FrSky has released a new radio controller that packs a big punch in a tiny package.\u00a0 The FrSky X-Lite is a 2.4GHz radio controller, featuring the tried and true OpenTX, and is ergonomically designed with inspiration taken from video game controllers.\u00a0 It has everything an FPV pilot needs, while keeping the package small and ultra-portable.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2484″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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The FrSky X-Lite comes in a hard sided canvas case that is very unassuming.\u00a0 Once opened, the controller sits in a molded form, perfect for keeping the radio controller from damage when in your backpack or out flying.\u00a0 The case also has a mesh retention area in the lid to keep any accessories you wish to put in the case safe as well.\u00a0 The case is very compact and seems to be extremely durable for many years of use![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2488″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
My first thought was how small and compact the FrSky X-Lite truly is.\u00a0 When in my hands, it feels very similar to an X-Box or PlayStation controller.\u00a0 The grip area has rubber pads that ensure a positive engagement with your palm and finger area in a variety of positions.\u00a0 Access to the controls feels natural, with no\u00a0 adjusting needed to reach anything.\u00a0 The FrSky X-Lite features two sliders, one momentary switch, one two position switch, and two three position switches.\u00a0 All of these are easily accessible with my index finger like the trigger buttons on a game controller.<\/p>\n
The gimbals have a unique design to them that makes them customizable to different modes without having to open up the controller.\u00a0 On the back of the controller are four screw hole covers that hide the screws.\u00a0 By adjusting the screws you can change the mode of the radio controller.\u00a0 The screws also will adjust the tension slightly to the gimbals.\u00a0 Upon first testing the gimbals, I did need to make some small adjustments, but it wasn\u2019t far off.\u00a0 The gimbals themselves are M12 Lite driven by hall sensors, which is nice to see in an opening price point controller.\u00a0 The sticks can extend to various lengths, just untighten the stick ends and tighten the set screw.\u00a0 This makes them compatible to pinchers and thumbers alike.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2489″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The FrSky X-Lite has two options for antennas, both a standard external mount with an SMA connector and an internal antenna.\u00a0 These are selectable via the OpenTX menu within each individual model, similar to an external RF source on a Taranis.\u00a0 The SMA on the top is recessed within the shell of the radio, making it very specific to the size of connector that you can use for an external antenna.\u00a0 This is one of the few issues I have with the radio controller.\u00a0 I understand that it is recessed to protect the connector; however, the area needs to be slightly larger to be able to utilized different antennas.\u00a0 Also, to avoid damage to the on-board transmitter, connect the external antenna before turning on this function.<\/p>\n
The module bay on the FrSky X-Lite is much smaller and of a different format from any other radio out there.\u00a0 Using a \u201cLite\u201d format, it looks like the module slides down on to the plastic catches to engage the pins.\u00a0 As of now, the only module available at or shortly after launch will be FrSky\u2019s own R9M Lite module.\u00a0 The R9M system is a long range system released a few months ago.\u00a0 It will operate at 100mw RF power and on 868\/915 MHz.\u00a0 There has been some talk of a multi-protocol module as well, but as of now, it is not available.\u00a0 In the absence of the module, the FrSky X-Lite has a cover to protect the module bay.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2487″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The FrSky X-Lite has really cut down on the number of buttons needed on a radio controller.\u00a0 While some of these decisions work out well, there are others that might not be the best for certain pilots.\u00a0 First up is the multi position button on the right hand side.\u00a0 This gives you the most versatility for interfacing with OpenTX on the radio.\u00a0 Short throws up or down cycle the screen through the different informational screens such as controls view, channel data, or timers.\u00a0 Short throws to the left or right cycle you through different versions these individual screens.\u00a0 Long press opens the reset screen, which allows the pilot to reset timers, telemetry, and flight information.<\/p>\n
A long throw up opens the statistics page, showing your timers, session time, total time, throttle time, etc.\u00a0 A long press here will reset the session and total times.\u00a0 Long throw down opens the telemetry screens, which you can customize to your liking.\u00a0 To get into the radio setup screens and model screens require a long throw left or right, respectively.\u00a0 In these menus, the multi-position switch acts as both the means to navigate and enter and confirm settings.\u00a0 These screens are similar to what you see on the Taranis.\u00a0 The other two buttons on the right hand serve as a shift button and an exit button.<\/p>\n
The shift button functions primarily in conjunction with the directional pad on the left hand side.\u00a0 The directional pad is the trim setting adjustment, press up\/down to adjust the vertical trim on the left gimbal or left\/right to adjust the horizontal trim.\u00a0 Adjusting trim on the right hand gimbal requires the pilot to hold the shift button while pressing the directional pad.\u00a0 This is where I feel there is a small breakdown in the FrSky X-Lite.\u00a0 To take your hands off the gimbals to adjust trim makes this controller difficult to use with fixed wing models.<\/p>\n
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The FrSky X-Lite features a good selection of ports through which to interface with your equipment.\u00a0 It has a MicroSD card slot to expand model memory, load LUA scripts, or add a voice to your radio controller.\u00a0 There is also a headphone port to listen to your alerts in a noisy environment.\u00a0 FrSky also includes a Smart Port servo connector, which allows firmware upgrades to receivers and other equipment.\u00a0 Last, but not least, is the micro USB connector for connecting the radio controller to your PC.\u00a0 This allows for use in simulators or for conducting OpenTX updates via the OpenTX Companion app.<\/p>\n
In order to update the FrSky X-Lite firmware, it will need to be in bootloader mode.\u00a0 To do this press down on the directional pad while turning on the radio.\u00a0 You can then update the radio controller via the OpenTX Companion app or by preloading the firmware on to a MicroSD card and load it via the bootloader menu.\u00a0 Currently, the FrSky X-Lite is operating off of nightly build firmware, and is using the FrSky Q X7 SD card contents.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2483″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
However, the micro USB does not have charging capabilities, meaning it will not charge your batteries while they are in the device.\u00a0 The FrSky X-Lite uses 18500 Li-ion batteries, and you will need a separate charger for this type of cell.\u00a0 Also, batteries do not come with the unit.\u00a0 To install the batteries, you simply twist of the caps at the ends of the handgrips and slide the batteries in.\u00a0 Positive side goes in first.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2492″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
First off, binding the FrSKy X-Lite is just like binding with the Taranis.\u00a0 It\u2019s super easy and worked flawlessly.\u00a0 To bind, go into the model setup, and move to the bottom of the page.\u00a0 There under Internal RF is a RxNum line, and to the right is a [Bnd] option.\u00a0 Select that, and select your channel settings, then the radio controller will begin to beep.\u00a0 From there, follow the instructions to bind your particular radio receiver.<\/p>\n
Flying with the FrSky X-Lite is enjoyable.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to hold, does not require a neck strap (which is good, because there is not a mounting point), and feels intuitive to use.\u00a0 The throw of the gimbals is much shorter than on the Taranis, which is obvious given their size.\u00a0 However, the gimbals are very accurate and were a pleasure.\u00a0 Also of note, there is no notching on the gimbals like there is from the factory on the Taranis.\u00a0 It\u2019s as smooth and free flowing as you need it to be.\u00a0 I ran it with both my multirotor and wing just so I could get an idea of how both would fly.\u00a0 I also wanted to get a real world example of adjusting trims on the wing while in flight to see how easy or hard it was to adjust.<\/p>\n
Multirotor flight was perfectly fine; however, it took a few seconds to get used to the throws on the gimbals.\u00a0 Wing flight was as I expected it would be, trimming the airplane while in flight proved to be difficult and generally had to be done one or two notches at a time, especially since I had to hit the shift button while trimming.\u00a0 I found myself ascending to about four mistakes high before I felt comfortable with adjusting the trim.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2516″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
I conducted range tests in range test mode, which is 1\/30th<\/sup> of the available power of the radio.\u00a0 This test was conducted both with the internal and external antennas.\u00a0 Then I conducted range tests at the full operating power, again with both antennas. \u00a0Both series of tests were conducted in an open environment with no obstructions of note.\u00a0 The quad was put on a camera tripod five feet off the ground and set at approximately a 45\u00b0 angle as it would be during flight.\u00a0 During the tests, it was 92\u00b0 outside, 13% humidity, and an extremely clear day here in Arizona.\u00a0 I used GPS to locate both the quad location, as well as the endpoints.\u00a0 The range test modes were stopped at an RSSI of 10, right before the failure point.\u00a0 The full power tests were stopped at the first RSSI low notification from the radio.<\/p>\n Range Test \u2013 Internal Antenna (Range Test Mode)<\/p>\n In this test, I was able to take the radio 481 feet when I got to an RSSI of 10.\u00a0 This equates to approximately 146 meters.<\/p>\n Range Test \u2013 External Antenna (Range Test Mode)<\/p>\n In this test, I was able to take the radio 676 feet when I got to an RSSI of 10.\u00a0 This equates to approximately 206 meters.<\/p>\n Range Test \u2013 Internal Antenna (Full Power)<\/p>\n In this test, I was able to take the radio 1711 feet when I got the RSSI low notification.\u00a0 This equates to approximately 521 meters.<\/p>\n Range Test \u2013 External Antenna (Full Power)<\/p>\n In this test, I was able to take the radio 2123 feet when I got the RSSI low notification.\u00a0 This equates to approximately 647 meters.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”2479″ alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”2477″ alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”2478″ alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”2476″ alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n My complaint is that the trim function is a little hard to manage while in flight due to the awkward nature of having to totally take both hands off the controls.\u00a0 Is it a deal breaker?\u00a0 No, especially if you are flying primarily multirotors.\u00a0 There is also the module bay that is a special form factor, which makes modules hard to come by.\u00a0 As of right now, there is just the R9M Lite that has been fully realized.\u00a0 Team Blacksheep has also stated that their Crossfire system will not be adapted to the FrSky X-Lite.<\/p>\n To be perfectly honest, I did not expect the FrSky X-Lite to perform as well as it did.\u00a0 The range was amazing, the form factor was nice, and the portability is great.\u00a0 I was thinking that it would be good for micro multirotors and that’s about it.\u00a0 But to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised.\u00a0 Even with just the internal antenna, this radio controller has some serious range to it.\u00a0 Oh, and it works wonderfully with simulators as well.<\/p>\n The FrSky X-Lite is a radio controller that I can really see using going forward.\u00a0 I will always love my Taranis X9D+, but now it will have to share room in heart with it’s baby brother, the X-Lite.\u00a0 With all the options and functionality of a much larger system, you can’t beat this opening price point radio controller, especially if you are just getting into the hobby.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][vc_separator][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2497″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][dt_default_button link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getfpv.com%2Ffrsky-x-lite-2-4ghz-radio-controller-red.html||target:%20_blank|” size=”medium” btn_width=”btn_full_width”]Buy the FrSky X-Lite[\/dt_default_button][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FrSky has released a new radio controller that packs a big punch in a tiny package.\u00a0 The FrSky X-Lite is a 2.4GHz radio controller, featuring the tried and true OpenTX, and is ergonomically designed with inspiration taken from video game controllers.\u00a0 It has everything an FPV pilot needs, while keeping the package small and ultra-portable.[vc_row][vc_column … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[421,2068,418,420,2957,858,2956,2950,2953,2955,1529,422,2954,2958,2959,2385,857,2389,2951,2952],"class_list":["post-2414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fpv-product-reviews-and-comparisons","tag-drone","tag-drone-freestyle","tag-drone-racing","tag-fpv","tag-fpv-radio-controller","tag-frsky","tag-frsky-module","tag-frsky-x-lite","tag-frsky-xlite","tag-m12","tag-multirotor","tag-quadcopter","tag-r9m","tag-radio-controller","tag-radio-transmitter","tag-rssi","tag-taranis","tag-taranis-x9d","tag-x-lite","tag-xlite","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2414"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2414\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2528,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2414\/revisions\/2528"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2414"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2414"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Range Test Results<\/h3>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n