Getting the micro radio working

This evening was spent getting my radio setup working. This micro radio from hobbyking is very cheap, and seems to be working fine. However, the documentation is lacking, to say the least.

First of all, my servos and the radio has the power and signal leads completely backwards. This meant that I had to unhook the leads from the servo connectors, and insert them in reverse order. Not terribly difficult, it's just a matter of using some sharp tool to lift the small plastic hook holding the leads in place, while pulling the wires out. Then just push them back inside in the correct order.

The leads should pull out with no resistance after lifting the plastic hooks

The binding was confusing. You have to connect channel 1 and 5 using a wire that comes with the radio, and then bind using your favourite hitec A-HFSS compatible transmitter. I'm using an Aurora 9x.

Set the transmitter in bind mode for a Minima, and wait for the green led to flash rapidly on the receiver. This worked fine. However, connecting the power/ESC to channel 3 after binding did not. The LED started flashing green again (it's supposed to be constant red when getting a signal). After some trial and error, connecting the ESC/power to channel 2 seems to do the trick.

Here's a video of my setup in action:

I guess I am running out of excuses to postpone the actual buidling of the plane now...

Don't try this at home

Just a quick update. I finally got the last JST connectors for my 2s 450mah batteries, and I threw together a ragtag balance + charging cable. It will short and burn down my appartment, I am well aware. However, it also pumps current into my batteries, which is, as we all know, far more important. I repeat; Do not try this at home. Ever.