Long Range RC Research Rover

Final Transmitter Setup

With the transmitter situation figured out, I moved onto pairing the X8R receiver without issue.

I configured throttle/steering inputs and mixes on the transmitter, and set the servo inputs in Ardurover.

M80 GPS Module generating 3D fix.

ESC min/max/reverse calibrated - Transmitter calibrated in mission planner.

Assembled prototype body, fixed ESC in front portion. Printed FC mounting board for quick access on the top. Includes 4 vertical holes for carbon fiber antenna trees. Mounting receiver and GPS high on the vehicle for initial range testing.

Next Steps:

Receive/Configure MAVlink radios

Test VL53L0X ToF sensors - test multiplexing

Autonomous waypoint mission test

Waypoint updates mid-mission testing

Obstacle avoidance 

Powertrain range testing (2200 MaH, 5k MaH, 10k MaH

I flashed the X8R receiver with ACCST V2.1 firmware from X9D Transmitter to ensure latest version was loaded. I selected a Taranis Horus X10/X10S transmitter for this project. The unit I purchased came from ebay and had FrOS installed by default. I updated this to EdgeTX 2.10 Centurion before trying any bind operations. I downloaded the IJXT Module firmware upgrade for ACCST V2.1 and loaded it onto the SD card. When trying to flash the internal module, I kept getting "module not responding". I believed this could have been an issue with EdgeTX not being able to flash internal modules. I decided to reflash the firmware using OTX Companion, using 2.3.15. After reverting, I still could not flash the internal module. I spent several hours troubleshooting and believed the internal radio might be bricked, which was a huge bummer. Thought I may have to flash it directly using an ST Link tool. I know the X10/X10S shipped with an XJT module, but the X10 Express shipped with the newer ISRM module. There is an upgrade module that can be installed to enable ACCESS and ACCST. So I loaded the ISRM firmware onto the transmitter. This flashed successfully. I believe what happened here was the original X10 unit was upgraded with an ISRM module, but this was not noticed or listed by the ultimate seller. The radio itself was not displaying the module firmware, so it may have been flashed incorrectly in the past. Now that the transmitter's internal module has firmware matching the X8R, bind testing can commence.

The following Parts Arrived:

Speedybee F405W Flight Controller: Flashed with Ardurover firmware

Holybro SiK Telemetry Modules: procured from aliexpress - FTDI chipset - radios link, but no heartbeat detected. May be due to "unbranded" modules or mismatching firmware. Swapping for Holybro official branded telemetry modules.

MicroAir m10 ultra UBLOX gps: Does not power up when plugged in, tested other GPS module and it works. Believe this unit to be defective.

Hobbywing 10BL60 ESC: requires programming, led program card ordered

14t Pinion Gear

Lighting Harnesses

Still to arrive:

X8R reciever: first powered test can commence once receiver setup is complete

HobbyWing LED Program Card: needed to set ESC params

HolyBro SiK Telemetry Modules: replacement units

Summary:

The project has officially entered integration hell. Two main parts of the planned configuration are not working: SiK and GPS, both of which are critical to this project. The SiK modules connect to one another, but I am unable to get data in mission planner. No heartbeat is detected, and I cannot load the settings on the radios. It's possible they have corrupted bootloaders, mismatched firmware, etc. For the time being I am connecting to the FC via USB to set configuration parameters. I am continuing to adjust failsafes, RTH modes, etc while more parts arrive.

Regarding the body, prototype body parts have been printed and are being fitted. Carbon fiber tubing used to pin all body sections together are on the way. Additional consideration is needed to separate the FC/receiver/other electronics into water resistant compartments on either side of the battery bay. The ESC is waterproof and is going in the forward hatch of the body, directly above the steering servo. There is a 40mm firewall fan between the forward hatch between the wheels and the main electronics and battery compartment just forward of the back wheels. There is an additional 40mm fan modeled into the top of the forward hatch, but this may not be needed. TPU seals and gaskets are being designed for areas where joined parts may allow for dust or moisture entry.

While I have experience setting up RC vehicles, I am wholly unfamiliar with SiK/Mavlink and expect to spend most time resolving this issue before I move too far forward as it is a base requirement of the project. In the meantime, I will program the ESC, bind the receiver to transmitter, set throttle min/max, and test output channels and manual vehicle control.

✅ Acquired Parts (Already Purchased)

1. Traxxas 1:10 Chassis – Base frame with 100mm shocks
2. 3D Printed Custom Body – Lightweight custom enclosure
3. Surpass Hobby KK 3650 2050KV Motor – Brushless motor for efficiency
4. Hobbywing QuicRun WP 10BL60 G2 ESC – Waterproof brushless ESC
5. Robinson Racing 14T 48P Aluminum Pinion Gear – Durable aluminum pinion
6. Hobbywing UBEC 10A – 5V power regulator for accessories
7. FrSky Taranis X10 – Transmitter for control
8. FrSky L9R Receiver – Primary receiver for throttle & steering
9. FrSky X8R Receiver – Secondary receiver for accessories
10. Particle Tachyon SBC – 5G remote control & AI processing (~$199.00, Particle Store)

🛒 Needed Parts (Still to Buy)

1. BN-880 GPS Module – GPS for waypoint navigation (~$19.99, Pyrodrone)
2. Holybro SiK Telemetry Radio V3 (915MHz) – Real-time MAVLink telemetry (~$29.99, Holybro)
3. MicoAir LR900-F LoRa Telemetry Module – Long-range status tracking (~$60.99, MicoAir)
4. 3S 18650 Li-ion Cells (x15) – Custom battery pack for extended runtime (~$7.00, Amazon/AliExpress)
5. Daly 3S 20A BMS – Battery management system (~$18.00, AliExpress)
6. RunCam Thumb FPV Camera – 1080p recording + FPV feed (~$49.99, RunCam)
7. 5.8GHz Video Transmitter (VTX) – Long-range FPV transmission (~$35.00, AliExpress)
8. TF-Luna Lidar Sensor – Obstacle detection (1-8m range) (~$39.99, AliExpress)
9. HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor (x2) – Short-range obstacle detection (~$5.99, Amazon/AliExpress)
10. 10W-30W Solar Panel – Solar power for energy replenishment (~$30.00, Amazon)
11. MPPT Charge Controller – Efficient solar charging for 3S battery (~$40.00, AliExpress)

Phase 1 has started. 3D printed body prototypes are being designed and fitted. Goals for the project are now defined clearly.