Taranis X9D or Taranis Q X7: which is the best to buy?.

Contents

1 Introduction
2 Reasons why it is better to get Taranis Q X7
3 Reasons why it is better to get Taranis X9D
4 Power & Charging
5 Firmware
6 Screen Resolution
7 Self-centering of the gas stick
8 Memory card
9 Maintainability and modernization
10 What equipment is it better to buy?
11 Where can I buy?
12 Price

Introduction

More recently Frsky released a new entry-level hardware called the Taranis Q X7, which many thought was a simplified version of the highly acclaimed Taranis X9D. What are the real differences between them in addition to the perceptibly low price and why to make a start when choosing one of the two.

Reasons why it is better to purchase Taranis Q X7

Hardware functionality is similar to Taranis X9D (runs on the same firmware OpenTX).
Navigation buttons and scrolling menus are much easier to use than X9D.
Slightly more ergonomic design with comfortable rubber grips on the back of the equipment (in general, the dimensions of the Q X7 and X9D are identical).
There are two colors to choose from: Black / White.
Connector for 2S battery
The speaker is not annoying when announcing, unlike many X9Ds
Initial tests showed that both devices work in the same frequency range.
By default, it has a self-centering throttle stick (like on DJI consoles), which in turn is both a plus and a minus, depending on which type of UAV you will use it with (for example, a drone for shooting or a racing)... But in any case, if you wish, you can change the principle of operation of the stick.
Ratchets can be added to both sticks if desired.
Overall, excellent instrumentation for 95% of pilots.

Reasons why it is better to get Taranis X9D

Higher screen resolution with adjustable backlight.
Includes a large battery that can be charged with a simple power adapter.
Instead of a drain battery, 2S or 3S LiPo can be used.
Includes SD card by default (in the case of the Q X7, you will have to purchase one).
Proven and time-tested hardware design coupled with a wide range of fine settings and operating modes.
Availability of additional buttons that can be bridged at your discretion.
2 × additional rotary sliders on the sides of the equipment (they are not on the Q X7).
Best location of the USB port for using the equipment on PC simulators.

Power and charging

As mentioned above, with X9D is already on by default Comes with a 2000mAh battery with built-in battery charging circuitry, so you just need to plug in the included power adapter for charging. You can also refuse the drain battery and connect a choice of 2S or 3S LiPo batteries.

As for the QX7 hardware, the situation is as follows. By default, the manufacturer does not complete it with batteries, but at various Internet trading platforms, sellers themselves equip the transmitter with batteries and, as a rule, it is 800mAh NiMh battery for an additional $ 10-15.

But again, no one completes the "charger" anyway, you should immediately add the cost of the charger (charger) to the amount for the equipment in case you do not have one. And it is better to abandon the set of equipment with a NiMh battery and buy 2S LiPo yourself, since the QX7 has a connector inside the battery compartment specially for this.

The hardware compartment can accommodate a 15-16mm thick battery, for example a 2S 1000mAh LiPo battery is perfect for it and will provide several hours of continuous operation on one charge.

Firmware

Both devices work on OpenTX firmware with built-in XJT module and both support connection of external JR type module. Therefore, the basic set of functions is essentially identical. This means that things like the smart telemetry port work on the QX7 and you can use the same receivers as well.

You can even use the smart port to update the receiver's firmware, like on the Taranis X9D. Also, initial tests showed that there was no noticeable difference in the frequency range between the X9D and the QX7, so from this point of view, both equipment are the same.

Screen Resolution

The X9D has a much better LCD screen, with adjustable brightness. Overall, the X9D's display outperforms the QX7 in resolution, but you'll hardly notice the difference even when you compare in front of each other. The difference is only noticeable in the number of lines when you switch to the telemetry display.

Taranis X9D

Taranis Q X7

Self-centering of the throttle

The Taranis Q X7 has the default throttle stick always in the center, just like on the DJI consoles. This option will come in handy if you practice autonomous flying while shooting landscapes, but if you control a racing drone using FPV, then this stick position is extremely dangerous. But fortunately, the manufacturer took into account the difference in flight, and you can always change the position of the stick by removing the spring, after which the stick will work like a regular R / C controller.

How to remove the spring loaded throttle stick on theTaranis Q X7

Memory card

Both devices have a slot for an SD card, but only the X9D is supplied with the card by default. You will need a memory card to implement feedback between the equipment and you, since voice files (various kinds of warnings) are stored on it.

Maintainability and modernization

Since the Taranis X9D has appeared quite a long time ago, at the moment there are many "mods" and "hacks" on the internet for more subtle hardware add-ons. The modular design makes it easy to replace defective elements or update them. This fact has a positive effect on long-term use of the product.

As for the Taranis Q X7, it is just as good to see that Frsky has not deviated from the basic rules of maintainability and modernization. Although there are not so many resources on the internet where one could find working "mods" for the app's superstructure, this is only a matter of time.

Nevertheless, we can safely say that the QX7 will be better in terms of repair, for example, unlike the X9D, the antennas are already equipped with a UFL micro-connector, which already frees you from any soldering when replacing it. In addition, the top switches are enclosed in a shell, which makes closing the case itself much easier than on the X9D.

What equipment is better to buy?

If you are serious about getting into FPV drone flights, then your choice is exclusively Frsky. The equipment of this brand has the best firmware (OpenTX) and a huge selection of receivers for any platform.

But if we choose between the QX7 and the more expensive X9D, we tend to lean more towards the QX7. This opinion was formed exclusively in the process of using both devices, the QX7 has a much better and more convenient design, does not strain the sound notification like the X9D, there is no heap of additional buttons, and of course the price is a weighty argument, despite the fact that you additionally have to buy a battery and a charger device. In addition, we can definitely say that 95% of all UAV pilots will be satisfied with the QX7 equipment.

Nevertheless, if you decide to assemble a serious multifunctional drone, then in this case only X9D will be relevant, since the abundance of add-ons, additional buttons and switches will come in handy.