X-Lite S/Pro Transmitter: What else to buy with my order.

[John in Boston]

Guys, I fly just RC fixed-wing (slope soaring and small-medium sized electrics); I'm planning to buy to buy either an X-Lite S or an X-Lite Pro transmitter.

1.) Is the only difference between the X-Lite S and the X-Lite Pro the gimbal upgrade?

2.) What 3.7V Transmitter battery purchase would you recommend: the Panasonic NCR18500A Li-ion Button Top 2000mAh, or the Samsung INR18650-35E Li-Ion Flat Top3500mAh?

Is button top vs flat top a non-issue here?​

Is 2000mAh vs 3500mAh just a matter of user preference for longer operation time?​

I assume TWO (2) batteries are needed for the X-Lite transmitter -- yes?​

And FWIW -- I plan to use an IMAX B6 Mini charger.​

3.) Add-ons for even greater functionality: I see there are/might be a module or two available that would allow me to a.) operate on other protocols (for example my existing receivers: FrSky V8R4-II and D8R-11 Plus, along with misc. FHHS and DSM2 receivers); and b.) enhance signal performance. Any suggestions there?

4.) Anything else I should get? Thanks in advance -- John in Boston

 

[Wayne]

Hey John, welcome to the forums!

I fly the X-lite S. My goal was a smaller and lighter radio, I wanted to try the form factor of the smaller radio and I liked the location of the sliders. I came from an X7S and an X9D Plus before that.

Both radios have very nice hall sensor gimbals, but I think the pro has more metal The other difference is support for the:

• antenna SWR indicator
• power meter function
• spectrum analyzer function

Otherwise pretty much the same radios. The S came along after the Pro, but they gave the S most of the same features.

I don't much care for the blue color of the Pro, and the other items were not very important to me at all. I really like the White/Orange version, so the S was an easy choice for me.

For the battery, the 18500 cells will save you some weight, and the radio will be a little smaller and dare I say look a bit better. But I did outfit mine with the higher capacity 18650 cells as I occasionally travel to flying events and wanted maximum fly time. With the 3500 mah cells I could probably fly all day, everyday for a week or more. LOL The radio is still very small and plenty light. I am very pleased with this combination.

There are other modules and other frequencies that can be used. For now I would suggest just keeping it simple and if you have a need for one of those in the future, get it then. Peronally I like to fly with FrSky receivers whenever possible. This allows me the best uses of the radio and it's features.

About the only thing you will need (and should already have) is a USB cable. Just plug it into an USB port that can supply about 2 amps and you can charge up the radio. In a pinch I have plugged into my car charger while at the field as I had not charged the radio in a very long time. That is so nice to be able to do!!

Otherwise - I think you are good to go. The radios need a little setup of the sticks and some programming when you first get them. I will suggest if you are new to get this user manual, it will be a great help:

Taranis Q X7 & X-lite OpenTX User Manual

The Taranis Q X7 Open TX 2.2 user manual is intended be a hands on, in the field or in the shop reference guide.Author, Lothar Thole has done an excellent job presenting the Taranis X7 and OpenTX in a comprehensive and concise format, rich with graphics a

alofthobbies.com

 

[John in Boston]

Wayne, thank you !!!

 

[John in Boston]

Super-helpful info, Wayne. I will follow your advice -- and thank you for actually SAVING me money!
Just two more questions:
___ How many batteries does the transmitter require?
___ What payment method can I select that BEST supports Aloft Hobbies?
Thank you for being there for us.

 

[Wayne]

Just 2 cells for the radio, one in each handle.
LOL - there is no good payment methods.. Cold hard cash in my hand is the only option that does not cost me transaction fees. So use what you like, but thanks for asking.

 

[John in Boston]

Wayne, I have some fresh medical industry-strength white styrofoam cooler stock on hand from the @thenatedOg Laboratories so I will send you cold hard beluga caviar in a cold hard temperature-controlled envelope. Barring the apocalypse, we should be good to go!
??