I finally got around to re-assembling my QAV500 quadcopter with my Graupner receiver.   Custom compiled ArduCopter 2.9 with hott-for-ardupilot modules and ran through the new calibration procedure.  

It took about 5 minutes to do the auto trim setup once I had it outside, but after that it flew amazingly. I am very happy with 2.9, and REALLY happy to have transmitter side telemetry!