Last week I reviewed two FrSky receivers and now it’s time to review the Taranis Q X7 transmitter – which is the latest and cheapest TX from FrSky.
When it comes to remote-controlled gadgets, FrSky is a very popular radio system among RC fanatics. They are future-packed, reliable, and now also affordable. When I saw the price of the Horus X12S I was totally discouraged, my wife would never let me spend $500 for a transmitter (: . Luckily the FrSky ACCST Taranis Q X7 comes with a much friendly price tag.
Sold for about 120 bucks, the Taranis QX7 is not just the cheapest FrSky transmitter but also the most colorful TX on the market. You can find it in 6 different colors (black, blue, green, orange, purple and white).
FrSky ACCST Taranis Q X7 Highlights
- Quad Ball Bearing Gimbals;
- Upgradable with Frsky M7 Hall Sensor Gimbals;
- Convertible into Mode 1, 2, 3 and 4 TX easily;
- Audio Speech Outputs (values, alarms, settings, etc.);
- Vibration Alerts;
- Antenna status detection and adjustment;
- Real-time Flight Data Logging;
- Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) Alerts;
- Super Low Latency;
- Smart Port Supported;
- Model configuration files compatible with TARANIS X9D Plus;
- Open source firmware, OpenTx installed;
- Removable AA battery cartridge.
FrSky Taranis Q X7 review with pros and cons
Before I get into details I should thank Banggood for offering this nice transmitter. Although few of my readers consider that sponsored drone reviews are biased, BG or any other of my partners never requested me to write my reviews in a favorable way for them. To be honest, even if some of my reviews were negative, they didn’t stop sending me more samples.
The transmitter was sent with Express EMS shipping, which finally proved to be not too fast…I received the transmitter after about three weeks.
Although we agreed on a green one with mode 2, I received a blue one with mode 1 (right throttle stick). Because I’m used only with mode 2 transmitters, I had to take apart the Taranis Q X7 to convert the sticks from mode 2 into mode 1.
Taranis Q X7 mode change (convert from mode 1 into mode 2)
Firstly I thought that I can simply reverse the two sticks, but after some research, I found out that is even more easy to do the mode switch by adjusting the spring screws.
There are 4 screws to be removed in order tp open the FrSky QX7 and you also need to unplug the battery connector. The back panel can be detached completely allowing easy accesses to all the internal components. Note: When you put it back take care not to bend the external TX pins.
When I firstly looked inside of the Taranis Q X7 I said WOW, inside there is everything clean and well organized. Wires are tied.
On the image above, I marked the screws that you need to adjust. Two screws release/strengthen the springs and the other two set the friction of the stick.
After you are done don’t forget to make the change also on the TX’s menu (page1).
FrSky Taranis Q X7 main specs
- Up to 16 channels;
- Up to 60 model memories (upgradable through micro SD card);
- Compatible with FrSky X series, D series and V8-II series receivers;
- 6 switches (4 of which are three-positioned) and 2 pots;
- Wide range of input voltage (6~15V);
- Up to 210mA current consumption when both RF module and LCD backlight are ON;
- 128*64 screen;
- It weights about 620 grams without a battery.
FrSky Taranis Q X7 review – Design and Controls
The Tarans Q X7 RC has a minimalistic but somehow futuristic design. It looks a lot different compared to other FrSky remote controllers.
Build quality is excellent. Rubber grips on the back feel nice and comfortable.
On the front panel, besides the usual control sticks and trimming switches, you can find the status LCD, control buttons (Exit, Menu and Enter), Dial knob, 4 switches (two on each side) and two pots. The power switch is located right in the middle of the QX7 TX. You can find a detailed description of all the parts in the Taranis QX 7 user manual.
Additionally, you have two more shoulder switches, one on each side (right one is momentary). BTW, all switches are assignable.
The audio speaker is located on top of the FrSky QX7 transmitter, right above the neck strap hook.
Maybe the status screen does not have the greatest resolution but it does the job well. Thanks to the blue backlight it is visible during sunny days as well during low light conditions.
On the bottom of the TX, behind of a rubber flap, you can find the micro SD Card slot, mini USB socket and TF port (for the future development).
FrSky Taranis Q X7 review – Battery Options
By default, the QX7 is powered by 6 pieces of AA batteries and no built-in charging circuit, which is pretty lame, in my opinion.
Luckily the batteries are loaded into a removable tray and the connector inside the battery bay is a standard 2S balancing socket.
Checking my spare Li-Po’s I found a 2s 2000mW, one that fits perfectly in place of the tray and allows about 4 hours of constant use.
FrSky Q X7 VS FlySky FS-i6
As you can see in the image below, the Taranis Q X7 has a more professional design than FlySky FS-i6 has.
While the Q X7 features up to 16 channels, the FS-i6 has only 6 channels. The Q X7 comes with Open TX firmware and the F6-i6 with a less versatile and closed-source firmware.
I liked that the FrSky QX7 comes with a configurable timer for each model, which will let you know the remaining time until safe landing. Audio and vibration alerts are also beneficial.
Even if both transmitters are designed for AA batteries, the QX7 can be easily adapted for Li-Po batteries.
With all the above, I find the FS-I6 a nice entry-level RC but with its own limitations.
Pricing and availability
Whether you own a micro FPV drone or a larger cruising quadcopter, the FrSky Q X7 is a great option for each. Right now you can find it with 23% off here (including free shipping). Don’t ask me why but the white one costs 5 bucks less than other color options.
What I liked
- Decent price;
- Many color options;
- Excellent range;
- Built-in speaker with voice feature;
- Removable AA battery cartridge (Li-Po upgrade possibility);
- You can flash external receivers via Smartport;
- You can use external transmitter modules (even FlySky-compatible ones);
- Easy mode conversion (modes 1,2,3 and 4).
What I didn’t like
- Low-resolution LCD screen;
- There is no built-in charging circuit.
Don’t waste your time with cheaper radios. The Taranis Q X7 is a radio you can keep for a long time.
It’s still a wonderful radio, but shitty protocol. Mine has an ELRS module on the back, now
There is way to Setup ExpressLRS with Taranis Q X7 controller?
It is possible but requires some internal modification of the transmitter. There are a few tutorials on YouTube that could help you.
What is the best power supply (LIPO battery) for the Q X7 Taranis?
Main battery fully charged (8.4V), but my Q X7 still shows ‘RTC battery low’
There is a second battery inside the remote controller that powers the real-time clock.
Is firmware 2.2.4 the latest version for Taranis Q X7?
My Taranis QX7 is not binding to my frsky xm+ reciever. Any idea?
Since yesterday, my Taranis Q X7 won’t start, it sounds like it’s going to turn ON but it won’t work, any ideas?
Gracias
there is any FPV display compatible with the Taranis Q X7 remote?
To be honest, there is no 100% compatible FPV LCD for this transmitter. You will need to make yours. Many are using a tiny FPV watch attached to the Q X7’s antenna.
did you upgraded it with firmware 2.2.1? it works fine? any issue with sim?
It can bind with walkera racing drones (Runner 250 or Rodeo 150) ?
Did you tried the Taranis QX7 with the iRangeX IRX4 2.4G TX?
It would make compatible with almost any RC aircraft!
The expected range is also nice (between 70-250 meters).