In this post we are going to explore the possibility of binding the Eachine E010 to a proper radio transmitter for better stick control.

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Update: Why spend time building tiny whoop when you can just buy one ready to fly? Here are some of the best Tiny Whoops on the market.

So we all know that the Eachine E010 (Inductrix Tiny Whoop clone) is dirt cheap, but it comes with a pretty bad TX. The stick handles are simply too short and the springs are too tight making it very hard to control. One quick and easy solution is to extend the handle using 3D printed parts. Some people simply remove the handles and stick a couple of nylon standoffs on it. It does feel a lot better after extended the sticks.

What would be even better is to bind the micro quad to our proper transmitters. Here is a video where I am flying the Eachine E010 with my Taranis.

Just like binding the Inductrix Tiny Whoop, you can use an Orange Specktrum TX module so that you can bind it to your Taranis or 9X. Currently there are a couple of options out there that allows you to do the same for the Eachine E010. Also I believe the E010 works directly with the Devo with DeviationTX firmware too if you already have that TX.

Goebish’s Multi-Protocol TX Module (nRF24L01)

This Multi-Protocol module can be installed in the Taranis/9X TX module bay. It supports many different radio protocols, and thus can bind with many toy grade quads. Recently it also started supporting the Eachine E010.

This module is developed by a guy from France named Goebish on RCGroups. Price is USD$36. Module can bed ordered via email (address can be found on Github). Goebish is really helpful and responsive when it comes to questions about his module.

• Github: https://github.com/goebish/nrf24_multipro
• RCGroup thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2367400&page=52

DIY Multiprotocol TX Module

It’s available on Banggood, price is USD $44.

Similar to the Goebish module, this is a multiprotocol TX Module that works with the 9X and Taranis. According to Goebish in our email exchange, the main difference between this and his module are:

The main difference is that my module has only 1 RF chip (nrf24l01) while the banggood one has 4 RF chips, making it compatible with more modules.

Mine is simpler to use because all the protocols fit in memory while you’ve to build a firmware for the protocols you want with the 4-in-1.

The 4-in-1 still have a few issue, I’d better wait 1 or 2 revisions before getting one (STM32 instead of AVR, issues with LNA fixed …)

this BG DIY TX module is a little more expensive, but it supports a lot more protocols, such as Spektrum DSM2, Flysky, Frsky, Hubsan, Devo etc. These are all fairly popular protocols used in toy grade multirotors.

• Github: https://github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module
• RCGroups Thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2165676

Binding Eachine E010 with Taranis and Goebish’s TX Module

So in the end I went for Goebish’s module because of his helpful supports. It didn’t work right out of the box as promised, and required firmware update. It was easy though only took me 5 mins to do.

Module Firmware Update

To update firmware on the Goebish module, you will need a FTDI doggle that is capable of providing 3.3V, such as this one I am using from BG.

Connect the module with the FTDI adapter like this (no soldering required, just make sure the contact is good).

Then flash firmware to the module using Arduino IDE (version 1.6.5 or + required, select arduino pro mini m328p 5V/16Mhz). Firmware can be found on Github linked above.

Install Module in Taranis TX

After it’s done, I just installed the TX module in the Taranis’s bay. There is a 3D printed cover you can print for this module, but instead I put the original bay cover back on and keeping the antenna inside. That seems to work fine for me, and no problems with range when flying around the house.

Create New Model Profile in TX

Create a model in OpenTX using external module in PPM mode, 12 channels and TAER sequence order.

Select Protocol and Binding

You need to select the protocol for the Eachine E010, which is Rudder right + Aileron right + Elevator down (throttle down) when you power up the TX. Once you done that the Taranis will start up with that protocol in the future, no need to move the stick anymore.

Now Power down the TX.

To bind, you have to power up the quadcopter first always. Once you see the LED is blinking, it means it’s in bind mode and looking for TX. You can now power up the TX, it will send out a bind signal at the beginning, and the LED on the quad should go solid which means they are bound.

Not working?

If that didn’t happen, repeat the above step. If still no joy, try to select the protocol again. If still not working contact Goebish and he should be able to provide you with an eepe file with E010 protocol pre-selected.

The quad still works with the stock TX even if you have used the Taranis.

Changing Quad’s battery

You might notice when you swap out the quad’s battery, power it back up you will lose the TX/RX binding. The bind signal is only sent when the TX powers up. You can either restart the TX, or you can setup a Switch on channel 12 to send the bind signal again. Simply turn ch12 switch On and Off and your quad should bind again without restarting TX.