The X14S is a rather smart mid-range radio from FrSky. With its compact size and support for Ethos and their Twin protocol, it seems - on paper at least - to be a promising choice for soaring and electric flight.
So, when FrSky offered me a unit to review I needed no persuading.
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| FrSky X14S |
After a few weeks with the unit, has the X14S lived up to expectations? Read on and find out!
X14: one radio, two variants
The X14 comes in two flavours: a basic version with 128MB of flash memory and regular gimbals; and an ’S’ version with 512MB of memory and CNC gimbals. The review unit is the ‘S’ version.
Within the range of Twin-capable radios, the X14 sits between the Twin X-Lite S and the X18RS.
FrSky also offer an external module - the Twin Lite Pro - for Ethos radios without native support for Twin.
In the box
The X14S comes in a remarkably small box with the transmitter nestling in a plastic tray. Included are:
- X14S transmitter
- Set of stickers
- QR code for the manual
- Neck strap
The neck strap is in two parts, connected by a quick release buckle. The idea is good: the lower part hooks on to the transmitter, while the upper part stays around your neck. Unfortunately the design of the webbing is such that the length is not adjustable and I ended up using a spare neck strap.
Balance with a neck strap is perfect, however.
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| X14S package contents |
An ‘Eva’ case is available as an extra.
No SD card is provided since model data is stored in internal memory by default. An SD card may be used if the internal memory is insufficient.
Styling and build quality
Styling is clean and functional. All the materials are high quality, and the fit and finish are good.
The basic shell feels very comfortable in the hand, thanks to the thin profile and rounded edges. However the sticks feel overly long - more on this later.
The side grips are made of a rubberised plastic with a grippy, textured finish.
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| X14S and RM TX16S profiles compared |
The T-shaped antenna is well anchored to the chassis, and doubles as a carrying handle.
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| Antenna doubles as carrying handle |
Gimbals
The gimbals are CNC units with 10 ball bearings and a 4mm stick thread. Gimbal action is smooth with no perceptible friction.
As delivered the spring tension was very strong indeed. Even with the tension adjusted to the minimum (just to the point of slackening at the centre), I was unable to achieve a soft feel at the extremes of movement. It would be nice if an additional set of softer springs was included.
To access the tension adjustment you have to open the case, a task which involves undoing six screws and releasing one end of a ribbon cable. It's all a bit tiresome and not something to do on the field.
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| Spring tension adjusters. Arrow shows socket for ribbon cable spanning front and rear shells. |
I mentioned earlier that the sticks felt overly long even when screwed down to the minimum, resulting in the need for large thumb movements. Was the X14 an outlier? Or, was I imagining things?
To answer this, I compared a number of radios. The test involved screwing down the stick top to a comfortable position (usually as far down as it would go), then measuring the distance traversed between the horizontal end stops. Distance in mm:
- X14S: 41 (as delivered)
- X14S: 39 (with printed stick ends)
- TX16S: 38
- X20: 37
- X9D: 35
- GX12:35
- Zorro:33
- TX12:33
- Pocket:32
This would seem to confirm my initial impressions.
Controls and switches
The X14 has the following controls:
- 1 x 2-position switch (right shoulder)
- 1 x momentary switch (left shoulder)
- 2 x pots (front top)
- 2 x sliders
- 4 x 3-pos switches (front top)
- 2 x momentary buttons (rear case)
- 4 x function switches (only one active at a time)
That's 16 in all - pretty good for a compact tx.
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| Auxiliary switches and controls |
The switches are smooth acting with minimal lateral play - a step up in quality from those found in most open source radios.
The momentary switch is located on the left shoulder, a good choice as a DLG launch button (for right-handers). Swapping switches from one side to the other should be a simple soldering job.
The sliders have a smooth action and centre detents. However, the two knobs S1 and S2 are overly stiff with barely perceptible detents.
The horizontal trims are easy to reach. By constrast, the vertical trims are located quite high, and are a bit of a stretch.
The dials either side of the screen are the Ethos programming controls and work just like on the X18 and X20.
Function switches
Located above the screen are four configurable buttons designated FS1-4. These extend the functionality of the X14 without taking up much space. Each button incorporates a blue LED to indicate that it's on.
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| Function switches FS1-4 |
Each button can be configured as:
- a momentary switch
- a push-on/push-off switch, either independent or part of a group. Within a group, activating one switch deactivates the others.
Switch and group states can be persistent between sessions. Unfortunately it's not possible to configure the state at startup, other than to set it to 'persistent'.
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| Function switch configuration menu |
Some potential uses for function switches:
- Arming: press two switches for n seconds.
- Rates
- Snapflap curve selection
Screen and sound
The non-touch 2.95” TFT display has a resolution of 640 x 360 and is bright and crisp. I had no difficulty programming directly on the transmitter.
Sound quality and volume from the speaker are adequate.
Ethos operating system
Ethos is FrSky’s proprietary operating system. It's well designed and very flexible. That said, FrSky are not renowned for their handling of updates, so it's a good idea to wait for things to settle down before doing a major upgrade.
If you're a new user, a ‘new model wizard’ will get you going. For expert users there is a powerful free mix which can be used to build complete setups, much in the style of OpenTX.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ethos, there are some links at the end of this article.
External module
The X14’s list of supported protocols can be expanded by plugging in an external ‘Lite’ module. ELRS and MPM modules are available from various manufacturers including FrSky themselves under their Vantec brand.
Note that MPM and ELRS are both open source projects and FrSky do not provide firmware support. Also, any configuration scripts must be Ethos-specific – Lua scripts for OpenTX or EdgeTX will not work.
Note also that Nano modules, while appearing similar to Lite devices, are not physically identical.
Battery
The test unit came with a 2600 mAh 2S LiIon pack made of up from two 18650 cells. 21700 cells will not fit.
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| 2600 mAh pack (2 x 18650 cells) |
Charging is via the USB port at the bottom of the radio. The same port is used for data transfer.
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| Bottom ports L to R: Smart Port, microSD, USB-C |
RF module
The X14 is equipped with a TW-ISRM RF module. This supports Twin, ACCST D16 and ACCESS protocols.
TW ('Twin'), is FrSky's newest protocol. It transmits using two transmission modes (FSK and LoRa) simultaneously on 2.4 GHz. Twin is already proving popular for sailplane application thanks to its excellent range.
GR6 receiver
FrSky also provided a TW GR6 receiver for review. This tiny unit incoprorates a vario sensor and should be ideal for DLG and other small models. It supports the Twin protocol only.
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| TW GR6 receiver with built-in vario |
The pins for CH6 lie along the case top. For models with 6 channels, a Y-lead is needed to share a servo output with the battery.
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| Auxiliary connector for S.Port/FBUS, S.Bus out and external voltage measurement |
The auxiliary connector has pins for S.Port, S.Bus out, and FBUS. To drive FBUS servos the GR6FB variant should be used (no further information available at the time of writing).
For applications which require more than 6 channels, FrSky offer 8-channel versions, the TW G8 and TW GR8 (with vario).
Flight testing
For field testing, I flew my Sting slope racer with the X14S transmitter, GR6 receiver and six PWM servos. All controlled using my F3F template. The test session took place at Ivinghoe Beacon.
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| F3F + X14S + GR6 at Ivinghoe Beacon! A happy combo :-) |
It all went smoothly, though it did confirm my earlier findings regarding the stick ergonomics.
VFR (valid frame rate) was 100% for virtually the whole session, dipping very occasionally to 99%. Although the model was never further than a couple of hundred meters, it is a reassuring result.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about the X14 – the hardware and the Ethos operating system are top notch (though see my earlier comments about upgrades); the Twin protocol has excellent range and theres a good choice of glider-friendly receivers.
Downsides? As a ‘thumber’ with small/medium sized hands, I find that the thumb movements required a little excessive. Also, some details like the stiff knobs could be improved. And finally, adjusting stick tension is awkward.
In conclusion: if you're in the market for a compact, robust and capable radio for soaring and electric flight then the X14S should be on your short list... but do try one before you buy, if you're a thumber.
Price at the time of writing is around £285 including 2600 mAh battery. If you're willing to forego the CNC gimbals and larger flash memory, the basic X14 is around £100 cheaper.
Postscript
[2 Jan 2025] I've printed some alternative stick ends. These minimise the overall height by avoiding the need for locking screws. The result is a small but useful reduction in thumb movement and I look forward to trying these out on the field.
The STL file is available from here.
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| 3D printed short stick end |
Specifications (X14S)
- Dimension: 192×193×72mm (L×W×H)
- Weight: 610g (Battery Excl.)
- Operating System: ETHOS
- Internal RF Module: TW-ISRM
- 2.95” Colour TFT Display Screen Resolution: 640×360
- Number of Channels: Up to 24 Channels
- Operating Voltage Range: 6.5V ~ 8.4V (2S Li-Battery)
- Operating Current: 330mA@7.4V (typ.)
- Operating Temperature: -10℃ ~ 60℃ (14℉~140℉)
- Built-in 512MB Flash Storage
- Battery Bay Size: 69.5×38.5×20mm (L×W×H)
- Data Transmission & Charging Interface: USB Type-C
- USB Adaptor Voltage and Current: 5V+0.2V, ≥2.0A
- Compatibility: ACCST D16 / ACCESS / TW modes
Links
- FrSky
- Ethos Hangar - tutorials and glider templates
- Github - Ethos feedback community
6 comments:
Thanks for your review Michael. I was hesitating about the interest for F3K and now, it seems to me that this is the radio to have if you want a standard and light format of case for Ethos and the DLG gliding. I didn't find the Twin Lite S easily "handable" for me.
The stickup distance is an issue with the X10s Express too. I used some printed spacers to move the gimbles deeper into the radio housing and effectively reduce the stickup. Given the thinness of the X14 housing, I wonder if that's not a solution?
The issue not so much the gimbal depth or position, it’s to do with the excessively long arc when moving the stick from one side to the other. Gimbal spacers won’t help, the only way is to reduce stick length (or the angle of travel).
Mike, Thanks for the review. I love my X14S paired with your templates and widgets. It is not visually stunning but it fits my medium sized hands perfectly and it is very comfortable to hold. I love how light and compact it is. Battery lasts forever. I do agree about the gimbal stick length, now that you bring it up. I am going to print the shorter gimbal sticks, thank you!
Thanks for the comments! Re the suggestion of gimbal spacers, on second thoughts I think they *would* help improve the ergonomics, for thumbers. If anyone tries, do let us know!
Hi Mike,
Following your recommendation, I acquired a Frsky x18 rather than a TX16 Radiomaster 2 years ago.
Big regrets!
The ethos suite which handles radio and accessory firmware updates, and transmission protocol does not work exactly as expected on a Win10 laptop (stop responding, freeze, lag) and Frsky is unable to provide a solution.
It's a big mess in the organization of files and folders of the radio operating system which regularly change places.
It's a mess in the radio equipment. My X18 bought 2 years after its release is equipped with gyro and Bluetooth, which means that I don't even know which firmware to choose for a manual upgrade. (x18, x18s, x18se?)
It's a mess with the software "improvements".
They are often redundant, overlaid on menus and collide.
There is no schedule for upgrade releases at Frsky, no organization. A bug found in version x1, fixed in version x2, reappears in version x3.
It's quite the opposite with Companion and Edgetx which has been working for me for 13 years on the same laptop without failing in complete transparency and even interoperability with Opentx.
I hope to be able to sell my X18 to buy myself a Boxer on which the menus on the small black and white screen are not only more readable but also clearer.
Kind regards Phil
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