FLYSKY PALADIN PL18 - MONSTER TRANSMITTER - FIRST LOOK & REVIEW

[@muttbone01]

Oh HELLS yes! +1 for wearing the Robert Smith T! Fav. band of all time.

[@short5stick]

I got my PL18 today. I really like the ergonomics. Feels better than my Futana 18SZ and my Jumper T16. I Like how thin it is and the gimbals are great. Has RSSI warning call out Low signal or lost signal. The motor timer you can't set 5 minutes in and count down.When I have the throttle up the timer goes but no way to set to go off .Lacking voice assignments . This is one of the best radio that fits my hand. I am impressed. They need to make a full featured software that is more powerful. I think they can do it wit a firmware update. If FRSKY could have a case like this with there FrOS small and a nice heavy but not to heavy feel to it. USB charger works great. updated the receiver through the radio. They just need to redo the firmware and make it more powerful radio. I like this radio. Did I say best ergonomic radio. After holding this radio I have a hard time holding the Jumper and Futaba 18SZ radio.

[@yngve6640]

Having bought my first plane(Phoenix Stinson Reliant 26cc gas) and my first radio the Flysky Paladin PL18,without any experience or help, i am now happy i may have bought an OK set up. After watching your video. So now i am looking forward to buy the servos and batteries,and start building the plane. I have bought a trainer plane to(A Falcon witch can use the same 26cc engine), to learn ,so i don't crash the nice Stinson plane at my first try.

[@cablecutter9044]

Mine is turning up today. Excited!

[@TECHnoman753]

How is it? Lol

[@vmas29]

At 22:20 the rx battery alarm is for the receiver through telemetry voltage, not for the radio.. ''tx voltage'' is for the radio which is 1s battery

[@aaronfonseca6031]

Cool! Nice to see fly sky competing with premium radios! I’ve got a QX7 and this thing interests meL

[@markbridle9329]

Makes Taranis radio's look a bit pedestrian, everything the Horus 12 should have been

[@Dcscockpit]

Qx7 is not a premium radio lol..the 800$ ix12 is premium, the vcontrol at over 1k is premium...I don’t own either of them as I believe their raping people of flysky can come out with something like this for under 300$

[@old-rcplane-phart]

Something has GOTTA come out to spank spektrum's ass. HH customer 'service' sux ass.

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

George Cooper I just found out at the moment you can not connect Crossfire / R9 modules to this However they are bring out an adapter very soon so you will be able to, so keep an eye on Flysky

[@marcusmckay8120]

Can you get a crossfire module to work with it?

[@Kayouu]

Marcus Mc Kay yes

[@lifeinrc9051]

Pretty solid TX, hopefully the RX line will start getting as good and reliable.

[@marcoa.moreno5821]

How readable is the screen in direct sunlight?

[@roadkill4twenty541]

If you get the FRM302 long range module then be sure to get the adapter for it because it doesn't fit directly onto the radio.

[@gregniel]

There are still Cure fans!

[@JaybizFpv]

I love the cure lol. Only that friday song tho lol. Lame

[@jstagzsr]

Thats a gorgeous lookin radio, and the build quality looks top notch.. But i wish it ran OpenTX with a 5in1 module. If i could take the guts out of my Jumper T18 Pro and put em in that body i'd love it. I love the way the jumper t18 looks, and i love that its 32 channels, but theres something classy about the black and chrome look of the paladin. I love flysky and i love their UI. I have been using the Flysky Noble NB4 for my ground RC's for like 2 years and its my favorite Pistol grip radio by FAR.. But there is definitely room for improvement. mostly in the UI. Its intuitive and easy to operate, but its laggy at times and not the smoothest and definitely not the best touch screen.But the build quality is amazing! and thats why i love it mostly. it looks and feels great in the hand. I hope we see a "Paladin Zero" or "Paladin O" or something catchy like that, that has the build quality of this radio here, but with full opentx 2.3.10 (or whatever the newest release is at the time)..

[@40rtyp]

Just bought this Radio. Looking forward flyijg eith this.

[@carlosnunes2096]

Nice shirt. I love the Cure.

[@emgee44]

Wow nice radio, I was looking at the new Jumper T16 with Hall sensors but this may give me pause to think, definitely a plethora of options. Just on a side note, I thought the audio was a little muffled at times, especially from about 6:00 onward, thought you'd want to know that . Other than that another in-depth and useful review.

[@Fredhobby]

thanks for the great video... We have about 200 pcs AFHDS 2A receivers in stock, I've read we can use it with the FJR2 + FS-RM003, that's a shame it's not included with the PL18 or built-in... anyway, the question is, the connection of the external module as flysky or any other multi-module will be via PPM or SERIAL? will the range/respond will lack in performance? and how about battery life with the module? thank you

[@WrongWayFPV]

That is a badass looking radio 👌😎.. liking the touch screen feature.

[@short5stick]

I just bought one from Hobbyking. Better be the updated one with the aluminum back plate to keep the module on. Needs a bigger screen

[@Efleion]

but also nice to see flysky breaking into the scene a bit more

[@RADERFPV]

Does it and the module bay support crossfire? If not, it's just black chunk of plastic. Can you please confirm?

[@FlyskyRCModel]

yes, it supports

[@jeniferdiamond7723]

I have 2 Turanis radios original and X9plus. The game Turanus plays, the issues with modules, the confusion, im done. I had a multi module that lost connection to a reciever and my quad dropped out of the sky and busted into peices on the road. Turns out the connection prongs were hardly soldered to the board in the module. I got A flysky radio and transmitter with a cheap quad and it has never gave me any troublle. I see this has some good telemtry options. This radio looks good.

[@sibylvane75]

Hi , do you sudgest the radio for airplanes ..gliders or is it too much focused on drones? Does it come ready to use or it needs new firmware if I buy it today? Does it come with rx ? Thanks

[@dronecamps]

No it’s great for all RC. Airplanes gliders Heli. All of the above!

[@ademirborges5469]

It's been more than 2 years. Do you still trust this radio to use in expensive model airplanes like the giant 35% for example? Has anyone had any problems with loss of signal, etc? thanks for helping me

[@ch3w3yfpv42]

GET SOME!!!!! that thing looks insane!!

[@awesomusmaximus3766]

Can it do model switching on the fly eg you have an rc excavator and an rc dump truck after you load the truck you can just select the truck without turning off the receiver on the excavator

[@dronecamps]

Yes

[@brianevans4]

Very nice radio! I love my nirvana, but that looks like a worthwhile upgrade. Is it backwards compatible with AFHDS 2A ?

[@Kayouu]

Brian Evans with an frm-003 module

[@nivasylstrongman4352]

Hi. i 've been flying only RC Helicopter and using Futaba radio for 19 years and now, i have the Futaba 18sz, that i overspent $1050 in 2017. But now, i want to get into long range Planes. Unfortunately Futaba doesn't have a LONG RANGE MODUAL. so i am considering selling my futaba and purchasing this FLYSKY PALADIN PL18. i have three questions for you. 1) is the Futaba S-bus receivers compatible with this radio? 2) the Flysky long range module looks too big to fit in the slot of this transmitter. what long range dodule will fit into the back slot of this radio? 3) does the Frysky receiver have build in telemetry. motor speed, battery voltage, altitude, ect, ect, ect?

[@hoohaa559]

How does this compare to RC flying today in 2022 ?

[@hildy2222]

If I didn’t have the nirvana I’d get this, looks badass.

[@BrunoGomes666]

Awesome radio, but what do I do with all my AFHDS 2 receivers? Just throw them away and use a giant FTr10s receiver? Just look at the size of that thing! 😱

[@faceforfpv84]

Looks like there is a small receiver designed for quads coming. Ftr16s

[@BrunoGomes666]

@@faceforfpv84 I hope so. But I would like compatibility with AFHDS 2, preferably without using a third party module. Even frsky ended up making the new radios compatible with a previous protocol. This is flysky trying to lock users into their products, but the thing is that they don't have/produce enough different receivers to satisfy our needs. I would like to buy a new flysky radio but keep using the receivers I already have, and progressively change to the new receivers with the new protocol. But I guess I'll have to look else where if things remain like this. The Jumper T16 plus is starting to look a very viable option. I'm not going to buy an expensive radio just to buy an additional module to be able to use my receivers, if I can buy a radio that is cheaper and works with my receivers. Hope you are reading this Flysky...

[@parkjetid]

Flysky FS-iBG01 gps wont connect to PL18 throgh FTr10 reciver ... why?

[@roberttruesdell6151]

what Receiver do you use for multirotors for this Radio? also does it get Telemetry like FrSky Rxsr?

[@robflyrc]

It looks like evolution of i10. Very nice looking radio.

[@SkynetXOFPV]

Where are the options for crossfire?

[@Jdogg5343]

Dang that is a nice radio! Looks big but so what! It pains me to say that I left flysky for frsky last year. I love the protocol and the ease of use of their products but they need to focus on receivers! Justin can you tell them if they want to stay in the game they need better receiver options?! I am flabbergasted at the fact that they dont care that they are losing customers to Frsky everyday! That is a sweet radio but what good is it without a plethora of receiver options for different applications... Ugh frustrates me. Link quality/rssi and distance is of upmost importance. Can you also test the range of this radio? Love the channel and your reviews as always!

[@FlyskyRCModel]

Hi Photophinish, we are trying to be better and better, but it takes some time. there are 2 receivers for pl18 so far: ftr10, ftr16s, anther two: ftr4 and ftr8 is under design.

[@Jdogg5343]

@@FlyskyRCModel well I am waiting till that day I can happily claim FlySky as my favorite company and brand again! All i want is for you to kick FrSkys butt or atleast give them a run for their money! Thank you for responding with what you are developing. Makes me feel like you do want to be a part of this fast moving industry!

[@englishplease8726]

@@FlyskyRCModel that's awesome

[@FlyskyRCModel]

@@englishplease8726 ty

[@40rtyp]

Are we able to get a follow-up video to this radio? You seemed happy with it but with new offerings like Jumper T16 and now RadioMaster T16 I want to know if you are still using this radio.

[@ruimessias1302]

Can any one confirm the flysky SBus or IBus working well as Futuba SBus protocols with helicopter flybarless system? If yes I'll get this pl-18. Thanks...

[@IshamPadron]

Not to get all nitpicky but it's pronounced "pal·a·din" The noun paladin means a champion of a cause. ... While the French word paladin means warrior, it was used specifically starting in the late 1500s to mean "one of the 12 knights in attendance on Charlemagne." As time went on, its meaning grew to include any chivalrous or heroic person. From vocabulary.com. Paladins are super cool. (Used to play D&D and Magic the Gathering)

[@dronecamps]

Which two shits shits did I not give? Ahh yeah that first one. -

[@cablecutter9044]

@@dronecamps awesome haha

[@gunnarbergvall6502]

Hey, which firmware do you have here? Gunnar

[@stephenborunda547]

another great video. thanks! bad ass shirt!!!!!!!!!!!! and sorry for getting your name wrong again i consistently embarrass myself daily with that brain hiccup.

[@crevette337]

Flysky is a very good company, the menu is very simple clear, but they need to make something who can beat frsky, like a good long range module, and add more better gimbal, you have the Nirvana, but the form factor is very spécial

[@BirdWhisperer46]

I have been flying Phantom drones for 4 years. Short and sweet, will this fly the Phantom 4?

[@Nicklz5555]

What are the gimbals like, are they smooth through centre? Good full review. Would be good to see some long range modules in use on it.

[@dronecamps]

Save some money off guys for those wanting Flysky radio or Frsky links I posted below the video. Flysky and Frysky 12% OFF：BGFlyskyNew 10% OFF ：BGFrSky10 Exp: 2019-09-12

[@TheNZSlayer]

Hi mate , question is the left stick adjustable , I want it spring loaded? Can u adjust it inside?

[@markbridle9329]

Do you think it would be possible to install 4D sticks for use with an excavator, will this be available in the UK with 2.4 GHz? You are so right about Taranis software, ok if you want to play with your radio, but who wants to have to learn a software system? No one does that anymore. Any help would be most appreciated, good review, now subscribed. Could you use this with a tray?

[@290Alenka]

Okay. On your review I bought the Paladin and very pleased too. But where can I buy extra FTr10s receivers?? No one is listening them.

[@pstylez4852]

Hey justin do you know if they came out with either a software update or external module to support afhds 2a? Thanks

[@hectorgreen5638]

I would really love to see how well it works with other models

[@peterp.3530]

Hi. Thank you for great video. Now I use FUTABA T8FG Super. It makes me crazy. Small screen, (Black and grey), difficult to set up etc. I need cheeper radio with good transmission, min 12 CH, with telemetry, colour display, setting the speed of flaps with easy mixer with elevator. Sound system is needed (I must hear the command I use: flaps, landing gears etc. ) If you are able to suggest me something I will be happy. Best regards Peter

[@cliffyardcrawlers6066]

can you demonstrate setting up a surface vehicle configuration

[@annaarze603]

Any idea when you'll have more info about receivers?

[@jonathanlucksted4532]

i like flysky i got the fsi6 the fs10x the nv14 what i havent got is a decent receiver to bind them to !

[@hildy2222]

slap a crossfire in the back of that nirvana and you can bind up to the best!

[@erikspen]

Nice radio. I'd love to see how this competes with crossfire for range, it's already got it beat for latency. Agree that open tx is overrated (for drone pilots). Having something that just works shouldn't be hard.

[@matthewbarger4592]

looks like a good radio. have you tried it using a stylist?

[@dronecamps]

No just fingers. Good idea!

[@josephbove7477]

Looks like a great transmitter. Have you had any experience with the Flysky FS-i8? Appears to be a really nice radio as well.

[@pippifpv]

Flysky needs better receiver options. Preferable a below 12$ diversity telemetry capable receiver at the size of xm+

[@labuscj]

can you bind it with all the older flysky receivers

[@dronecamps]

When an update comes yes

[@wilfredocampo4215]

Drone Camps RC can it bind with Frysky receivers like the rxsr?

[@MTY68]

pls guide me flysky PL1i8 IS OR FRSKY ,X20 , Hope you guide me right way

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

Great review matey, I want to buy one however can it take the R9 module ? and if so do I need to buy any adapters ? Any info you can give will be much appreciated, Cheers Buddy

[@atomicskull6405]

Need some pictures of the inside of the radio.

[@jeremyp9161]

Thank you for your review looks great would you know if telemetry works with the ia6b and ia10b recievers

[@gamaxgbg]

How would this compare to a futaba at same price range?

[@JaybizFpv]

I havnt gotten the answer about adding crossfire but honestly if it has a module bay and multi protocol moast likely you can use a method similar to using full crossfire on a x lite. Set it up like futaba but only 12 channels but hey crossfire kicks everything's ass.

[@LWJCarroll]

Just reading the manual from the link page 18 Package Contents "Optional JR modual adaptor" so I assume we will need this, in order to use various other moduals. But I cant find how to select those if you have to or if its automatic etc? Laurie

[@JaybizFpv]

@@LWJCarroll does it have a section on protocol selection. If it supports crsf it would know its external. As for using ibus or sbus that would be an internal protocol so maybe look in that direction. Someone will come up with a work around just like with the x lite. It might not have support right now but I bet a future firmware update or new software (open tx) hack it will work. Hell I got my crossfire running on my old i6 and i6s ( same as the evo). I'm speculating.

[@LWJCarroll]

Jason that was the only reference to other moduals I could find in the manual....no info on selecting a modual etc ? Imo Laurie

[@LWJCarroll]

Have a look at their web site, pictures there of the optional extras but the hyperlinks for them go nowhere at the moment, eg the JR Modual adaptor etc....so I assume not available yet. Its being launched with only whats shown with the Tx ? Imo Laurie

[@JaybizFpv]

@@LWJCarroll the x lite was the same way. All in due time. Ibus is wayyy better than sbus but flysky was always behind a step when it came to features. Excellent working equipment but not compatible with anything without some voodoo. My x lite is my first non flysky tx but only use crossfire with it. Works flawlessly. My biggest gripe with flysky was no rssi without risking messing up soldering to the capacitor on some not all rxs amd then tweaking values is a royal pain and expensive.

[@flyboy38a]

As a suggestion for future videos be careful of your voice level and tone. One several occasions in this video I could only hear mumbling instead of a clear voice. Because you have one of those deep base voices it is easy for you to drop your voice tone to a level that is very hard to understand. Also try to watch out for the "Ferris Bueller role call" effect. If you don't know what that is you are making me feel very old. Just watch the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and you will get the reference. I hope this help's you for future videos.

[@annaarze603]

I wish there was more info on this radio.

[@dwexoticmaple]

will it read out values

[@faceforfpv84]

We need to know more about afdhs3! This is the real big deal with this radio. Flysky claims xfire like range and really low latency. Please test that and let us know!

[@Kayouu]

FaceForFPV the claims are real

[@faceforfpv84]

@@Kayouu I want to believe! Therefore they will get my money as soon as the module and small receiver are available

[@Kayouu]

@@faceforfpv84 they are available. Ali has the FTr16s and the 10channels avaliable

[@faceforfpv84]

@@Kayouu price of the ftr16s though!

[@gbro8822]

Wow, looks like a good one. Thank you.

[@ho-xo8my]

Could you measure the latency on this tx?

[@Sp3ktral22]

Freakin great job on the review. Are you still using this, how are you getting along with it? I come from a JR Propo radio background, flying pattern planes, gliders and Helos. I have never been comfortable with OpenTX, it really puts me off. So this Flysky PL18 seems to tick loads of boxes. Can you expand on the voice capabilities of the radio if it has any, to speak flight modes? Also is the airpressure sensor a variometer sensor to put in a glider? Keep on trucking Justin!

[@jasonhull5712]

So Crossfire ?

[@parkflyerindonesia]

Nice review DC. Big thanks for the vid 👍👍👍👍👍 I was blown away with the features and range of this PL18. But, a moment before I tried to get one myself, I found that it doesn't go along with AFHDS2 telemetry. I'm an owner of FS-i10 tx with bunch of RXs and telemetry sensors. And since the PL18 doesn't do telemetry with AFHDS2, it doesn't make sense for me to throw all the telemetry modules and get new ones for AFHDS3. Before Flysky fixes this issue, I don't think i10 owners would appreciate this new TX even with all bells and whistles. Also, if this works with TBS Crossfire, it may works with other Frsky modules like XJT, DJT, etc. that work nicely with X9D and 9XR Pro. But there isn't such information about it yet. For me, it's still too early to go for the PL18. Hope Jason reads this comment and would bring this issue to Flysky dev team.

[@dronecamps]

Flysky is reading. We will suggest they update it to do that.

[@Dcscockpit]

The like the tx, but the menu on the face-i10 was better. I wish they kept that with this radio.

[@donaldsneffe]

... you forget a big minus: Not backwards compatible (as also is the Noble e.g.). And few receivers available. For pilots who do already have a lot of planes, drones, helis and maybe already flying with Flysky, a huge downside. Same XXX with the Flysky Noble (for cars) :(

[@madforit9661]

Love one ,just out my price range

[@pteranodon3946]

I love the design (apart from the outdated font in the user interface). But most of all these functions aren't too useful for flying drones, because we tend to set these things in the FC.

[@short5stick]

nice radio but I don't like the molded in swd switch markings, looks cheep. They should be metal plate with white marking like the main front. The screen should be wider full screen not cut off on the edges.

[@fortboy66]

No flapperon setting available straight out of the bat like my jr xg8. Also, the three front rotary knobs, nor the two side switches have a physical middle detent, they just blep at the middle position, miss that. Also, the Chinese accent verbal warning is pretty awful and not clear at all, hopefully a upgrade will be available soon. Apart from these points, it has a very good quality feel to it and is good value compared to other makes

[@markbutler7027]

Does the radio have voice capabilities?

[@dronecamps]

Yes

[@jackdaniels7913]

But how dose it stack up agents the trusty x10/x10s? 🥃cheers🍻

[@MrJoris666]

Looks like a nice radio, Flysky always gives you value for money, but I can’t see why you need all theses bells an whistles for flying quads. Besides it looks stupid flying whoops and micros which such a huge beast. I like smaller radios like the x-lite.

[@atomicskull6405]

Because they're targeting traditional RC flying with this not micros. I'm considering this for my 700 helicopters the deciding factor will be parts and warranty support. With a $300 transmitter they will need that to succeed in the market.

[@russellbaker7914]

You have on a Cure shirt (Robert Smith). We must be close in age.

[@smitthone]

FrSky will be more and more pissed now....

[@KIKI55cro]

Competition is a good thing!

[@Heiple2007]

Not likely, it still is "flysky". lol

[@FlyskyRCModel]

@@Heiple2007 yes, I think we fall behind. sometimes I feel upset or angry with my workmate . However I also see the change and insist happened in the flysky. We keep developing the products and service(haven't published to everyone). I hope you can tell me what's your opinion about the flysky. and we can see more clear about ourselves. thank you.

[@Dcscockpit]

Heiple2007 if you ever held one or used it compared to a fsky radio...you’d realize how much the frsky radios are hollow plastic prices of junk...honestly. There’s a million radios that can do EVERYTHING a frsky can...actually fly sky surpassed them waaayyy early in the game with their equipment...and btw they still have the best latency of any transmitter aside from suing crossfire. Give them a chance. I’ve owned both and if you held it you’d wonder why you bought that piece of shit you use now

[@stephenmanley4097]

Can mode 2 be set for cantering as I'll be using this for Tamiya truck. Amazing piece of kit.

[@Mateyhv1]

Thanks for the nice review. Wow I am puzzled how ugly it look. My initial impression this was a $20 toy radio, then I saw the real price and was intrigued to see this video. Well, no sure it convinces me more than OpenTX wich I love.

[@zmanphx]

I thought you were kidding, but you are serious saying it looks ugly. It looks modern compared to the Taranis old school chassis.

[@dronesforevercia3469]

RÁDIO SENSACIONAL!

[@orlov_fpv]

Damn, for that price i would buy TBS Tango

[@dronecamps]

Tango is not great.

[@orlov_fpv]

@@dronecamps why? It has pov display and crossfire compatible.

[@dronecamps]

Because the screen is junk and it’s awkward as F radio. Everyone I know doesn’t like it. Hardcore guys avoid the Tango.

[@TannerP97]

#1 reason to not buy a tango, it's made by tbs.

[@AdrianoCasemiro]

Please inform us: Is it R9 and or Crossfire compatible?

[@Kayouu]

Yes

[@ho-xo8my]

The Nirvana looks abandoned... Flysky Totally disappoint with this if OpenTX dont do the work they should to put on it they own system. I definitely don't trust in this brand.

[@yen1761]

Nice tx👍🏻

[@Efleion]

ah yes whireless charg my fave type of charging

[@IanF-FPV]

The OS seems about the same as the I-10.

[@terrorbirbfpv4732]

now if they can just start making decent receivers...

[@ktmjay9920]

Never happened. Remember Nirvana still no support . Flyjunk

[@ktmjay9920]

They should fix the Nirvana before they make more junk

[@hildy2222]

Why do you think the nirvana is junk? I love the radio.

[@ktmjay9920]

@@hildy2222 software , support, receivers. Pick one.

[@ADMIND3R]

theres been software releases as of july and firmware upgrades along with the underground models yea it can be a pain in the ass but its a good unique radio but its not for kids with zero patience and understanding of what they are doing like alot of these new pilots

[@hildy2222]

The ia8x receiver is awesome and can fit on a 3” racer, for micros flit10 is pretty good too. The nirvana really is the best radio out there

[@ktmjay9920]

@@ADMIND3R I'm not a kid been flying rc plane, 3d heli and rc everything since the 80's. Now building/repairing for local drone shop . I'm pretty familiar with RC. But got rid of Nirvana long ago. Maybe new TBS Tango 2. Will be good I love crossfire.

[@acalthu]

The QR code takes you to the Chinese manual.

[@FlyskyRCModel]

the file above Chinese manual is English manual

[@AnasSuhaimi]

Chinese manufacturers have bad taste with typeface. If they just change the typeface into a better one, the GUI would be 10 time more bautiful. Those serif fonts hurt my eyes.

[@senox9350]

Wowowowwowowo

[@booger37391]

wow vn radio