FrSky TANDEM X18 Dual-Band Telemetry Radio Instruction Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Frsky
Table of Contents
FrSky TANDEM X18 Manual
Introduction
When you are investing in a new radio and considering what requirements are
important to you if weight and comfort are the primary consideration, followed
by the benefit of the excellent system features of ETHOS, then the FrSky
Tandem X18 radio is an obvious appropriate choice.
The Tandem X18 dual-band telemetry radio benefits from an enhanced ergonomic
design with rounded and more comfortable hand grips, along with an improved
case design to make the radio fully stable when standing. The radio includes
easy-to-reach sliders and switches, 4 standard stick trims with additional 2
extra trims added to provide more flexibility with flight attitude adjustments
while operating the radio. The X18 includes further enhancements with
integrated flash storage which improves and simplifies storage operation and
use, and the interior of the radio has been designed with space and weight in
mind, while still keeping all ETHOS setting and control features for the pilot
to enjoy.
Internal 900MHz/2.4GHz Dual-Band & External Module Bay
The TD dual-band RF system combines both the features and advantages of FrSky
900MHz and 2.4GHz RF together in one system. The TD features real simultaneous
dual-band long-range control with telemetry that achieves reliable end-to-end
4ms latency while maintaining a robust and high-quality signal link. The
entire range of TD, ACCESS & ACCST D16 receivers are supported. The built-in
TANDEM RF System supports ACCESS and ACCST D16 protocols.
In addition, the Tandem X18 includes a rear Lite version module bay to offer
more options to connect external devices. FrSky welcomes working compatibility
with the 3rd party products with their own developed technology following
FrSky’s verified 3rd party compatibility-testing program.
ETHOS Operating System
ETHOS is a thoroughly new operating system, designed from the ground up by RC
experts, providing users a powerful, intuitive, and flexible experience that
can maximize the fun of RC Hobby!
Layout
Switch
- SA: 3 positions; Short Lever
- SB: 3 positions; Long Lever
- SC: 3 positions; Long Lever
- SD: 3 positions; Short Lever
- SE: 3 positions; Short Lever
- SF: 2 positions; Long Lever
- SG: 3 positions; Short Lever
- SH: 2 positions; Momentary, Long lever
You can choose the Switch and define its position in the HARDWARE menu.
-
A micro SD card is not provided with the shipment.
-
The USB port is for upgrading, reading/writing
Micro SD cards and internal memory of radio contents and charging. -
Smart Port is for a firmware upgrade for all FrSky S.Port devices.
Infinity 24 Antenna
Recommended 2.4GHz optional high-gain antenna for achieving higher performance
and further range.
Zipp9 (868MHz) / Zipp9 (915MHz) Antenna
Recommended 900MHz optional high-gain antenna for achieving higher performance
and further range.
Note: Please keep the aircraft in the optimal radiation range of the directional antenna at all times.
Specifications
- Dimension: 20019295mm (LWH)
- Weight: 687g (Battery Excl.) / 820g (Battery Incl.)
- Operating System: ETHOS
- Internal RF Module: TANDEM
- Number of Channels: Up to 24 channels
- Operating Voltage Range: 6.5~8.4V (2S Li-battery)
- Operating Temperature: -10°C~60°C (14°F~140°F)
- Operating Current: 240mA@7.4V (Typ.)
- Charging Current: ≤1A ±200mA
- USB Adaptor Voltage: 5V+0.2V
- USB Adaptor Current: >2.0A
- Backlit touchable LCD resolution: 480*320
- Compatibility: ACCST D16 & ACCESS & TD receivers
Features
Hardware
- Enhanced ergonomic designed case with comfortable rounded hand grips
- 4 Standard Trims with additional 2 extra trims
- Integrate flash storage but also keep the internal TF card slot
- Easy-to-reach top switches and sliders
- With a flat base to improve stability when standing the radio
- Color Touch-Screen Displays
- High-Precision Hall-Sensor Gimbals with a Metal Panel
- 6 Quick-Mode Custom Buttons (Front) and 2 Momentary Buttons (Rear)
- Lite Type External Module Bay
- Haptic Vibration Alerts and Voice Speech Outputs
- Supports Recharge System for 2S Li-ion Battery (USB Type-C Interface)
- High-speed PARA Wireless Training System
TD-ISRM RF Module
-
Built-in TD 900M/2.4G Dual-Band Internal RF Module Supports Multiple Working Modes
– 2.4G ACCST D16 Mode (Compatible with ACCST Receivers with D16 V2 or later FW)
– 2.4GACCESS Mode (Compatible with ACCESS Receivers)
– 900M ACCESS Mode (Compatible with ACCESS R9 868/915MHz Receivers)
(*Capable of simultaneous working under ACCESS mode)
– 2.4G & 900M TD Mode (Compatible with TD Receivers) -
Long-range control and super-low latency with telemetry
(*Up to 50 to 100KM range and down to 4ms end-to-end latency)
ETHOS System
- Clear and Intuitive UI Design
- Supports Dual Operation Modes of Radio Display (Touch and Non-Touch)
- Supports Multi-Language Switching
- Hardware/Software Version and Factory Version Detection
- Supports running LUA Scripts
2S Li-battery balance charging via USB-C:
The Green LED indicator states:
Led on: in Charging/Led off: end of charge/flash: charge fault
Battery compartment size: 874119.5mm (LWH)
Note:
- Charge the battery with the USB adapter (Voltage: 5V+0.2V Current:＞2.0A) when you use the USB charging function.
- The lower the initial charging voltage, the better the charging effect is when the voltage difference cells exceed 50 mV between the two.
Navigation Controls
The left navigation control does RTN, SYS, MDL, DISP, and Page Up/Down. The
right navigation control does scroll and enter. Both navigation controls and a
touch screens can be used to control the system.
Ethos Suite
With Ethos Suite, you can update the radio bootloader, firmware, SD card,
flash, and also convert image format and audio format. Find and download the
ETHOS Suite at www.frsky-rc.com.
Note: To use the Ethos Suite application with a FrSky radio, the radio bootloader must be version 1.2.0 or newer.
ETHOS Operating System
Create the model
Step 1: First go to System Settings, then click Model Select to select
the model type.
Step 2: Configure the model channel and create the model name.
Model Setup Procedure-Internal Module
Step 1:
Touch the screen or use the navigation keys to enter the RF system menu.
Choose the INT MODULE. Then turn ON INTERNAL RF, and select the OUTSIDE or
INSIDE ANTENNA.
Set the Mode for TANDEM X18 internal RF corresponding to your receiver
(ACCESS, ACCST D16).
Step 2: Set the Channel Range
The TANDEM RF module supports 24 channels, the channel range is configurable,
and it needs to be double-checked before use.
Step 3: Set the Receiver Number The system will assign you the receiver a number automatically when you create a new model, and this can be easily changed. The range of the Model ID is 00-63, with the default number being
- Once the receiver is set to the desired number and is bound to the TANDEM X18, the bind procedure will not need to be repeated unless the receiver number is changed. At this point, set the receiving number to your preferred number and repeat the binding operation.
Step 4: Registration
In the ACCESS model, select the STATE [Register] into Registration status on
the radio side. Then Press the F/S button and power on your receiver, select
the “RX Name XX” and [REGISTER] to complete the Registration process then
power down the receiver.
Step 5:
Automatic binding (Smart Match )
Move the cursor to Rx1[BIND], and select it, power your receiver, select the
RX, and complete the process, the system will confirm “Bind succeed”.
(Pressing the “F/S” button is not required in ACCESS to Bind. Please refer to
the receiver’s manual for details). Step 6: Set Failsafe mode
There are 3 failsafe modes when enable: No Pulse, Hold, and Custom.- No Pulse: on the loss of signal the receiver produces no pulses on any channel. To use this type, select it in the menu and wait 9 seconds for the failsafe to take effect.
- Hold: the receiver continues to output the last positions before the signal was lost. To use this type, select it in the menu and wait 9 seconds for the failsafe to take effect.
- Custom: pre-set to required positions on the lost signal. Move the cursor to the failsafe mode of the channel and press Encoder, then choose the Custom mode. Move the cursor to the channel you want to set failsafe on and press Encoder.
Then rotate the Encoder to set your failsafe for each channel and short press Encoder to finish the setting. Wait 9 seconds before the failsafe takes effect.
Notice:
- When the failsafe is disabled on the TANDEM X18 side, the failsafe set on the receiver side will be used.
- SBUS port does not support the No Pulse failsafe mode and always outputs. Set “Hold” or “Custom” for SBUS port.
Step 7: Range
Range refers to TANDEM X18 range check mode. A pre-flight range check should
be done before each flying session. Move the cursor to “Set”, scroll the
Encoder to select “RANGE” mode, and press Encoder. In range check mode, the
effective distance will be decreased to 1/30. Press the Encoder again, and
turn to a normal state.
Model Setup for TANDEM X18 External RF Module
The external RF module can be powered on or off by software. The setup process is the same as that for the internal RF. External modules should be lost when not in use.
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules
CE
The product may be used freely in these countries: Germany, Italy, Spain,
Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Austria,
Finland, Sweden, Norway, France, and Iceland.
FLYING SAFETY
Warning:
To ensure the safety of yourself and others, please observe the following
precautions.
Has regular maintenance been performed? Although your TANDEM X18 protects the
model memories with non-volatile EEPROM memory (which does not require
periodic replacement) and a battery, it still should have regular check-ups
for wear and tear. We recommend sending your system to your FrSky Service
Center annually during your non-flying season for a complete check-up and
service.
Battery
Using a fully charged battery (DC 6.5~8.4V). A low battery will soon die,
causing a loss of control and a crash. When you begin your flying session,
reset your transmitter’s built-in timer, and during the session pay attention
to the duration of usage. Also, if your model uses a separate receiver
battery, make sure it is fully charged before each flying session.
Stop flying long before your batteries become over-discharged. Do not rely on
your radio’s low battery warning systems, intended only as a precaution, to
tell you when to recharge. Always check your transmitter and receiver
batteries prior to each flight.
Where to Fly
We recommend that you fly at a recognized model airplane flying field. You can
find model clubs and fields by asking your nearest hobby dealer.
Always pay particular attention to the flying field’s rules, as well as
the presence and location of spectators, the wind direction, and any obstacles
on the field. Be very careful flying in areas near power lines, tall
buildings, or communication facilities as there may be radio interference in
their vicinity.
At the flying field
To prevent possible damage to your radio gear, turn the power switches on and
off in the proper sequence:
- Pull throttle stick to idle position, or otherwise disarm your motor/engine.
- Turn on the transmitter power and allow your transmitter to reach its home screen.
- Confirm the proper model memory has been selected.
- Turn on your receiver power.
- Test all controls. If a servo operates abnormally, don’t attempt to fly until you determine the cause of the problem.
- Start your engine.
- Complete a full range check.
- After flying, bring the throttle stick to idle position, engage any kill switches or otherwise disarm your motor/engine.
If you do not turn your system on and off in this order, you may damage your servos or control surfaces, flood your engine, or in the case of electric- powered or gasoline-powered models, the engine may unexpectedly turn on and cause a severe injury.
Make sure your transmitter can’t tip it over. If it is knocked over, the
throttle stick may be accidentally moved, causing the engine to speed up.
Also, damage to your transmitter may occur.
In order to maintain complete control of your aircraft, it is important that
it remains visible at all times. Flying behind large objects such as
buildings, grain bins, etc. must be avoided. Doing so may interrupt the radio
frequency link to the model, resulting in a loss of control.
Do not grasp the transmitter’s antenna during flight. Doing so may degrade the
quality of the radio frequency transmission and could result in loss of
control.
As with all radio frequency transmissions, the strongest area of signal
transmission is from the sides of the transmitter’s antenna. As such, the
antenna should not be pointed directly at the model. If your flying style
creates this situation, easily move the antenna to correct this situation.
Don’t fly in the rain! Water or moisture may enter the transmitter through
the antenna or stick openings and cause erratic operation or loss of control.
If you must fly in wet weather during a contest, be sure to cover your
transmitter with a plastic bag or waterproof barrier. Never fly if lightning
is expected.
Updates
FrSky is continuously adding features and improvements to our radio systems.
Updating (via USB Port or the Micro SD card) is easy and free. To get the most
from your new transmitter, please check the download section of the FrSky
website for the latest update firmware and guide for adjusting your sticks.
(www.frsky-rc.com)
FrSky is continuously adding features and improvements to our products To get the most from your product, please check the download section of the FrSky website www.frsky-rc.com for the latest updated firmware and manuals
FrSky Electronic Co., Ltd.
www.frsky-rc.com
Contact us: frsky@frsky-rc.com
Add: F-4, Building C, Zhongxiu Technology Park, No.3 Yuanxi Road, Wuxi,
214125, Jiangsu, China Technical Support:
sales4tech@gmail.com