The X20 looks like a nice radio. However, I've already been burned once with the X10S, finding out a couple months after purchase that it couldn't be upgraded to ACCESS without soldering a board and would never support ACCESS on the R9. With this radio, no OPENTX, no companion-like PC setup program and most importantly, no protocol module support from other vendors like Crossfire, Ghost, and the Jumper multi-protocol modules. That's the killer for me as I would always need another radio for anything that's not FRSKY. In most industries, the world is moving to open source. FRSKY is going the other way.
what are you talking about stu pid ignorant ?? of course it will support legal RF modules except the MPM ones which are part of the reverse engineering game
First thought: holy crap transmitters have come a long way ! Remember prior to the X9D, pre telemetry, pre OpenTX, pre multi protocol module, pre 2.4 GHz ? Now look where we are ! I definitely like the location of the screen being up above rather than below.
My second time watching this video. Man that thing is beautiful. Love the form factor. Radiomaster: please build a clone ! Everything from the TX16S but with 2 module bays and better sliders.
It´s just me or the Ethos is a masked OpenTX?, same functions and options... even the folders structure. The only change is the graphical interface. And of course... the lack of support for 3rd party protoclols...
Fantastic radio over view that has made my mind up to get one, but was just wandering when you the Ethos over view and how to video. keep up the fantastic work.
Andrew: We see an excitement in you with all these new features so well integrated, and quality workmanship! Your presentation was rapid fire, but SO well photographed and organized. I sense we have just stepped into a new technology in our hobby which has made a transition from nerdy stuff into space-age technology designed for the everyday man (or woman). Have you had a chance to test the color touch screen yet in bright sunlight? It looks pretty good in the video, but I would like your objective assessment. I had been resistant to color monitors on transmitters before, preferring backlight B&W LCDs since they don't bleach out in bright sunlight. Your opinion? Your high clearance, big wheel rover looks exciting! Could you, or have you already done, a thorough video on all its basic and-add on features yet? Please do if you haven't. I'm working with Duke University engineering students now, but mostly lurking as they progress on a multi-university project (AUVSI) which involves a very large autonomous drone that must carry, deliver, and pick up a ground vehicle (like your rover) which must navigate autonomously as well, and find, retrieve, and deliver a soda bottle-size object to the mother drone, so your achievements and discoveries would be very welcome by all of us. I love your videos, your enthusiasm, and your enjoyment of sharing what you have learned! - Jim
Yes I agree, I prefer simple monochrome screens. The big colour version of OpenTX is a visual mess. Search for "Rover" on my channel for all I have done with INAV Rover. But I suspect Ardupilot will be more useful for the project. Thanks for your encouragement Jim, very much appreciated.
I just cant support frsky. I bought a x10s express a while ago with r9 long range. When I wanted to get a second radio I was eyeing the radiomaster tx16s. Then i learned r9 access wouldnt work with the radiomaster. I then ditched frsky completely and went radiomaster with crossfire. Expensive but worth it to me. Frsky just seems like a sinking ship.
I know this is an old post but there's a way to mod the tx16s to be able to use the r9 access. I bought the module and receiver then had to figure this all out when I found the tx16 wouldn't work with it in stock form. The instructions to mod and software is online if u search. Worked great for my fpv wing
How do you incorporate a gyro into a channel mixer. I have the Gyro X axis up on the home screen but cannot find a way to use in in a channel mix. Can you help. Thank you Henny
Hey Andrew, if you wouldn't mind, i got the S version of this radio, with the two receivers. I cannot seem to get telemetry from my Cube Orange to come back to the radio. I even bought one of those Yapuu cables, hoping it may get something to come across. For now just looking to see battery voltage on the radio. Cant seem to get it to work. I connected the SBUS out of the R8 Pro, to the RCIN on the Cube. Should i be using the smaller Sport connection? I do get telemetry back from my FrSky devices, just not the cube.
hello I do not speak English very well so the translation and Google sorry but thank you for all the videos the advice I am an amateur drone pilot and I am getting started with aeromodelling and my first purchase will be the phoenixS rtf good continuation and still full of nice video on youtube thank you
Hi, Vincent! Andrew's videos are excellent; if you need more help, may I recommend the PAINLESS 360 channel, which is full of clear advice on all sorts of topics. Like Andrew, the presenter is friendly, helpful and highly knowledgeable. Good luck with your aeromodelling! :-)
Hey Vincent if youre buying the Phoenix S RTF please get yourself a good radio as the out of box RTF radio that comes with the Phoenix S probably costs just as much as if you ordered a FlySky I6 or I6X radio. The FlySky I6 is a great radio to start with if your drone radios won't suit, and has a lot more range and features for about the same money...you can buy them off Banggood or AliExpress. I have both the Phoenix 1600 and the Phoenix S, the Phoenix 1600 has flaps whereas the S you can set up with flaperons which you can program with the FlySky I6 / I6X. The Phoenix S flies very smoothly and is stable, and has a great glide...I've found with flaperons on mine it barely needed any correction with down elevator added to the mix (like maybe 2-3%).
@@deancooper5513 hello Thank you very much for all the advice that will come in handy. Indeed the PMP version of Phénix S to add to the Flysky radio comes back at the same price, hoping that the apétale is not complicated for me because never done ... in any case again thank you very much for all advice. good day from France :-)
@@Vincent-ux6fj Setting up the RTF version of the Phoenix S is very easy, everything is already installed or is ready to fit out of the box. The little latch parts that hold the wing in place can be a bit stiff, on my Phoenix S I had to remove the centre clip part and gently file down the edge of the catch a little so the two parts would snap lock together a little easier when plugging in the wings. Also the FlySky IA6B receiver is a great match for the I6 / I6X radio and fits perfectly at the back of the canopy area. Good luck!
Hi Andrew, thanks for the nice review! I had just bought a Horus X10S last year, which I do like, but I am tempted to buy this X20 or X20S very much. I do like the form, and especially the higher resolution screen, and am working only with ACCESS 2.0 and Archer receivers anyway, happy to move to EthOS, OpenTX is a bit Linux and I am a MacOS guy (although I work with Linux often for my work also). You mentioned that the X20 is positioned a bit below the Horus line, but is that only so in respect to the little bit lower pricing or also in terms of quality and feel?
Great review!!! How good is this radio for ground vehicles? Does it have a ground mode that does not require translating flight controls into channel functions? I am looking for a good 12+ ch radio. Thanks!
It's a real shame it's not OpenTX. Love the look of the radio and would have been great for me for some FPV flying and Ardupilot missions. Also not a fan of using custom battery packs instead of 18650/21700 cells.
So I’m looking for a transmitter that will work with fpv drones and planes, will this work for my needs? Ps..... I’m very confused about which transmitters will work with which vehicles
Nice looking Transmitter, but I tend to use full size JR Modules, and not ACCESS type either... Confused about the SMA antenna ports..?...Are these alternate external RD antenna ports to the Internal 2.4g and 900mhz antennas???...🤔🤔🤔😯😯🇬🇧
Hi. Yes that was my thought. Why would you need external sma connectors when they claim such a good range? @Andrew Newton, any chance you could open it up and show us those two internal modules and antennas? Cheers
@@blackterminal FrSkys new operating protocol is called ACCESS....different hardware not compatible with their older ACCST protocol...thus shitting on their once faithful customer base...🤔😯🇬🇧
Thx Andrew! Great review as always. I usually purchase by your recommendations, however this will be an exception. Frsky is going off in a proprietary direction with no bay for crossfire or ghost etc. My Horus is getting less and less used these days. What’s with Ethos? Has Frsky been deaf to the industry? OpenTx is open that’s the issue; Frsky is not. My hope is they can dry up and blow away so the rest of us can stop wasting our time.
Based on the discussions out there it would seem FrSky wanted to direct how OpenTX was shaped and used to suit the development and features of their radios, and then expect other industry players to not apply similar features and functions that all come with using OpenTX. Obviously the industry, developers and customers have shaped OpenTX and being 100% open source that means one industry player cannot entirely 'control' the outcomes and market expectations of the OpenTX code. FrSky, like any other radio manufacturer on Open TX has benefited from and has input into the OpenTX code. However the only way FrSky can have protection and control of its own developments and products is to create its own operating system (ETHOS). Whether the X20 will support OpenTX remains to be seen, and no doubt FrSky fans who buy the X20 may end up finding a hack to make the X20 run OpenTX if it wont be supported by FrSky officially.
@@deancooper5513 what about the JR bay? Are current users supposed to just poop can their modules? I for one would rather let them go their own way. They have nothing new under the sun. The sad thing is, the build quality of my x10 s is pretty stout. I have learned to love that radio over the years. Thanks for sharing.
@@MrVasmikey My own view is that everyone choice, in that you can choose to stay loyal to a brand, and only purchase equipment that falls in that choice. However even FrSky users have understandably felt abandoned by changes in protocols. In my case I 100% embrace the ability of being able to mix and match equipment and bind it all via an OpenTX transmitter...multi-protocol has huge advantages and lets the consumer explore lots of options. Granted there are those out there that don't like to stray from a brand or have a Spektrum view point. I agree however that anyone that has invested $$$ in plug in modules should be catered for by a manufacturer for some period of time at least beyond point of purchase and as backwards compatibility too. That's a learning for manufacturers to take heed from; if your customers feel abandoned then don't expect any future sales to be supported by the market audience you just cut off.
My only disappointments with this TX are: 1. the 2-position switch is still on the left side. My right-handed/left brain wants it on the side for throttle cut. 2. no option to install OpenTX, making it difficult/impossible to transfer models from OpenTX radios? 3. no computer interface like OpenTX Companion to facilitate programming the radio and models.
Hello Andrew, Great review, seems you covered all the key points very well😊.. I don’t plan to switch from my TX16S but am very curious about the BlueTooth audio since i fly on windy slopes and it would help.. do you have a BT device you could try pairing to? I’m hoping Radiomaster and others pick up their game and add this BT Audio and the internal gyro soon too.
How does it compare to the Horus re: build quality. Which would you purchase for fixed wing? How does your Frsky QX 7 compare? I know they're different price pointsI I'm a glider pilot. Is the feel of the X20 worth the purchase? Thanks!
Not quite up to Horus build quality, mostly the switches. All I use is the QX7 with a slider/pot repositioned to the left side. I prefer OTX over Ethos but otherwise the X20 would be excellent for gliders.
does the x20 come with internal memory so there is no need to install a SD card when it's brand new out of the box. So you just want to turn it on the first time. can you verify this please
Great video. I used Horus x10S express to fly my engine planes. Plan to buy whether X20 or X20S. Don't know which one is perfect for me. X20 more than enough? X20S more to FPV pilots? Any suggestions? Thanks
Looks nice.. but I guess it has to for $340 USD. At first look (without tuning it 'ON'... the screen looks a fair size. Once turned 'ON' the screen seems to have 1/2" to 3/4" band around it that is not being used or its just a small screen.
Gooday Andrew, have you had chance to test any vario receivers on the x20 yet? Are the tones the same or do they differ from the Taranis radios and those on open tx?👍
@@AndrewNewton thanks Andrew, I tried this evening on my tandem x20, I set the same parameters, range -10 to 10 and centre silent - 0.5 to 0.5 and it didn’t make much noise when I raised the receiver, didn’t seem to be as accurate reading in terms of noise from the vario, that’s with the GR8 interested to see a video of you testing the gr8 with it
@@jimelliott33 Hi Jim, where do you find the configuration for the variometer on X20? I have one connected to the R10 PRO receiver but I can't get it to work. In telemetry I can only see the power supply voltage of the receiver. Thank you I can't find the "to do" list suggested by Andrew Newton
Sir what can you tell me about such a 3 in 1 transmitter? If the control range is more than 60 kilo meters, which supports Pixhawk, I can connect my smartphone to that transmitter and see all the data or camera live on my screen.😶
I think you will need a Mavlink transmitter and a ground station for Ardupilot. But I don't know anything about extreme long range telemetry and Mavlink control.
900Mhz should not be used in the UK (and EU), it's the same frequency that's used for cell towers, so load of interference and I don't think it's legal to use. 868MHz is what you want to use.
I still can not get why they do not use a phone or tablet via usb connected to lower the costs cause we all have usually better display in our phones for outdoor usage in sun ... that frsky can not offer or the price will be too high. The UI might be great, but looks like you can not change the viewing angle ... Nice design and quality built for sure, but I went away from frsky 2 years ago when the jumper desaster happened and now I am happy with Radiomaser and the Lite from Jumper.
LCDs are dirt cheap. Writing software to interface with (changing) phones and different screen sizes would be a pain. Best way to do it would be to embed and HTML server ((ESP32?) in the transmitter and send the phone HTML to view on a web browser. That might also allow the phone to control the transmitter. It is an interesting concept, though I don't see it replacing the LCD screen, especially if it is a touch screen.
No JR module, no Crossfire, no OpenTX, they don't really care what we need, do they? Does is work with LUA scripts from OpenTX? It's so frustrating, I really liked this transmitter and I would definitely buy it.
Sadly the EthosOS doesnt support the Crossfire Protocoll as far as i know, it does look really really good, but no OpenTX and no support for such a big player in the game like TBS CRSF and ImmersionRC Ghost are a bit of a bummer for me, i guess my x12s is gonna get a new color instead of buying an x20 :)
@@calibermix8159 why ignorant ? Just my opinion on it, if the HD version would support crossfire and dji air units id be the first to buy one for my wings ;)
@@calibermix8159 the Frsky OS that was on the horus series never supported the native crossfire protocoll or any other third party module if you didn't flash it with opentx as far as i've known for an example, you shure can use it via ppm i guess, but considering latency on ppm and using a module like tracer or irc ghost with ppm is just nonsense imo if the goal of them is to get you low latency. if they release the OpenTX 2.4 and someone manages to port it for the x20 series, well that's another story. The higher priced FrSky radios are great no front, got an x12s myself with opentx that works perfectly, but the Software division of FrSky and the tendency to go "proprietary" is a thing that bugs me a bit. Let's hope opentx runs on it, if it runs on it i'm probably gonna consider buying the HD version
Has anyone seen these dual band receivers yet? Just got shot down with a Spektrum and want to switch to a dual band system, but I can't afford a Jeti lol.
I was just wondering if a radio like this is designed specifically for clean, battery-powered models. Everything's so neat and shiny... Is the finish, switch gear, and touch-screen fuelproof? What's the flying experience like if you've got old-school castor oil and ether and grass seeds and bits of fluff on your hands? Or is the idea of being owned by someone capable of such beastly ghastliness beneath its dignity? (The ether's in diesel fuel, by the way. Before all the lockdown restrictions I was flying sub-250g radio-interrupted [rudder and elevator] free-flight planes. Little burbling diesel engines are an absolute hoot.)
Frsky's main objective is to attract potential customers from other major competitors. ETHOS is totally different to JR, Futaba or Spektrum software so it's gonna be a steep learning curve if they provide a crap user manual similar to the same that was written for OPEN TX
@@calibermix8159 Try open-txu.org/ There are other links that you can search for as well, such as RCgroups: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3042683-OpenTX-University
I'm glad it's NOT open Tx. What do you people see in it that's Sooooo amazing? Sorry but it's no better than Futaba fasstest or spektrums whatever. I like the Ethos system. I've read about it and sounds great! I can't wait for the FPV HD version to come out.
...i got jeti ds-16 radios for over 10 years and now i can get a plastic chinese clone...with an stolen opentx software onbord...and steer in fear...of frsky dumping yet another protocol in a couple of years...yipeee yea___
The X20 looks like a nice radio. However, I've already been burned once with the X10S, finding out a couple months after purchase that it couldn't be upgraded to ACCESS without soldering a board and would never support ACCESS on the R9. With this radio, no OPENTX, no companion-like PC setup program and most importantly, no protocol module support from other vendors like Crossfire, Ghost, and the Jumper multi-protocol modules. That's the killer for me as I would always need another radio for anything that's not FRSKY. In most industries, the world is moving to open source. FRSKY is going the other way.
You nailed it, Mark. Ditto for me on everything you said. RadioMaster: I want two of these with OpenTX and a module bay. Or maybe 2 module bays ?
Same thing for me. No more FrSky radios for me.
what are you talking about stu pid ignorant ?? of course it will support legal RF modules except the MPM ones which are part of the reverse engineering game
Me too Mark. You are dead on.
First thought: holy crap transmitters have come a long way ! Remember prior to the X9D, pre telemetry, pre OpenTX, pre multi protocol module, pre 2.4 GHz ? Now look where we are !
I definitely like the location of the screen being up above rather than below.
My second time watching this video. Man that thing is beautiful. Love the form factor. Radiomaster: please build a clone ! Everything from the TX16S but with 2 module bays and better sliders.
Andrew that was a great video ! I look forward to seeing a complete setup including binding RX possibly on a 4 servo wing on a glider !!!!
Will do soon Alistair
Afternoon from Scotland...Looks Cool..
Thank you Andrew ! 😊
Its just me asking for more info about this? "HD version includes Digital Video Transmission System (720p 60fps) that can display on the screen"
After all that mess with protocols they are dead to me.
Ya I agree..
Likewise.
Andrew you lucky man. I have already put my self down one. Putting Ethos on my X10, just wanting for the IRSM to be in stock. Nice one 👍🏻
great video Andrew !!!!
Thanks Andrew!
Interesting stuff.
It looks like a blend of a Powerbox Core radio and Jeti radio. Very cool!
Yes, my first thoughts...Powerbox contender...Dual band...🤔🤔🤔🇬🇧
Thanks a lot ...
It´s just me or the Ethos is a masked OpenTX?, same functions and options... even the folders structure. The only change is the graphical interface. And of course... the lack of support for 3rd party protoclols...
Is that just beautifully ironic of FrSky to do something like that? I gave up on FrSky a long time ago.
Fantastic radio over view that has made my mind up to get one, but was just wandering when you the Ethos over view and how to video. keep up the fantastic work.
Ethos is still being developed. I'll do more eventually
Thanks Andrew and that radio looks absolutely stunning.
Might have to get one for Christmas lol.
Very jeti like which is obviously a good thing.
🔥😍👍
Andrew:
We see an excitement in you with all these new features so well integrated, and quality workmanship! Your presentation was rapid fire, but SO well photographed and organized. I sense we have just stepped into a new technology in our hobby which has made a transition from nerdy stuff into space-age technology designed for the everyday man (or woman).
Have you had a chance to test the color touch screen yet in bright sunlight? It looks pretty good in the video, but I would like your objective assessment. I had been resistant to color monitors on transmitters before, preferring backlight B&W LCDs since they don't bleach out in bright sunlight. Your opinion?
Your high clearance, big wheel rover looks exciting! Could you, or have you already done, a thorough video on all its basic and-add on features yet? Please do if you haven't. I'm working with Duke University engineering students now, but mostly lurking as they progress on a multi-university project (AUVSI) which involves a very large autonomous drone that must carry, deliver, and pick up a ground vehicle (like your rover) which must navigate autonomously as well, and find, retrieve, and deliver a soda bottle-size object to the mother drone, so your achievements and discoveries would be very welcome by all of us. I love your videos, your enthusiasm, and your enjoyment of sharing what you have learned! - Jim
Yes I agree, I prefer simple monochrome screens. The big colour version of OpenTX is a visual mess. Search for "Rover" on my channel for all I have done with INAV Rover. But I suspect Ardupilot will be more useful for the project. Thanks for your encouragement Jim, very much appreciated.
I am so jealous.....I have pre-ordered and can't wait to get mine
I just cant support frsky. I bought a x10s express a while ago with r9 long range. When I wanted to get a second radio I was eyeing the radiomaster tx16s. Then i learned r9 access wouldnt work with the radiomaster. I then ditched frsky completely and went radiomaster with crossfire. Expensive but worth it to me. Frsky just seems like a sinking ship.
I agree. I ditched my old Taranis for a Radiomaster TX16S as well. FrSky went the way of Spektrum.
I know this is an old post but there's a way to mod the tx16s to be able to use the r9 access. I bought the module and receiver then had to figure this all out when I found the tx16 wouldn't work with it in stock form. The instructions to mod and software is online if u search. Worked great for my fpv wing
@@joshmeyer5280 thats good to know. I have some friends with r9 stuff and Ill let them know about this.
It looks nice, I am definitely checking it out :)
Wow, that looks promising. Maybe the gyros could be made to control pan/tilt servos, using movements small enough not to mess up antenna orientation?
did anyone get the bluetooth telemetry to work on this radio?
If they make one with an analogue receiver port it would be glorious with that screen. I am curious to see where this goes!
Hi sir good day. I think next the camera more focus on the transmitter coz it's a little bit far. But so far so good
Looks good but X9D Taranis forever!...until it dies or I do LOL ;)
Nice radio, the design and UI looks very Jeti to me, not that its a bad thing... and for way, way less money. Looks to be a bit of a steal Imo.
How do you incorporate a gyro into a channel mixer. I have the Gyro X axis up on the home screen but cannot find a way to use in in a channel mix. Can you help.
Thank you Henny
Should appear in the source list?
Hey Andrew, if you wouldn't mind, i got the S version of this radio, with the two receivers. I cannot seem to get telemetry from my Cube Orange to come back to the radio. I even bought one of those Yapuu cables, hoping it may get something to come across. For now just looking to see battery voltage on the radio. Cant seem to get it to work. I connected the SBUS out of the R8 Pro, to the RCIN on the Cube. Should i be using the smaller Sport connection? I do get telemetry back from my FrSky devices, just not the cube.
Don't know the cube or yapuu sorry
@@AndrewNewton Thanks for your time. I appreciate the response.
hello I do not speak English very well so the translation and Google sorry but thank you for all the videos the advice I am an amateur drone pilot and I am getting started with aeromodelling and my first purchase will be the phoenixS rtf good continuation and still full of nice video on youtube thank you
Hi, Vincent! Andrew's videos are excellent; if you need more help, may I recommend the PAINLESS 360 channel, which is full of clear advice on all sorts of topics. Like Andrew, the presenter is friendly, helpful and highly knowledgeable.
Good luck with your aeromodelling! :-)
Hey Vincent if youre buying the Phoenix S RTF please get yourself a good radio as the out of box RTF radio that comes with the Phoenix S probably costs just as much as if you ordered a FlySky I6 or I6X radio. The FlySky I6 is a great radio to start with if your drone radios won't suit, and has a lot more range and features for about the same money...you can buy them off Banggood or AliExpress. I have both the Phoenix 1600 and the Phoenix S, the Phoenix 1600 has flaps whereas the S you can set up with flaperons which you can program with the FlySky I6 / I6X. The Phoenix S flies very smoothly and is stable, and has a great glide...I've found with flaperons on mine it barely needed any correction with down elevator added to the mix (like maybe 2-3%).
@@deancooper5513 hello Thank you very much for all the advice that will come in handy. Indeed the PMP version of Phénix S to add to the Flysky radio comes back at the same price, hoping that the apétale is not complicated for me because never done ... in any case again thank you very much for all advice. good day from France :-)
@@Vincent-ux6fj Setting up the RTF version of the Phoenix S is very easy, everything is already installed or is ready to fit out of the box. The little latch parts that hold the wing in place can be a bit stiff, on my Phoenix S I had to remove the centre clip part and gently file down the edge of the catch a little so the two parts would snap lock together a little easier when plugging in the wings. Also the FlySky IA6B receiver is a great match for the I6 / I6X radio and fits perfectly at the back of the canopy area. Good luck!
I think it would be interesting to compare to a Flysky radio. Maybe the Paladin, or the Nirvana (the latter because it has OpenTX firmware available.)
Hi Andrew, thanks for the nice review! I had just bought a Horus X10S last year, which I do like, but I am tempted to buy this X20 or X20S very much. I do like the form, and especially the higher resolution screen, and am working only with ACCESS 2.0 and Archer receivers anyway, happy to move to EthOS, OpenTX is a bit Linux and I am a MacOS guy (although I work with Linux often for my work also).
You mentioned that the X20 is positioned a bit below the Horus line, but is that only so in respect to the little bit lower pricing or also in terms of quality and feel?
Pricing and switch quality, but I have not actually tested a Horus so really only guessing
Great review!!! How good is this radio for ground vehicles? Does it have a ground mode that does not require translating flight controls into channel functions? I am looking for a good 12+ ch radio. Thanks!
No specific ground mode, but the 900MHz would give good range
Is it easy to switch from mode 2 to mode 1? Not just in the software, but to open up the radio to do the physical changes to the gimbals.
Easy I think, but I have not tried
Is it smaller than the Horus x12?
Wow, Ethos looks nice to use , better than the ‘ old ‘ FROS and perhaps more intuitive the OpenTx ,
the touch screen very cool !
It's a real shame it's not OpenTX. Love the look of the radio and would have been great for me for some FPV flying and Ardupilot missions. Also not a fan of using custom battery packs instead of 18650/21700 cells.
🥰🥰😍😍🥰🥰
Does anyone know, if there will be another tandem radio named x24. Or did they change the name to x20s?
Yes, the X24 will came out later... maybe with a GPS module.
So I’m looking for a transmitter that will work with fpv drones and planes, will this work for my needs? Ps..... I’m very confused about which transmitters will work with which vehicles
Depends on which receiver is in the vehicle. Back to Basics - ruclips.net/video/8je840_eUdU/видео.html
Still a hard pass if no support for Crossfire
Rumours are that other companies have submitted their modules to FrSKY for future inclusion. They have a project specifically for that.
Nice looking Transmitter, but I tend to use full size JR Modules, and not ACCESS type either... Confused about the SMA antenna ports..?...Are these alternate external RD antenna ports to the Internal 2.4g and 900mhz antennas???...🤔🤔🤔😯😯🇬🇧
Hi. Yes that was my thought. Why would you need external sma connectors when they claim such a good range? @Andrew Newton, any chance you could open it up and show us those two internal modules and antennas? Cheers
Yes, future video
What's a access module?
@@blackterminal FrSkys new operating protocol is called ACCESS....different hardware not compatible with their older ACCST protocol...thus shitting on their once faithful customer base...🤔😯🇬🇧
Nice toys, it's a pity that flying almost everywhere is now illegal.
Thx Andrew! Great review as always. I usually purchase by your recommendations, however this will be an exception. Frsky is going off in a proprietary direction with no bay for crossfire or ghost etc. My Horus is getting less and less used these days. What’s with Ethos? Has Frsky been deaf to the industry? OpenTx is open that’s the issue; Frsky is not. My hope is they can dry up and blow away so the rest of us can stop wasting our time.
Based on the discussions out there it would seem FrSky wanted to direct how OpenTX was shaped and used to suit the development and features of their radios, and then expect other industry players to not apply similar features and functions that all come with using OpenTX. Obviously the industry, developers and customers have shaped OpenTX and being 100% open source that means one industry player cannot entirely 'control' the outcomes and market expectations of the OpenTX code. FrSky, like any other radio manufacturer on Open TX has benefited from and has input into the OpenTX code. However the only way FrSky can have protection and control of its own developments and products is to create its own operating system (ETHOS). Whether the X20 will support OpenTX remains to be seen, and no doubt FrSky fans who buy the X20 may end up finding a hack to make the X20 run OpenTX if it wont be supported by FrSky officially.
@@deancooper5513 what about the JR bay? Are current users supposed to just poop can their modules? I for one would rather let them go their own way. They have nothing new under the sun. The sad thing is, the build quality of my x10 s is pretty stout. I have learned to love that radio over the years. Thanks for sharing.
@@MrVasmikey My own view is that everyone choice, in that you can choose to stay loyal to a brand, and only purchase equipment that falls in that choice. However even FrSky users have understandably felt abandoned by changes in protocols. In my case I 100% embrace the ability of being able to mix and match equipment and bind it all via an OpenTX transmitter...multi-protocol has huge advantages and lets the consumer explore lots of options. Granted there are those out there that don't like to stray from a brand or have a Spektrum view point. I agree however that anyone that has invested $$$ in plug in modules should be catered for by a manufacturer for some period of time at least beyond point of purchase and as backwards compatibility too. That's a learning for manufacturers to take heed from; if your customers feel abandoned then don't expect any future sales to be supported by the market audience you just cut off.
My only disappointments with this TX are:
1. the 2-position switch is still on the left side. My right-handed/left brain wants it on the side for throttle cut.
2. no option to install OpenTX, making it difficult/impossible to transfer models from OpenTX radios?
3. no computer interface like OpenTX Companion to facilitate programming the radio and models.
Hello Andrew,
Great review, seems you covered all the key points very well😊.. I don’t plan to switch from my TX16S but am very curious about the BlueTooth audio since i fly on windy slopes and it would help.. do you have a BT device you could try pairing to? I’m hoping Radiomaster and others pick up their game and add this BT Audio and the internal gyro soon too.
How does it compare to the Horus re: build quality. Which would you purchase for fixed wing? How does your Frsky QX 7 compare? I know they're different price pointsI I'm a glider pilot. Is the feel of the X20 worth the purchase? Thanks!
Not quite up to Horus build quality, mostly the switches. All I use is the QX7 with a slider/pot repositioned to the left side. I prefer OTX over Ethos but otherwise the X20 would be excellent for gliders.
@@AndrewNewton Thank you very much Andrew and all your respondents who asked questions I didn't know needed asking!!!
does the x20 come with internal memory so there is no need to install a SD card when it's brand new out of the box. So you just want to turn it on the first time. can you verify this please
SD card is required. Can't start up without it.
Does it work with crossfire and dragson link out of the box?
No, but they FrSky have a project where 3rd party modules can be submitted for possible future support.
Great video. I used Horus x10S express to fly my engine planes. Plan to buy whether X20 or X20S. Don't know which one is perfect for me. X20 more than enough? X20S more to FPV pilots? Any suggestions? Thanks
X20 is all you need I think
@@AndrewNewton thank you
Looks nice.. but I guess it has to for $340 USD. At first look (without tuning it 'ON'... the screen looks a fair size.
Once turned 'ON' the screen seems to have 1/2" to 3/4" band around it that is not being used or its just a small screen.
Yep that's a ethos minus point but it's still a beta and they will improve it over time.
3:50 lipo or li-ion? Lipo seems like a nuisance
Either, comes with LiPo
Gooday Andrew, have you had chance to test any vario receivers on the x20 yet? Are the tones the same or do they differ from the Taranis radios and those on open tx?👍
On the "To do " list
@@AndrewNewton thanks Andrew, I tried this evening on my tandem x20, I set the same parameters, range -10 to 10 and centre silent - 0.5 to 0.5 and it didn’t make much noise when I raised the receiver, didn’t seem to be as accurate reading in terms of noise from the vario, that’s with the GR8 interested to see a video of you testing the gr8 with it
@@jimelliott33 Hi Jim, where do you find the configuration for the variometer on X20? I have one connected to the R10 PRO receiver but I can't get it to work. In telemetry I can only see the power supply voltage of the receiver. Thank you
I can't find the "to do" list suggested by Andrew Newton
@@jimelliott33 Thank you for ,mentioning the variometer Jim. I just assumed it would work and it's one of the main reasons whey i'm looking at Frsky.
Is there a multi protocol module for the tandem radios?
No support for MM in Ethos I think
Sir what can you tell me about such a 3 in 1 transmitter?
If the control range is more than 60 kilo meters, which supports Pixhawk, I can connect my smartphone to that transmitter and see all the data or camera live on my screen.😶
I think you will need a Mavlink transmitter and a ground station for Ardupilot. But I don't know anything about extreme long range telemetry and Mavlink control.
@@AndrewNewton thanks
chumgodiyo Andrew... rura wesrtroya undraketva kwala koliva retoka lapida jelipadoia FrSKY Tandem X20
Cant translate sorry
🤗👍👀🇭🇷
Are these dual band transmitters legal in the UK. is 900Mhz allowed?
Yes, jeti have had dual band & 900mhz for a while.
The second question is do you care what's legal in technology matters
868MHz for UK I think, 915MHz elsewhere
900Mhz should not be used in the UK (and EU), it's the same frequency that's used for cell towers, so load of interference and I don't think it's legal to use. 868MHz is what you want to use.
I still can not get why they do not use a phone or tablet via usb connected to lower the costs cause we all have usually better display in our phones for outdoor usage in sun ... that frsky can not offer or the price will be too high.
The UI might be great, but looks like you can not change the viewing angle ...
Nice design and quality built for sure, but I went away from frsky 2 years ago when the jumper desaster happened and now I am happy with Radiomaser and the Lite from Jumper.
LCDs are dirt cheap. Writing software to interface with (changing) phones and different screen sizes would be a pain. Best way to do it would be to embed and HTML server ((ESP32?) in the transmitter and send the phone HTML to view on a web browser. That might also allow the phone to control the transmitter.
It is an interesting concept, though I don't see it replacing the LCD screen, especially if it is a touch screen.
No JR module, no Crossfire, no OpenTX, they don't really care what we need, do they? Does is work with LUA scripts from OpenTX? It's so frustrating, I really liked this transmitter and I would definitely buy it.
how bright is the screen in sunlight?
Plenty bright enough.
I was gong to ask why a gloss screen , reflections when outside in the sun maybe
Sadly the EthosOS doesnt support the Crossfire Protocoll as far as i know, it does look really really good, but no OpenTX and no support for such a big player in the game like TBS CRSF and ImmersionRC Ghost are a bit of a bummer for me, i guess my x12s is gonna get a new color instead of buying an x20 :)
another ignorant.... OMG.
@@calibermix8159 why ignorant ? Just my opinion on it, if the HD version would support crossfire and dji air units id be the first to buy one for my wings ;)
@@milosimus where did you read it doesn't support TBS or IRC protocols ?
@@calibermix8159 the Frsky OS that was on the horus series never supported the native crossfire protocoll or any other third party module if you didn't flash it with opentx as far as i've known for an example, you shure can use it via ppm i guess, but considering latency on ppm and using a module like tracer or irc ghost with ppm is just nonsense imo if the goal of them is to get you low latency. if they release the OpenTX 2.4 and someone manages to port it for the x20 series, well that's another story.
The higher priced FrSky radios are great no front, got an x12s myself with opentx that works perfectly, but the Software division of FrSky and the tendency to go "proprietary" is a thing that bugs me a bit.
Let's hope opentx runs on it, if it runs on it i'm probably gonna consider buying the HD version
@@milosimus you are just posting BS. because crossfire and ghost will be supported.
Cool but given me OpenTX anyday. OpenTx companion is so useful.
Good point!
How readable is the screen in full sunlight ?
Yes, sharp and clear even with polarising sunglasses on. I'll show it in a coming video
@@AndrewNewton That's great , thanks for the reply .
Has anyone seen these dual band receivers yet? Just got shot down with a Spektrum and want to switch to a dual band system, but I can't afford a Jeti lol.
Not yet
theres one available that i know of, but its over $110
I was just wondering if a radio like this is designed specifically for clean, battery-powered models. Everything's so neat and shiny...
Is the finish, switch gear, and touch-screen fuelproof? What's the flying experience like if you've got old-school castor oil and ether and grass seeds and bits of fluff on your hands?
Or is the idea of being owned by someone capable of such beastly ghastliness beneath its dignity?
(The ether's in diesel fuel, by the way. Before all the lockdown restrictions I was flying sub-250g radio-interrupted [rudder and elevator] free-flight planes. Little burbling diesel engines are an absolute hoot.)
Anti fuel and dirt filters might need a software update!
Do you collect radios like planes as well? 😁
Haha, so it seems. They keep sending new ones for review.
I hate to say it but EthOS looks like what OpenTX should look like.
Frsky's main objective is to attract potential customers from other major competitors. ETHOS is totally different to JR, Futaba or Spektrum software so it's gonna be a steep learning curve if they provide a crap user manual similar to the same that was written for OPEN TX
@@calibermix8159 I noticed that OpenTX has updated their manual. From a cursory look it appears to be considerably better.
@@passinthru4328 Do you have a link ???
@@calibermix8159 Try open-txu.org/ There are other links that you can search for as well, such as RCgroups: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3042683-OpenTX-University
should we trust Frsky?
I do, it's all I have used (other than for reviews) for the last 6 years
Not for me.
After all shit they have done - I don't think so.
I’d never buy frsky again they pissed me off with r9 no way I’d buy anything from them again
Edit, price found
Link in the description, takes about 5 seconds to click
@@AndrewNewton i was looking on the first link, i see now on the banggood link....nice one.....shocked at the bargain price, i was expecting much more
The resolution of that screen is disgusting.. What in the world were they thinking?
edit: maybe its the "screen protector". I hope so.
Yes I haven't peeled it off yet. The screen is very crisp actually
I'm glad it's NOT open Tx. What do you people see in it that's Sooooo amazing? Sorry but it's no better than Futaba fasstest or spektrums whatever. I like the Ethos system. I've read about it and sounds great! I can't wait for the FPV HD version to come out.
50 to 100km range? Seriously?!
I find that hard to believe.
Ha! I'm not going to test it.
FrSky's dirty marketing practices and ugly radios have sealed their fate imo.
Made in china?
...i got jeti ds-16 radios for over 10 years and now i can get a plastic chinese clone...with an stolen opentx software onbord...and steer in fear...of frsky dumping yet another protocol in a couple of years...yipeee yea___
Why not just stay with your Jeti then.
I was just about to say.. this feels like a jeti clone for sure with the dual bands and just layout