FlySky PL18 Paladin transmitter

FlySky is preparing to release new transmitter – PL18. Lets take a closer look at it.

FS-PL18 (Paladin)

The PL18 or Paladin or FT18 or even FT10 (as it was named earlier) is basically a reborn Flysky FS-i18 transmitter that was introduced back in the 2013 (!). This old new radio is full size TX with hall effect gimbals, colour LCD and FlySky OS. It will have 8 switches (2 of them 3-pos), 3 turning pots, 2 sliders on the sides and 4 additional trims. So a lot of the controls. PL18 will have a total of 18 channels. This radio is rumored to have a new AFHDS3 protocol with overal latency minimized down to 3ms.

Some update, after the main release, probably will add a Bluetooth module for wireless communication and wireless trainer function. Also rumored to have some fancy wireless charging capability.

Let’s hope this radio will be released eventually.

EDIT 2019-06-10: Hard to believe, but the Banggood started to take preorders for Flysky FS-PL18 (Paladin) Radio for $285.

Early prototype of Flysky FS-PL18 (FT10) as shown in some of the expo’s:

The similarity between FS-i18 and FS-PL18 is striking. Here is the photo of the black and white FS-i18:

FS-i18 was a prototype radio, produced in the year 2013. FlySky’s shelved this project until now. 

Update 2019-02: Flysky has released first video with FS-PL18 Paladin transmitter.

New Flysky AFHDS 3 TX module.

Update 2019-08-31: Flysky released video with the range test of their Paladin PL-18 and FTr16S receiver. Pretty impressive 9.2km.

Funny, but FTr16S receiver cannot be found anywhere! Looks like nobody sells them yet.

Here is the AFHDS 3 protocol compatible receivers chart:

Info from Flysky about the support of the AFHDS 2A and other receivers/modules:
“…AFHDS 2A receivers will be supported in the subsequent firmware. PL18 support TBS CrossingFire and FRM301, FRM302. it will support other PPM RF modules in the subsequent firmware, too.”
…these are the AFHDS 2A receivers that PL18 will support in the future: iA10B, iA10, iA6B, iA6, iA4B, iA4C, BS4, A6, A3 and X6B.”

Update 2019-08-31: Some of the questions answered by FlySky:

1. Testing the PL18
In preparation for the PL18 launch, on June 25th (Beijing time), FlySky’s General Manager Mr. Liu Feng, our team of testers and professional level pilots carried out the last of a long list of comprehensive tests. The testing involved many model types including fixed wing, gliders, helicopters, delta wing and multiple rotor aircraft, among others.

 
We have 10 FlySky internal testers as well as 15 professional pilots from Australia, Germany, South Korea, Hong Kong and China mainland, specializing in cars, racing boats, FPV, Helicopter, fixed-wings and multicopter. After 6 months of testing and countless bug fixes we are happy to say the final tests indicated that the PL18 has surpassed our expectations.

2. Why does PL18 be waited for so long before its releasing?
We have spent a lot of time coming up with new design iterations from the initial FS-i18 to the FT10, and finally the PL18. This gave us lots of space for experimentation with new software platforms (some are too unstable and react too slowly), more iterations in hardware, UI, switch position, hand grips, antenna optimizations, ergonomics, RF development and extensive testing.

  

3. What is the standard of Paladin PL18 in our minds?
We hope that the Paladin PL18 will represent FlySky’s pursuit of a higher level of RC equipment. We hope that PL18 is a product that can meet the needs of different users and bring the players a good experience. We hope that PL18 is a different product than the previous FlySky transmitters. Therefore, we have developed a series of new designs including several times better RF technology than the previous generation, equipping with metal and precise Hall Gimbal, doubled battery capacity and more suitable hand grip.

 

4. Are the Paladin PL18 firmware and subsequent update plan guaranteed?
The PL18’s easy to update firmware has been developed inhouse by us and we are looking forward to developing and adding to it over the coming years.

5. Why is the PL18’s pricing so different to out other product?
Although our previous flagship, the FS-i10, is an amazing all-round system, the PL18 is a massive improvement in a lot of ways. For more information on the differences refer to this chart:

Due to the massive upgrade the PL18 represents over all our other products as well as the amount of time and effort that has went into the design and development of the PL18 we believe it fits the new price point well.

 

Firmware Update 1.0.30:

• Added support for third party modules;
• Adder RF UI  with TBS Crossfire support;
• Added new model data transmission function (with computer);
• Various bugfixes

Download link: https://www.flysky-cn.com/s/FlySkyPaladinPL18firmware1030.exe

 

Flysky Paladin PL18 User Manual: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bc852d6b9144934c40d499c/t/5d566362cc94a50001ada9ae/1565942814227/PL18+user+manual+20190816.pdf

Available @ 

Banggood (coupon BGFSPL18): https://www.banggood.com/Flysky-FS-PL18-Paladin-2_4G-18CH-Radio-Transmitter-with-FS-FTr10-Receiver-HVGA-3_5-Inch-TFT-Touch-Screen-for-RC-FPV-Racing-Drone-Airplane-Helicopter-Vehicle-p-1441613.html

Hobbyking: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/flysky-paladin-pl18-2-4ghz-afhds3-18ch-radio-system-m2.html

Specification:
Name: Flysky FS-PL18 (Paladin)
Channel: 18CH
Built-in internal AFHDS 3 ( new 2.4GHz protocol)
HVGA 3.5-inch TFT color screen, 320 * 480 dot matrix, LCD white backlight, 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 convienince and simulator use.
RF Module Support: Support for other companies RF modules
Size: 250x280x130mm
Weight: 1.87kg

Note:The product price and parameters has not been finalized and will continue to be updated.

Feature:
– 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 ture in the near future firmware
– Wireless bluetooth, wireless charging and other functions as firmware update

2018-05-02 Article created
2018-07-10 Updated FT18 description, specs.
2019-03-04 First PL18 video
2019-06-10 Preorders started
2019-09-06 Info updated
2019-09-19 Firmware update