taranis F3J User manual

Copyright © 2016 Mike Shellim
F3J Setup
for FrSky Taranis
Version 3.0
Setup Guide
Mike Shellim
8 Oct 2016

Page | 2 rev 3.0.06
Contents
1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 ZIP file contents.................................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Requirements....................................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Nomenclature ...................................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Features overview.............................................................................................................................................4
2 Assignments and flight modes..................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Control assignments .........................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Channel assignments ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Flight modes and mixers ...................................................................................................................................5
2.4 ‘Calibration’ mode.............................................................................................................................................6
3 Uploading the setup to your EEPROM...................................................................................................................... 6
4 Configuration Part 1: calibrating the servos .............................................................................................................7
4.1 Set servo rotation.............................................................................................................................................. 7
4.2 Calibrate servo centres and end points ............................................................................................................8
5 Configuration part 2 - setting up travel and mixing................................................................................................10
6 Before you fly..........................................................................................................................................................12
6.1 Battery and fail safe ........................................................................................................................................12
6.2 Field guide printout.........................................................................................................................................12
7 Simple modifications...............................................................................................................................................12
7.1 Launch/zoom switch .......................................................................................................................................12
7.2 Main flight mode switch .................................................................................................................................12
7.3 Changing cal sub-mode switch........................................................................................................................12
7.4 Adjusting throttle stick deadband...................................................................................................................13
7.5 Reversing spoiler operation ............................................................................................................................13
7.6 Reversing camber adjuster .............................................................................................................................13
7.7 KAPOW flight mode ........................................................................................................................................13
7.8 Zoom flight mode............................................................................................................................................13
8 Some notes on servo calibration (CAL mode).........................................................................................................13
9 Identifying mistakes................................................................................................................................................14
10 Making your own modifications .........................................................................................................................14
11 Safety/disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................14
12 Contact................................................................................................................................................................14

Page | 3 rev 3.0.06
1Introduction
F3J Setup for Taranis is a full-feature setup for F3J and TD sailplanes for sport and competition. It offers a quick route
to a competition ready setup without the need for advanced programming skills.
The setup is quick to configure. Furthermore, key mixes can be adjusted in flight to speed up flight testing. Full
documentation is provided allowing advanced users to modify the setup to personal taste.
Key features
- For F3J/TD thermal soarers with 6 servos
- V- and X-tail versions provided
- 6 flight modes:
Launch, Zoom,
T1(thermal), T2(cruise), T3(speed)
Landing, KAPOW
‘Live’ adjusters
- for launch preset
- for thermal camber
- for aileron diff
- for spoiler compensation
- for snapflap volume (T3-speed)
- for reflex (ZOOM)
Advanced mixing
- Aileron diff suppression
- Reverse diff
- KAPOW mode (for hitting the landing spot!)
- Snapflap option (T3-speed)
- Spoiler compensation with multi-point curve
- Combi (aileron to rudder mix)
- Automatic mix activation per flight mode
Other
- 'Calibration' mode for precise adjustment of
servo centres and limits
- 5-pt bal curve for precise tracking of flaps
- Full travel on flap servos
1.1 ZIP file contents
Filename
Description
F3j _v30_userguide.pdf
this document
F3j _v30_reference.xls
settings reference
F3j _v30x_setup.eepe
EEPROM image, contains versions: ‘X’ for cross- and T-tail, ‘V’ for V-tail
F3j_*.wav
Sound files
1.2 Requirements
The following will be required:
X9D or X9E transmitter + OpenTx (see change log for supported versions of OpenTx)
USB cable for connecting the transmitter to your PC
OpenTx Companion on your PC, for transferring models between tx and computer
A good familiarity with OpenTx’s menu navigation and data entry
1.3 Nomenclature
The term ‘spoiler’ (popular in the UK) is used to denote crow braking.
The term ‘Combi’ means aileron-to-rudder mixing.
KAPOW is the name of a flight mode for ‘nailing the spot’ in TD competitions (after Bob McGowan).

Page | 4 rev 3.0.06
1.4 Features overview
Flight mode/mixer matrix.
Spoiler
(crow)
Spoiler
comp
Snapflap
Camber
/ reflex
Diff
Ail>Flap
Combi
Rev Diff
Launch
S2
Rud trim
p
p
Zoom
S1
Rud trim
p
p
T1-thermal
LS
Rud trim
p
p
T2-cruise
Rud trim
p
p
T3-speed
Thr trim
p
Rud trim
p
p
Landing
P
Thr trim
Rud trim
p
p
p
KAPOW
p
Rud trim
p
p
Mix adjusters in BOLD
p = preset during configuration
Trimmer functions
Aileron trim is shared across all flight modes
Elevator trim is individual per flight mode
Rudder and throttle trims are repurposed for other functions (see below)
Camber/reflex mixes
Camber(or reflex) may be defined for Launch, Zoom, T1-thermal, T3-speed and KAPOW flight modes:
oCamber for T1-thermal is adjustable via LS
oCamber for Launch is adjustable using S2 (F2 on X9E)
oReflex for Zoom is adjustable via S1 (F1 on X9E)
oReflex for T3-speed is preset during configuration
oReflex for KAPOW is preset during configuration
Spoiler compensation (spoiler to elevator mix)
Spoiler compensation is used to counteract pitch changes when deploying full spoiler.
The amount of spoiler compensation can be adjusted during flight via the Throttle trim.
Non-linear compensation can be defined by editing a curve.
Differential
Diff is applied to ailerons and flaps.
Diff is adjustable in-flight, via rudder trim.
Diff settings are stored per flight mode.
Roll rate enhancement
Aileron diff is automatically suppressed as spoiler is deployed.
Adjustable ‘Reverse diff’ increases roll-induced down-aileron movement, when spoiler is deployed.
Combi
Combi rudder mixes aileron to rudder.
Combi is preset per flight mode.
Snapflap
Snapflap (i.e. elevator to flap mixing) can optionally be set for T3(speed) mode.
Snapflap may be adjusted in flight using the throttle trim lever
KAPOW mode
Kapow is activated from landing mode by pushing full down on elevator stick
Applies reflex to ailerons and flaps, over-riding normal crow function.

Page | 5 rev 3.0.06
2Assignments and flight modes
2.1 Control assignments
Flight controls are assigned according to MODEL SETUPStick Mode.
Secondary controls are assigned as follows:
Control
Function
Flight mode
Rudder trim
Aileron diff adjust (per flight mode)
all
Throttle trim
Spoiler compensation adjust
Snapflap volume
LANDING
T3(speed)
Left slider LS
Thermal camber adjust
T1(thermal)
Left pot S1 (X9D) or F1 (X9E)
Zoom reflex adjust
ZOOM
Right pot S2 (X9D) or F2 (X9E)
Launch camber adjust
LAUNCH
2.2 Channel assignments
Channel #
Vtail
Xtail
1
Right aileron
2
Left aileron
3
Right flap
4
Left flap
5
Right Vtail
Elevator
6
Left Vtail
Rudder
7
[free]
8
[free]
9
[free]
2.3 Flight modes and mixers
Seven flight modes are provided.
Two are for the launch phase: LAUNCH, ZOOM
Three are for normal flight: T1-THERMAL, T2-CRUISE, T3-SPEED
Two for landing: LANDING, KAPOW.
LAUNCH and ZOOM modes take precedence, then LANDING/KAPOW, and finally T1, T2& T3.
Flight Mode
OpenTx ID
Activation
Priority
Mixers active
LAUNCH
FM2
SE↓
V. High
Camber
ZOOM
FM3
SE ─
V. High
KAPOW1
FM4
SE↑ + throttle back + elev fully forward
High
Camber
LANDING
FM5
SE↑ + throttle back
Mid
Crow
T1-Thermal
FM6
SA↓
SE↑ + throttle fully forward
Low
Camber
T2-Cruise
FM0
SA -
Low
T3-Speed
FM7
SA↑
Low
Camber, Snapflap
1 KAPOW is disabled by default.

Page | 6 rev 3.0.06
2.4 ‘Calibration’ mode
A special ‘CAL’ flight mode is provided for calibrating the servos. When CAL is activated, mixers and trims are
disabled, and the raw stick commands are passed through to the outputs. To enable CAL mode:
1. Apply full left aileron and full up elevator
2. Press and release SH
3. Release stick(s). The transmitter cheeps at 3 second intervals
To exit CAL mode, pull SH.
New in v3:There are 3 sub-modes, activated via switch SA:
SA-: calibrate servo end points
SA↓: calibrate flap neutral (new)
SA↑: calibrate ailerons which have reduced down-travel (new)
3Uploading the setup to your EEPROM
In this step you’ll upload the setup to your transmitter’s EEPROM. All steps from this point forward should be
followed in the sequence shown. Use the tick boxes to record your progress.
Establish communication with your PC: switch on the transmitter whilst pressing inwards on the horizontal trim
levers. Then using a suitable USB lead, connect the Taranis to the computer. The Taranis’ SD card should appear
as an external drive.
Copy the sound (.WAV) files to the /SOUNDS/{language} folder on the SD card e.g. for English, folder =
/SOUNDS/en. NOTE: there are some new sound files in v3.
Using OpenTx Companion
Open the F3J .eepe file. Versions for X/T and V tails are displayed in a window.
From the File menu, choose ‘Read Models and Settings from Radio’. Your active EEPROM appears in a
second window.
Drag one of the F3J models into an empty slot in your EEPROM.
Close the F3J .eepe window.
In the EEPROM window, right-click the new model and choose “Use as Default”
Write the modified EEPROM to the tx (Write Models and Settings to Radio).
Close OpenTx Companion
IMPORTANT: make sure your hardware is properly calibrated –if in doubt, calibrate now: from the main screen
press [long MENU], then [PAGE] till you reach the CALIBRATION menu. Calibrate all knobs and sliders. Bad
calibration is the main cause of problems e.g. jumping neutrals, inability to select certain flight modes etc.
X9E Users only: Open the MIXERS menu, and using the mixer editor:
Scroll to CH10 and highlight mix ‘CmbAdjT1’. Open mix editor, and set Source = ‘LS’.
Repeat above for CH11
If you wish to use KAPOW mode, open the FLIGHT MODES menu, go to KAPOW, alter switch from ‘---‘ to ‘L10’.
Using the transmitter on its own, familiarise with the flight modes (see sections above). At the end of this step,
you should know how to activate:
LAUNCH, ZOOM, T1-THERMAL, T2-CRUISE, T3-SPEED, LANDING and KAPOW (if enabled)
CAL mode, including the three sub-modes.
Check flight mode sounds are working correctly. If not, check that the sound files are in the correct location.

Page | 7 rev 3.0.06
4Configuration Part 1: calibrating the servos
Configuration of your model is in two parts: servo calibration, followed by mixer adjustment. This section is
concerned with calibration. The goals of servo calibration are:
(a) Achieve a symmetrical setup at the servo level
(b) Maximise control surface movements
(c) Linearise control surface responses.
All the adjustments in this section are made in CAL mode.
Correct calibration is essential for diff to work correctly, and for the flaps and ailerons to track precisely.
4.1 Set servo rotation
The first task is to set the direction of rotation of the servos:
Switch on the transmitter (do not power up the receiver yet)
Enter CAL mode. The tx will cheep every 3 seconds.
Set switch SA to middle
Open the OUTPUTS menu
Power up the receiver
The table below shows the direction of each control surface in CAL mode. Use it to set the correct direction for
channels 1-6. Pay particular attention to the notes regarding aileron and elevator!
Stick command
Control surface
Notes
Aileron stick right 
RtAil goes up ↑
LtAil goes up↑
Ailerons move together in CAL mode
Thr stick forward ↑
RtFlap goes up↑
LtFlap goes up↑
When reversing one of these outputs,
you may see an “INVERT THROTTLE”
warning –just ignore.
V-TAIL only:
Ele stick forward ↑
RtVee goes up ↑
LtVee goes up ↑
Elevator(s) operate in reverse direction
to normal in CAL mode
X-TAIL only:
Ele stick forward ↑
Ele goes up ↑
X-TAIL only:
Rud stick right 
Rud goes right 
As normal
To change the direction of an output:
1. skip to the Direction field, then
2. Press [Enter], and immediate [Exit]
Exit CAL and enter T2-CRUISE mode. Check for correct direction of aileron, elevator and rudder (note: the flaps
cannot be checked yet).

Page | 8 rev 3.0.06
4.2 Calibrate servo centres and end points
Next, calibrate the servo centres and end-points. This is done in the OUTPUTS menu, by means of output curves. The
servo end-points you set will be ‘hard’, i.e. the servos can never travel beyond these points. This allows you to
protect against servo over-travel and thus avoid damaging your linkages.
When setting the end-points, consider all possible inputs. For example, when setting up the end points for flaps,
allow enough movement for both roll and crow inputs. If the end points are too conservative, then the servo will
stop early leading to some deadband at the controls; this will often be acceptable and/or unavoidable –some
judgement is required.
If you don’t know the movements required for your particular model, simply set your end-points to the maximum
possible, subject to linkage geometry and equal movement on both sides.
New in v3: all adjustments are made using output curves. Min/Max/Subtrim must be left at their default values
(-150,150,0 respectively).
Channel
Calibration procedure
CH 4 –Lt Flap
Start by calibrating left flap (CH4). You’ll first set the end points, then adjust the
centre point to provide a linear response. Ignore the flap neutral, it will be
adjusted in a later step.
Enter CAL mode
Set switch SA to middle position
In the OUTPUT menu, highlight CH4
Skip to curve field ‘CV14’, and press [long ENTER] to open curve editor
oThrottle stick back (↓), adjust point 1 for lower end point. Allow for
both crow and aileron inputs.
oThrottle stick forward (↑), adjust point 3 for upper end point. Allow
for any aileron-to-flap mixing.
oAdjust point 2 so it lies on the straight line thru points 1 and 3.
Move throttle stick from one end to the other, observing step intervals. If
necessary fine tune point 2 to equalise intervals (i.e. optimise linearity).
CH 3 –Rt Flap
Next, calibrate the right flap (CH3). You’ll adjust a 5-point curve to precisely match
the left flap.
Enter CAL mode
Set switch SA to middle position
In the OUTPUT menu, highlight CH3
Skip to curve field ‘CV13’, press [long ENTER] to open curve editor
Adjust points 1 –5 to exactly match the left flap:
ostick fully back, adjust point 1
ostick ½-back, adjust point 2
ostick to centre, adjust point 3
ostick to ½-forward, adjust point 4
ostick fully forward, adjust point 5
To match the end points on left and right sides, it may be necessary to reduce one
or other end points for the left flap.
Flap neutral
Next, set the flap neutral:
Enter CAL mode
Set switch SA to down position. An adjustable offset is applied to each flap.
Open the GLOBAL V. menu.
Highlight GV5(‘FlNeut’)and skip to the FM0 column.
Adjust GV5 for correct neutral. If the flaps are not perfectly in line with each
other, then redo calibration for RtFlap above, paying particular attention
around the neutral position.

Page | 9 rev 3.0.06
Channel
Calibration procedure
V-Tail
CH 5 –RtVee
CH6 –LtVee
(V-tail version only) Calibrate V-tail
Enter CAL mode
In the OUTPUT menu, highlight CH5
Skip to curve field ‘CV15’, press [long ENTER] to open curve editor
oEle stick to centre, adjust point 2 for correct neutral
oEle stick forward (↑), set point 3 to upper limit
oEle stick back (↓), set point 1 to lower limit. Allow for spoiler comp.
Repeat for CH6 and CV16, ensuring that movements match CH5.
Check equal travel up/down; left and right surfaces match
X-Tail
CH 5 –Ele
(X-tail version only) Calibrate elevator
Enter CAL mode
In the OUTPUT menu, highlight CH5
Skip to curve field ‘CV15’, press [long ENTER] to open curve editor
oEle stick to centre, adjust point 2 for correct neutral
oEle stick forward (↑), adjust point 3 to upper limit
oEle stick back (↓), adjust point 1 for to lower limit
Check travel is equal up & down
X-Tail
CH 6 –Rudder
(X- tail version only) Calibrate rudder
Check you’re still in CAL mode
In the OUTPUT menu, highlight CH6
Skip to curve field ‘CV16’, press [long ENTER] to open curve editor
oRudder stick to centre, adjust point 2 for centred rudder
oRudder right (→), set point 3 for max right movement
oRudder left (←), set point 1 for max left movement
Check equal travel left/right
CH 1 –Rt Ail
CH 2 –Lt Ail
Finally, calibrate ailerons:
Enter CAL mode
Set switch SA to down position. The flaps will go to their calibrated neutrals.
In the OUTPUT menu, highlight CH1(RtAil)
Skip to curve field ‘CV11’, then press [long ENTER] to open curve editor
oMove aileron stick to centre. Set Point 2 for correct centre
oMove aileron stick right (). Set point 3 to desired upper limit,
allowing for both crow and aileron movement.
oMove aileron stick left (). Attempt to adjust point 1 so that
down-travel = up-travel. If the down-travel is restricted by the
hinge geometry, then move SA to up position –this reduces
aileron movement in CAL mode by 50%. Now, try again: adjust
point 1 so down-travel = (reduced) up-travel. When you exit CAL
mode, full rate will be restored; don’t worry if down-travel is
excessive –later adjustments to input and diff will reduce it.
Repeat all steps above for CH2/CV12. Ensure that movements match CH1.
Check: constant rate up/down for each aileron, and check left and right
ailerons match.
Finally, exit CAL mode. Move the sticks, checking that aileron, elevator and rudder control surfaces move in the
correct direction. Note: flaps cannot be checked yet.
Well done, the calibration is now complete! Please backup your EEPROM to the SD card now as follows:
From the Main Info screen, [long MENU]
Press [Page] till the VERSION menu appears, then follow the instructions. The process may take a few seconds.

Page | 10 rev 3.0.06
5Configuration part 2 - setting up travel and mixing
This is where you model comes to life!
Control / mix
Adjustment point
Adjustment procedure
Aileron rate
INPUTSAil
Set the default aileron rate. Focus on the up-travel (down-
travel is governed by diff adjustment via rudder trim)
1. Enter T2-CRUISE mode
2. Open the INPUTS menu
3. Scroll down to the IAil section
4. Highlight ‘CATCHALL’ line
5. Open the input editor, skip to the weight field
6. Set weight for default aileron movement
7. Select Expo from the diff dropdown, and set required expo
value. Note: ‘diff’ must be zero.
If different rates are required for particular flight modes, then
insert additional lines before the CATCHALL line. Each line
should have relevant flight mode(s) shown and the rest
blanked out. SAFETY NOTE: The last line must be the
CATCHALL line, with all flight modes enabled and no
switches.
Flight mode numbers as follows:
FM0:T2-CRUISE
FM2: LAUNCH
FM3: ZOOM
FM4:KAPOW
FM5:LANDING
FM6:T1-THERMAL
FM7:T3-SPEED
NOTE ensure Diff is set to zero in all input lines (diff here
affects stick diff, not servo diff).
Elevator rate
INPUTSEle
As above
Rudder rate
INPUTSRud
As above
Aileronflap
GLOBALVARSGV1(“Ail2FL”)
Aileron to flap mixing is set per flight mode.
1. Open GLOBALVARS menu, highlight GV1 line (“Ail2FL”).
2. Activate the flight mode you want to adjust.
3. Skip to highlighted column.
4. Adjust GVAR value for required aileron to flap mix.
Note: movement of down-going flap will be affected by diff
setting.
Combi rudder
GLOBALVARSGV2(“Combi”)
Combi (aileron to rudder mix) is set per flight mode.
1. Open GLOBALVARS menu, highlight GV2line (“Combi”).
2. Activate flight mode to be adjusted.
3. Skip to highlighted column.
4. Adjust GVAR value for required aileron to rudder mix
SpoilerAileron
GLOBALVARSGV3(“AiCamb”)
Sets the upward aileron movement due to spoiler.
1. Open GLOBALVARS menu, highlight GV3 line (“AiCamb”).
2. Skip to column FM5
3. Enable LANDING mode
4. Move throttle stick back (full spoiler)
5. Adjust GVAR value for required up-aileron movement
SpoilerFlap
GLOBALVARSGV4(“FlCamb”)
Sets the downward flap movement due to spoiler.
1. Open GLOBALVARS menu, highlight GV4 line (“FlCamb”).
2. Skip to column FM5
3. Enable LANDING mode
4. Move throttle stick back (full spoiler)
5. Adjust GVAR for required down-flap movement