FrSky brand is famous for its transmitters/receivers: in the RC world, if you say the word Taranis, anyone knows what you are talking about.
Taranis X9D is one of the best transmitter out there and now it has got an upgrade with the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019 and FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019 models.
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019 comes with three different colorations, white, blue and silver:
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019, instead, comes with only two options for the color scheme, dark blue and carbon:
Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019 Bag
This is the nice and handy bag the Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019 comes in, black with Taranis logo on the front:
Package contents
The following image shows what we see when opening the bag:
Here is listed what is included in the package:
- transmitter;
- gimbal protectors;
- neck strap with balancing support;
- charging cable;
- bag (SE version only);
- basic instruction manual and stickers.
Common Specifications
The specs reported below are common to both transmitter versions:
- Dimension: 200*194*110mm (L*W*H)
- Weight: 670g (without battery)
- Operating system: OpenTX
- Mode: Mode 2
- Number of channels: 24 channels
- Internal RF module: ISRM-S-X9
- Operating voltage range: 6.5 - 8.4V
- Operating current: 130mA@8.2V
- Operating Temperature: -20℃ ~ 60℃ (-4℉ ~ 140℉)
- Backlit LCD resolution: 212*64
- Smart Port, Micro SD card slot and DSC Port
- Micro USB interface: supports 2S Li-battery balancing charge
- Model memories: 60 models (expandable by Micro SD card)
- Compatibility: ACCST D16 and ACCESS receivers (ACCST D8 is not available, an external module is required)
In this table it is reported a comparison between standard and SE version features:
| Feature | X9D Plus 2019 | X9D Plus SE 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | OpenTX | OpenTX |
| Communication Protocol | ACCST D16 / ACCESS | ACCST D16 / ACCESS |
| High-speed Module Digital Interface | √ | √ |
| Accurate SWR indicator | √ | √ |
| Spectrum Analyzer Function | √ | √ |
| Program Navigation Button | √ | √ |
| Easily Launch Momentary Button | √ | √ |
| Haptic Vibration Alerts | √ | √ |
| Voice Speech Outputs | √ | √ |
| 2S Li-Battery Charging System | √ | √ |
| G9D Potentiometer Gimbal | √ | |
| M9 Hall Sensor Gimbal | √ | |
| Upgraded Switches | √ | |
| Wired Training System | √ | √ |
| PARA wireless training function: PAPA High-speed training system with a lower latency; Compatible with FrSky Free Link App and AirLink S via mobile devices | √ |
Main upgrades in 2019 version
The following image show the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019:
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019 (Standard or SE) is the upgraded version of the notorious Taranis X9D Plus. The most important changes are the following:
- use of ACCESS (Advanced Communication Control, Elevated Spread Spectrum) RC control and communications protocol;
- power on/off is achieved by a button rather than a slider;
- additional momentary button placed on the top left useful for DLG pilots to activate launch mode;
- program scroll wheel on the right of the screen substituting buttons to make it easier to navigate the menus;
- upgraded MCU is applied to a re-structured mainboard that further increase the compute capability and extend the storage resource of data: this is to allow the execution of more complex LUA scripts and it also optimize the overall performance (for example, for voice speech outputs).
Everything runs, like with the previous model, on the solid OpenTX firmware.
ACCESS protocol
The ACCESS communication protocol boasts 24 channels with a faster baud rate and lower latency with a high-speed module digital interface. Along with the new spectrum analysis function added to the OpenTX firmware, it is now possible to check the airwaves for RF noise with an accurate SWR indicator, which can measure yours and others signal strength in the area. So, the Spectrum Analyzer allows the user to measure power, noise, and distortion of the frequencies around.
Moreover, thanks to the ACCESS protocol, once a receiver is registered to a radio, there is no need to access the receiver to bind (pressing bind button) or flash a new firmware (via smartport) since these procedures are achieved through wireless technology (Smart Match and Smart Share features).
FrSky also states that the protocol has a better security due to its higher encryption, assuring model’s signal will not be interfered with.
Internal RF Modes
These are the internal RF modes supported in Taranis X9D Plus 2019:
- ACCESS;
- ACCST D16;
- ACCST LR12.
External RF Modes
Taranis X9D Plus 2019 supports the addition of external modules, like FrSky R9M or TBS Crossfire. OpenTX firmware installed by default (version 2.3.0) does not have the option for TBS; available external RF modes are:
- PPM;
- XJT D16;
- DSM2 LP45;
- R9M FCC;
- SBUS.
So, to use TBS Crossfire, flashing the latest firmware is required (CSRF will appear in modes list).
External modules can be installed on the back:
Note the micro USB port to connect the radio transmitter to the PC.
Removable antenna
Beware that only for the SE version there is the possibility to remove the antenna and change it with another one.
On the above image it is reported a close view of some switches and potentiometers. Note the adjustable and removable antenna.
Battery
Taranis X9D Plus 2019 comes with no battery included. Since its working voltage is 6.5 - 8.4V, it can be powered with 2S LiPo batteries, but no 3S (differently from the previous Taranis X9D).
Here are reported three batteries which are compatible with the specs and the space of the Taranis X9D Plus 2019 battery compartment:
- 2S 7.4V 3000mAh LiPo battery
- ZOP Power 7.4V 3000mah 10C Lipo Battery
- Gaoneng GNB 7.4V 2500mAh 5C 2S Lipo Battery
They assure a pretty decent working time.
Display
Taranis X9D Plus 2019 display is very clear with its bright blue color:
The new scroll wheel system on the right makes menu navigation really comfortable, so it is easy to set up functions and change configurations.
Gimbal Stick Ends
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019 gimbal stick ends are made with very good material, but they are more suitable for thumbs pilots; if you are a pinch pilot instead, you can change them with M4 aluminum transmitter classic stick ends.
Receiver
In case you are looking for a good receiver for the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019, a good choice is the FrSky XM+ which is lightweight and it is a full range receiver.
Anti-slipping switch caps
A very nice addition to every transmitter is the use of anti-slipping switch caps, which also have the nice function of remembering the different functions assigned to each switch. For example, we can use a red cap switch for the ARM/DISARM switch.
LDARC Rubber Anti-slipping Switch Caps are perfect for the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019:
Conclusions
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019 is a very good transmitter, especially considering the promising new ACCESS protocol, that could simplify many tasks. OpenTX firmware is not totally ready yet, but it is just a matter of time.
Both transmitters can be found here:
SE version is a little bit more expensive, but it is worth the extra cost.
If you want to know how to setup and configure switches for the FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019 on Betaflight, you can take a look at this article: FrSky Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019 Switch Setup and Configuration in Betaflight.