FRsKy receiver X4R vs D4R-II (2024)

May 05, 2016, 05:35 PM

• #1

lebenj

Thread OP

Discussion

Hello,

I'm using since years the FRsKy receiver D4R-II with success.

There is now the X4R wich looks the same size and more or less the same functions.

My F3K gliders are now powered with a single cell Lipo (1S).
so the power voltage is between 4,2V and 3,7V (it's my low level alarm)
with D4R-II no problem, My experience and tests i made, confirm that given minimum operating voltage (in FRSKY specifications) of 3,5V is correct and can even be more less...

Does the X4R will works properly if powered with single cell Lipo (1S)?
the minimum operating voltage (in FRSKY specifications) is 4V
So in theory, it does not work...

anybody tried it?

May 05, 2016, 05:58 PM

• #2

i_am_mark_evans

I use the X4R, runs on 1s no problem, i fly down to 3.7v

Richard S has also tested them down to below 3v and they still worked fine. In fact i think he said the servos stopped before the rx did?.

May 05, 2016, 06:29 PM

• #3

sp00fman

May 05, 2016, 10:59 PM

• #4

Bare

May 06, 2016, 02:33 AM

• #5

Richard S

With a 1.5M DLG, I am regularly flying at distances > 1000ft . I also make extensive use of the telemetry logs for getting good antenna placement, measureing voltage drop under load, getting RSSI feedback when at distance (I like reassurance), altimeter logs for establishing min sink settings, immediate launch height feedback for perfecting preset and zoom settings etc etc. RX battery low voltage alarms etc.

The price difference is only about $10USD, and regardless more than half the price of many more popular brands.

FRSKY is not without its issues, the firmware upgrade paths are frustrating and also incredibly confusing for newcomers, and there are transmitters with much higher quality components. But the number of features offered by frsky above the other brands sets it apart for me... without telementry I would miss "playing" with all those extra settings.

For a mini-DLG flown by people who are not as interested in the technology side of the hobby, then the park-fly receivers make a good choice.

May 06, 2016, 09:48 AM

• #6

Chuchuf

The X4 receivers give you model match whereas the D4's don't. Not a big deal for me as I just make sure I have the correct model on and check all throws before flying.
I think the X4 receiver is a bit heavier but if you take off the case it's about the same weight as the D4.
X4 is a bit easier to do an altimeter whereas the D4 requires a slight cable mod.
Both work well IMO.

Terry

May 06, 2016, 10:29 AM

• #7

samc99us

May 06, 2016, 08:25 PM

• #8

mnowell129

I can confirm this. The receiver and normal servo outputs seem to work, but something in there wants 4 volts.

May 07, 2016, 01:12 AM

• #9

i_am_mark_evans

So if I'm using the white x4r (non sbus) version, that's fine under 4v right?

These are the only rx's I've used with my Taranis and I fly down to 3.7v

May 07, 2016, 05:51 AM

• #10

Richard S

bench tests.

X4R + precision altimeter + KST x-08

Last edited by Richard S; May 07, 2016 at 08:40 AM.

May 07, 2016, 01:49 PM

• #11

i_am_mark_evans

Nice test! and super piece of mind now.

But even nicer model in the background

May 07, 2016, 10:34 PM

• #12

JakeP

After watching that video I realized that power supplies come in more flavors than the 6-15 volt that I have, and I had to order one like yours!

Too many times I've wanted to power up something outside of the range of my ancient (to me) unit and never took the time to check on the options.

It's nice having the right tools

May 08, 2016, 03:29 PM

• #13

pentium

If you read the specifications for D4 and X4R the latter has a higher "operating current" at 100mA@5v whereas the D4 uses 60mA (voltage not specified!?). The specifications are from www.t9hobbysport.com.

I am puzzled about the video, seeing the X4R working at 2,7 v.

When I installed a X4R with single cell lipo + 4 MKS servos in my DLG, it didn't seem stable. (I probably didn't test enough) But that must have been for some other reason than the low voltage then? I ended up using a step-up circuit to 5v.

But in light of this I will seriously consider dropping the step-up, which will lower the power consumption. More testing when my MKS servos are back from service in Taiwan.. I also considered changing the X4R to a D4 (which I have on the shelf).

It would be nice to know the exact reason why the X4R is specified for 4v-10v and not lower..

May 08, 2016, 03:55 PM

• #14

i_am_mark_evans

Maybe it's just Frsky covering themselves by listing it at 4v minimum?

I think spektrum will tell you never to use single cell lipo for the their rx's too, but the ar6260 works for me on 1s.

Either way i'm super happy with the test Richard has done, i've used the X4R on 1s with both KST08 and also SD150/100 (D60/47) servos now and all has been good.

May 08, 2016, 04:02 PM

• #15

JakeP

Is it possible that the extra capabilities of the X4R other than receiving a signal and driving servos are the reasons for a higher min. rating?

It seems to me that the basic functions of reception and relaying signal down line to servos would be consistent between receivers, and that those functions alone would actually take very little power to accomplish.

But then again, I am not an electrical engineer type, so what do I know