FrSKY X20 Pro : First look and unboxing

[@paultolman2832]

What a great video, you have such a superb calm presentation that i am really enjoying. I am returning to RC and will be updating all my JR gear and you have given me the confidence to try an X20s. Many thanks and keep on publishing all this invaluable knowledge!! Paul.

[@MrD]

Thanks Paul. I’m glad the video was helpful. Welcome back to the hobby 👍🏻

[@yf222000]

I was a super fan of JR as well. Coming back to the hobby after 17 years of absent. I went with the X20S and is happy with how it works and options it provides. I’m sure I’ll not going to be using all the programming options it has anyway.

[@grumpyrse]

The X20 pro with all its tech kicks Mr Futaba/Spektrum/Jeti out of the park at a price point which is less than 50% of that competition. Why buy an iphone if all you need is a n-o-k-i-a. Nice one FrSky!! and cracking presentation as always , Darren.

[@MrD]

Haha, I guess Spektrum are a bit like Nokia …with worse signal 😉

[@PopeyeFPV]

I'm looking forward to the new receivers that will utilize the radio to its fullest. I'll have to put an order in! Nice review Darren! A++

[@MrD]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the review. I was just speculating about the triple frequency receivers. But even now, you should be able to bind TD and Twin simultaneously, and set them up for redundancy.

[@cletusberkeley9441]

Great info Darren. I'm going after the orange X20pro AW myself. ❤

[@douglindauer7327]

10 out of 10 Darren. Thanks much.

[@MrD]

Thank you Doug 👍🏻

[@garys3418]

Thanks!

[@MrD]

Thank you very much Gary 👍🏻

[@erikkoets]

nice review Darren, Question in the video @16:47 you show the option to change the power output 25/100mW, is this a X20 pro option only? I do not see it on my X20s maybe due to the LBT firmware running on it ?

[@MrD]

I would need to check the lastest firmware on the X20S. The X20Pro is also on LBT in the video. Both those power levels are legal on 2.4GHz.

[@erikkoets]

​@@MrDI am curious

[@arowe231]

Awesome video! Love your outlook at the end lol good explanation. I love the "Blue" on the x20s, but love the carbon fiber x20 pro! reminds me of a F1 steering wheel and I love F1 racing. I'm looking at getting a new controller for drone flying. I'm heavenly looking at the Radiomaster tx16s transparent mkii. Love how you can customize it, but I would be totally ecstatic with the Frsky Tandem x20 pro. AAAAAAgghhh so many choices...well, not really just two but a major one at that. Keep up the great work.

[@MrD]

I have to admit. I’m a sucker for a bit of carbon too.

[@M-H433]

Nice piece of kit there Darren❤

[@MrD]

It is a bit nice. Not sure if I mentioned it in the video, but it’s a quality bit of kit 🤣

[@M-H433]

😂😂😂

[@juanmondillo6630]

Mr. D, I find your videos very educational, I am wondering how do you apply the volume to the sliding red switch? I would appreciate an idea, I have a Frsky x20 pro aw radio, and there are a couple of things different which I am trying to get familiar with. If you could provide with an idea how to use that slide switch to adjust the volume that would be great. Thank you

[@mickbroad9973]

question i have is both external antennas appear to be 2.4 surly when using 868mhz this would be risking damage to the radio due to reflected power? Would the r9 standard antenna not be better?

[@MrD]

Inside the radio, there are connections for external antennas for all 3 modules. I have physically switched the antenna from having an external FSK 2.4 antenna (pretty useless IMHO) to having an external 900MHz antenna. Unfortunately, after 1.4.13 the feature was removed in ETHOS to choose which systems have the external antennas attached. It is supposed to be coming back, after more consideration has been put in to making this safer, and more difficult to change. Due to it being easy to damage the module if the hardware modification has not been done. Having an external 900MHz antenna would be far more useful for me. If you're using the 900MHz side with tandem, or for other LOS activities. Using the internal antenna is fine. But for other things, having a vertical, external antenna is much better.

[@kitchenstrand]

did you ever confirm the gimbal rotation?? I too enjoy that twist!

[@MrD]

Yes, the gimbals do rotate.

[@roberttruesdell6151]

I’m considering the x18se as it’s a little smaller. What else differs that would be a deal breaker?

[@ohdirtracer]

Excellent!

[@MrD]

Glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@aerialbugsmasher]

Get mine tomorrow. I feel kind of dumb now because this thing doesn't have a 6 pot knob does it? I'm coming from an x10s express which has that in the top center and I use it a lot,

[@MrD]

It doesn’t have the 6-way rotary switch. But it does have the 6 buttons at the bottom of the radio. I’m a big fan of that 6-way rotary switch too. But I’m sure the 6 buttons will be just fine once the muscle memory gets used to it.

[@gregoryh4601]

Sir can you help out with this Antenna Question. I have a FrSky X20s and I fly F5J Sailplanes and my Receiver will be the TW Dual to Help my Range and help me not to lose a signal should I install a External Antenna? Or the 2.4ghz in the Transmitter ok? Would installing the RF booster be the Best way to Go or the infinity 2.4ghz antenna do the job? Thanks.

[@thedelaminator]

Lovely looking transmitter. Do you think the metal case of the TX could be more uncomfortable to hold during cold winter weather?

[@MrD]

Possibly. Maybe it will retain it's temperature a little longer than plastic. It's something I'll definitely have to check out when the colder weather arrives.

[@thedelaminator]

@@MrD The Jeti boys in our club always moan about the cold feel of the aluminiun case during cold winter months. Suspect the Pro will be the same.

[@h.pandjarov]

I am waiting for customs to release mine today 🎉

[@MrD]

Hope it clears customs quickly. Happy flying.

[@7demo7review]

Do you think text to speech will come to the X 20 S in a future update?

[@MrD]

I really don’t know. I think at the moment it’s being reserved for the flagship model. I don’t know if there are any hardware requirements for the text to speech. Possibly the NAND storage, which the X20 doesn’t have? It would be nice if they could bring it to other transmitters though.

[@petetynning9964]

Great 👍 Review!

[@MrD]

Thanks Pete 👍

[@oceanchaser]

does the x20 come with internal memory no need to install Sd card just to turn it on the first time can you verify this please

[@MrD]

The X20, X20S, and X20HD need and SD Card. The X20 Pro has internal storage.

[@leohcheung]

Is it true that one cannot just transfer model files from an older X20 to the PRO and ALL models must be manually re-entered again?

[@MrD]

No, not true at all. I have transferred models from my X20S and X18 to the X20 Pro. In fact. I’ll be showing me doing that in a video shortly.

[@davidhall4398]

Hi Darren, I'm currently looking to buy either X18SE or a X20S I was wondering how they felt in the hand ? I've fairly small hands and prefer thinner Tx Does the Gimbal rotation make a difference for thumbers? I fly fixed wing 3d 67in Pilot rc planes I really like T Motors esc program box that doubles up as a UBEC and a Telemetry on Tx screen for ESC temperature through SBUS i think are these easy to setup on the Tx? Sorry for all the questions but your so good. Thanks in advance Ted

[@MrD]

Hi David. My personal advice would be to try and get both of them in your hands. Maybe there is a hobby shop local to you that stocks these transmitters? The X18 is maybe a little fatter than the X20, but not by much. I know a few people prefer the feel of the X18. But I was fine with either. With regards to the gimbal rotation. I found it made a difference. When I first saw it, I thought it was a gimmick. But I definitely noticed that I wasn't accidentally changing pitch when inputting roll. I don't know how much the difference would effect thumbers. But, the thinking about where the pivot of the thumb is, it could. Of course, it would need your muscle memory to adjust. I took a quick look on the T-Motor site. If you mean the AMLINK box. That advertises that it works with FrSKY. So it should be fine. I'd imagine that you'll get the temperature, RPM etc, via SmartPort telemetry sensors. Those can be set up on the main screen to provide you the info.

[@davidhall4398]

@@MrD Thanks Darren really appreciate your help. Thanks for taking the time to look at the AM LINK...I thought it was a really good way of utilising the program box...the T Motor am670 and 116A ESC and carbon prop is absolutely amazing design ...quality... like frsky 👍 the performance is incredibly powerful to match.

[@kitchenstrand]

Dr D. You have had the PRO for a bit. Worthy up-grade. Or nice but not neededed as the x20s comes very close

[@r7_guy941]

Hi I am a pincher, do you think I will need a tray for this Tx ?

[@MrD]

I’m a hybrid pincher and just use a strap. Do you currently use a tray?

[@r7_guy941]

@MrD Yes I do, for my heli's

[@r7_guy941]

@MrD I can fly more precise if I can rest my hands on a tray .

[@MrD]

@@r7_guy941 you’ll probably still want to use a try. I think it’s more about personal preference than the transmitter itself.

[@jjames5928]

When can we hope to see the rest of the RB35s series

[@MrD]

They are in progress. I do try to mix things up on the channel to keep it fair for all viewers. I’m conscious that I’ve not had any INAV content for a while. So will need to address that. I do have a big list of ETHOS videos that I need to make too. But the follow up RB35 videos will be soon.

[@jjames5928]

@MrD no worries. That one just has me really excited as I have 2 Rb35s' and don't understand all the features ( mostly stabilizer stuff )

[@mickbroad9973]

Has anyone one done some realtime range test on the x20 pro partivuly interested in actual 2.4 range without 868 mhz using internal antenna only.?

[@marcorosa9655]

Sou do Brasil meu nome marcos adoro seu canal traz muita informação

[@MrD]

Obrigado Marcos. I’m glad the videos are helpful.

[@garys3418]

Would like to see moving models from X20s to X20 pro

[@MrD]

Thanks Gary. That video will be made soon. I need to do this myself.

[@tonyangus6854]

And binding info as well?

[@petetynning9964]

Would like to see SD File transfer from X20S to X20 Pro

[@MrD]

That video will be coming soon.

[@lleston8927]

I would like to see the text to voice for all radios

[@MrD]

It would definitely come in useful. I guess time will tell if it will make its way to the other transmitters.

[@lleston8927]

It will for sure be a game changer. People will buy ETHOS FRSKY radios of all levels

[@miksterr]

Spektrum have it on their top radios also Powerbox on Core/Atom. This sounds a little poor to me, hopefully a future update makes it a bit clearer?

[@yf222000]

In my opinion. The physical aspects and material changes doesn’t warranted or $500 additional compares to the X20S. Great review nonetheless.

[@katanamd]

This radio looks excellent! Just one thing I really hope is that you're able to change the power button led color or turn it off. FrSky always has red trim, the blue looks extremely out of place. In addition to it looking out of place, blue is VERY bad for night vision and is distracting. If you ever have done night flying you'll know that any blue LED what so ever is a no go.

[@MrD]

That’s not an option as far as I know. But I think that would be pretty cool. I believe it’s an RGB LED. If it is, you should be able to have any colour. It would definitely be worth adding to GitHub.

[@fcolon1976]

Sound on the x20s sounds better than the x20pro, the TTS on x20pro is horrible. The x20pro feels better quality but the x20s feels good as well. I'd go for the x20s just because I don't need the extra trims, I like the gimble rotation and lighter weight. Just my opinion. Thank you for the video

[@kennypowers1860]

The case is crap compared to the champagne one that was supplied with x12s, pretty sure the gimbals can rotate 8 degrees. As for cost the hard carry case, the electric screwdriver and the TDR18 and switch explain £150 ish of the extra cost over the X20s so the price gap is not quite as big as it first seems though still quite substantial. I am overall very happy with my X20 pro.

[@Mrcovert]

I used to fan boy over frsky. Then something changed at the company and they started to damage the rc market and their reputation. I don't know anyone in the drone racing group's I'm in who didn't feel damaged by their behaviour. I even had a horus pre-order I was such a fanboy. I'm radiomaster and tbs crossfire now with elrs on the shopping list. Frsky have been off my radar since. Are they playing nice with the community again or still shooting themselves in the foot?

[@MrD]

To be perfectly honest, a lot of the not playing nice was not actually true. The only thing they did back in the day which I disagreed with was when they put slower inverters in the Q-X7 and X10 radios. But people forget they did this because TBS threatened retailers who sold FrSKY products. If they carried on selling FrSKY, TBS would drop them. All this because they claimed R9 was a clone of Crossfire (it wasn’t) which turned out to be specifically about the Immortal T antenna; which is just a semirigid dipole. Nothing else that was spread about FrSKY was true. They didn’t drop support of older products, they didn’t force customers to updates, they didn’t stop older products being able to use protocols they used to support. It was all bullshit spread by people with ulterior motives. Back then, it was people pushing TBS. Now, it’s people like Bardwell who are pushing RadioMaster (Bardwell having a signature model TX16S). The crazy thing is, the TX16S is a clone of an X10. It can even be flashed with ETHOS using the X10 firmware. Honestly. I don’t really care what people use. So long as they’re happy with it. I just try to give my honest opinions about any product I review. No matter who makes it. To be perfectly honest, FrSKY are producing some great products at the moment. As for playing nice with the community. Again, aside from the inverter thing. Which I will always say was a stupid move. I don’t believe they have actually done anything bad to the community. Certain influencers in the community liked to paint that picture. But a lot of what was said was either untrue or hypocritical. I know from chats with some of the FrSKY reps, that they are trying hard to make products that the community want and would benefit from using. I have seen how ETHOS has progressed, and how a lot of changes have come from community suggestions. I think they’re doing a good job.

[@blembondo]

@@MrD TX16S is based on GPL OpenTX/EdgeTx, so it's not an X10 clone! Frsky never understood how GPL works.It's a big shame that this mistake is still spreading.

[@MrD]

No it isn’t. The TX16S is a rehashing of a Jumper T16; made after the founders of Jumper part ways and one created RadioMaster. The Jumper T16 was not reverse engineered from OpenTX (EdgeTX didn’t exist at the time). It even has a component in the radio that is not discoverable through OpenTX; only through FrOS. Which is a closed source OS. The schematics for the X10 are not, not have ever been open source or GPL licensed. Both the TX16S and T16 are X10 clones.

[@blembondo]

@@MrD We don't agree, but that's life. To create hardware, you just need to have available software. If someone really developed it in this way, no one will find out. It's the same situation as the ELRS in the Twin module, but in the opposite position. Thank you for what you do for the INAV group!

[@rickikilvi5406]

TX16S is based on Jumper. Radiomaster never designed a RF protocol. They never wrote any software except the knightrider chicken feet uC firmware which they wouldn't release but was easily reverse engineered.

[@GudieveNing]

Wattttt???? I just today bought an X20S!!! Nooooooo..... No wonder it was £50 off!

[@MrD]

It was just an offer. The pro is not replacing the S. They are different levels of the same series of radio. Both excellent transmitters.

[@oliundtrude5318]

I bought one of the first Horus years ago and it was more horror.

[@pilotimodele4598]

…😜👌

[@typxxilps]

Good review and presentation, but a radio from a brand I do not trust anymore or in particular since 2019 since I sold all my frsky stuff after my dealer told me that he can not sell a jumper to me cause he had to take all jumper from the shelves to get supplies from FrSky. I got my jumper from china in late 2019 cause FrSky forced me to buy on aliexpress and so I did buy it. What a wonder: the jumper arrived in 3 weeks and perfect condition and since then I never have bought any new FrSky stuff and I am not missing a thing. Since then I tried out several Radiomaster and Jumper. Right now my first TX 16S from preorder Jan 2020 and a Jumper t-lite are my main radios I enjoy the most - next to a graupner, an old one, for submarines. If I want to spend a fortune in a radio I would get a jeti from Tchech Republic , but not from FrSky. I watch your FrSky content to look what is going on there but still do not buy this products, not even a screw or spareparts cause I have sold everything I had. Again good video and review about a product I would not even buy if it was a radiomaster. Far too expensive at least for me. thanks

[@adilsongoliveira]

I 100% agree with you. I was a *huge* FrSky fan. I moved from Spektrum to it and I was elated specially with Taranis (which I had at least 3) and OpenTX, I bought the Horus as well but after what happened recently, I moved on, first to Jumper and now to Radiomaster. I still have a couple FrSky receivers in my parts bin but everything else moved to ExpressLRS and I can't be happier.

[@h.pandjarov]

Lol comparing radiomaster to this has to be a joke.

[@spencerhayers3072]

why do you even watch this video then if you have such an issue with Frsky? But I'm sure Mr D dont mind for the viewing figures.

[@MrD]

You do know that the RadioMaster and Jumper transmitters your praising are clones of FrSKY transmitters, right? I’m more than happy for people to use whatever they want. But, I keep on hearing about all the bad things that FrSKY did. Many of which they didn’t actually do. And how those folks are now supporting a company who are just as bad, if not worse than many of the accusations. Pilots are free to use what they want and what suits their needs. But it’s time for the mud slinging and hypocrisy to stop.

[@woltervandenberg]

@@MrDThe fact that a certain JB keeps trashing Frsky although he hasn't owned any of their stuff for years doesn't help. Most people don't even know what exactly happened back then but are just echoing what their favourite youtubers are saying. But although Frsky makes beautiful and quality equipment, It has to be said though that they have a tendency to do stupid sh*t as well so the critisism is not completely unjustified. Like the fact that they deliberately made the module bay of the X20 incompatible with third party modules or the whole saga with the unauthorised ELRS fork in the TWIN modules.

[@thewhitedillard]

I'd never invest in FrSky again.

[@dr0n3droid]

If they released this with edgeTX and elrs would that change your mind?

[@MrD]

@thewhitedillard Your call if you want to use FrSKY or not. But it would be interesting to know why you feel like that.

[@MrD]

@dr0n3droid you can already use ELRS with these transmitters, via the lite JR bay. As for EdgeTX. That is down to the EdgeTX developers. But personally. i think ETHOS is better than EdgeTX. In fact, I’ve reverted radios back from EdgeTX to OpenTX, because EdgeTX has bad UI and some annoying bugs.

[@ChainsawFPV]

All that money for a radio, and they use crappy gimbals. I love my AG01's. Would not trade them for any others.

[@MrD]

They really aren’t crappy gimbals. They are actually very good gimbals. Full CNC aluminium with well spec’d hall effect sensor. Why do you think they’re worse than the AG01? They will be at least as good.

[@johnliebe8189]

Thanks!

[@MrD]

Thanks John 👍🏻