taranis qx7 display screens factory

This is a review of the Taranis Q X7 by Frsky, a RC transmitters (TX). It’s just been released, and it’s the younger sibling of the Taranis X9D – probably one of the most popular TX among FPV mini quad pilots.

The Taranis Q X7 offers two choices of colour: white and black. Comparing to the Taranis X9D, it’s around 15mm wider, around 10mm lower in height and 10-15mm thinner. It weights 619g without a battery, about 70g lighter than the X9D.

It has a futuristic and minimalistic shape with sharper corners and not so much of ovality like the X9D. In every aspect, the QX7 looks like a totally different TX.

There are 6 switches and two pots on the radio. Taranis X9D has 2 extra switches and 2 extra pots on the side. There is no name labeling for the switches on the TX. That information can only be found in the manual and the orientation is visible on the screen.

The Q X7 LCD Screen has lower resolution than Taranis X9D which is noticeable right away. It is also narrower, and more pixelated. There is no option to change backlight color – it is blue-ish green.

Haptic feedback is improved as well. It does work nicer compared to X9D where vibrations felt like the case was about to explode. It is more gentle with the QX7.

The gimbals are not the best, but they are okay. These are ball bearing gimbals, same as the stock X9D gimbals. They are not interchangeable with Taranis X9D gimbals (M9) because of the different size and mounting holes pattern (around 10mm smaller than on X9D). However Frsky will release the hall sensor gimbals upgrade for the QX7 soon – X7 gimbals (need to be purchased separately).

To open the Taranis Q X7, there are 4 screws to be removed. Unlike X9D, after removing screws the back panel can be detached completely because there is no electronics hanging off it.

Taranis Q X7 does not come with a battery and charger. There is no charging circuit inside the TX. It comes with an AA battery tray (6xAA) fitted in the back of the radio.

I have tested this radio in various locations and conditions (park, underground car park) typically flown by some FPV pilots, and they have not noticed any difference in terms of range and signal strength comparing to the Taranis X9D.

Taranis Q X7 came pre-flashed with OpenTX 2.2. OpenTX firmware is also used on other Taranis radios but this one is customised to work with Q X7 hardware specifically, which means some options might be omitted. For instance there is no backlight color change of the LCD screen nor model icon available. I believe this is due to the limits of the screen.

The price of a Taranis X9D is a bit steep for pilots with tight budgets, apart from getting a Turnigy 9X/9XR and DJT/XJT module now we have a new alternative! The Taranis Q X7 was made for those who want cheaper Frsky solution without compromising much of quality.

If you already have a Taranis X9D then you probably wouldn’t need the Q X7, because you already have the full package. If you’re a beginner or someone want to step into FrSky “ecosystem”, then the Taranis Q X7 is a great option.

Excellent FrSKY Taranis X9D Plus, more specialized Taranis X9E, new groundbreakng flagship Horus X12S and now the youngest brother in the FrSKY radio product lineup — Taranis Q X7. Claimed to have significantly lower price comparing to Taranis X9D Plus, this product is aimed to conquer minds of new hobby incomers and provide uncompromised experience for some tough budgets.

For those who are not familiar with FrSKY Taranis Plus yet, I would like to shorty clarify why possessing FrSKY radios now is giving much more profit in a long term and why it outperforms almost any other competitors in price:

IMPORTANT: soon the new product — M7 — Hall sensor magnetic aluminum gimbals for Taranis Q X7 would be on sale. For now, there are similar M9 gimbals for X9DPlus and X9D already available.

Q X7 incorporates a new, modern design comparing to more conservative Taranis Plus look. But this is a matter of how well does this radio handles in overall, right? I do like the newer design and I do like how it feels in hands. So, nothing to complain about here. Although, I would say that I would like this radio to be a bit heavier which can be solved by using some larger capacity battery. Black or white color — they both would be available from the start — is up to the customer. I’ve got white and think that this would help a lot in case if I’d do some shell paint in future.

I can reach any switch on the radio with my fingers despite the fact that I am a two-finger pilot. Switches seem to be on par with what we used to in Taranis Plus and knobs with center detents are very tight. I like this — no longer would I accidently move it.

Screen and navigation buttons section are neat and perfectly located. Moreover, I would say that using navigation and control buttons is where Q X7 outperforms its older brother — Taranis Plus. Using rotary encoder with center press for ENTER and 3 control buttons on the left is much quicker and convenient comparing to separate buttons of Plus radio. Someone mentioned that he would lack some button shortcuts, but I’d say that shortcuts are used rarely comparing to other settings and navigation. So, consequently, the total time used to set the model would significantly decrease.

The screen is 3inch and has 128х64 resolution. Brightness and contrast can be adjusted. Backlight is provided by 4 LEDs at the upper part of the screen. LED color is white.  Despite being smaller than the screen of X9DP — it still handles all the necessary information well. Nothing too small or unreadable. Unfortunately, I can still see the vertical line contrast difference in some sub-menus as in Taranis Plus but it is not a concern as long as the contrast is not dialed abnormally.

When looking on the insides — stick cables are all neatly tied together with the special plastic lasso. I had to give each cable a bit more length to get the smoothest movements. In overall, I would say that Taranis X9DP and Q X7 are the same in terms of the sticks and how they feel.

The radio comes with OpenTX 2.2 (nightly) preinstalled. I believe that when Q X7 would get released the FW would be updated to stable version. There is not much of a difference to Taranis X9D Plus firmware except for the look of the main and subsequent screen when pressing PAGE button. This has to do with the screen size and some information has changed its location. Anyway, everything is perfectly readable and usable. Main system and model menus are the same.

By the way, I have discovered the new feature that I didn’t mention in the video — whenever we see a horizontal line on the main and subsequent screens with the press of the PAGE button — if we would scroll with the encoder the bottom half of the screen would show the next corresponding values. Example: when we are at channels monitoring screen at the bottom half we see only 8 channels output — scrolling with the encoder would shift to the next 8 channels and so on. At the same time, the horizontal bar in the middle of the screen would also shift the selection to indicate which number of the channels listing we are at currently. Good.

DFU and bootloader mode are present. Either the radio is switched off and goes to DFU when connected to PC or it forwards all the resources to PC when switched on with trim buttons to center. OpenTX Companion latest build already has Taranis X7 profile but is not yet able to handle radio settings and models. Waiting for the final release or the next version update.

I wated to compare Q X7 and Taranis Plus in terms of radio signal strength. For this, I’ve taken 1 RX8R receiver and used it with both radios one after another. I’ve left the radios on the table and travelled the same distance through 3 floors of my house to find a room where both radios would report RSSI warnings. Both radios lost the signal at the same room — my garage. But, according to the video — you can see that two radios interpret RSSI figures in some different way or|and with different request periods. Sometimes Q X7 shows larger RSSI value while travelling through the house, sometimes Taranis Plus shows a better value. Moreover, Plus has somehow managed to record RSSI = 12 and Q X7 recorded the smallest RSSI = 46 (although there were lower RSSI values on the screen). So, I would say that it is too early to conclude something. To test both radios in the same conditions we have to use the same OpenTX 2.2 FW + it should be stable. The only conclusion so far — both lost the signal at the same room. Seems that both radios should handle signal similarly.

I really like this new FrSKY product — Taranis Q X7. Its main aim is to satisfy newcomers and tight budgets not compromising the overall functionality. And I think that as long as the price would be reasonable — this little beast would outperform any other competitor in terms of price|quality|functionality ratio. The final word is awaited from the manufacturer’s side — the verdict on price (UPDATE: officially stated price is $105). Hope that it would not be a miss and this radio would be able to attract a whole bunch of new users to the FrSKY worldwide community.

Remember our first QX7 review? The one that was talking about the very first white color radio in the world? This was Part I. And there we claimed that this radio would become a bestseller on the matket… It was our prophecy and it really worked!!! QX7 had a rocket launch and fastly spread out in among hobby addicts. There was a constant shortage at first couple of months and than sales stabilized at some high level.

While working hard to satisfy the market demand, FrSKY company gathered all initial customer feedback and introduced some changes to fulfil further auditory expectations. And today we want to point out all changes that were done to QX7 since the early releases to show how this radio has matured and its final and current look.

Now, I want to insist on reading PART I of QX7 review first if you haven’t done it yet. Part I has all necessary and important information about this rafio which we would not focus on during this time.

Screen:another very good change that I’ve noticed is about the screen. As it is clearly seen on the pictures — early version screens were more succeptible to contrast lines (vertical dark lines on evenly lit background) when contrast is set to >16 points. I’ve dialled contrast to 20 and screen brightness to 100% on both radios to show you the difference. Current radio version has hardly visible contrast lines. It was never a problem in early QX7 or even in X9D, X9DPlus radios because it could be controlled by the amount of contrast set in system menu but still is a good step ahead.

Battery holder:QX7 currently comes with 6 AA battery holder… Not a big deal especially when everyone chooses 18650 or other battery options but still much better than not having this in the box as if it was with early radio release.

Antenna is now soldered to RF board. Early versions of QX7 had efl antenna connector which means easy antenna mod. But this also means that radios would not comply to some regulations standards and would violate certification rules. Moreover, antenna mods might lead to unexpected RF amplifier behavior and result into burning it. So, my personal opinion — soldered antenna is not a drawback — it might eliminate some additional problems….

That’s it. I couldn’t find any other visible changes between 2 radio releases — old and new one. If you happen to have early release — there is no need to sell it and run for the newer versions. Not much of a change… On the other hand — this radio has matured from the best product to a perfect one. It was the bestseller since the realease and now it became the ideal product that stays at the very low price point. The only thing left to wait to make this radio 100% masterpiece are Hall sensor gimbals «M7» that would hit the market in some nearest future. Anyway, no other radio around that can even try to come close to QX7. And what is the most important — Taranis QX7 is a good illustration to show that FrSKY company is opened to market feedback, reacts to it very fast and stays very flexible in order to meet all expectations. Such attitude deserves much of respect!!!

The Taranis QX7. If there ever was a radio to get into FPV in the past few years, it was this one. It was affordable, had all the features of its big brother, the X9D, and many pilots flew it. Now, we will be taking another look at this long-standing budget radio and comparing it with other options on the market.

When you order the FrSky Taranis QX7, it comes in a nice box, well protected by foam and plastic wrapped. Also, the radio comes with a FrSky transmitter strap and a SmartPort cable. The included transmitter strap is really nice and high quality. It is a thick fabric material that feels comfortable on the neck.

However, I can’t say the same thing for the switches. They felt cheap, and some of them had a significant amount of play in the middle position. I wish FrSky put in some nice switches into the Taranis QX7, but again, it is a budget radio and you can’t really complain for the price.

On first power up, you are welcomed with the Taranis splash screen, and then brought to the default model screen. From there, you may go and configure you radio to your heart’s content. But for now, let’s inspect the hardware.

There are three main PCB boards in the Taranis QX7. At the lower part of the radio, we have the main board, hosting the CPU, power circuitry, clock, LCD circuitry, and inputs/outputs. The middle PCB enables access to the JR port, allowing users to plug in external transmitter modules, such as the FrSky R9M system and the TBS Crossfire (with some modification). The top PCB is the internal transmitter module, which modulates the stick inputs into radio waves to go to the receiver.

Overall, the build quality internally of the Taranis QX7 is impeccable. However, I did notice that one of the solder joints going to my buzzer was a little bit questionable. Other than that, everything was great.

For almost $20 cheaper, you can go out and purchase a FrSky X9 Lite for $90. The X9 Lite has more features, more channels (ACCESS protocol), lower latency, and the same range and functionality of the Taranis QX7. Also, it is more ergonomic for pinchers and hybrid pinchers.

However, the Taranis QX7 is better suited for thumbers, and has stood the test of time as one of the best budget radios on the market. Also, the QX7 has reportedly better build quality then the X9 Lite. Another important thing to note is that since the QX7 has been out for longer, there are more guides and setup tutorials on the QX7 than the X9 Lite.

The FrSky X-Lite is a bit more expensive than the QX7. It comes with the FrSky ACCESS protocol, which gives lower latency, more channels, and more features. The form factor is obviously geared towards the thumb grip, as it looks just like a game controller!

Also, the X-Lite-S version has M12 hall effect gimbals, which are vastly superior to potentiometer gimbals. If you favor the thumb grip of the familiar game controller feel, then the X-Lite is undoubtedly the winner against the QX7.

This really is not a fair comparison because the QX7 is $107, while the X9D Plus is $182. If you can afford to go with the X9D Plus, then you should. It is better in almost every way compared to the QX7. ACCESS protocol, better scroll wheel, better ergonomics, faster processor, Spectrum analyzer capability, and higher resolution LCD to name a few.

The QX7 beats the Flysky FS-i6 out of the water. It is more comfortable and has a feature set that Flysky can’t even touch. But this is not to say that the FS-i6 is a bad radio is any means. I have personally used this radio for years, and can testify that it is light, super easy to use, and is very durable.

In conclusion, the FrSky Taranis QX7 remains a great choice for a budget FPV radio system. Sure, there are other radios out there that are better than it for just a little bit more money, but the Taranis QX7 has stood the test of time, and has proved itself more than worthy of consideration for FPV. Furthermore, since the QX7 has been out for a while, it also has the most support for it from websites, reviewers, and guides.

This isn’t the first FrSky Taranis X9D Plus Special Edition, but it is the first to kind of change both the external appearance and the functions on the inside of the radio.  Some of the new changes have been developed on some of the latest generation of newer FrSky transmitters, and have culminated into the Taranis X9D Plus Special Edition 2019.

On the outside of the radio, there are a few changes to take note of.  The first is the all important power button.  On all older versions of the Taranis, this is a slide switch, but taking a page from the Taranis QX7 and X-Lite, this has been switched to a button.  To power on the unit, simply hold down the power button, and the LCD screen will cycle showing you it’s powering up.  Once the screen changes, you can release the button.  To power the unit down, again, simply hold down the power button.  If you let it go while it’s cycling, the power will not turn off.  This prevents any accidental shut down of the radio while you have a model in the air, which we all know would be just slightly inconvenient….

If your eyes are keen, you have already noticed the wart on the left shoulder of the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus.  But a wart it is not!  It is, however, a momentary button that can be used for just about anything you can think of.  For me, I use it to reset my flight timer.  (Yes, I still use a flight timer, even with OSD, I’m old school like that).  Also, the switches and pots all around the transmitter have been upgraded, with a noticeable feel over the original FrSky Taranis X9D Plus.

Last, but certainly not least, the gimbal sticks come perfectly embellished with the FrSky Lotus stick ends.  These are a definite upgrade to the standard stick ends on the old X9D Plus, and a little less stabby (yes, it’s a word… it’s my word) than the ones that were stock on the original FrSky Taranis X9D Plus Special Edition.  Granted, the lotus style stick ends work better for thumb users, but they do give some positive reinforcement for pinch and hybrid users as well.

Gone is the barrel plug on the side of the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE.  Instead, it supports internal charging of Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries via USB.  Note that no battery comes with the transmitter, you will need to source one yourself.  I’m am of two minds on this to be honest.  First, I’m really not too sure on the safety of charging a Li-Po inside of the radio… call me paranoid.  Second, FrSky has made it difficult to source a battery for this radio, as there’s not many 2S options for Li-Po that deliver enough longevity.  The older Taranis models could accept up to 3S power, but that’s no longer the case.  While you could use the NiMH battery that the old Taranis models shipped with, the USB charging system will not charge it, so you will need to find an alternative means.

Then i uninstall OpenTX and re-install companion9x. I donwgrade Taranis firmware to 294 again. I tested but same result, Backlight doesn"t work. I had never opended my Tarnis but yerterday night i opened to check all wires was ok. It was all right.

I can try to install others firms as you say. I wish to be sure problem is a software bug, before re-open my Taranis to check electronic circuits again.

Sometimes things just don’t go like they should. One of those time is when the wrong firmware has been installed on your Taranis. Say that you have an original Taranis, but accidentally install the Taranis Plus firmware. This is not a good thing. Everything from a completely blank (aka: bricked) transmitter to one seemingly possessed by the Poltergeist has been reported. Another possible reason for the problem is that the firmware you downloaded was, somehow, corrupted in transit.

Look in Device Manager (Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Device Manager) to see if you have any reference to STM in DFU mode listed. If you have anything else relating to Taranis, uninstall it.

Download and run Zadig. There are specific instructions on how to do that in Scott Page’s video, “Upgrading a Taranis to v2.0.” The relevant portion begins around the 4:00 minute mark. While this video specifically addresses moving an older Taranis (pre v2.0 firmware) to the newer v2.0 family, the procedure for running Zadig and installing the STM Bootloader in the proper location is exactly the same fore this case.You can also find detailed instructions at Open-TXU in the Undergraduate -> Fundamentals of OpenTX (Win) -> Intro. to Zadig class.

Again,every time, before removing the Taranis from the computer USB connection, be sure to disconnect the Taranis using Safe Eject. Strange things have happened to those who ignore this warning.

I test flew it on a 20 mile flight late yesterday after I wrote it and it works great. I added in the timers in the RC too for current flight time (timer2) and TTE (Total Time Engine), which I keep track of with Timer 1. Don’ t need any widgets or graphical display because I don’t feel the screen is really big enough for that. With the Horus that’s probably great, but the X9D (and QX7 is worse) just doesn’t have the screen real estate for it IMO.

OpenTX radios like Jumper T16 or Radiomaster TX16S have big color LCD screens, capable of displaying images. OpenTX has splash screen, background and model images that can be easily customized.

If you want to use install one of these splash screens, just right click and select save image, rename it to splash.png and copy to the /IMAGES/ folder on your radio SD card.

The FrSky Taranis QX7 ACCESS features 24 channels with a faster baud rate and lower latency thanks to its high-speed module digital interface. As with the rest of the ACCESS transmitters, it provides a secure and reliable link, along with wireless firmware updating making it fully compatible with our newest line of OTA receivers. The battery compartment now includes a 2s Lion battery and can be balance charged via the Mini USB interface.