Speedy SpeedyBee TX ULTRA

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Summary

Instruction Diagram and Components

JST Connector

Diagram illustrating the JST connector for power and signal interface.

Antenna Connection

Location of the antenna port on the TX ULTRA module.

Mode Switch Button

Identifies the physical button for mode selection on the module.

LED Indicators

Details the location and function of Channel, Band, and Power LEDs.

Power Input and Output

Specifies the voltage range for power input and the 5V output.

Signal Pins

Identifies the pins for VIDEO, IRC, and GND signals.

LED Behavior and Status

Channel LED Status

Describes blue LED behavior for channel lock/unlock states.

Band LED Status

Explains red LED blinking or solid state for band information.

Power LED Status

Details orange LED blinking patterns for power levels and PIT mode.

Operating the TX ULTRA

Button Control Functions

Defines short and long press actions for channel, band, power, and lock/unlock.

Advanced Protocol Support

IRC Tramp Protocol Integration

Details support for IRC TRAMP for parameter modification via remote or app.

VTX Table Configuration

Note on uploading VTX tables for BetaFlight firmware above 4.1.0.

Flight Controller Wiring

JST Connector Wiring

Illustrates wiring the TX ULTRA using its JST connector to the flight controller.

Pad Connection Wiring

Shows how to connect the TX ULTRA via pads to the flight controller UART.

Software Configuration

BetaFlight Settings

Configuration steps for BetaFlight 4.1 or above, including UART settings.

Remote Control Mode-2 Setup

Guides remote control setup using Mode-2 for VTX TR functionality.

Frequency Band Table

Presents frequency channels and bands, indicating locked states.

The SpeedyBee TX Ultra is a video transmitter designed for FPV (First Person View) drones, enabling real-time video transmission from the drone to a receiver, typically goggles or a monitor. This device supports the IRC Tramp protocol, which allows for convenient modification of video transmission parameters directly through the drone's remote control or via a mobile application.

Function Description

The primary function of the SpeedyBee TX Ultra is to transmit video signals from a camera on an FPV drone to a ground station. It operates across multiple channels, bands, and power levels, offering flexibility to adapt to various flying environments and regulatory requirements. The device features a mode switch button for manual configuration of these parameters, complemented by LED indicators that provide visual feedback on the current channel, band, and power settings.

The TX Ultra is designed to integrate with a flight controller, typically through a UART connection, to enable the IRC Tramp protocol. This protocol facilitates communication between the flight controller and the video transmitter, allowing users to adjust settings such as frequency, working power, and other video transmission parameters remotely. This remote configurability is a significant advantage, as it eliminates the need for physical access to the video transmitter for adjustments, which can be particularly useful when the drone is assembled and difficult to access.

For users with flight controllers that support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the SpeedyBee app can be used to modify video transmission parameters. This provides an intuitive graphical interface for configuration, making it easier to manage settings compared to navigating through the remote control's OSD (On-Screen Display) menu.

The device supports a wide input voltage range of 7-28V, making it compatible with various drone battery setups. It also provides a 5V output, which can be used to power other components, such as the FPV camera, simplifying the wiring and power distribution on the drone.

Usage Features

The SpeedyBee TX Ultra offers several features that enhance its usability and integration into FPV systems:

Manual Configuration with LED Indicators: The device includes a mode switch button for manual adjustment of channel, band, and power. Three distinct LEDs—blue for channel, red for band, and orange for power—provide clear visual feedback on the current settings.
- Channel (Blue LED): A constantly ON blue LED indicates Channel 1, while an OFF state signifies channels 2 through 8.
- Band (Red LED): When the device is locked, the red LED will keep blinking, indicating that it's not used to show band information. In an unlocked state, a constantly ON red LED indicates Band 1, and an OFF state signifies bands 2 through 6.
- Power (Orange LED): Similar to the band LED, when locked, the orange LED will keep blinking, not indicating power information. In an unlocked state, the orange LED's blinking pattern indicates the power level:
  - Light OFF: 25mW
  - Blinking once in 3 seconds: 200mW
  - Blinking once in 2 seconds: 800mW
  - Blinking once in 1 second: Max mW
  - Blinking 4 times in 1 second (fastFlash): PIT mode (a low-power mode for safe testing without interfering with other pilots).
Key Operation for Settings Adjustment:
- Short press: Switches between channels (CH1-CH8).
- Long press for 2 seconds: Enters BAND mode, allowing short presses to switch between bands (Band 1-6).
- Long press for 4 seconds: Enters POWER mode, allowing short presses to switch between power levels (25mW, 200mW, 800mW, Max mW).
- Long press for 10 seconds: Toggles between unlock and lock states. The lock state prevents accidental changes to settings during flight or handling.
IRC Tramp Protocol Support: This is a cornerstone feature, enabling remote control over the video transmitter's settings.
- Remote Control Integration: Users can modify frequency, power, and other parameters directly from their remote control via the OSD menu. This requires the flight controller firmware to be BetaFlight 4.1.0 or above and for a VTX Table (e.g., SpeedyBee-TX ULTRA (CE).json or SpeedyBee-TX ULTRA (USA).json) to be uploaded to the flight controller. The VTX Table defines the available channels, bands, and power levels, ensuring the remote control can correctly interpret and apply settings.
- SpeedyBee App Integration: For flight controllers with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, the SpeedyBee app offers an alternative, user-friendly method for configuring the video transmitter. This provides a more visual and accessible way to manage settings, especially for those who prefer a mobile interface.
Frequency Table: The manual provides a comprehensive frequency table, detailing the specific frequencies for each channel across different bands (Band A, Band B, Band E, Airwave, Race Band, Low Race). This table is crucial for ensuring compliance with local regulations and for coordinating frequencies with other pilots. Channels highlighted in orange within the table indicate disabled channels when the device is in a locked state, emphasizing the safety feature of preventing transmission on restricted frequencies.
Wiring Flexibility: The TX Ultra offers both JST connector and pad connection options for integration with the flight controller. This flexibility allows users to choose the most suitable wiring method based on their flight controller's design and their preferred installation approach. The wiring diagrams clearly illustrate how to connect the video (VIDEO), IRC (for protocol communication), GND (ground), 7-28V (power input), and 5V OUT (power output) pins to the flight controller.

Maintenance Features

While the SpeedyBee TX Ultra is primarily a component within a larger drone system, its design incorporates considerations that indirectly contribute to ease of maintenance and longevity:

Separated Mainboard and Cover: The notice "Please use the screws to install and fix the TX ULTRA as the mainboard and the cover are separated" indicates a modular design. This separation suggests that the mainboard might be accessible for inspection or potential repairs, and the cover provides protection for the sensitive electronics. This design choice can simplify installation and potentially aid in troubleshooting or component replacement if needed.
Robust Connectivity: The provision of both JST and pad connections offers redundancy and flexibility. If one connection type becomes damaged or unsuitable for a particular build, the other option might still be viable. This can extend the usable life of the unit by providing alternative connection points.
Remote Configurability Reduces Physical Handling: The IRC Tramp protocol and app integration significantly reduce the need for physical interaction with the video transmitter once it's installed. This minimizes wear and tear on the physical buttons and connectors, contributing to the device's overall durability and reducing the risk of accidental damage during manual adjustments.
Clear LED Indicators: The distinct LED indicators for channel, band, and power settings serve as a diagnostic tool. By observing the LED behavior, users can quickly ascertain the operational status of the video transmitter, helping to identify configuration issues or potential malfunctions without requiring complex diagnostic equipment. For instance, understanding the blinking patterns for power levels or the constant ON/OFF states for channel and band helps in verifying settings at a glance.
Lock/Unlock Functionality: The 10-second long press to lock/unlock the device is a safety feature that prevents accidental changes to settings. This is particularly useful during transport or handling, safeguarding the configured parameters and reducing the likelihood of needing to reconfigure the device due to inadvertent button presses.

In summary, the SpeedyBee TX Ultra is a feature-rich video transmitter designed for modern FPV drones, emphasizing remote configurability, clear status indication, and flexible integration options to provide a reliable and user-friendly experience.