver from a suitable 4.8 or 6 volt battery. The orange LED in the receiver starts flashing rapidly.

Hold the trainer switch on the transmitter up and switch on the transmitter. All 4 LEDs 1 red, 3 green flash on the transmitter. The flash rate of the LED in the receiver slows down. At this point release the trainer switch and the 4 flashing lights on the transmitter become one solid green one showing its battery capacity.

After a few seconds the orange LED in the receiver stops flashing and goes out and then a few seconds later, it comes back on as a solid orange light and the two devices are bound.

Remove the bind plug from the receiver and then unplug its power supply. Switch off the transmitter. Both devices are now successfully bound.

The second pointer refers to the last line of your last post. A new receiver from Onk Onk will not necessarily tell you whether your transmitter is working as a brand new thing should. It will only do that if you have ordered a Spektrum receiver to the same protocol standard as your transmitter.

If you can confirm whether your transmitter is DSM2 or DSMX, I am prepared to lend you, by post, a compatible Spektrum receiver that I know will bind to my transmitter. You just have to pm me your address and then return the receiver to me afterwards.

I must point out I have no experience of Orange receivers and have never used anything other than Spektrum receivers with our Spektrum transmitters (DX5E, DX6i and DX6E)

Regards

Gareth
16 June 2018 at 21:25 #77573
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Gareth, that's a very kind offer and, I assume will check the Tx for working condition or otherwise. I am tempted to take you up on your offer. I'll PM you with my address.

I did everything you mentioned in the binding process, several times. But nothing happened. My DX5e is a DMX, but it insists that it is compatible with a DSM2 Rx. which is what the Orange is. Orange Rx's. at that time were said to be Spektrum clones and thousands are out there working perfectly.

However, if that is faulty, so be it, but if I test the TX with your RX. I will know for a fact if it works or not. I missed the bit in the instructions about any lights perhaps. I'm not a fan of lengthy manuals! But I am wondering if the batteries I used (rechargeables) were not perhaps giving the right voltage, so I have today bought some Alkalines and will try to bind it tomorrow with these in the back. At least it will show me the lights. I had one light fixed with one set of rechargeables and the light next to it with a different set. At least I can now start with a known set of good batteries, bought today new.

I'll report back tomorrow.

Meanwhile, PM on its way and thanks again for your kind offer.

Cheers,

Martin
16 June 2018 at 21:39 #77574
Gareth Jones
Participant
@garethjones79649
Martin,

OK let me know what you want to do. System compatibility is a bit of a minefield. We have a DX6i and DX6e, both of which operate on the DSMX system. However the older DX6i will work with older DSM 2 receivers, the newer DX6e won't, it will only work with DSMX (but the manual does admit that if you know where to look)

Regards

Gareth
16 June 2018 at 21:51 #77575
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
,Gareth,

I did read the bit that says the TX is compatible with DSM2. Same for the RX. The DX5e has "DSMX" on the label on the front. Inside the instructions it assures us that it'll also work on DSM2. Me? I haven't the slightest clue what they mean or do. I am so pleased I never took up aircraft. I really couldn't be bothered with all this programming stuff. It's so unnecessary for a boat. Maybe a steering adjustment for a racer, but I don't do racers. I do scale sail and scale motorboats. No military, so no need for turrets and radars to turn or guns to fire and the sound things always strike me as even worse than model railway sound and smoke and Lordy that's junk.

If something says it's compatible, I have to believe it as I can't disprove it. Accepting your offer (please see PM) is a good way to test my transmitter. If the Rx. you have already bound will bind to my TX, I know that Tx works, then the Orange Rx can be forgotten about. I have bought another RX (can't afford Spektrums) and my dear wife has ordered me a FlySky outfit for my birthday. Between all this lot I must find something that'll work or I really will go back to my trusty 27 meg Mini-Hex, Acoms and MacGregors. And if they've all packed it in, I'll just do something else for a hobby.

Cheers,

Martin
18 June 2018 at 21:51 #77614
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Well, prior to receiving your welcome package, Gareth,. I thought I go belt and braces and get some new Duracels for the Tx., so it's on maximum volts. Stepped a good 5 feet away and performed the procedure for binding, but as before I got a yellow light on the TX. on the right of the array, not flashing. The beedly boop sound comes the moment you turn on the power switch, but no flashing and no solid light on the receiver.

But at least it was worth checking.

Next we use Gareth's receiver to just see if the Tx. is working properly.

Cheers,

Martin
19 June 2018 at 13:54 #77619
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Hi Gareth,

well, I have used your receiver and the Tx. does just what it has before. No flashing lights, a Beedlyboop on turning on the power switch and no difference on the Rx. Rapid flashing, no slowing and certainly no solid light.

So, I am assuming that it must be the TX. that is at fault. How I wish I'd tried it out at the time, but we were busy with other things, health issues, moving home, etc. Now, it's way too late to claim warranty.

Just as well, my dear wife has ordered a FlySky 3 channel for me, new, a combo., for less than half the price!

Gareth, Rx. on it's way back to you tomorrow and thanks again.

Martin
19 June 2018 at 14:51 #77622
Gareth Jones
Participant
@garethjones79649
Hi Martin,

I would agree it looks like you have a duff transmitter. If you would like to do a complete back to back test you could send me your Orange receiver along with my Spektrum unit, and I will test that with my transmitters and return it to you afterwards. It's your choice.

I must say I was a bit concerned when you said you got a yellow light on the transmitter array of 4 lights (should be 1 red and 3 greens). I have never seen a yellow light on any of our DX5Es or in the manual and I can't recall ever reading about one on any of the forum threads I have looked at. Either its a really odd fault in your transmitter or there is more going on in these things than Spektrum tell the users.

Gareth

Edited By Gareth Jones on 19/06/2018 14:53:59
19 June 2018 at 16:09 #77624
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Hi Gareth,

it does look that way.

I just found the receipt inside the instruction booklet and it was bought from Phil Greeno models in 2011! Still hadn't touched it in all those years, so there's still no excuse for a duffer. Just my typical luck with electrics.

It could well be green lights. If they are a light, bright colour I might be misinterpreting them as yellow. I don't have great colour perception of lights particularly. Either way they don't flash, that's for sure.

I won't trouble you with the Orange RX., but thanks for the offer. I will attempt to bind that to the FlySky when it comes.

Apparently Al's Hobbies are service agents for these things. I might try contacting them. Or I might just swallow the cost and put the damned thing back on the shelf!

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,

Martin
29 July 2018 at 13:55 #78266
Martin Field 1
Participant
@martinfield1
Well, folks, the final solution with my recalcitrant Spektrum DX5e? I sent it to a friend in Germany and he discovered that on assembly in the factory (I've never had the case apart) one of the wires to the training switch had been cut right through by a case screw. Chum repaired and insulated that and it immediately bound to both the latest s 603 and the Orange Rxs. It even bound to his Orange Rx with stabilisers, which his own DX6 wouldn't do. But I don't really need another Rx, least of all with stabilisers!

He is making me some boards to allow my Taycol motors to be used with brushed ESCs. All I have to do is solder in a bridge rectifier to each board and we're rolling. I bought 5 of those from RS for 7 quid. As a thankyou I have made him an unusually short prop shaft and tube with a nice straight M3 thread on one end which he was unable to get started in his lathe. I had some 3mm shafting from some American slot car restorations I'd been doing in the winter.

It always pays to have different strings to one's bow.

So, thanks to all correspondents. It seems the Spektrum is far from proof from all manufacturing problems. But now works a treat AND I have a couple of 6 channel Rxs working with it.

Cheers,

Martin
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