Adding additional RF transceivers to a DEVO 10

n00b question #1:

Is the Universal Multi-Module PCB with an ATtiny24/44/84 microcontroller only necessary if I plan to add more than two additional RF transceivers to a stock DEVO 10? ...in other words, can I add one, or, two RF transceivers without using the Universal Multi-Module PCB?

Yes that is correct.

OK, thanks!

Now, if I sorted the Model Database correctly, the only models which are supported by deviation and the CC2500 are just a very few Skyartecs and a couple of no-longer-supported FrSky protocols.

The nRF24L01, the A7105, and the stock CYRF6936 seem to be the workhorses of the majority of supported deviation protocols.

So, does it really make any sense to spend money and effort to implement the Universal Multi-Module and CC2500 at all? I'm not likely to ever be flying any of the Skyartec Helis, nor their Butterfly Quad. May have a slight interest in the Cessna model though, as it would be an inexpensive entry into electric fixed-wing for me. But, I would think that there are other inexpensive BNF or RTF options that would work well with the other 3 transceivers.

Opinions?

if you do not want to fly skyartec and don't want to use FrSky then you don't need the CC2500.
ofcourse everybody has to decide that for them selve.
The Frsky is still in development, and you never know what the future brings.

Edit: I mean the telemetry part is still worked on.

PS it seems that frsky does give you a lot of range.

It really depends on what you want to fly. If you're mostly interested in small RTF & BNF models, then the A7105 and NRF24L01 are the only ones you need. I don't believe FrSky is in that market, so all you lose without a CC2500 is the SkyArtec stuff.

If you want to fly larger models that come in kit, ARF or PNP form, then FrSky is really appealing. FrSky does keep mucking about with their protocols, so we have to chase that. The nightlies seem to have ACCST support, which is what the new V, X and D series receivers use.

And those receivers have excellent quality at a price competitive with the DSM clones. If you want telemetry or CPPM, FrSky looks even better, as the clones don't seem to offer Rx RSSI data, and the FrSky sensor suite is much less expensive than anything available for DSM Rx's. The D4R-II supports telemetry, and 8 channels with CPPM, and has a analog telemetry support so you can get something use a flight battery directly for another couple of bucks. It's also smaller and lighter than the 8-channel DSM clones.

Walkera's stuff seems heavy, overpriced and a bit dated.

Not sure what if there are any other options for PNP Rx's, but I'd be interested in hearing about them.

Thanks for that info mwm!

I plan on building some quads that I may want some telemetry on board, so it looks like the extra $ for CC2500 and Universal Multi-Module might not be such a bad investment after all.

If you're going to be putting in GPS, the difference in price between a Spektrum GPS module and a FrSky GPS will pay for all your extra modules.

i have a devo 10 and i want to use the frsky d4rii. do i only need the cc2500 module its that true.