FrSky updates the X-lite. What version are you most interested in?

[Wayne]

FrSky Press Release:

With the growing acclaim of the new compact X-Lite form factor, FrSky is introducing this upgraded version. The Pro and S versions combine all the benefits of the preceding design with the features of our full-sized radios, along with the newly developed ACCESS (Advanced Communication Control, Elevated Spread Spectrum) protocol.

New for the PRO version is a high-quality, all-metal CNC hall sensor gimbal. Checking the airwaves for RF noise is now possible with the new power meter and spectrum analysis function added to the OpenTX firmware. Both versions feature the addition of an improved wireless trainer function which makes them compatible with the FrSky Free Link App. The best thing about the Pro and S models is that pilots can now expect even lower latency and enhanced performance due to our new ACCESS transmission protocol. With the integrated 6-axis sensor unit, pilots can use the radio as a motion-sensing controller to control the inputs of a model during flight or use it to point a camera in the desired direction. Like all of our transmitters, all of the beloved features from previous Taranis are included such as full haptic feedback and voice alerts, as well as telemetry and 24 channels and an additional 2 momentary buttons are installed.

SPECIFICATIONS
● Number of channels: 24 channels
● Weight: 308g/ 376g (with battery)
● Operating Voltage Range: 6.0 ~ 8.4V
● Operating Current: 190mA@7.4V
● Operating Temperature: -20°C ~ 60°C (-4°F ~ 140°F)
● Backlight LCD resolution : 128*64
● Model memories: 60 models (expandable by micro TF card)
● Micro USB interface: supports 2S Li-battery balancing charge
FEATURES
● Ergonomic and compact design
● M12 Lite hall sensor gimbals (S)
● MC12 Lite all-metal CNC digital hall sensor gimbal (Pro)
● Upgraded RF module with installed ACCESS protocol
✧ More sensitive and lower latency (down to 12ms)
✧ High-speed digital interface of internal and external modules (Baud rate: 450K)
✧ Longer range with 40% enhanced performance
✧ Accurate SWR indicator
✧ Supports power meter function
✧ Supports spectrum analyzer function
● Wireless function
✧ Higher-speed training system with a lower latency
✧ Compatible with FrSky Free Link App
● Supports wired training function
● High-efficiency quick-charge system
✧ Supports 2S Li-Battery balancing charge
● Supports motion sensing control
✧ Integrated with 6-axis sensor unit
● Haptic vibration alerts and voice speech outputs

Taranis X-Lite Comparison
�

Features	Taranis X-Lite	Taranis X-Lite S	Taranis X-Lite Pro
Ergonomic and compact design	√	√	√
Installed OpenTX system	√	√	√
High-speed module digital interface	√	√	√
Haptic vibration alerts and voice speech outputs	√	√	√
128*64 outdoor legible backlit LCD	√	√	√
Easily accessible battery compartment	√	√	√
Hall sensor gimbal (M12 Lite)	√	√
All-metal CNC machined digital higher accuracy hall sensor gimbal (MC12 Lite)			√
Wired training function (via 3.5mm audio port)	×	√	√
Wireless Function	×	√	√
● Higher-speed training system with a lower latency	×	√	√
● Compatible with FrSky Free Link app	×	√	√
Additional 2 momentary buttons	×	√	√
Battery Charging System (via Micro USB port)	×	√	√
Supports motion sensing control	×	√	√
● Integrated with 6-axis sensor unit	×	√	√
Enhanced RF performance
● Upgraded RF module	×	☆	√
● Longer telemetry range	×	√	√
● Accurate SWR indicator	×	×	√
● Power meter	×	×	√

(☆ Optional)

 

[Konrad]

Not sure what value SWR (Standing Wave Ratio ?) and a Power Meter actually are to flying. I always like upgraded RF sections!

Again I'm not sure what value there is in metal gimbals. But if the Hall effect sensors have a higher resolution (accuracy) that sounds great.

Integrated 6-axis sensor unit. Does this mean I can control a vehicle by just moving the body of the TX. No need to actually move the sticks?
Can I use the this sensor to make a vibration map such as one uses to balance a heli rotor of EDF fan? I currently do this with my cell phone accelerometers.

My interest would strongly be driven by price. As I don't think any of the upgrades between the "S" and the "Pro"* are game changers.

* A Xbox style toy controller being a "Pro". Sounds oxymoronic like jumbo shrimp!

 

[PaulG]

Hey Wayne,
I have been flying the Xlite purely for quads and I am getting used to it. Love how it fits into my backpack and the small form factor seems to just intrinsically be a good match for quads, especially whoop class. A major downsides of the Xlite is reduced stick throw over the larger form factor Frsky radios. If the CNC hall effect gimbals are truly more precise it could make up for reduced throw in increased precision and resolution.

Better gimbals, reduced latency and higher build quality are good enough for me to jump in and pick one up. When are you going to start taking pre-orders and any clue or hunches on actual delivery dates?
Thanks,
Paul

 

[cjpace]

x-lite pro looks great. I've been happy with my (modified & upgraded) X7, but I could definitely see adding this as a second option. where on the case are the two extra buttons ?(hard to tell what are buttons and what are screw hole covers in the pictures)

 

[Wayne]

Looks like the buttons are on the top of the radio. Here is a better picture:

Pretty sure the PRO version will have black switches and only available in the new color.

More pics below.

 

[Wayne]

I think FrSky is suggesting May for release. They are currently working very hard on ACCESS, and it is really looking strong.

 

[Ronin4740]

Is it possible to replace a shoulder switch with a momentary switch and, if so, what's the level of difficulty? Thinking I might want one for DLG/Quads but that upper left switch really needs to be a momentary for it to work well with DLG.

Thanks!

 

[3djc]

They are the two little black button that you can see in Wayne main picture. For a men hand size 9 1/2, it is perfectly where my index goes naturaly when holding the radio

 

[Wayne]

Is it possible to replace a shoulder switch with a momentary switch and, if so, what's the level of difficulty? Thinking I might want one for DLG/Quads but that upper left switch really needs to be a momentary for it to work well with DLG.

Yep, we sell them for both the right or the left sides. You can find them here:

FrSky X-Lite Momentary Switch Board

OEM replacement switches for the X-Lite. Mometary!!!!These switches do not require soldering to replace.Switches SA and SC and SB and SD are pre-soldered to their respective PC boards and as a result need to be replaced in pairs. (see pics)Switches SA and SC are the Left Hand pair (Transmitter...

alofthobbies.com

It is a little tricky to open up the Xlite. There are some youtube videos that show the steps, might be good to check one out. It is not our favorite design, but then again, not a lot of people will ever have to open their radio up.

-Wayne

 

[Ronin4740]

Thanks Wayne. You're right - opening the XLite does look like a bit of a chore. I didn't like to hear one YouTube poster say that he broke retention clips after only opening it one time.

Seems it's also possible to assign a direction of the four way "joystick" as a momentary switch. Might consider doing that instead if I choose to buy one of these radios.

 

[thenated0g]

But can i put 8bit pictures of my planes on each model???