Which X18?

[Canada Goose]

Hi folks,

Okay, I have been out of RC for about 7 years and I see that a lot has changed in that time!

I am surrently building a scale 4.5m glider and need approximately 10 channels with good mixing abilities. I am looking at the X18 or the X18SE. I understand that the guts are the same and that the difference lies in a better LCD screen and that the handling comfort is a little better.

I also need a TX that has telemetary and a vario (if possible) but the downside is I have limited funds so what I would like is not going to be what I can afford lol.

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Wayne]

Mike, I fly the X18 and love it. The SE screen is said to be better in daylight, but I don't have much issue with the standard screen.

With this radio you will have all the channels and all the mixing you will ever need, and it is rather friendly to use too.

Telemetry and vario are not a problem.

Can suggest some gear, but with 10 channels you start to get into some needs for power management due to the possible loads from that many large servos. You can stay with a basic receiver and just add more wires and connectors to add addition current capacity (budget friendly) or you can add something like this:

FrSky RB-25 - Redundancy Bus

The RB-25/RB-25S builds on the success of the previous trusted Redundancy Bus Series by adding new advanced features combined with a compact new design which meets the needs of users who want a flight-safe system built in a smaller size unit. Triple Receiver Redundancy & Dual Power...

alofthobbies.com

This adds the power management and some other bells and whistles beyond that to help keep the model safe.

 

[Canada Goose]

Hi Wayne,

Many thanks for your response. I only just noticed it and I wonder if I could ask you a few questions?

I have a 4.5m sailplane that is going to have a motor installed. I have been out of the hobby since before Covid started and I see that a lot of things have changed when it comes to transmitters and electrical gizmo's. My Glider has 2 flaps per wing panel along with ailerons and electric spoilers. I am hoping that the X18 will be able to mix all flaps together on one channel but not sure if that is possible.

I need to have telemetry and vario. Does that come from the receiver? Sorry if basic questions, I'm learning....

I'm approaching retirement age and my other models I have been using a DX9 but would be nice if there was a way to use existing spektrum receivers, is there a way to do that?

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Wayne]

Hey Mike-

Happy to help.

Let me start with, please do not run this large a plane on Spektrum. The quality of their RF is not suitable IMHO. Far too many nice planes crash every year do to Spektrum's old fashion RF. And trying to run their receivers on a better brand of transmitter, while possible, it is never a great idea. If you are going to use their receivers, best to use their transmitter too.

Yes, the X18 can do anything you would like. Each servo will be a seperate channel, but you can group them and mix them any way that you like. It is a little hard to explain when you are coming from a menu driven radio, but with FrSky you can do anything you like. Very powerful. Want to have 12 flap servos? Not a problem. Want each one to do something slightly different? Not a problem.

The RF system on Frsky radios always comes out on top when it is compared to other radio systems in the market. These tests are real world tests. This is one of the reasons FrSky radios are so popular.

Telemetry has been built into the core of every Frsky radio ever produced. Almost all of their receivers includes telemetry. (Only a handful did not over the years, and those were for specific uses.) FrSky offers more receivers than any other brand. They have receivers smaller than you pinky fingernail, and they have big power distribution systems and everything in between. They can include stabilization, varios and all are packed with more features and whistles than you can possibly need. Basically they offer a few different RF systems, here is a quick break down:

ACCESS (2.4ghz): Archer series are the "standard" receiver, I'd say about 85% of pilots are flying these. They are awesome, best bang for the buck.
Tandem (2.4 and 900mhz): All of the same great features as the ACCESS but with a back up 900mhz long range band should anything block the 2.4 band.
TWIN (two different 2.4): All of the same great features as the ACCESS, but this time with a backup modern 2.4 long range system.)

To define long range - Lets just say well beyond sight. Typically miles. The 900 has the advantage in being able to bend around buildings and other obstructions with ease.)

All of the above ranges offers many receivers to pick from. Some are teeny tiny for micro models, and others are dedicated for small or larger gliders, and then others have a lot more channels or stabilization to help your model fly smoother despite winds and turbulence.

All of these can be connected to a wide range of sensors to further expand their capabilities. Some common ones are monitoring battery voltages, temperatures, RPMs, fuel flows, vario, amps, etc.

It can be as easy or as complex as you like.

 

[Canada Goose]

Gosh, that is great info Wayne and I appreciate you taking the time to respond to me.

The US/CDN exchange is really poor right now and it might go down or it might go up I'm in no immediate rush and it sounds like the X18 will do me just fine.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Wayne]

It will.