Flysky are preparing to release there new transmitter – The PL18 Paladin

The PL18 is a full size Transmitter with the look of a school transmitter with a TFT Screen attached from reading the spec this is some of the features you should be expecting.

  • Hall effect gimbals
  • Colour LCD screen
  • FlySky OS

As well as not being left short on turning pots(3), sliders(2) and 4 additional trims.
The PL18 will have a total of 18 channels and is rumoured to have a new AFHDS3 protocol support giving an overall latency down to 3ms.

After the main release its rumoured that the PL18 will enable Bluetooth module for wireless communication and wireless trainer function and a wireless charging capability after a firmware update.

Where to buy

The Specs

  • Channels: 18CH
  • Built-in internal AFHDS 3 ( new 2.4GHz protocol)
  • HVGA 3.5-inch TFT color screen, 320 * 480 dot matrix, LCD white back light, capacitive touch screen (TBD)
  • Strong Anti-interference Capabilities
  • Stability with strong anti-interference capabilities with a focus on competitive use
  • Micro USB Port: Micro USB Port added for convenience and simulator use.
  • RF Module Support: Support for other companies RF modules
  • Size: 250x280x130mm
  • Power Input: 1 * 3.7V 4300mAh Lipo Battery
  • Weight: 1.87kg

Features

  • External diversity dual antennas, distance: 2KM
  • FRM301 module It is the fastest and lowest latency module developed by FLYSKY. Minimum delay: 3mS (faster than Frsky and Futaba, slower than SANWA)
  • OS design: mixing, curve, timer and reverse, voice, vibration and other functions
  • GPS, spectrum analysis, ambient lights and other functions will be come true in the near future firmware
  • Wireless Bluetooth, wireless charging and other functions as firmware update

Now for a little bit of reading between the lines…

Did anybody notice the weight?
Coming in at just under 2kg makes this one of the heaviest transmitters on the market.

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Now looking on the back of the PL18 I don’t see any evidence of a battery bay.
This and the addition of wireless charging an internal lipo doesn’t sit well with me or a couple of reasons.

  1. If you forget to charge your Transmitter before you go out, you can’t just change out the lipo which just equals no stick-time.
  2. Lipos have a history of being a little bit unstable and I like to keep a close eye on mine during charging.
  3. Wireless charging just adds extra cost and is gimmicky for a R/C radio.

Last thing on my gripe list. The supplied Rx looks way to big to fit into a 5inch quadcopter. But may fit fine into something like a wing, RC plane. It also uses a custom module bay, so it is not just a matter of plug and play if you want to add a crossfire module or similar to add long range capability.

The Summary

The PL18 has been coming for a long time now and release date is nearing, I’ll be interested to see how it does in the field and what people make of it and its included features, hall effect gimbals, Bluetooth, wireless charging and the very low latency of just 3ms. The built in spectrum analyser option with a future release could be helpful if it works well. But overall given the price for FPV/Drones it is a much better idea to get a Jumper T16 (or the T16 Plus when it is released with hall gimbals).
What are your views?
Will you buy one?

Lets us know what you think over at theย dronetrest forums.