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The controller goes in your hands. The receiver goes in your quad. You move the sticks on the controller, and those commands are transmitted wirelessly to the quad via the receiver.
Different brands of controllers use different protocols to talk to their receivers. So a Ghost receiver won’t work with a Crossfire module. When you buy a controller, you need to realize that you’re also locking yourself into which receivers you’re going to buy. This is actually way more important than many beginners realize. Some brands of receivers are more expensive. Some brands don’t have a good selection of micro-receivers such as are used in mini quads. Some brands lack features like telemetry (so you can check your battery voltage and other stats while flying). And some have significantly more range than others.
One exception to this rule is the “multiprotocol” radios, which come with a “4-in-1” RF module that can bind to FrSky, FlySky, Spektrum, and more. Examples include the Jumper T18 and RadioMaster TX16S.
Which protocol should you get? I made a video breaking down this decision.
The biggest selling point of the TX16S is its 4-in-1 multiprotocol module. This means that it can bind to most of the major receiver types: FrSky, FlySky, and Spektrum; it can also control many proprietary bind-n-fly aircraft. Get a “toy quad” with a “toy-grade” controller? The TX16S can probably control it.
The TX16S runs EdgeTX. EdgeTX is an incredibly powerful and flexible operating system for controllers. Pretty much anything you can imagine wanting your controller to do, EdgeTX can do. Since I’m a real gearhead nerd, that makes it perfect for me. The downside of this is that EdgeTX can be a little complicated to learn to use at first. Some beginners struggle.
Other reasons to choose the TX16S include its huge, color touch-screen (touch-screen capability not active until upgraded with EdgeTX version 2.4). It has full-size Hall Effect gimbals, something never before seen in a radio at this price. Like all EdgeTX radios, it works with your PC simulator. It’s also got USB-C internal charging for 18650 lithium cells or a 2S lipo battery (linked below).
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The TX16S Max is the upgraded version of the TX16S listed above. What does the “Max” get you? Custom colors. Stiffer, heavier plastic on the shell. CNC metal gimbals. Metal buttons and roller instead of plastic. Metal folding carry handle. And leather side grips. The TX16S Max has the same great performance as the “standard” version, with upgraded aesthetics and feel. For those who say, “I like EdgeTX radios, but they all feel so cheap!” Here’s the answer.
The Mk2 version of the TX16S Max made some small improvements to the TX16S, such as reverse-polarity protection on the battery leads. But the main thing the Mk2 added was additional options. The radio can now be ordered with Hall Effect gimbals or upgraded AG01 CNC metal gimbals pre-installed. And it can be ordered with the usual 4-in-1 RF module or a 250 mW ExpressLRS module pre-installed.
Some people are going to scoff that my “top of the line” radio isn’t an ultra-premium brand like Futaba or Jeti. Obviously, those are amazing radios. But in the FPV community at least, EdgeTX is the standard for radios, and I couldn’t in good faith recommend a non-EdgeTX radio, no matter how excellent it is.
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TOP OF THE LINE
These special editions further upgrade the TX16S Max (and increase its price).
The JB version is the same as the TX16S Max, but with custom colors, and a JB voice pack pre-installed on the SD card. It comes with an internal ExpressLRS module instead of the usual 4-in-1 module.
The Lumenier version has AG01 gimbals and a metal CNC face plate, which raises the gimbals up a couple of mm, making the sticks extend further from the face of the radio.
Although the Lumenier version’s metal face plate seems desirable (more metal = good, right?) I personally prefer the plastic of the original Max version. It has a more rounded edge that fits my hand better, and the metal face plate just sucks the heat out of your hands on a cold day or gets uncomfortably hot if left in the sun.
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The Radiomaster Boxer might be my personal favorite of all the radios on this page. And I’m saying that even though I have a “signature edition” of the TX16S with my name on it!
The Boxer feels perfect in my hands. It’s just big enough to give me something to grip, without being bulky. It has full-size gimbals which some pilots feel give more precise control. There are enough switches and knobs to do most of what an FPV pilot will want to do. It even comes with a switch and gimbal protector for when you toss it into your bag.
The Boxer can be ordered with either a 4-in-1 module (for binding to Frsky, Flysky, Spektrum, and similar receivers) or a built-in ExpressLRS module. Unlike most internal ELRS modules that go to 250 mW, this one goes to 1 watt, which gives it about 2x the range. Of course, there’s a module bay in the back so you can use any other protocol that you prefer.
One major disadvantage of the Boxer is its screen. It’s got a smaller, black-and-white screen. The TX16S has a big, beautiful, color touch-screen, which makes it much nicer to work with.
Until I saw the Boxer, I never really thought that the TX16S might be too much of a good thing. The Boxer is a more stripped-down experience that gives you just what you need in a compact, simple package. When I handle my TX16S, with its big screen and all the switches sticking out, on some level I’m always a little worried I’m going to break it. When I handle the Boxer, I don’t feel that way.
Oh yeah–and the price of the Boxer is about half what you’d pay for a TX16S!
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The Boxer Max is the “cosmetic upgrade” version of the Boxer. All buttons and knobs are colored CNC metal instead of plastic and it has leather side grips. It also comes with a metal kickstand and premium all-metal AG01 gimbals.
My general opinion of the “Max” versions of the RadioMaster radios is, that if you can afford them, they’re a worthy upgrade. They address the “cheap plasticky” feel that some people associate with the standard-version radios. But they’re not going to make you a better pilot. They’re probably not going to last longer. You can do everything you need to do with the standard radios, and they’re plenty durable. It’s just a question of whether you want to pay a little more for the upgraded look and feel.
Bear in mind, that all parts for the “Max” radio are available from Radiomaster, so if you already own a Boxer and want to upgrade it, you don’t need to buy a whole new radio.
My only complaint is that they don’t offer it in purple.
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A lot of people are going to think the Zorro is the perfect radio. The Zorro feels great in the hand. Micro-switches are more durable than full-sized switches used on other radios–consistent with the “toss it in a backpack” nature of game-pad style radios. It’s got tons of controls–switches, knobs, and buttons–in intuitive locations. The screen is large enough to use in the field, although some feel it should have been smaller, to keep the radio smaller overall.
Here’s the main thing that will scare off some people: battery life. The Zorro uses 18350-sized batteries, which have about 1/2 to 1/3 the capacity of typical 18650 cells. Running the radio at full power, I got about 90 minutes of continuous use before I started getting battery warnings. RadioMaster has addressed this with a aux power plug that takes a 2S battery, as well as the ability to charge via a USB power bank while flying. And of course, you can also just buy some spare cells and swap them out. But some people are annoyed by this decision and would rather not have to manage their controller battery so carefully.
The Zorro comes in several different versions. Make sure you buy the right one. The 4-in-1 version can bind to most “traditional” 2.4 GHz receivers, such as Frsky, FlySky, Spektrum, Futaba, and more. The CC2500 version can bind to FrSky and Futaba, but not FlySky and Spektrum. The ELRS version has a built-in ExpressLRS module. All versions have an external module bay for adding another protocol if desired.
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The Zorro Max has the same features and options as the Zorro, but adds some comfort and style features. AG01 mini full metal CNC-machined gimbals add weight, smoothness, precision, and longevity compared to the plastic gimbals on the standard Zorro. They’re also available in stylish colors. Buttons on the Max are also metal instead of plastic, for a more premium feel. The Max has a carbon fiber pattern and faux-leather grips.
The main reason to choose the Max over the standard Zorro is the AG01 gimbals. They’re not going to make you a better pilot, but they are much nicer to use and have a more premium feel than the standard plastic ones. Whether that’s worth the additional price is a personal decision (but personally, I have AG01 gimbals on all my RadioMaster radios).
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The Radiomaster Pocket is not the perfect radio for everybody. But it’s the perfect radio for a few people. Maybe you’re one of them!
First: if you want a decent-quality radio without spending too much money, the Pocket is for you. It hasn’t got the same fit-and-finish as more expensive radios, but it’s decently made. The core features and capabilities are the same as other radios costing 2 or 3 times as much. Most “budget” radios are built like toys. They cut a lot of corners and don’t last. The Pocket is a “real” radio at a very appealing price.
Second, if you care a LOT about size and portability, the Pocket is relatively compact and durable. The sticks can be removed for transport and the switches don’t stick out very far (to get broken off).
Third, if you have small hands or you’re buying for a younger, smaller person, this radio may fit better than larger ones.
If you buy the Pocket, there’s a fair chance that you will outgrow it and upgrade to a higher-end radio eventually. If you can afford something like the Boxer or the Zorro, I’d suggest them as a better long-term choice. But if you’re not ready to commit to one of those radios, the Pocket will do today.
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ExpressLRS is one of the most exciting control links today. It is open source, which means enthusiasts develop it for free, just because they love doing it. Their goal was to develop the lowest-latency control link possible. A side effect of a super low latency link is that range is reduced. But happily, ELRS lets you decide: do you want a super low latency, shorter-range link; or do you want a higher latency, ultra-long-range link? This means that ELRS can basically meet the needs of any pilot: from a racer who wants 1000 Hz refresh rate, to a long-range enthusiast who wants to fly 60 km or more.
Despite its amazing performance, there are a few reasons why some people will skip ELRS. The first one is that commercial ELRS hardware may not be made to the same standards as TBS or Ghost receivers. Many different manufacturers make ELRS-compatible receivers, and some have higher quality standards than others. With Crossfire or Ghost, there is a single company that cares about the reputation of the system and the quality of the hardware. With ELRS, that’s not as true. (If you really think you can do it better, you can still buy a kit and solder up your own ELRS hardware.)
A second drawback of ELRS is that it’s a little more complicated to manage than some other systems. Owning an ELRS system, you are expected to be able to compile your own firmware and flash it to your module and receivers. There’s a PC-based utility that makes this as easy as possible, but it’s still more difficult for most novices than Crossfire and Ghost.
A final drawback is that ELRS is designed to be used with a flight controller. If you fly planes with servos driven directly off the receiver, ELRS doesn’t work well for that. However, this is changing fast! As of this writing, Matek has released the first ELRS receiver with PWM outputs and receivers with more servo outputs are in the works.
ExpressLRS hardware comes in two versions: one for 900 MHz operation and one for 2.4 GHz operation. Most experts agree that 900 MHz is only necessary for those looking to go extremely long ranges–like 50 km or more. Although 2.4 GHz has a reputation for poor range and penetration, the LoRa technology used by ELRS more than makes up for this. 2.4 GHz is a universal worldwide band; can have more pilots in the air without interference; has smaller antennas; and can operate up to 500 Hz or more. All of the equipment on this page is 2.4 GHz ELRS for this reason.
