FrSky X20S - Overview and why I bought the S version

[@GudieveNing]

Had an X20S for a week and love it. Wish I had got one earlier. Sold my NX8 whose screen was unreadable in sunlight. No so the vastly superior X20 screen and general usability, versatility.

[@TWSreviews]

I have had mine for a while now and no issues at all. Every once in a while I update it to the latest approved firmware. It works and signal is never an issue, so reliable. Happy flying Jon

[@enterstreng]

i came from Spektrum to Radiomaster and now to the Tandem x20s and i am very happy with it, as soon as you get how ethos works it s an awesome Radio and great value for money.

[@planestomp]

is there anything spektrum did this doesn't. about to make the switch.

[@enterstreng]

@@planestomp no, with Frsky you have even more options and less restrictions, all depends on the receivers you use from frsky but it works great.

[@gusalgora]

Gracias por la review

[@lawrencewilliams1477]

WHAT A REVIEW ANSWERS MANY QUESTIONS NICELY DONE ✔ ENJOYED

[@lawrencewilliams1477]

GOT ONE EXTREMELY NICE PRODUCT SERIOUSLY 😊 20 S 😊

[@africah_beauty]

i agreee, i use 2013 taranis in 2024 and is solid as fuck

[@TWSreviews]

They work well.......

[@wycliffeb]

its Windows 10 now lol. Great video jon, The intro was one of the best you have done.

[@jonarroyo44]

windows 3.1 we upgraded from DOS....lol......I got the point over

[@dickiedick100]

Wahaha, you toke me the words out of my mouth. But..... within 2 weeks I order the 20s

[@jman017]

Very informative video. You have sold me on the FRSKY X20S. Now where is my credit card!

[@TWSreviews]

and you deserve one.....😂

[@Faitter]

Question about the 900MHz band - how do you select what band the radio uses at the 900M range (between 868MHz and 915MHz that is)? I can use only 868MHz band in my country, so I'd like to know if the 868MHz/915MHz radios are different models, or can the same radio transmit just generally around the 900M band? Or do you just use 868MHz antenna and the radio figures it out by it self? How does it work?

[@TWSreviews]

Hi @Faitter to answer your questions, when you set up a model you need to bind to a receiver to your model configuration. You need to simply select RF frequency that your model will operate with in the model set-up. The menu that you go to to bind a model has a set of options and you need to enable either 2.4 or 900, underneath your selected frequency option you select power and telemetry options you want. The radio has two sets on antennas, a pair for 2.4 and in the handle an antenna for 900. The beauty of this radio is it has a Tandem configuration and when using the FrSky tandem receivers you can make use of both frequencies for added security of signal. However, I believe your question relates to actual frequencies and the radio digitally selects a frequency that is clear of interference. You cannot select to use a frequency in the 800Mhz range I guess your firmware determines frequency compliance for your region. Jon

[@TWSreviews]

Update: I just had a look and you can buy an 868MHz EU antenna and a different 900MHz. If you are in the EU you can purchase all compliant parts from T9HobbySport www.t9hobbysport.com/frsky-tandem-x20-replacement-parts I guess the tuned antenna would favour the 868MHz band ensuring compliance. I purchased a UK compliant radio from T9HobbySport and updating with EU Firmware. My receivers match.

[@Faitter]

@@TWSreviews Okay, thank you. I had a look at the firmware updates from FrSky's page, and they do have firmware with "EU"-tag, so it might be that the EU-labeled firmware keeps the 900M band around 868MHz. Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it. I'll have a look at T9Hobby sports page as well, altho I guess I am more keend to order from Ger or Cz.

[@duschiavon]

Love the "Chevette" badge. Beautiful little cars

[@TWSreviews]

It was a souvenir of my first car. Vauxhall Chevette…..lol. Found the badge recently when I was clearing my dads garage.

[@duschiavon]

@@TWSreviews very nice little car that we have in Brazil since the 70's up to the 2000's. Today its easy to see them being renovated and using a 6cc engine inline from different Chevrolet ( Opala - almost similar to the Opel you have there or a 4cc VW engine with turbo) and used as a weekend car or drag race with up to 1000hp.

[@TWSreviews]

@@duschiavon wow......when you say 6cc what is the total engine capacity? the original engine was 1300cc (1.3ltr). Rear wheel drive was fun back in the day.

[@duschiavon]

@@TWSreviews 4.1ltr. And just like I said turbo and internals goes up to 1000, 1100 hp. Quick search on KZbin for chevette motor opala will show you some craziness 😈

[@TWSreviews]

@@duschiavon Holly Smoke.......wow

[@DarrenFollows]

Great channel, I e just moved into fpv and bought the fr sky x20 so will be visiting your channel a few times in the future. Thumbs up

[@TWSreviews]

Thanks for the kind comments. I need to pull my finger out and get some new content done.....

[@glencowan3984]

About the firmware updates with a cable, yes and no. If your RX has it, use the OTA updating. Such a great feature. I was so blown away at how straight forward it is to do, and you can do it with the RX buried in the model.

[@TWSreviews]

I confess that I haven’t tried it yet. Now they are all updated and on ACCESS then I should be good to go.

[@stevealoia]

Nice video. I had the frsky X20 . But I found it to a little difficult to setup for helicopter. So I went back to Futaba. And they guys at my field all fly futaba and VBar .

[@RubenRC94]

I switched from a spectrum dx9 to the x20s (EU/LBT version) it's a amazing radio. Ethos took me some time getting used to but is so versatile. The only downside to me is the back switch placement. I would have liked a little more space beteen the long 2pos /momentary switch and the short 3pos switch. Made the swith to the flex firmware a few days ago. Telemerty on the 868mhz band above 25mw is great too. Just not sure if it's totally legal here in the Netherlands 😂

[@TWSreviews]

its a great radio and I am still impressed with it. No range issues and no oddities just a solid controller that works well.

[@RubenRC94]

@@TWSreviews it sure is. And compared to my 10yo spektrum dx9 the gimbals feel a lot better. I also really like the availability of every part. Horizon hobby didn't want to sell me a potentiometer for the dx9. It was either send it in for a full rebuild or nothing at all......

[@BrunO-qt6vf]

OK! well look to the tutorials of the x20s if i can also use the old slim + accst R9 on the new accest radio etc.

[@jonarroyo44]

all the new receivers have new firmware available and seems the new ACCESS version is what you want.

[@BrunO-qt6vf]

@@jonarroyo44 yes I know ... :)) but just want to use the first old furmware of the R9 slim + no ota on the X20s

[@TWSreviews]

@@BrunO-qt6vf I have ordered some R9 receivers and will go through the setup. I will also go through FW updates. OTA will be interesting as only certain receivers are OTA branded. I am pretty sure the old R9 firmware needs to be 2019 or newer. I will check it out

[@felipehol1]

Yes, you can, but you need to plug a R9 lite (non pro) module with ACSST firmware.

[@Arcave]

Great job on the video I've had just the X20 for about a month now much easier to do the hard stuff such as mixing channels than in OTX, no S for me getting to old for bling ;) you're right plastics are top notch compared to the cloned radio's out there RM & the like, mine came from T9 also.

[@jonarroyo44]

Cool....I like the fact that under the same mix you can create multiple rates from any switch so makes it ideal for me to have various rate options......calm to crazy rates

[@TheLostSquadron]

I love the design of this radio. Haven't held one, but it actually looks expensive. How do the gimbals feel? I've been using a TX16 for about a year and I like it, but the one thing I really miss about my old Futaba gear is the gimbal adjustment. The max tension on any Chinese radio I've used is about the halfway point of any of the old school stuff. I really like to feel the ratchet and have some tension on the throttle side.

[@TWSreviews]

I had the hall gimbals on my taranis and feel similar but apparently these are better quality being all CNC aluminium and ball raced. I will never wear the out with what I do. I have a hint of ratchet and tension is accessible through covered holes. The ratchet and rotation adjustment I had to remove the back case. Generally nice quality, nice design and big upgrade from my Taranis. The operating system is amazing

[@keithbowers5548]

Jon, I like the look of this radio but I have about 13 S6R RXs in planes. Im assuming this TX wont talk to them without a module?

[@TWSreviews]

You will need to do a ACCST V2 Firmware. 2.1.0 upgrade straight from the radio to the receivers........I will be doing some videos on this. The only RX's that can't be flashed with compatible FW are the old D8 and V series receivers.

[@keithbowers5548]

@@TWSreviews Thanks Jon

[@burrefpv9273]

I fly jeti, but looking at this radio it's a good walue for the money. Is my radio so much better? ( Is it even better?) I don't think so, not the amount of money it's costing more that is. But Will a switch? Hell no! Not now, but if this radio had been out when I bought my jeti... That's another great question! 😂 All i can say is that I am a brand guy. And I've probably have got the jeti. All that said, it looks like this is probably the best frsky radio to date. Only time will tell. I hope yours will serve you well! Thanks for the video!

[@TWSreviews]

I just check out the jeti DS16 & 24.....wow......I see what you mean.....if you have invested that much you can't change....respect

[@TiberiusCat]

Thanks for the great video. Is there a way to support DSMX? How about the OMP Hobbies protocol in their helis? Thanks again!

[@TWSreviews]

Sorry, this is a FrSky radio and works with FrSky receivers. You may be thinking of Jumper and Radio master that have multi protocol modules. However, if you can get a multi protocol lite module to plug in the back you may be able to. However, the FrSky receivers are really good and would recommend going with their receivers. The radio is a clean design with integrated antennas so no antennas sticking up is nice.

[@Stubbsyfpv]

Nice vid Jon, nice tx just a shame they dumped the compatibility to crsf

[@TWSreviews]

Its all about licensing and as soon a crsf speak to FrSky then it will be game on. I am really impressed though.

[@Stubbsyfpv]

Yes it's a stunning looking piece of kit. Just a shame being crsf that it's not compatible 😞

[@Arcave]

Crossfire will come later.

[@Arcave]

I recently bought a Blue X20S as I wasn't sure I made the right choice with black.

[@TWSreviews]

It’s a lovely radio in both colours. How are you finding it?

[@Arcave]

@@TWSreviews Great love it excellent build quality too, shame not more people have reviewed it.

[@tjmakosz]

Hi, great video, any chance of the follow ups regarding flashing RX and firmware Etc... It's still the only thing stopping me pulling the trigger on a X20s

[@TWSreviews]

I have had a few Spektrum transmitters, various FrSky and even a Jumper T16 pro but this one is by far the best of the bunch. I have been busy with work and had a break from videos and being a bit lazy. However, it is time for me to get my s**t together and will do an update video and show you first hand how easy it is to flash.

[@tjmakosz]

@@TWSreviews thanks for the reply.. Hope I didn't come across all demanding 😂.. Was just really intrested when you mentioned the extra videos 👍🏻👍🏻... Thanks for taking the time to make content, I know it takes up alot of time.

[@2007crf450r]

kinda upset me to find out it doesnt have bgmusic on it i have songs on my open tx taranis radio i like to play while im flying

[@TWSreviews]

I am sure it will added soon. It may already be there. I will look into it and will comment in an upcoming video. I used to like that too so with you an that.

[@muqeeth1234]

Hi, nice video..just wanted to know if the internal Bluetooth module can be used to connect to a ground station (laptop) running Mission Planner, like a conventional telemetry unit

[@TWSreviews]

It has telemetry by bluetooth on the X20S but couldn't comment if it would work in your setup. You could check out the RC Groups thread as may be referenced there: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3703807-New-%C2%96-FrSky-X20-X20S-X20HD-Tandem-and-ETHOS They are adding and improving all the time. It is their radio platform for the future.

[@TonesAtTinwell]

What does "flashing" mean?

[@TWSreviews]

A term used when a firmware update is loaded from the PC to the receiver.

[@Patrice-64200]

Merci pour cette vidéo .. et les sous titres en français... je m'abonne c'est top.

[@TWSreviews]

Merci J'apprécie tes bons commentaires

[@NeedSpeedRC]

This might be a stupid question but is the X20S compatible with Spektrum receivers (DSM2/DSMX)? I really like this radio but the thought of replacing my receivers is holding me back.

[@TWSreviews]

Sorry this radio is FrSky protocol so will not work with any other brand. So NO will not work with Spektrum receivers. Thankfully the FrSky protocol has a lot better range and cheaper than Spektrum receivers if you wish to bit the bullet and change.

[@Giovanisbr]

Hi please how set up!!! Rec some videos!!!

[@TWSreviews]

I have a few requests and will do some setting videos

[@stuhall2689]

Hi, I'm now looking at Frsky X20 or X20s as I'm using Frsky receivers with my Radiomaster. What's your thoughts now your nearly 12 months in with this radio? Great video I've just subscribed.

[@TWSreviews]

The radio is excellent quality and I do have confidence in FrSky's protocol. Good solid connection for control........ Price of receivers really good too. I have been upgrading receivers and favouring the RX6R's in most my planes. R9 receivers are really cheap also so any long range FPV quads & wings all now on R9. Most of my friends are using crossfire but R9 does the job for me. No modules hanging off the back so nice and clean. I have done a follow up feedback video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2PSm5apnrOAqNE Thanks for sub....welcome aboard and hope you enjoy. Jon

[@ErikJohnsonFMA]

how do you adjust the travel of the gimbals? I see it listed as a feature online everywhere but there doesn't seem to be any documentation on how the adjustment is done

[@TWSreviews]

I asked the question myself as I am used to the 45deg travel on my taranis. There are plastic inserts needed then you calibrate the sticks to the travel range. They haven’t been providing the adapters but states they are adjustable. I have got used to them and created throttle curves for my quads. I guess they will eventually send the adapters if we complain.

[@EnglishTurbines]

It's a nice transmitter and the OS isn't so bad either...However, the R9M system isn't up to the job and doesn't come close the the Crossfire system in terms of performance or function...Pleased for you mate, if you like it and can afford it...I can afford half a dozen, won't be buying it though, my Radiomaster does it all for me TBH...🤔😳😳😀🇬🇧

[@TWSreviews]

When they add crossfire it will be awesome. At the moment there are licensing issues they need to conclude

[@mattg2596]

Learn how to use ethos it smokes crossfire

[@tubamanandy2]

@@mattg2596 Ethos is the operating system not the control link

[@jameswhelan83]

nice would that suit a beginner

[@TWSreviews]

It’s not plug a play but not complicated to set up models either. If you are a new to the hobby I would recommend getting a ready to fly model with transmitter pre configured

[@cwwisk]

What do you think of the Tandem X20 HD?

[@TWSreviews]

I haven't seen or tested it. The concept of being able to receive and stream from the radio to the goggles should be great. As long as there is low latency, good range and quality is HD quality then its a great concept. I understand that it is HD Zero which is not DJI quality but better than analogue. Would I buy one? As I already have the X20S and I really love the radio, I am sorry but NO I wouldn't upgrade.

[@cwwisk]

@@TWSreviews I would honestly just use the transmitter as a viewscreen for acro tinywhoops to get people into the hobby as a demonstration. I have Walksnail for my HD stuff and I have 2.4 ghz and 5.8 ghz analog setups too. I don't need HDZero, but I'd use it if it were simple to bring a little bag of micro drones to a friend's house and powerloop their kitchen table and stuff. Lol

[@TWSreviews]

@@cwwisk It is a fantastic radio and having the video feed makes it versatile and compact, ideal for little drones.

[@rizen3467]

ok so i want to use this to fly LOS. Do you know if there's a way to put a throttle cut on the back 2 buttons? Either on one button or when both are pressed at the same time?

[@TWSreviews]

Wow......you are talking logic switches. The buttons are momentary so you would need to create a logic switching process. I will have to experiment myself as I haven't done much with the logic programming. As soon as you create the logic switch you can allocate the logic switch rather than a physical switch in the throttle channel settings.

[@rizen3467]

@@TWSreviews okay, thanks!

[@acknack151]

if it supports tbs module, I would buy one

[@TWSreviews]

Keep an eye on this link. FrSky have confirmed they will be including it but not ready to add the software features just yet. Its all about the software development. github.com/FrSkyRC/ETHOS-Feedback-Community/issues/5

[@TheXanthoman]

Is there any way to lock the gimbals so that they cant rotate unless desired ?

[@TWSreviews]

The rotation is by opening the radio, loosen the four fixing screws, rotate to where you want it and tighten the screws. Not ideal as a selling point but the higher quality all metal parts and ball raced gimbal is what you are paying for. However, the X20 gimbals are aluminium with some plastic mechanisms behind with hall sensors and are great quality also. They are smooth though and I did need to loosen the tension on them to get them as I liked them.

[@Synthetic11]

Is this radio compatible with the DSM2 & DSMX receivers? Thank you.

[@TWSreviews]

Sorry, it's a FrSky radio and only compatible with FrSky receivers with their new V2 firmware.

[@Synthetic11]

@@TWSreviews Thank you

[@glencowan3984]

I bought the S version because I thought it stood for “S”exy version. Hahaha, jokes aside, love my X20S. Still seeing what it can do, but in doing so I feel like it’s Christmas Day everyday I take it out of the soft case.

[@TWSreviews]

It is sexy….. it works well and looks impressive. It is good to appreciate how lucky we are to have the S version and not have to constantly wonder if we should have gone for the S version.

[@stephenhughcrisp]

Can you transfer your old Open TX plane settings to Ethos?

[@TWSreviews]

I am not aware that you can. However last time I did that I was forever fixing all the miss match errors of switches and sound files. Easy to set up models and mixes. Do one good one then clone. Fresh and clean

[@Arcave]

I think you can do this now with a conversion tool.

[@majorsmackdown]

MSDOS !! Don't hear that very often !!

[@TWSreviews]

I like to be different lol

[@o3rMeNs]

Firmware updating isn't the problem, never has been. The problem is FrSky firmware is proprietary and doesn't perform that well. Which OTX versions did they fork? Does it still refuse crossfire modules? How is the sync and rate of the gimbals? What is the max baudrate? If that stuff isn't fixed you have an expensive radio that just feels and looks nice on the outside, but has less than mediocre performance by todays standards.

[@TWSreviews]

When the customer keeps asking for crossfire compatibility they will eventually add it but they are still working out the software bugs and promoting their r9 offering. I guess they need to do a marketing assessment on better selling radios or r9 receivers. Even I can see that customers are holding back as a result. I still have more faith in FrSky products and after selling my Jumper T16 Pro my fears with that unit were recognised. My friend reported back that the multi protocol module has failed. The range is now at best 200m. You get what you pay for these days and hoping FrSky will provide good support. When needed. I also believe in Santa and tooth fairies. Lol

[@o3rMeNs]

@@TWSreviews FrSky radio's used to have crossfire compatibility but they actually removed it rather than add it to eliminate the competition and sell more R9's. Don't get me wrong, I also use a FrSky radio but I do run EdgeTX on it and an ELRS module. Their own firmware jail and lousy protocol (by today's standard) are just horrid and I'm glad I still have an older model without all that proprietary BS firmware. Are you sure your friend didn't chop an antenna? So many factors that could limit his range. If the MPM failed it's shouldn't do anything at all. I never felt the need to have an MPM. I only used dedicated protocols which is ELRS these days.

[@TWSreviews]

@@o3rMeNs thanks for the feedback. You are the second person that has praised ELRS. Something I need to check out myself. Thanks again

[@GadgetMart]

Brands lol. The last time I looked FrSky was the cheap brand. Almost lost a model using a single antenna XJT module due to no antenna diversity.

[@MenGrowingTOWin]

"Its like moving from MS DOS to Windows 95, you have to keep up with the times".... Windows 95? LOL.

[@TWSreviews]

I take it you never used MS-DOS. If you know… you know

[@MenGrowingTOWin]

@@TWSreviews yeah way back. But then windows 95 is way back too. What do you think of radiomaster?

[@TWSreviews]

@@MenGrowingTOWin deeper meaning than first appears. Why 95 and not windows 10. It’s a step forward but still a long way to go to tick all the boxes. Regarding Radio Master, they are making good headway and pushing technology. My concern was more on quality and range of radio link. I have had a lot of faith in FrSky and seem to be very reliable. I did get a jumper T16pro but sold it to my mate. It worked well but then after a few weeks he was getting low signal warnings and lost trust. He went back to his Taranis. If you lose signal with a race quad it drops like a rock with no drama. A plane can go a long distance and very often trashed. It’s like tools of the trade. Do you invest in Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee or just by an Alidi or Lidl brand? You buy what you trust and stick with it. Takes a lot of investment to change.

[@MenGrowingTOWin]

@@TWSreviews thanks for ypur advice. Very helpful. Cheers.

[@martr]

Nice objective video. But specifically on FrSky, we know their true colours now and I would not trust them, not to throw us under the bus again.

[@TWSreviews]

They were a pain and lost a lot of support. But this radio is a nice quality TX and when they sort out the crossfire issues then it will be amazing. I don't use crossfire and going to R9 from EzUHF, not that I fly too far so wasted on me

[@nexusly6720]

Looks kinda cheap imo. I'd rather plot my s21 ultras screen on top instead of looking at 480p crap

[@TWSreviews]

The display is just for model and radio settings. They are doing a HD version for FPV that apparently has a HD screen. However it is not currently available. Having a HDMI socket means that you can output to your goggles. May be interesting if the radio received HD digital video that was an all in package like DJI...... see what comes.

[@arthurvanaalst]

Are you still happy with the transmitter?

[@TWSreviews]

Yes indeed Great is quality, no problems or signal losses and receivers are reasonably priced. I am still happy with it.