The Frsky X-Lite has an external module bay that is too small to fit standard size JR modules including the TBS Crossfire. Are we giving up that easily? HELL NO! A few people have been taking the X-Lite apart as soon as they received the the first batch, and trying to find out whether they can get it working.
Further Reading: How to setup TBS Crossfire?
Does Frsky X-Lite work with TBS Crossfire?
And the answer is yes, the X-Lite DOES work with the Crossfire!
I and Andrey Mironov, the developer of BLHeli Configurator and Betaflight are working together with Frsky on reviewing their latest X-Lite TX and R9M-Lite system. In the process Andrey discovered this exciting possibility, so kudos to him for the great info!
Check out our overview of the Frsky X-Lite radio transmitter.
How to connect X-Lite and Crossfire?
Surprisingly, the hack/setup is very simple!
The connection between the X-Lite module bay and the Crossfire is just direct wiring. There is no need for additional hardware.
Unlike the Taranis QX7 and Horus X10 which have issues with baud rate and require extra hardware to work properly with the Crossfire, the X-Lite does not have such issue.
In the menu, the option “CRSF protocol” is already there under external module in the setup page just like any other Frsky radios running OpenTX.
The Challenge
This is really good news for those who want to get the X-Lite working with Crossfire module. It seems like the only challenge we need to overcome is the physical incompatibility.
Hopefully some sort of breakout adapter can do the trick here, perhaps 3D printed or even injection molded for the extra durability. I will update this post once I find a good solution to this.
Update (Nov 2018): We have a ready-made adapter!
Banggood is now selling this JR module adapter for the X-Lite.
And now it’s just a matter of connecting the Crossfire or other JR module of your choice to the back of the X-Lite!
Update Sep 2020: Crossfire Nano for the Smaller Module Bays
TBS released a new Crossfire TX module – the Nano. It’s designed specifically for the Frsky X9 Lite and X-Lite radios’ smaller module bay. It’s now plug and play and no need for adapters.
Buy Here: https://oscarliang.com/product-xopk
It has the same capability as the standard size Crossfire TX V2 (e.g. up to 1W output power), but it’s just in a much smaller form factor for these small radios.
22 comments
Hi to all. Does anyone know if it is possible to combine tbs crossfire micro (JR) with a radiomaster zorro remote control with a lite connector
I’m trying to link the OrangeRX module to the X9 lite, should i just follow this?
I just bought a Radiomaster and would like to use my current TBS crossfire TX V1 on in, am I correct to assume that its pinout is the same as the TBS nano TX?
Hello, so I have a disassembled micro TBS Tracer TX that someone wired up for a x9lite. I have it now and I am attempting to direct wire it to a taranis x9d plus. I found a pinout of the x9d but I cannot find verification on the TX solder pinouts, it’s the same from top to bottom correct?
I still haven’t seen an answer regarding the use of the nano with the x-lite pro.. Has this been answered yet? Or does this only work with the regular x-lite transmitter?
I am also searching for an answer to this please Oscar help us out!!!
I don’t have the X-Lite, but I have seen people using this combo on Facebook, so it looks like the X-Lite Pro is working with the Crossfire Nano module.
I have been told, FrSky and TBS don’t get on well so FrSKy deleted the CRSF protocol from their radios as stock. The work around is to flash the latest OpenTX to the X-Lite to get that back. If that doesn’t work, you can also try flashing TBS’s own OpenTX firmware on their website. However note that it’s nightly build not official release. It can be found on Crossfire product page, check for “OpenTX nightly” download link, and use OpenTX companion to flash.
The other potential problem is that you might only be able to use up to 500mW output power, some people reported the radio freezing up when they select 1W. Probably a power issue but TBH 500mW is more than enough.
After flashing the latest open tx firmware I can verify that it does work !! Awesome!!! I have crossfire on my XLITEPRO !!!
Lez– I have a brand new x-lite pro and crossfire nano unit, but cannot for the life of me figure this out. There are SO MANY versions, nightly builds, card contents, etc that its making my head spin. And when I try to follow a guide, menus and other things are different than their steps describe. I’ve spent almost 6 hours on this so far, can you help me out?
I have ordered such a bay now:de.aliexpress.com/item/1005002068852014.html
When arrived, I will try to connect it to a JR bay, if it works I will mount it on top of an empty JR Module. Should be the fastest solution at the moment. If it works and when I have time I will design an adapter for 3D printing…
Hi Oscar,
I‘m wondering if there is an adapter available (buy or 3D model) for connecting a crsf nano Module to a JR bay? I think it should be possible. Have you seen such an adapter already? I searched a lot but was not able to find one.
Regards
I know there’s a JR module to Lite module bay adapter, but I haven’t seen one for the Nano module to JR yet.
Yea, should be doable though.
Howzit! Just got my Crossfire Nano, and it fits the X-lite straight out of the box. No mods or 3d printed parts needed.
What about the x lite pro without the module to crossfire reciever
Does CF work with X-Lite Pro?
Hi Oscar,
Do you know if the X-Lite Pro will soon be Crossfire compatible too? I believe the External module pins aren’t yet active in software!
Thanks,
Ben
My lua script doesn’t load
Hello , how long can the cables be? Could it be possible place the module in a holder?
thanks
Got any suggestions on where to get the pins needed to make the adapter?
How about configuration Crossfire micro tx via crossfire lua script?
That’s great news! Everyday i’m leaning more to ger the x-lite. How do you find it for pinchers?
i would love to see a mod for the xlite for 18650 batteries