X-10 Express or X-20 for me?

[u2builder]

I think it is time to upgrade from my Horus X-12S I bought in 2016 to an ACCESS capable radio, partly so I can share models with my X-Lite Pro and partly to just get updated. My Horus X-12 has with 40 plus models. Most receivers are on D16V1 but a few are D8. I am thinking of upgrading to ACCESS with a module for the few D8 and have considered getting an X-10S Express.

I have also read about the new X-20. The downside of that for me is that it uses Ethos and I'd have to learn yet another OS and re enter all my models, a daunting task. So I am thinking the best path for me would be to get the X-10S Express and then use Companion to help migrate models a few at a time while I update the receivers, some of which are ACCESS capable. I like OTX. I don't really need 900 mHz because I only fly line of site by Army Corps/FAA rules and I don't need a touch screen.

However, this is a big step, and I do want to go forward and the X-10 is a few years old already. I am curious how the build quality compares and if the X-10S Express is going to be around for a while. It is amazing how fast technology moves,

Thanks for comments.

 

[u2builder]

I decided to get the well sorted X-10S Express because it supports OTX which I really like and which will make it easier to migrate my 40+ models (I just tried the Companion converter and it is actually it is 60 models. Yikes! I would not have liked to reenter that many models no matter how nice the X-20 is).

 

[HENNY]

It would be a wise move for FRsky to have a OTX to Ethos model converter if FRsky was hoping for user to switch to X20. Lets see what is release in the next few months.

 

[u2builder]

Indeed.

I decided to go with the devil I sort of know. It will be very familiar to my X-12S, but ACCESSible and all updated to latest OTX by Chris at Aloft. My old X-12S was challenging (to me) to keep updated. I think it is easier now to update, but at least I will be starting out fresh. Plus, I like the how "clean" OTX is. Initially I was frustrated I couldn't get my head around all the ways to do things. Then I realized I didn't have to.

 

[Wayne]

Either option is a good one. The X10 Express is a VERY nice radio, you should be very happy with it and OpenTX will keep you in the comfort range with all of those models.

 

[u2builder]

Thanks Wayne. I ordered one today! Chris is setting it up for OTX. That is a great service because I know it will work when I get it and don't have to have a cold sweat other than the one might get tonight after my Covid jab.

 

[u2builder]

I am very pleased with my new X10S E. I am also glad I got the fantastic manual that Aloft offers. I was able to move all my models from my X12S to the new radio as I had hoped. It was very easy using Companion and they came over will all the trim settings, all the same switches, all the sounds, all the model images, all the special functions, and I think the telemetry. I organized things better by renumbering receivers and changing categories a little. I updated all receivers, bound them to the X10S E, and checked the failsafes.

When I contemplated getting an X-Lite a few years ago, I was put off by the fact that I couldn't share models with my Horus. There was a lot of discussion on RC Groups about this and wishing it could be done. And then Frsky did it with ACCESS. So I purchased the X-Lite last fall, but my X12S wasn't ACCESSIBLE and I didn't want to deal with upgrading it (and having no radio if I mucked it up). So that left the X10 SE as the only option. I upgraded the firmware on all my receivers to D16V2 or ACCESS where possible, put the D8's in my external module, and now I can easily share my ACCESS models between my X-Lite and X10SE. It is very slick.

I totally like my X-Lite Pro. The X10SE is kind of the "mother ship" that has everything, but I love the little X-Lite "starfighter" for my foamies and my gliders. I think my next step will be to get more ARCHER RX's and share more planes.

BTW, It is beginning to look to me like the X10SE might be Frsky's last high end radio for OTX users like me that have a lot of models and who don't want to learn a new OS when they already have the very well developed OTX and Companion software.