Can I use SlinkE2 to power the receiver via its Ext port ?
The older Jeti receiver manuals warn that receivers must not be powered via the Ext port. This is not entirely correct. Jeti have confirmed in writing that:
- receivers produced since August 2014 are able to be powered from the Ext port, the same as any other servo port.
- older receivers are able to be powered by the Ext port, if no servos are connected to the receiver also.
But be warned - the Ext port on Jeti receivers (and Central Boxes) are not always rated to handle significant amounts of currents. Even a single servo may draw too much power and permanently damage your receiver.
So in short, there are no limitations on using SlinkE2 to power Jeti Duplex receivers via the Ext port, but don't attempt to power servos or other high-current devices from the receiver's Ext port.
SlinkE2 vs original SlinkE
The SlinkE2 is an evolved version of the original SlinkE device which has been sold and used by many modellers over the past few years.
The SlinkE2 uses a completely new hardware platform (with a faster 32-bit processor, more memory and more flexible outputs).
One obvious physical difference is that it now comes with a servo cable for the EX Bus input only, with header pins for the output. This was a feature that many customers requested, since they often had to modify the output cable on the original SlinkE (either to change the length, or change the gender of the end connector).
The other key physical difference is that there is now TWO outputs. Currently only the first output port (Port A) is used for S.Bus signals, with Port B available for configuring the SlinkE2 via a traditional standalone Jetibox programmer. But in the future, Port B will be available for alternative functions. Stay tuned...
The core of the firmware retains much of the original SlinkE code, but has a few configurable options that the original SlinkE did not offer:
- configurable failsafe behaviour (off vs hold last known good values)
- either normal speed (14ms interval) or high speed (7ms) S.Bus frame rates
- selectable S.Bus signal polarity: standard Futaba polarity (inverted), or non-inverted
Under the hood there is also a competely new firmware updating mechanism built into the device. This will make firmware updates even simpler and more reliable than they were previously, and opens the door to allowing the SlinkE2 to take on entirely new functionality in the future.