How to Set Up a Model on the FrSky X20 RS (Ethos Tutorial for Beginners)

Welcome back! Today we’re diving into the FrSky X20 RS transmitter and learning how to set up a model from scratch. This is part of an ongoing tutorial series as I explore this transmitter and the Ethos operating system, and I’m sharing everything I learn along the way.

The Model We’re Setting Up

For this tutorial, I’m using my Extreme Flight Extra 260—the 67-inch version. It’s a relatively simple setup, which makes it perfect for demonstrating the fundamentals. The aircraft features:

• Two aileron servos
• One elevator servo
• One rudder servo
• An electric setup with a T-Motor and ESC

I’ve also got several flight conditions I want to replicate, including dual rates for the rudder, low and high rates for 3D flying, and a throttle cut for safety.

The Receiver

I’ll be installing the Archer Plus R8 receiver for this setup. This is a 2.4GHz, 8-channel ACCESS and ACCST receiver that retails at around £37 (or two for £70). It’s worth noting this is quite affordable compared to equivalent receivers from other manufacturers I’ve used previously.

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored video, and both the transmitter and receiver have been provided to me by FrSky.

Installing the Receiver

First, I removed my existing Futaba receiver and gyro setup. The new FrSky receiver is secured with Velcro, which allows for easy adjustment during setup. Here’s how I’ve connected the channels:

• Channel 1: Aileron (right)
• Channel 2: Elevator
• Channel 3: Throttle
• Channel 4: Rudder
• Channel 5: Aileron (left)

One thing to note about this particular receiver: the bind button is quite small and difficult to feel. It’s located on the side and requires firm pressure to activate—something I’m not particularly keen on, but it gets the job done.

Creating a New Model

Now for the transmitter setup. Press the Model button and navigate to Model Select. Here’s the process:

Model Creation Wizard

1. Press the + button to create a new model
2. Select Aeroplane as the model type
3. Choose your receiver type (stabilised or non-stabilised)
4. Specify one engine channel
5. Select two channels for ailerons
6. Confirm no flaps
7. Select traditional tail with one elevator and one rudder channel
8. Verify the channel assignments match your physical setup
9. Name your model using the on-screen keyboard
10. Optionally select a picture if you’ve uploaded one

The wizard creates default screens with widgets, which you can customise later. You can also add additional screens by pressing the + button and adding any widgets you prefer.

Registering and Binding the Receiver

This is a two-stage process that differs from what I was used to with Futaba, but it’s straightforward once you understand it.

Stage 1: Registration

1. Navigate to Model Menu > RF System
2. Expand External Module and turn it on
3. Select the protocol (ACCESS in my case)
4. Scroll down and select Register
5. On the model, plug in the battery whilst holding the bind button on the receiver
6. Once connected, press Register on the transmitter

Stage 2: Binding

1. Select RX1 Bind
2. Simply plug in the battery (no button press needed this time)
3. The receiver should appear on screen
4. Tap it to confirm the connection

You should hear the servos initialise, confirming connectivity between transmitter and receiver.

Configuring Outputs

The Outputs screen is where you’ll check servo direction and centre all your control surfaces. Here’s what I recommend for each channel:

Setting Up Each Output

For each control surface:

• Name it appropriately (e.g., “Aileron R” or “Aileron L”)
• Reverse if necessary by checking physical movement
• Use PWM Centre rather than subtrim—this changes the servo’s centre point without losing throw in either direction
• Adjust Min/Max if control surfaces are binding

Take your time with this step. Proper setup here prevents issues later.

Setting Up Mixes

Navigate to Mixes to find the default mixes created by the wizard. This is where you’ll configure exponential and rates (dual rates).

Adding Expo and Rates

For each control surface:

1. Select the mix and choose Edit
2. Go to Curve and select Expo
3. Set your expo percentage (I used 40% for this example)
4. Adjust Weight to set your rates (40% for gentle flying)

Unlike Futaba, you use positive expo values on this transmitter. The graph shows you exactly what’s happening to your control response.

Creating 3D Flight Rates

To add high rates for 3D flying on the same control surface:

1. Within the same mix, add a New Curve
2. Set higher expo (I used 65%)
3. Add a new Weight at 100%
4. Assign both to a switch (I used SB in the up position)

Now flipping the switch changes between normal and 3D flight modes. Repeat this process for ailerons, elevator, and rudder.

Special Functions and Voice Alerts

Navigate to page 2 of the model screen to find Special Functions. This is brilliant for audio feedback.

Setting Up Text-to-Speech

1. Press + to add a new function
2. Change action to Play Text
3. Set your Active Condition to a switch position
4. Type your message in lowercase (capitals will spell out letters)
5. Clone the function and assign the opposite switch position with different text

I set up “3D flight” and “Normal flight” announcements, as well as “Throttle active” and “Throttle disabled” warnings.

Throttle Cut Setup

Safety first! Here’s how to configure throttle cut:

1. Go to Mixes and edit your throttle mix
2. Select Throttle Cut
3. Assign it to a switch
4. Set the direction (I prefer towards me for cut)

The clever bit: even if you accidentally activate throttle cut whilst flying, the motor won’t cut until you bring the throttle stick back to idle. This prevents mid-air shutdowns.

Setting Up Timers

Timers are essential for electric flight. Here’s my setup:

Flight Timer (Countdown)

1. Navigate to Timers and edit Timer 1
2. Name it “Flight” or “Power”
3. Set it to count down from your flight time (5 minutes 30 seconds for me)
4. Set start condition to System Event: Throttle Active
5. Assign a reset switch (I used the spring-loaded switch at the back)

Audio Actions

Add audio feedback to your timer:

1. Add a New Audio Action
2. Set it to countdown type
3. Configure when announcements start (I set mine at 5 minutes)
4. Set the interval (every 30 seconds)
5. Enable haptic feedback for vibration alerts

You can add multiple audio actions—for example, announcements every 10 seconds during the final minute.

Duration Timer

Set up a second timer that counts up to track total flight time. This runs continuously and gives you overall flight duration data.

Final Thoughts

The FrSky X20 RS with Ethos is incredibly capable once you understand the workflow. The interface is logical, the visual feedback is excellent, and features like text-to-speech and haptic feedback add real value to your flying experience.

Whilst there’s a learning curve if you’re coming from another manufacturer, the system is intuitive once you spend time with it. The ability to see exactly what your mixes are doing via the graphs is particularly helpful.

If you’d like me to cover any specific features in more detail—such as uploading images, creating custom screens, or setting up telemetry—please let me know in the comments below. I’m learning this system alongside you and happy to explore any areas of interest.

Happy flying, and I’ll see you in the next tutorial!