Using the Herelink Controller with 3rd Party TX

HereLink
1

Hello all!

I really like the Herelink controller form factor, but I don’t use the Herelink air units on my FPV arducopters.

After I opened up my controller, I saw some unused serial pads on the main pcb.

Is there a way I can wire up an ELRS TX (eg: Radiomaster Ranger or Bandit) and use the sticks and buttons of the Herelink controller to fly?

I imagine I need some way of turning herelink inputs into CRSF output

signal-2023-10-19-21-10-27-679
signal-2023-10-19-21-10-27-6791152×1148 191 KB

2

Are you wanting to use ATAK?

3

Yes. Pictured is a 10" fpv

I side loaded TAK onto the herelink and connected the controller to the Crossfire TX via wifi. Video input is over UVC. I know TAK has prebuikt settings for Herelink, but this is for Herelink with an air unit.

I’m using TAK as the GCS but prefer to fly with a low latency TX like TBS Crossfore or ELRS. In this setup I have, the GCS responds to button inputs from the controller but not RC stick inputs.

My ideal outcome is using one of the serial pads on the herelink PCB and wiring up an external bay mount for CRSF protocol. Not sure if that’s realistic.