Add ELRS & CrossFire To FrSky Tandem X18 / X20 (Ethos Radio's)

[@DutchRC]

Not hard (once you know how to :P) Ethos community (scripts) github.com/FrSkyRC/ETHOS-Feedback-Community The Happymodel ERLS module I used: www.happymodel.cn/index.php/2021/08/26/happymodel-2-4g-expresslrs-es24tx-slim-pro-tx-module-for-x-lite-tango2/ The Radiomaster ELRS module I used: www.radiomasterrc.com/products/ranger-2-4ghz-elrs-module

[@captaindronieversefpv]

Hi sir i wanna ask something . How the Ranger Modul(the big one) Radiomaster can sit in there ? the pin holes of this radio is from the bottom.

[@DutchRC]

@@captaindronieversefpv ehm well.. I actually had no trouble fitting it, apart from the radio's handle being in the way..

[@DutchRC]

@@captaindronieversefpvin case you're wondering: I did not have to modify the radio or module

[@MCsCreations]

BTW, that Radiomaster module gets to almost 2W! There's an easy mod you can do (which I don't remember details right now).

[@DutchRC]

Wauw! :D I did NOT know that :) I don't think I'll need more then 1W but it's good to know the module has power in reserve :) (that's what it looks like as well :P )

[@star-lord2014]

your how-to video's are the definetion of CLEAR 🤩

[@DutchRC]

😮😮😮 thanks man! Highly appreciated :)

[@Boebe1]

Hi, nice video. I’m struggling to get the Happy module in my X20S. Trying for hours now but still no luck. I also have the 4in1 module and don’t experience any difficulties putting it in the extension bay. Any tips and tricks to get the Happy module module in place?

[@tommonton1458]

Hi Roland... it's been a while. I hadn't seen a review of the newer radiomaster boxer yet. We had a discussion a while back on how crossfire had a tendency to interfere with audio when running above 25mw. The good news being that I am no longer experiencing this with this new boxer radio. It's a more simple box that lacks only in the luster of a big bright color display but ironically this has become my daily driver now. Simple and to the point.

[@DutchRC]

Halloa Tom :) it HAS been a while yes! Same here.. I haven't watched reviews for the radio but it does seem like a good cost-effective option! :D It's a bit like the TBS Mambo I think.. No thrills.. just what you need :)

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting indeed! Thanks for the tutorial, dude! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@DutchRC]

Thanks as always bro! What do you think.. do I need to also make this video about adding Crossfire (same steps) ? :$ Cheers and have a good week!

[@MCsCreations]

@DutchRC I don't think so, it's basically the same. Right? Just copy the script and it's there, so... But if you feel like, sure, why not. 😊

[@DutchRC]

@@MCsCreations It would indeed be 100% the same process :P

[@willpower9144]

The software ETHOS Suite is pronounced like "sweet" not "suit". It's a software Sweet, pronounced like a hotel honeymoon suite for example, Pronounced like sweet, as in candy is sweet.

[@DutchRC]

Sweet! :D Thanks man.. I appreciate that :)

[@anthonysmith6825]

If you are careful you can actually flip that handle over because i had the same issue with the Ranger module

[@DutchRC]

Thanks! I personally don't use the 5.8Ghz setup though a handle is handy without that as well :)

[@anthonysmith6825]

@DutchRC didn't know it was 5.8 I thought it only had 900 and 2.4 lol

[@DutchRC]

@@anthonysmith6825OMG.. sorry.. was somewhere else with my mind :P sooo yeah.. the "internal" 900mhz antenna is in the handle.. ahum :P

[@eagleeyefpv7921]

This is a great idea! I've got to try this. I ended up taking it off and stuffed an immortal T inside to replace it.

[@lukaborland-lye6800]

Hello, do you know if this works for the x10s express

[@DutchRC]

Good question (and nice radio :) ) Does the X10 run the same version of Ethos nowdays? If so, I would think it should work (eventhough I can't check.. sorry)

[@WalterCastillo]

I can’t put the crossfire JR nano (x20hd) module on the radio, I already broke 2 pins on the radio :( Something is wrong with the my crossfire nano

[@DutchRC]

it IS indeed tricky to get the modules seeted correctly but it can be done (I have a Crossfire nano in my X18SE).. that daughterboard (with the pins) in the radio is Easy to replace by the way

[@WalterCastillo]

@@DutchRC Yes, i know. Ordered it yet) Your crossfire nano easy to install on your radio?

[@DutchRC]

@@WalterCastillo yes easier then the small ELRS one.. But I knew on forehand it's paramount to first get the module seated well and Then push it down.. But yep.. it's kinda scary as them pins are fragile ;)

[@DutchRC]

it's come to my attention some modules might not fit on all X20's.. Some X20 have a "ridge" around the module bay (?) preventing the module to be propperly seated.. Can't attest to it myself as it seems my X20's don't have that ridge.. However: if you run into this problem a fix could be to shave / sand a bit of that ridge away... Could that be the cause of your issues?

[@frankhudson3582]

Hi Roland. I'm currently using a RadioMaster Tx16S, and i really want to move to the X20S, but i have been unable to find if ELRS V3.0 is supported. Is there any chance you know the answer to this?

[@DutchRC]

I do :) I run ELRS 3.0 on my X20S and X18SE.. no issues.. basically the ELRS version doesn't matter to the radio

[@frankhudson3582]

@DutchRC thanks much for the information! I know the module gets updated, but I didn't know if there might be some code on the radio as well.

[@DutchRC]

@@frankhudson3582 well yes actually: in OpenTX / EdgeTX radio's there is a script needed on the radio to support ELRS.. that has been taken care of by Frsky though, and those scripts rarely needed updates..

[@rcrotorfreak]

Hi DutchRc. I just ordered from rcgroup almost brand new x20. I currently have the Ranger with the lcd screen version. Came with two antenna. Do you know if that other antenna that isn't patch like urs fit or I still have to remove the handle? By the way does the radio get the telemetry? Or telemetry doesn't work? Ty for the videos I been watching some of you're video for a while. :)

[@rcrotorfreak]

Oh another thing the module come with jr and a nano adaptor. Is nano adaptor the one that will work or i have to buy seperate adaptor? Ty so much

[@DutchRC]

You will have to remote the handle eighter way :) and I think that non-patch antenne simply is less directional (so less range, but better performance in all directions apart from straight ahead) yes.. very nice of RM to include both options! For the X20 radio you will want to use the nano adapter

[@Lance57H]

How do you do a basic FPV quad setup using the X20S? Could you do a video showing how to do the setup on the radio itself?

[@DutchRC]

A basic quad setup would be a simple airplane setup with Ailerons and Rudder.. Right? That will work right away (with say Betaflight).. Ofcourse you would need to add a couple of switches..

[@r7_guy941]

Hi, thanks for the video. If I connect a crossfire Tx module , will the X20 speak CRSF with the module or PWM ?

[@DutchRC]

Late reply.. sorry about that! To be completely honest I am not sure what protocol is uses for the radio module communication.. Is that EVER CRSF? What you would want to know about is latency ofcourse.. I have found this setup to work Well.. I have flown a few helicopters this way (more latency critical then quads in my opinion)

[@allen435]

I ordered the happy model nano for my x18 did my best to follow the tutorial. the receiver is radiomaster er4 I cant get it to bind at all. so frustrating. $60 paper weights. looks like theelrs script is in the radio and running as external rf. the reciever can enter bind mode but that is where everything stops.

[@allen435]

Somehow I got it to work. what a pita! I think the last thing i read got it going turning off model match, which to me seems wrong but it did bind after i did that.

[@DutchRC]

Howdy! Sorry for the late reply! Good to read you did get it working yourself :) I also don't really understand what could have gone wrong as you don't really need to "bind" with ELRS.. At least I NEVER do.. If you set the binding Phrase in the transmitter & receiver to the same sequence things should work on startup.

[@willpower9144]

The Radiomaste Ranger can be unlocked to go up to 2A output as well.

[@DutchRC]

Would that be allouwed where you live? Not that I'm a saint (at all).. just interested

[@captaindronieversefpv]

Hi sir i wanna ask something . How the Ranger Modul(the big one) Radiomaster can sit in there ? the pin holes of this radio is from the bottom.

[@DutchRC]

​ @captaindronieversefpv ehm well.. I actually had no trouble fitting it, apart from the radio's handle being in the way..

[@captaindronieversefpv]

@@DutchRC ah isee. I just realize that radiomaster ranger modul come with the connector that fit with this radio. Thankyou sir

[@its_key]

Is taht a handle or an 900mHz antenna? Can I take the handle off of my X18SE?

[@DutchRC]

well both really.. It's a handle with an 900mhz antenna in it..

[@maelradec6766]

Tandem X18 is a nice tx

[@DutchRC]

True story! (I also have a red X18SE :$ )

[@billysallerlei]

I have an X20HD too since a week. On mine there is an rectangle plate at the back of the screen direcxt over these couple of little holes. Is this normal on newer models?

[@DutchRC]

I have seen those as well so yes I think that is the latest revision.. there have been several version of the HD radio by now (with revised electronics and for instance different HDMI port-types)

[@dominicgarden7901]

Hello. Tell me, does FrSky Tandem X20 have RC ship and RC car models?

[@DutchRC]

I haven't seen ready-made template's for boats in the radio but it can for Sure be used for boats

[@MrMSScott]

Everything I have seen and read stated that on the Tandem’s that handle you removed was part of a second antenna (diversity?) . Is that incorrect?????

[@DutchRC]

That is NOT true.. the handle has the Only internal 900mhz antenna. The radio also has Two 2.4Ghz antenna (in the endges of the screen).. So without the handle, you no longer have 900Mhz

[@MrMSScott]

Is that "not" what I just said? I own the X20S. This is hands on knowledge is why I said what I said. If I have taken your reply out of context I am sorry. @@DutchRC

[@DutchRC]

@@MrMSScott well ok.. if that's what you ment THEN you were correct :D

[@woltervandenberg]

the x20 is not compatible with all nano modules. I have a vantac elrs module that fits fine on my x20s, but my Radiomaster Nano ELRS module does not fit on the X20 but it does fit on my X18S just fine.

[@DutchRC]

that is really weird.. I also have a Radiomaster module on one of my X20's.. I can't imagine Radiomaster uses different mounting systems

[@woltervandenberg]

@@DutchRC That's because your using the larger Radiomaster module with the adapter. The nano module doesn't fit the x20 and I'm pretty sure the TBS Crossfire nano and the MPM nano module don't fit the X20 either. The X20 has a small protruding plastic rim around the module bay that prevents wider nano modules to fit. The X18 is completely flat around the module bay and fits all kind off nano modules.

[@DutchRC]

@@woltervandenberg I have a Crossfire nano in one of my Tandem radio's.. Again: I can not imagine RM uses 1 formfactor for 1 module, and then another formfactor for a 2nd module

[@woltervandenberg]

It has nothing to do with Radiomaster. The coonector is the same. The only thing that's different is the width of the module. The problem lies with the design of the X20. Take a look at the module bay of the X20 and compare it to the X18. They are not the same. The module bay of the X18 is flush with the backside of the radio while the module bay on the back of the X20 has a small edge that sticks out of the back. My radiomaster Nano module does not fit in my X20 because of that plastic rim and I'm pretty sure the Crossfire nano module does not fit in a X20 directly either. I have seen people cut of that piece of plastic at the back to make their modules fit. Maybe FrSky changed the design of the backcover on the newer X20 models but my X20 does not fit all nano modules because of that. Only the small formfactor nano modules, like the vantac modules and the irx4 lite will fit because they fit in between the plastic tabs. Please check if your Crossfire nano module fits on your x20 because I don't believe it does. And please consider editing this video. Your spreading false information and I believe there is already one other person in the comments that was not able to fit a Crossfire nano module on their X20.

[@allen435]

Hi Thanks Wondering if the happymodel elrs es24tx slim pro will fit on the x18 without having to remove the handle antenna??

[@DutchRC]

Not completely sure if it would work when installing the module, but you could re-install the handle when it's in place

[@allen435]

@@DutchRC sounds good thank you!!!!

[@elvyszyla9604]

Thanks for your video, compatible with X20Pro please?

[@DutchRC]

You're welcome :) Surely it is? I do not have the Pro version, but the firmware is generally the same, and the physical module bay is identical to the "normal" X20 (?)

[@andyholland5803]

Can this remote display video from the HDZero 90 fps camera when the camera is on 90 fps mode?

[@DutchRC]

I don't have that camera, so I can't check.. Maybe the RCgroups topic about this radio is a good place to ask?

[@guillaume1431]

Merci, vous m'avez bien aidé 😀

[@DutchRC]

No worries brother :) glad you liked the video!

[@icyphotons]

Do you know if the modules give full telemetry?

[@DutchRC]

yes they do, but to be honest: I don't usually do much with telemetry.. RSSI does work though

[@nickvledder]

Great video, very useful! 😊

[@DutchRC]

Thank you very much! Good to see the video was clear :)

[@javieruriel]

do you know if i can add the dragonlink module?

[@DutchRC]

I would be surpriced if that wouldn't work.. DL has been around for ages and I've seen it work on all kinds of radio's.. BUT.. I have never used it myself...

[@javieruriel]

@@DutchRC actually I have the module in another radio but in this one I don’t know the pins out signal I mean ppm voltage and ground

[@DutchRC]

@@javieruriel I would have thought the DL modules are allways hooked up to the radio via a "external device" connector (servo plug basically) as allmost all radio's have it (?)

[@woltervandenberg]

Btw, a suit is something you wear. It's not Ethos suit but Ethos Suite which is pronounced as sweet.

[@DutchRC]

Good point! Thanks :)

[@donphobos]

Not strictly radio related, just a general wondering. Have you tried open source frames yet? I am totally falling into love with the concept of Open Racer Frame. It is a flat frame, that uses a heavy-duty TPU canopy for protecting the electronics. As it is open source the risk of most of the stores dropping the design is low, so you can get hold of spares. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbdc5yQqZZ7b6s I have ordered parts for building this, since I am trying to learn to pass gates and don't want to bash up my pristine freestyle build. You can always get some excuse for building a new quad, you know the drill 🙂

[@DutchRC]

Welllll! I actually did a video on the lated TBS Source One which I guess is an open source frame.. It's nice and cheap but I didn't make me fall in love with the concept :O Maybe I'll have to try it with a different one ;) On the other hand: frames can be had at a low price and still have a good frame (Rotorama frames usually do that for me)

[@NoonzAirborneRC]

Bra o 👏👏👏👏

[@DutchRC]

Thank you very much 😎

[@pilotimodele4598]

...😜👍