FrSKY X20 Case Upgrades

/ Spencer Gould
May be an image of suitcase and text

I wanted to upgrade my carrying case for my new X20HD from the soft wall case to something more heavy duty.

1st up the foam insert for the provided case is really good, way better than pick foam so I needed to work around that.

1), the case

I found the modern solution in the Harbor Freight Apache cases, and foam insert fits inside the 3800 model

https://www.harborfreight.com/3800-weatherproof-protective-case-large-black-63927.html

Sometimes they offer coupons so be on the lookout.

There are some alternate online options but the size may be different than what is covered here

As for the hinge to handle direction there was a 1/2″ gap so I used some high end packing foam in a nice dark grey from my Creality Ender 3D printer for that

Speaking of witch Creality is my go to for 3D printing equipment, its worth checking out

Creality on Amazon = https://amzn.to/4kkC20b

Creality web site = https://store.creality.com/

A recent review of the machine that did the 3D printed parts on YouTube:

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2), maxing out the foam insert space

The next part in the puzzle was the 4 in 1 module I got to work with most of the protocols out there,

For this I picked the iRX4 Lite from iRangeX = https://amzn.to/4k5ZMF6

I had to cut out some of the foam insert for this to fit. I’m surprised that FrSKY did not already have this area opened up as it would save them foam / cost and weight.

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3), interacting with the X20 Screen

While the X20 series is amazing technology and the screen is something to behold its also alot of small menu selections for average fingers to interact with.

For this part I found a good stylus on Amazon that works well with the screen and makes it easier to use = https://amzn.to/4qcRAoe

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4), protecting the screen

I wanted to cover the screen while in the case or just when sitting out side, also needed a way to hold onto the stylus in part 3), enter the cover

Designed in Rhino 3D one of my favorite Cad Programs this easy to print cover takes around 1 hour on a modern core xy machine

I had to put the FrSKY logo on it because why not, with that in mind I have it up on Thingiverse for Free = https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7285780

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5) filling the void

I still had several inches to take up in the Apache case so I decided to make a storage box for anything related to the X20,

The lids I went to town and made them have an ISO grid pattern as its stuck in my head after working on Aircraft Gas Turbines for a lot of my career. Also has a kind of NASA Equipment look to it. Silk / Metallic filament is a must for this!

May be an image of waffle iron

I have the .3dm & .stl files up on Cults3D for this one: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/frsky-x20-and-hft-apache-3800-storage-box

For all the 3D printed parts I used my go to brand Sunlu available with quick delivery from Amazon

Silk Gold PLA= https://amzn.to/4tfOLW8

Silk Silver PLA = https://amzn.to/4c2dSoY

#AM

Monnett Moni – Aircraft of the Month

/ Spencer Gould

The Moni is the precursor to the Sonex line of home built aircraft both designed by John Monnett. 380 kits where shipped during its 1982 – 1986 run. The aircraft was powered by a 30 hp 2 cylinder engine and is a motor glider.

One is on display suspended from the celling at the National Air and Space Museum at Dulles VA, another is on display at the EAA museum in Oshkosh

They show up every now and then at Air Venture and Sun N Fun.

The Xenos motor glider is a modern interpretation of the Moni, with 2 seats and a more capable engine.

More info at: https://www.sonexaircraft.com/xenos/

YouTube has a few Moni videos:

Outerzone has a 40″ 1/8th scale RC version:

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=7595

3D printing resources added to Links page

/ Spencer Gould
Links

Cura Slicer = https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/

Creality Slicer = https://www.creality.com/download#flagship-series

Orca Slicer = https://orca-slicer.com/#download

Cults 3D = https://cults3d.com/

Printables = https://www.printables.com/

CG Trader = https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-models/stl-files

Thing I verse https://www.thingiverse.com

2017-2022 Honda CR-V K&N Air Filter Upgrade

/ Spencer Gould

For a few dollars more than a Honda Shop filter swap out you can upgrade to a high performance, lifetime K&N filter. This video shows you what you need to know including the install.

K&N Filter is available on amazon at: https://amzn.to/3KPLwmP

  • ENGINEERED POWER: State-of-the-art air filter media is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration as well as improve overall engine performance
  • RUGGED CONSTRUCTION: K&N Air Filters are manufactured with durable, premium materials and state-of-the-art construction methods to last a lifetime
  • 4 LAYERS OF PROTECTION: Multiple layers of premium cotton gauze treated with a specially-designed tacking agent work together to create an intricate mesh of engine filter media that is designed to block and trap harmful contaminants
  • CLEAN ONCE EVERY 5 YEARS: Engine air filter only needs cleaning every 75,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions (based on the average miles driven per year of 15,000 miles)
  • ULTIMATE LONGEVITY: No-hassle limited lifetime warranty on stock replacement K&N air filters- limitations apply
  • EASY INSTALLATION: K&N Air Filters are pre-treated and ready to drop into your factory air box- they are one of the easiest and most cost-effective vehicle upgrades for quick performance gains
  • ECO-FRIENDLY: Using a washable, reusable engine air filter helps reduce replacement air filter waste- a K&N air filter is designed to last longer than 10 or more disposable filters
  • MADE IN USA: K&N Air Filters are proudly made in the USA for trusted quality & reliability

K&N clean and re oil kit: https://amzn.to/4oN0DLR

  • CLEANS ALL OILED K&N AIR FILTERS
  • RESTORES PERFORMANCE: Helps restore your filter to exceptional performance by removing filter-clogging build-up
  • INCLUDES POWER KLEEN: A powerful, highly effective degreaser that quickly dissolves filter build-up and old oil, allowing filter grime to be rinsed away with water
  • INCLUDES K&N RED FILTER OIL: K&N red filter oil remains suspended in the pleats of the cotton filter material of High-Flow Air Filters, allowing for exceptional contaminant capture
  • CLEANING STEPS: Spray on Power Kleen, Rinse with water, Allow filter to dry, Apply fresh filter oil
  • RENEWED EFFICIENCY: Restores air flow efficiency so your K&N air filter performs like new

#AM

Bell X-22 – Aircraft of the Month

/ Spencer Gould
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Bell_X-22_ducted_fan.jpg

The Bell X-22 was a ground breaking VTOL aircraft developed in the 1960’s and flew up to 1984. 2 of them where built and beyond the pivot mechanism featured some similarities to modern day quad copter “drones” While purely an X plane lessons learned from this program made it into modern production VTOL aircraft. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_X-22

Its one of the few X planes I remember as a kid getting into aviation. I’m sure James Cameron was inspired as well as the fictional SA-2 Samson in Avatar and the HK-VTOL in Terminator has a similar appearance.

One thing holding the design back is modern P.I.D. control logic hardware was just in its infancy back when this aircraft first became operational. P.I.D. is now the cornerstone method in electronic stability and control seen in modern unmanned drones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proportional%E2%80%93integral%E2%80%93derivative_controller

Quite a few YouTube Videos on the X-22

No hits on Outerzone or Amazon.

With modern Drone components and 3D printers I’m sure creating a functional scale model would be quite possible for a crusader willing to take on the challenge.

K2 Plus – First Day on the Job

/ Spencer Gould

One Impressive Machine, Timelapse record is a great feature

Music: Anvil of Crom – Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Production Company Dino De Laurentiis Corporation Distributed by Universal Pictures (North America), 20th Century-Fox (international)

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their respective owners

Creality K2 Plus 3D printer review

/ Spencer Gould

Review of the Creality K2 Plus w/ CFS System

Buy on Amazon = https://amzn.to/4or7YR1

Buy direct online with Creality = https://store.creality.com/products/creality-k2-plus-combo-3d-printer

Buy at Microcenter = https://www.microcenter.com/product/686422/creality-k2-plus-combo-multi-color-3d-printer-with-cfs

Microcenter store locator = https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/default.aspx

   Key Features

  • 16-Color Printing: 4-bay CFS system lets you print up to 16 colors in one job—no pausing, no extra handling.
  •  Bigger Space, Bigger Ideas (350 × 350 × 350 mm): Large chamber for props, prototypes, RC parts, or printing multiple models at once.
  • High-Speed Performance with Precision: Step-servo motion system delivers smooth surfaces and crisp details even during fast, high-acceleration printing.
  •  Actively Heated Chamber for Engineering Materials: Stable temperatures make  filaments easier and more reliable to print.
  •  Dual AI Cameras for Fail-Safe Printing: Smart to adjust flow rate and alert failures
  •  Sturdy “Matrix” Frame for Stable Output: Die-cast, enclosed structure reduces vibration for consistent quality, layer after layer.
  •   *K2 Plus Combo: K2 Plus + 1* CFS+4*500g filament（In the box）

Full Creality printer lineup on Amazon = https://amzn.to/44FSSQq

Creality CFS RFID Filament = https://amzn.to/43V79Zs

Sunlu (my general go to) Filament = https://amzn.to/48HMQ4c

AM Disclosure

2025 Holliday Shopping List

/ Spencer Gould

Looking for gifts for the Aviator in your life, well look no further:

  1. 100Pcs Aviation Stickers

2) The Complete History of Aviation

From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind’s conquest of the skies. In the 100 years since the Wright brothers’ first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation. Describing the feats of the brave men and women who piloted the early flying machines, to the pioneers of long-distance flight and the test pilots who ushered in the jet age, Flight is a gripping narrative of humankind’s quest to conquer the skies and explore space. Loaded with spectacular full-color photographs, dramatic first-hand accounts, and fact-filled profiles on a huge range of aircraft, this is an enthralling account of a century of innovation and adventure.

3) Personalized Metal Airplane Wall Art

4) KALIYADI Classic Aviator Sunglasses for Men Women

5) GSPY Scented Candle – Pilot Gifts

6) Aviation Gifts Ceramic Coaster, Set of 6

  • Best Pilot Gifts – A cool gift for pilots and airplane lovers, perfect for birthday gifts, Christmas presents or any occasion.
  • Best Coaster Ever – The absorbent ceramic surface could absorb water drops quickly, to keep your table or desk clean & dry. No need to clean the desk when enjoying ice cream or cold drinks!
  • Premium Quality – Soft cork base provides good protection for the table from being worn and scratched. It also provides a stable base for your cold drinks as well.
  • 6 Pcs in 1 Pack – 6 different colors in 1 pack with a metal coaster holder, making it easier to organize when not in use. Size: 4 inches in diameter
  • Exquisite Packaging – Gift-ready without the need for additional wrapping.

7) FPV Whoop Drone, ready to fly, everything you need

  • 【Cetus Pro FPV Kit】BETAFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit is a brushless whoop drone designed from the ground up for FPV beginners. Auxiliary flight function is available for novices, greatly reducing the threshold of operating. Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter is robust and powerful, allowing you to fly faster, race, and even do freestyle flying. Taking you from ZERO to Super Pilot in one kit
  • 【N/S/M 3 Flight Modes】Normal/ Sport/ Manual are available, which can satisfy the different needs of pilots and adapt to various flight environments. Meanwhile, these 3 modes all support 3 different speeds in SLOW/MID/FAST. Pilot can choose the mode that suitable with you
  • 【Altitude Hold Function】Altitude hold function enables Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter to Auto-Hover. The quadcopter can stay at a current height when pilots’ hands are off the transmitter. The barometer/laser achieves accurate and stable positioning, which makes the quad hovering indoors very stable. Please note the altitude hold function is only available in N mode
  • 【Self-protection Function】The Cetus quadcopter has an excellent self-protection function. Which can make an emergency landing when it loses control or in low battery. It will also automatically disarm and drop on ground once it has a strong collision with the object. No more worry about loss and crash
  • 【Turtle Mode】Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter comes with turtle mode which is the world’s leading technology. When Cetus Pro brushless quadcopter falls to the ground upside-down, simply activate turtle mode with your transmitter to turn it over. No walking through the fields for this

8) Bose A30 Bluetooth Aviation Headset

  • UNPARALLELED COMFORT: The Bose A30 is a full-sized circumaural aviation headset with a lightweight design and 20% lower clamping force than the A20 along with soft, comfortable ear seals.
  • PRECISION-FOCUSED NOISE CANCELLING MICROPHONE: The Bose A30’s microphone is engineered for aircraft with “hot mic” or PTT systems to increase clarity and reduce background noise during transmission.
  • FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a CERTIFIED: The Bose A30’s robust design has passed 145 tests by the Bose engineering and quality assurance team to ensure endurance in challenging flight environments.
  • THREE SELECTABLE MODES OF ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: Industry-leading active noise reduction with adjustable modes accommodates different use cases or pilot personal preference.
  • ACTIVE EQUALIZATION: Incoming signals are shaped and equalized for unmatched audio clarity and intelligibility to this headset with mic.
  • REMOVABLE AND SIDE SWAPPABLE DOWN CABLE AND MIC: No tools required. Boom mic and cable can be mounted on either side of the headset without using any tools.
  • BLUETOOTH AUDIO: Connect to mobile devices, audio systems and electronic flight bags along with audio prioritization to mute or mix Bluetooth audio with intercom audio.
  • DURABLE, THIN AND FLEXIBLE CABLE: Light cable allows for increased freedom of movement and easy storage.

9) Creality K2 Plus Combo 3D Printer, Multi Color Printing with New CFS

  • Multi Color Printing with All-new CFS: K2 Plus Combo multi-color flagship printing, exciting for you to combine. With four CFS units hooked together, it is possible to deliver 16-color 3D prints, saving the need for painting afterward. CFS is intelligent with automatic filament selection, switch, and relay. Upon loading an RFID filament, it can read the color and type instantly. When a filament is running out, it can relay with a similar one installed
  • Larger Size to Meet More Needs: Compared to Creality K2 and K2 Pro, the Creality K2 Plus offers an extraordinary 350*350*350mm large build volume, great for handling larger objects or larger batches, large models don‘t require partitions, and small models are printed in batches more calmly, easily satisfying your ever-expanding 3D printing aspiration
  • 600mm/s High Speed Printing: Creality 3D Printer K2 Plus Combo adopting industry-grade FOC step-servo motors for the XYZ axis and extrusion, Step-servo Motor System 30000mm/s² accelaration, 40mm³/s High-flow and quiet. For a large-format machine, 600mm/s is pretty fast, but that’s not the whole story. Turbocharged by the step-servo motors, it can accelerate at a staggering 30000mm/s²
  • Super Master of Materials: The Creality K2 Plus 3d printer actively maintains a constant temperature of up to 60°C, allowing you to easily print high-end filaments like ASA and PPA. Printed models are warp-resistant and high-strength. High-temp nozzle with hardened steel tip, Supports operating temperatures up to 350°C, easily handling a variety of high-melting-point, wear-resistant engineering filaments
  • Package Including: 1* Creality K2 Plus 3D Printer + 1* CFS + 4* 500g Hyper RFID Filament (Color: 1x black, 1x white, 1x red and 1x blue)
  • Dual AI Cameras & Automation: K2 Plus features 18 smart sensors. Everything is automated and closely monitored. It has two AI cameras. One is on the chamber side to watch over spaghetti failure, idling, etc. Another is on the toolhead for flow rate optimization. No more underfeeding and overfeeding. With two Z-axis independently motorized, it can auto-adjust bed tilt before auto leveling
  • Better Accuracy: The K2 Plus Combo features an innovative “Matrix” frame structure constructed with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy die-casting technology, delivering exceptional overall rigidity that effectively eliminates resonance and deformation during printing for superior precision. Equipped with a dual Z-axis system assisted by four linear rods, this 3D printer ensures extremely steady movement of the print bed during vertical travel, significantly improving print success rates

10) ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) Gaming Laptop

  • STATE-OF-THE-ART ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – ROG’s advanced thermals keep your system cool, quiet and comfortable. State of the art cooling equals best in class performance. Featuring an end-to-end vapor chamber, tri-fan technology and Conductonaut extreme liquid metal applied to the chipset delivers fast gameplay.
  • PREMIUM ROG NEBULA DISPLAY – Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with the ultra-fast 240Hz/3ms display ideal for gaming, creation, and entertainment. Featuring a new ACR film that enhances contrast and reduces glare.
  • CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMANCE – Experience next-level performance with Windows 11 Home, an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX Processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and featuring DLSS 4 and Max-Q technologies.
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask seamlessly with 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory and store your game library on 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE FULL-SURROUND RGB LIGHTBAR – Showcase your style with a full-surround RGB light bar that syncs with your keyboard and ROG peripherals. In professional settings, Stealth Mode turns off all lighting for a sleek, refined look.

AM Disclosure