Tempted to leave Spektrum for Frsky

[austin]

I am a pretty basic E-sailplane pilot, 4 servo wing stuff. My mixes or flight mode needs are pretty limited, fullspan ailerons, landing flaps, camber, maybe reflex. I am tempted for one, I heard the build quality seems much better. I bought a NX8+ and was disappointed with how cheap it felt, button's action and sound, materials quality etc. Also I like what I believe Frsky offers in terms of customization in terms of assigning channels/switches, the screen widgets. And if I am not mistaken, their telemetry is better or has more options that might be built in without needing a "smart receiver or esc" made only by Spektrum. And it looks like the Ethos UI is pretty friendly. I can possibly use my Spektrum receivers?

Are my assumptions correct and does the X18 make a capable replacement for the NX8?

I appreciate it!

Austin

 

[Wayne]

Yes, the X18 or any FrSky radio will do most all of the things you are seeking. More channels, unlimited mixing, can assign switches to whatever you like, add images, voices, etc. Basically I like to tell people the biggest limitation of the Ethos radios is the owners imagination for things to do with it.

Lets see some other highlights:

• color screen
• touch screen is handy as you can name all of your channels and mixes, etc.
• More channels than you will need
• Multiple protocols on 2 different frequencies. All of them have proven to be some of the most reliable in the hobby.
• All receivers include telemetry, and can just plug in whatever sensors you need.
• The largest selection of receivers ranging from tiny to HUGE.
• Fbus data is pretty cool, you can do things like talk to your servos and see their voltages and amp draw, etc.
• Constant improvements to the Ethos programming environment, so your radio is gaining more features as time goes by.
• A very large collection of radios for all budgets and desires. And they don't dumb down a radio based on price, except for the soon to be released ECOS systems. (see below)

No the X18 will not talk with Spektrum receivers. You can add a multi protocol module onto the back of the radio (yes, it has a module bay!!) and then you can accomplish this. Those modules are pretty cheap. But I would suggest where and when you can to sell off the Spektrum receivers and use FrSky to fully enjoy your investment and enjoy that rock solid RF system and telemetry. You will not regret it.

ECOS systems
I was shocked the first time I saw an NX7e, it is such a pile of trash. Sorry, I'm just being honest. I assumed it was a $100 radio, maybe a little less. I was shocked to hear it costs $320. FrSky has a new radio coming out, the EX14. I'm still learning the finer details of it, but it will be under $100 (think they are saying $88), has 24 channels, and sounds like the programming is focused on what new pilots will need for the first few years in the hobby. (A keep it simple approach) They are calling the new programming system ECOS. Looking through the manual, looks nice and simple.

 

[austin]

Beautiful thank you

 

[gnichola]

If you are looking for something that doesn't feel like trash https://alofthobbies.com/collections/transmitters/products/frsky-tandem-x20pro-aw
Awesome

 

[Wayne]

Personally I don't think any of the FrSky models feel like trash. The X20 Pros are just much more fancy with alloy cases, etc.

 

[austin]

If you are looking for something that doesn't feel like trash https://alofthobbies.com/collections/transmitters/products/frsky-tandem-x20pro-aw
Awesome

Thanks for the suggestion. As a fairly basic pilot, I'm not sure a $1,200 transmitter is warranted. It's probably only going to get me a divorce!

 

[Tmcfarland]

I have the $200 X14. Works great. You give up the touch screen but still has a quality feel

 

[Wayne]

We have an X14 as a shop radio and I like it a lot.