Hello Spirit Team,
I have set up the following configuration: Spirit 3 V4.0.3 + Futaba R7008SB + telemetry + Hobbywing ESC 150A V5.1. The setup was done according to the manual, meaning the Spirit is only connected via SBUS2 (not SBUS), and the Spirit SAT1 is connected to the P-port of the Hobbywing ESC via Telem UNI cable. Everything works perfectly on the test stand, as described in the Spirit online manual.
However, there are indications from various sources that FBL gyros (including Spirit) should use SBUS port, not SBUS2. Regarding usage of SBUS2, there are also reports of unexpected behavior and even crashes, including in this forum.
Could the Spirit Team please confirm whether the above configuration is safe to fly with the current firmware?
Thanks,
Egon
Spirit GT/Spirit 3 on Futaba SBUS2 - Safe to fly?
Hello,
we are no aware of any safety concern with SBUS2. However the SBUS2 (same as SBUS) protocol has generally no checksum for data verification. This mean that any source of interference could cause that received data are incorrect and it is visible as glitch. But it is still better than any other analogue protocol (such as PWM or PPM).
Thousands of pilots are using this connection daily with no problem.
You can make sure there is no issue when spooling up with no blades. If there are no visible glitches and everything is steady, it should be all good.
we are no aware of any safety concern with SBUS2. However the SBUS2 (same as SBUS) protocol has generally no checksum for data verification. This mean that any source of interference could cause that received data are incorrect and it is visible as glitch. But it is still better than any other analogue protocol (such as PWM or PPM).
Thousands of pilots are using this connection daily with no problem.
You can make sure there is no issue when spooling up with no blades. If there are no visible glitches and everything is steady, it should be all good.
Spirit System developer
Thanks for your reply, I would really like to trust your statement and I am also sure that many pilots don't see the problem.
However, you are certainly aware of this kind of issue which is mentioned in the forum, see below.
Of course I am not sure if this could be relevant to my set up and/or the current firmware. And there is Futaba's recommendation to connect FBL systems to SBUS only, not to SBUS2. Thus I have doubts.
Kind regards,
Egon
Quote:
"Sat 02. Aug 2025 19:50:55
I recommend to try connecting RX cable to SBUS1 instead of SBUS2 port to make sure there is no transmission issue due to telemetry interference.
The port is more prone for powering issues too - because of Futaba design difference that are mentioned in Futaba manual.
Spirit System developer"
Quote:
"ZeXx86
Site Admin
Posts: 12956
Contact: Contact ZeXx86
Tue 03. Dec 2024 9:24:03
Hello,
please share a wiring photos and your settings file (4ds).
For example if your receiver is Futaba please make sure to use SBUS1 port, not SBUS2. This could cause a random twitching and unexpected behavior.
At the moment I have no more details to help you, so anything to your wiring and setup would be very helpful.
I fear it has something to do with receiver connection/data processing, RPM sensor or some other wiring.
Spirit System developer"
However, you are certainly aware of this kind of issue which is mentioned in the forum, see below.
Of course I am not sure if this could be relevant to my set up and/or the current firmware. And there is Futaba's recommendation to connect FBL systems to SBUS only, not to SBUS2. Thus I have doubts.
Kind regards,
Egon
Quote:
"Sat 02. Aug 2025 19:50:55
I recommend to try connecting RX cable to SBUS1 instead of SBUS2 port to make sure there is no transmission issue due to telemetry interference.
The port is more prone for powering issues too - because of Futaba design difference that are mentioned in Futaba manual.
Spirit System developer"
Quote:
"ZeXx86
Site Admin
Posts: 12956
Contact: Contact ZeXx86
Tue 03. Dec 2024 9:24:03
Hello,
please share a wiring photos and your settings file (4ds).
For example if your receiver is Futaba please make sure to use SBUS1 port, not SBUS2. This could cause a random twitching and unexpected behavior.
At the moment I have no more details to help you, so anything to your wiring and setup would be very helpful.
I fear it has something to do with receiver connection/data processing, RPM sensor or some other wiring.
Spirit System developer"