Ive always been a Futaba user but they’re pretty expensive and I needed more capability so a friend at the field talked me into a Radio master 14. Im pretty disappointed in it. It seems like a good piece of hardware but the operating manual is basically utube videos. I’m not a big fan of edge operating system. I’ve gone from flying planes to screwing around with the transmitter all the time. I know Ethos is similar but at least there is what appears to me to be a pretty good operating manual that is understandable. Instructions make things a lot easier. Anyway I’ve decided on a Frsky. It looks like an X14 will do what I need but I wonder about the X14S, scrolling back and for the the only difference I see is the S is 100$ more. Im also interested in the X18 and the X18 s as they are not much more but again the only difference I see is 4 more channels. Anyway I have searched for a chart or something to compare the various models but haven’t been able to find anything. Any help is appreciated.
Aloft Forums
Welcome to Aloft Forums. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
X14 vs X14s vs X18 vs X18SE
- Thread starter John P
- Start date
getsuyoubi
Active User
The number in the transmitter model name has nothing to do with the number of channels. All ETHOS radios are 24 channel.
Hey @John P -
Welcome to the site, and welcome to the FrSky side of things.
As stated above, FrSky does not limit their radios based on the different models. They all have the same core features, all have the same number of channels and all have the same programming. I know coming from Futaba that makes little sense, but FrSky looks at the products a little differently.
FrSky radios run on a firmware called Ethos, it is very powerful, but also very friendly. Give it a test run, and pretty quickly I think you will find it much easier to use than your Futaba. There will be a little time to adjust to the new system, but think you will be pleasantly surprised with how enjoyable and simple it is, even when doing really complex programming.
As you mentioned FrSky has a VERY detailed manual you can download. It is outstanding, and really handy should you get stuck on something. But in general I find most people get along with the radios just fine without it. The author of the manual does tend to frequent this site from time to time.
. (He used to write manual for us in the OpenTX days.)
So when picking a model of transmitter it comes down to the added features you may want. Honestly the X14/S radios are great. I like them a fair amount. The X18/S radios are the next step and they main attraction here is the touch screen, and that is really nice to have. (Didn't think I would like it that much, but having a little touch keyboard to name your mixes and models etc sure is handy.) Then the X20R/RS have a little bigger screen and a slightly different layout. The X20 Pro AW is super deluxe with a lot of CNC aluminum, adds Twin and Tandem RF options, and a bunch of other goodies. Basically the radios will get a few more switches and features and get a little bigger dimensions as you climb up the model numbers. You just need to figure out what you would like on your radio.
I'll add that the "S" models outsell the non "S" models. The selling point is usually fancier gimbals. But I'll let you in on a secret, even the standard gimbals are better than the gimbals on your old Futaba.
I personally have an X18 and LOVE it.
Welcome to the site, and welcome to the FrSky side of things.
As stated above, FrSky does not limit their radios based on the different models. They all have the same core features, all have the same number of channels and all have the same programming. I know coming from Futaba that makes little sense, but FrSky looks at the products a little differently.
FrSky radios run on a firmware called Ethos, it is very powerful, but also very friendly. Give it a test run, and pretty quickly I think you will find it much easier to use than your Futaba. There will be a little time to adjust to the new system, but think you will be pleasantly surprised with how enjoyable and simple it is, even when doing really complex programming.
As you mentioned FrSky has a VERY detailed manual you can download. It is outstanding, and really handy should you get stuck on something. But in general I find most people get along with the radios just fine without it. The author of the manual does tend to frequent this site from time to time.
. (He used to write manual for us in the OpenTX days.)So when picking a model of transmitter it comes down to the added features you may want. Honestly the X14/S radios are great. I like them a fair amount. The X18/S radios are the next step and they main attraction here is the touch screen, and that is really nice to have. (Didn't think I would like it that much, but having a little touch keyboard to name your mixes and models etc sure is handy.) Then the X20R/RS have a little bigger screen and a slightly different layout. The X20 Pro AW is super deluxe with a lot of CNC aluminum, adds Twin and Tandem RF options, and a bunch of other goodies. Basically the radios will get a few more switches and features and get a little bigger dimensions as you climb up the model numbers. You just need to figure out what you would like on your radio.
I'll add that the "S" models outsell the non "S" models. The selling point is usually fancier gimbals. But I'll let you in on a secret, even the standard gimbals are better than the gimbals on your old Futaba.
I personally have an X18 and LOVE it.
Tmcfarland
Strong User
I have a new x14 bought from Aloft. It offers a lot for the price. It is also very complicated and intimidating to those new to the hobby. It took me quite awile to bind the receiver. I have figured out the basics and am flying my electric glider with it but still have so much to learn. I have no idea what to do with all the switches on top, knobs and sliders but i just take it one step at a time. Good luck with yours.
I have to say that after spending several hours trying to set up a vtail RES glider I have been flying for a year on an old Futaba I am beyond frustrated. To me there is nothing logical about it and it’s way over complicated.
You have made a comment being a new user without exploring how this radio operates. Setting up a V tail is, when you understand how the radio operates very simple. There is even a V tail option in the basic model setup using the Wizard.
Yeah, it is a little different process than the other brands. If you never had used a Futaba, you would probably hate the process of programming your first model there too, but once you get the hang of it, it is pretty simple.
I'm not a huge fan of the registering/binding process FrSky uses. This tends to trip up new users as it is different than other brands. Yes, they have their reason for doing it, but pretty sure it could have been accomplished in an easier manner.
I'm not a huge fan of the registering/binding process FrSky uses. This tends to trip up new users as it is different than other brands. Yes, they have their reason for doing it, but pretty sure it could have been accomplished in an easier manner.
Thanks Wayne, made a lot of progress on it today. It would be easier if I started with a basic 4 channel plane. Im using elevon setup in airplane so roll and pitch are on the right with my normal throttle stick for spoiler and the throttle on the left slider. On the old Futaba I had to put the motor on a switch which was ok until I needed part throttle to to get out of trouble after going to far downwind. I was way past needing a more complex radio for some planes. This radio will most certainly cover any plane I will ever fly in the future. The capabilities are pretty amazing and I’m really impressed with the hardware and layout of it. New tech drives me crazy and I get frustrated by it too easily. I need an Frsky guru living next door.
There are many neat little tricks with Ethos. I find out new things just reading the posts here, or watching others program.
One very simple thing that you may not know is how to select your "source". Rather than going through some menu to find the source you want to use, for example the throttle, just move the throttle and the source will be selected. Sure makes things easier!
One thing that catches a lot of people out is if you "long push" on many of the input options, it will pull up a menu of options. These can be spotted pretty easily as they will have the three "-" (dash) icon that represents "menu". Some powerful mixing can be added with these menus.
When you setup your first flap/aileron model, I suggest checking out the big menu for the "crow" mix, and I think you will really fall in low with Ethos at that point. That one mix makes a very complex setup so darn easy! (Yes, power planes will gain a lot from playing with glider mixing like CROW. I use it on my Wilga for great STOL fun.)
-Wayne
One very simple thing that you may not know is how to select your "source". Rather than going through some menu to find the source you want to use, for example the throttle, just move the throttle and the source will be selected. Sure makes things easier!
One thing that catches a lot of people out is if you "long push" on many of the input options, it will pull up a menu of options. These can be spotted pretty easily as they will have the three "-" (dash) icon that represents "menu". Some powerful mixing can be added with these menus.
When you setup your first flap/aileron model, I suggest checking out the big menu for the "crow" mix, and I think you will really fall in low with Ethos at that point. That one mix makes a very complex setup so darn easy! (Yes, power planes will gain a lot from playing with glider mixing like CROW. I use it on my Wilga for great STOL fun.)
-Wayne
@John P The manual is pretty lengthy, but it is well written and it is certainly worth the read. Ethos is conceptually different than Futaba and the others. Before my first OpenTx radio, which is similar to Ethos, I had a 9Z and a 14MZ, and when I first tried to do something with the new radio I was like, "what the heck, this is lame". I am a software engineer and I figured I could work through it without reading a manual, but that was not the case. You need to at a minimum, understand the basic concepts, of Sources, Mixes, and Outputs. On my Futaba I would spend a lot of time with the throttle and pitch curves, but on Ethos, there are just curves, and they can be used for anything, rudder, throttle, flaps, etc. That freedom can be confusing if you aren't aware of it, but once you get the concept, it's awesome.
Well, back again.Trying to set up my first plane, a glider. It’s a v tail res so I have 2 tail surfaces on channels 1 and 5, spoiler on 3 (I use the normal throttle left stick for spoiler)and engine on 2. I would like to assign the left slider to control the throttle on channel 2. I assume I can do this in the mixes section but I can’t figure it out. I ve spent several hours with the Ethos manual and watched a few you tube videos. I would also like to set up switch sa as a safety switch for the throttle it it’s possible. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I found a guy at the club familiar with Ethos and he helped me out. Should be simpler next time.
