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We were quite excited when we received the Taranis Q X7 transmitter. It is affordable and fortunately, in this case, low cost doesn’t mean low quality. It is a very comfortable radio to hold and use.
Some other positives
- 60 models can be programmed out of the box, expandable with SD card.
- You can save and transfer files between the Q X7 and the X9D radios—they’re cross compatible.
- They come with quad ball bearing gimbals, but they can be upgraded with hall sensor gimbals from FrSky in the future.
- SD card allows you to add voice files so the radio can talk to you when programmed.
- The battery tray can be removed to use a 2-3s battery.
- The rubberized grips help with quality feel.
- 4×3 position switches. One two position and one spring switch—All are assignable.
- There are no range issues for the radio link.
Less positive (not negative!)
- The USB port is on the bottom of the radio making simulator use uncomfortable.
- It does not come with a receiver or batteries. You need to purchase separately on the store.
Other info
- The menu system is better navigated by using the wheel.
- The menu system is intimidating but has a lot of features that with time become easy.
- The module bay is on the back for expansions. If you are using Spektrum, long range systems, increase channels from 16 to 32.
- It is possible to upgrade receiver firmware using the radio.
- Both sticks are centered, at FT we are disabling the throttle spring for you to make the radio a mode 2 when purchased. TJ does the modification.
Taranis Q X7 Set-Up
[Note: Reference the video for removing the throttle spring depending on mode 1 or mode 2 at 7:58 and the rest of the setup.]
Taranis Q X7 menu functions:
- Main radio menus Hold menu button
- Model menus tap menu button
- Scroll forward through menus tap page
- Go back in menus hold page
- Enter is pushing on the wheel
- Scroll within the menu use wheel
Calibrate radio page 9/9 on main radio menu, hold menu then hold page to go back to page 9.
Install receiver to plane, TAER (throttle, aileron, elevator, rudder). On the D4R-II receiver we used install the servo pins to the corresponding channels. Channel 1 is throttle, channel 2 is aileron, channel 3 is elevator and channel 4 is rudder.
Menu button, #2, enter and create model.
Exit to main menu. Click menu to go to first page and change the model name using the wheel.
Scroll down to internal RX. Choose mode D8 for the D4R-ii receiver then click “bind.”
Hold the FS Button on your receiver when plugging in the battery to enter bind mode.
Once the RX is on, hit exit on the Taranis, unplug the battery on the plane and plug it back in to test if bound.
Reference video to setup dual rates.
[1:47]
Click menu and page until you get to “outputs” menu. To change direction on your outputs click the wheel, scroll over to the arrow and click the wheel to change direction.