Getting the right frsky x20 tray can completely modify the way you handle your own transmitter during a long trip to the field. It's one of those upgrades that feels like a luxury till you actually try out it, and then you suddenly wonder how you ever managed to fly with no one. Whether you're a long-time "pincher" or a thumber looking for even more stability, the way you hold your radio dictates exactly how connected you feel to your aircraft.
The FrSky Tandem X20 is already a pretty ergonomic desk piece of hardware. It's got all those nice rounded grips and also a solid fat that makes it feel premium. But for a lot of pilots, specifically those flying gliders or complex scale planes, holding the radio for 20 minutes straight gets tiring. That's in which a dedicated tray setup comes into have fun with. It takes the off your arms and puts this on your shoulders, allowing your fingers to focus completely for the sticks.
Why Even Make use of a Tray?
If you've constantly flown "thumbs only" with a neck of the guitar strap, you might think a frsky x20 tray is overkill. I used to believe exactly the same. I believed trays were just for those old-school European pilots flying massive cross-country gliders. But once you transition to "pinching" the sticks—using both your thumb plus index finger—you understand you will need a stable system.
Whenever you pinch, a person have much greater control over the particular small movements, yet your hands are usually less stable because they aren't gripping the radio body as tightly. A tray provides that "tabletop" feel. It anchors the radio against your entire body so that even if you're getting around or looking up at a high-alpha maneuver, radio stations stays perfectly nevertheless. It basically turns your transmitter into a precision instrument station.
Picking the correct FrSky X20 Tray
There are usually actually some different ways you may go when looking for a frsky x20 tray . A person aren't just tied to one factory choice, which is excellent because everyone's fingers are shaped in different ways.
The Standard FrSky Aluminum Tray
FrSky makes their own CNC-machined aluminum tray specifically for the X20 series. It's an animal. It's incredibly durable and matches the particular aesthetic of the particular radio perfectly. The best part about the official one is definitely the fit. Mainly because it's made simply by the same those who designed the radio stations, it clips within securely and doesn't wiggle.
The particular downside? It's metallic. That means it's a bit weightier than carbon dietary fiber alternatives, and if you're flying within the deceased of winter, that will aluminum can sense pretty chilly towards your palms until it warms up. But in conditions of "bomb-proof" quality, it's hard to beat.
Co2 Fiber Aftermarket Options
In order to conserve on weight, there are many third-party companies making carbon fiber racks. They are usually very much lighter and have got a very "high-tech" look. Most of them make use of a sub design in which the radio stations is held within place by friction or small mounting brackets.
The main thing to watch away for with automotive aftermarket trays is the access to the back again buttons. The X20 has those handy momentary buttons on the back, plus some generic trays can make them hard in order to reach. If you use those regarding things like your own timer or a launch mode, make sure the tray you pick has sufficient clearance.
3D Printed Custom Plastic trays
We reside in the age of THREE DIMENSIONAL printing, so normally, there are a large number of files online for a frsky x20 tray . If you have a printer, this particular is an enjoyable weekend project. A person can even discover designs that integrate hand rests from specific angles or add extra mounting points for the tablet or the long-range antenna. Just make sure a person use a strong electrical filament like PETG or even Carbon Fiber PLA; you don't would like your expensive stereo falling out due to the fact a brittle PLA clip snapped.
Comfort and Ergonomics
One thing people often forget whenever they buy the frsky x20 tray is that will the tray is just half of the particular equation. The harness you use is just because important. Just one neck of the guitar strap using a heavy tray is a formula for an aching neck.
I'd highly recommend moving to a cross-over shoulder control. These distribute the weight across the back and shoulders rather than putting all the pressure on your cervical spine. When you combine the X20 with a tray and the good harness, the particular radio practically floats in front associated with you. You may literally let move of the radio stations entirely, and it will stay flawlessly level. That's the game-changer when you need to modify your goggles or itch your nose mid-flight.
Balancing the Radio
Typically the X20 has an unique balance stage when compared to older X9D or QX7. When you put it within a tray, you want to make sure the center of gravity is correct. Most frsky x20 tray designs consist of adjustable "arms" exactly where the strap hooks up. You'll want in order to spend time moving these back and forth.
Ideally, the radio stations should sit somewhat tilted toward a person. If it tilts away, you'll find yourself hunching over in order to see the screen. In the event that it tilts too far back, your own wrists will end up being in a awkward angle. Take ten moments to get this best in your workshop prior to you head to the field. Your back again will thank you later.
Stick Ends plus Travel
Considering that utilizing a tray almost always means you'll be pinching the sticks, you might like to look at your stay ends too. The particular stock X20 sticks are fine, most tray pilots choose "grand prix" style stick ends. They are wider and frequently convey more "bite" or texture on all of them, which gives a person more surface region for your fingers to grip.
Whenever the radio is definitely sitting inside a frsky x20 tray , your range of movement changes. You might find that you want to cut short the stick size or even modify the tension. Luckily, the X20 can make it quite simple in order to adjust the gimbal tension from the front without starting the whole case. I usually like mine a little bit stiffer when you use a tray since the additional leverage from pinching makes the stays feel lighter compared to they do whenever using just thumb.
The Practical Downsides
It's not all sunshine and rainbows, though. There are a few annoying things about using a frsky x20 tray that you need to be conscious of.
First, the dimension. A tray can make your radio set up significantly bulkier. It probably won't suit in the initial hardshell case that arrived with your X20. You'll either need to disassemble the tray every time (which is really a pain) or buy a larger transmission device bag. Most individuals end up obtaining a dedicated "transmitter wrap" or perhaps a larger lightweight aluminum tool case in order to haul their tray setup around.
Second, the "look. " Let's become real—wearing a complete tray and harness makes you seem like you're about to land a Boeing 747. If you're in a casual park flyer spot, this might feel the bit extra. Yet honestly, once a person feel how much more control a person have over your plane, you most likely won't care exactly what you look like.
Is It Worth the Investment?
If you discover yourself flying for more than an hour the day, or in the event that you're getting yourself into even more precise flying like F3K, F5J, or even high-end 3D helis, then a frsky x20 tray is absolutely well worth it. It's an investment in your own comfort and your flying skills.
It's one particular of those items to don't recognize how much "micro-stress" you're putting on your hands and wrists just by holding radio stations until that stress is suddenly eliminated. Being able to relax your hands plus just use your own fingertips to guide the sticks will be a great feeling. Much more the connection between your brain and the plane feel a lot more direct.
At the finish of the day, the FrSky X20 is a professional-grade radio, and treating it like 1 by putting this in a correct tray setup just makes sense. Regardless of whether you go with the official light weight aluminum version or even a lightweight carbon fiber one particular, you're likely going to see an enhancement in your flight persistence. Give it a shot, spend the few sessions getting used to the particular different feel, and you'll probably never ever wish to go back to "hand-holding" your own radio again.