FrSky Tandem X18RS

The latest in the popular Frsky X18 family of radios. The RS is the new top of the line for the X18 family. The main differences from the X18SE are the addition of the dual 2.4G TW RF mode (TWIN) along with all of the normal great TANDEM dual frequency options of the previous X18 radios, combined with the upgraded 800×480 resolution screen with great visibility under sunlight. Also some new colors. This puts it well on the same level as the X20RS, but with a little smaller form factor. 

The FrSky Tandem X18SE is a dual-band, FULL telemetry radio that features a color touch screen display, ergonomic design, Tandem dual-band RF system (2.4ghz & 900mhz), and most importantly Ethos – Frsky’s amazing operating system. It boasts an impressive end-to-end latency, ergonomic design featuring low weight and a thin profile, natural switch, summary, and slider positioning, hall effect gimbals as well as built in mass storage. More channels and mixes than you will know what to do with, but all very usable thanks to the friendly and powerful Ethos programming environment. 

Here is the mumbo jumbo from the manufacturer:

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TD-ISRM RS RF PERFORMANCE
With solid performance based on the dual-band 900M/2.4G RF signal link with multiple operating combinations of RF modes, the TANDEM X18RS versions are equipped with the TD-ISRM RS built-in RF module which is capable of supporting multiple protocols (like TW, TD, etc).

The TD-ISRM RS RF module has the dual 2.4G TW RF mode and supports simultaneous activation of working under ACCESS 2.4G and R9 modes with the same module. In this configuration, the ACCESS 2.4G receiver and R9 receiver can be connected via the SBUS IN/OUT ports to achieve redundant backup. This further enhances the RF signal’s reliability, particularly in long-distance RC operations scenarios.

UPGRADED ROBUST ANTENNA HANDLE & EXTERNAL LoRa ANTENNA CONNECTORS
The newly upgraded antenna handle incorporates the good capability of impact resistance facing tough conditions of outdoor fields. The reinforced and thickened antenna casing is better suited for comfort gripping but also does not compromise the antenna’s performance. On the contrary, the redesigned antenna can transmit signal data more effectively, providing pilots with a more reliable flying control experience.

The X18RS is also equipped with 2 external antenna connectors, which can be mounted with additional 2.4G and 900M antennas for enhancing the RF capabilities working under the LoRa modes, to achieve enhanced long-range control.

UPGRADED DISPLAY AND COMPONENTS & 45°/60° TRAVEL ADJUSTABLE MC18 GIMBALS
X18RS uses the upgraded 800×480 resolution screen with great visibility under sunlight. The primary components, including trim caps and knobs, are all made from metal, offering rugged quality and enhanced durability for outdoor use. The MC18 Gimbals are also CNC metal mechanized and can be adjusted to a 45° travel position from the original 60° setup out of the box.

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The biggest innovation in this radio lies in its software, Ethos, which has been designed from the ground up to encapsulate the power and flexibility of OpenTX while retaining the ease of use and user interface of a menu-driven system. It features customizable elements such as sounds, model images, and splash screens, while also including an easy to use setup wizard, tips while programming, along with preset and complex mixing options and flight modes.

Ethos makes quick work of programming simple planes or something complex like a full-house glider. If you are familiar with OpenTX, Ethos will feel really familiar but faster and easier to use. If you are coming from a menu-driven system, Ethos is a supremely powerful and easy to learn software that will have you up and running in no time. We like to say that Ethos can do whatever you can think of for a radio to do! Yeah, it can do that.

USB-C charging (2A+), an included 4000mah LiPo battery pack, and FrSky’s robust telemetry system with a huge selection of receivers to meet any need.

For those that may be new to FrSky, you will be getting the most robust telemetry system ever built into a hobby level radio. From simple voltage and signal strength monitoring that has helped avoid countless accidents to advanced features like monitoring amp loads for an individual servo, fuel flow sensors, air speed, and so much more, you will not find a better telemetry system in the hobby.

Here are a few more highlights:

Built-in TD-ISRM RS Dual-Band Internal RF Module
– 900M/2.4G Dual Band TD Mode (TANDEM)
– Dual 2.4G TW Mode LoRa (TWIN)
– ACCESS 2.4G & ACCESS R9 Modes (ACCESS)
– 2.4G ACCST D16 Mode (ACCST V2)

Super Low-Latency and Long-Range Control with Telemetry
800×480 Resolution Outdoor High Brightness Touch Screen
All Knobs, Trims with All-CNC Metal Caps
6 Quick-Mode Custom Buttons on lower front
Ergonomic Easy-to-Reach Top Switches and Sliders
2 Knobs, 4 Standard Trims with 2 Extra Trims
2 Momentary finger tip Buttons on the rear 
Haptic Vibration Alerts and Voice Speech Outputs
6-axis Gyroscope Sensor (reads transmitter movement)
High-speed PARA Wireless Training System
MC18 All CNC High-Precision Hall-Sensor Gimbals with 10 Ball-Bearing
– Adjustable 45° / 60° stick travel (Additional Travel Limiter Tool is required)
M4 Gimbal stick ends Sbus, S-Port and F-Port
Data Transmission & Recharge System via USB Type-C Interface

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimension: 200×192×98mm (L×W×H)
Operating System: ETHOS
Number of Channels: Up to 24
Built-in Flash Storage: 512MB
Operating Voltage Range: 6.5 ~ 8.4V (2S Li-battery)
Operating Temperature: -10°C~60°C (14°F~140°F)
Operating Current: [email protected] (typ.)
Charging Current: ≤1A ±200mA
Recharge System for 2S Li-ion Battery (USB Type-C Interface)
USB Adaptor Voltage: 5V+0.2V
USB Adaptor Current: >2.0A
Compatibility: ACCST D16 (v2) & ACCESS 2.4G & R9 ACCESS & TD & TW receivers
Lite Type External Module Bay

Included in the package:
Soft Sided EVA Travel Case
Lithium Battery Pack
X18 S Tandem Transmitter & Neck Strap and Black Rubber Switch Caps

Here’s a link to the professionally written Ethos manual page.

To get to the manual follow the link, then click on one of the release links on the right. Most folks will want to click on the one labeled “latest.” From there you will click on assets, and then the manual is in the item labeled “source code.”