Affordable FPV Controllers That DON’T SUCK!

[@MattPochwat]

Unfortunately prices and availability of products have already drastically changed since I started making this video. At the moment it could be a challenge to find certain ELRS radios in stock. Also, always check multiple sites to find the best deals you can!

[@dankrgaming5698]

Hey is it typical or standard for the gimbles to be spring loaded or whatever so that they return to a neutral position when you let go of them? I'm new to drones and I think I'd prefer this

[@deltatango3653]

Hey Matt just to let you know, someone has borrowed your avatar and name to post personal replies to people telling them they've just won a new drone. I'm not sure what their game is, or if it affects you but, just to give you a heads up.

[@CausticTitan]

Can all of these radios be used with simulators?

[@DeltaInsanity]

@@dankrgaming5698 I know this comment is quite old so I'm hoping you got your answer elsewhere. But if you haven't, or for anyone else who's brand new to FPV and wants to know the answer, here it is: The sticks are spring loaded in every axis except the throttle. This is usually the left stick up and down axis and is referred to as Mode 2. So the right stick will always spring back to center in all directions, but the left stick will only center in the left/right axis (which controls yaw), and will allow you to make fine adjustments and stay there in the up/down axis (which controls throttle).

[@RandoManFPV]

​@@DeltaInsanityyesir thanks! I'm not sure if i ever seen your comment before now but I've done lots of flying since you posted it! Turns out since I've never done anything RC but I've played video games and enjoyed the helicopters/airplanes in them since a child; I found that I could not wrap my brain around Mode 2 even after hours of trying I couldn't even fly for 10 seconds straight. I setup mode 3 I think; I basically just swapped the gimbal controls(my throttle and yaw are on the right side gimbal; pitch and roll on left gimbal) If you're getting someone into drones for their first time and they have a lot of gaming history; perhaps give them a chance on mode 3, it might fall right into the muscle memory they've had for years! Happy flying everybody

[@whooperfpv]

I got the jumper tlite v2 elrs. Changed the gimbals to the one in radio master zorro. Awesome feel!

[@lemonsquareFPV]

I agree with this combo, ran it for a while. Best of both worlds. Small and precise. Gimbal jitter is significantly improved. Good choice 👍🏻

[@gilsadewa]

Still in love with my Jumper T-Pro😆

[@mgbfpv]

Hi Matt. I like your videos and they help me at the beggining. I've started my fpv journey with a literadio2 SE bought based on your previous video about cheap radios. The gimbals failed after just two weeks of use and the same happened to a lot of people. The radio was a a piece of crap. Entry level electronics requires some use time to give thumbs up.

[@flyinbots]

Exactly my experience with the Lite Radio SE, in fact I had the Banyang protocol version with a RTF kit and then bought the FrSky version and the gimbals on both of them broke within weeks. Personally I wont be playing BetaFPV roulette with their radios ever again. I'm now on the Radiomaster TX16S and love it.

[@parallax_aerial_photography]

Just recieved my Zorro and I'm very excited to get it paired up and flying. Have to solder my new elrs reciever onto my drone first though, as I was previously using the DJI fpv radio. Battery life isn't an issue for me, as I've never been out flying for more than about an hour, but I do also carry some lipo packs for one of my drones that would work as an external battery anyways. This thing feels better than the DJI and is way more customizable which I like, and I'm always a fan of open-source stuff, so I'm excited to do some tinkering.

[@andrewdecavia7553]

Daughter and I getting into FPV, thanks for the recommendations! Was gonna spend $300 each on an RTF but spent that on stuff that’ll last us longer like the Zorro and Commando 8

[@shadowofchaos8932]

I have a TX12 as an emergency backup to my TX16S. Works great and my use it as my rc plane controller.

[@caujka]

I'm lucky to own a well-built betafpv lite radio 3 pro, and a friend of mine lent me a Radiomaser TX16S. I'd say the gimbals feel the same. And I got used to the buttons and switches quite fast. I like the LR3Pro because it looks less intimidating and fits into a pocket. So, to fly a tiny whoop outdoors, I don't need to pack a backpack.

[@gregfarley7976]

Appreciate your videos, definitely got me closer to my first FPV purchases, hope you find pleasure in making videos again and up the volume sometime soon

[@kottonfpv2666]

Been using a Jumper Tlite, and the Taranis QX7 for a little over a year now and love them both

[@TheCivildecay]

Only problem I have with the T-lite is that I have to calibrate the left stick EVERY time I boot it up... it's always offcenter

[@kottonfpv2666]

@@TheCivildecay So far I've never had that issue knock on wood lol. I calibrated when I first got it and haven't had to again. Are you running the latest firmware?

[@brokenphones6682]

Thanks

[@adventureswithhilalmuhamma2715]

mate am buying my first controller after watching 100 videos and afer watching your video i think i should go for the tx12. i will start practcing on that with my pc and then when i get some money to afford a drone for it i would buy one. and will start off with a little bit of practice.. thank you so much for the video it was soo helpful. love your content.

[@kalaniakaka9200]

I just wanted to say thanks for all the info that you provide and that it is truly invaluable. I'm a senior trying to make some sweet memories with my 8 yr old grandson... Just trying to get all the info I can from you youngens IRT the hobby. SO, 2 newbie drone pilots... we need to get on a SIM. ALL OF YOU... are saying to use a real flight controller. Can you give me a suggestion on which one I should purchase to use on a SIM...Not trying to get all the latest and greatest. Just a simple controller with sticks so me and Carter can get those required hours on a SIM. Again, keep doing what you doing helping the Drone World 2 Evolve. Respectfully, Carter's Papa

[@sarmero]

Thank you Matt for this radio controller comparison, it’s always good to know the. different opinions and options, principally when you start at this hobby.

[@elishahodgson1635]

I bought the tx16s back when it was on preorder. It cost me 100$ which is incredible since it's more than doubled in price since

[@shardsfpv6016]

Love your videos man, keep it up!

[@Mars-un5gp]

I bought the TX12 V1. I wish I had bought a controller which supports elrs out of the box but a module solved this problem easily. So the V2 is probably a very good option

[@gb.1990]

I love your videos. Super beginner friendly and easy to understand. Kudos to you my brother!

[@alistairborthwick2031]

I think I'm going to buy the Jumper T Pro ELRS version in spite of some of the warnings. Its the correct price and its in stock from a UK retailer. Some people are arguing the Radiomaster Zorro but it's more expensive. Anyone wanna throw in any advice?

[@MrAlucardDante]

I would stay away from it IMO, Jumper didn't work with either ELRS of EdgeTX devs, resulting in poor design choices. Also, you should not go above 250mW since it doesn't have a fan

[@mattmcelwrath]

I also love my tx16s. I like the larger gimbals for more precise control

[@CapnBry]

😆 love the tape over the screen to simulate the non-pro. My throttle is also crazy sticky, happy it wasn't just mine. Agree with everything you say too, especially the selection of ExpressLRS.

[@jarek_b]

Left gimbal is sticky but the force is adjustable. Just dismount the cover an there is adjustment screw on the gimbal. I have the Betafpv radio 3 Pro and did the adjustment. Now it’s like I liked.

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

I have to say I LOVE my TX16S, but I would also LOVE to try a Zorro style controller. I didnt grow up with a xbox type controller in my hands, but they look very ergonomic.

[@brandonskodinksi5764]

Your BetaFPV QC take is spot on. i have had so many failures from them. the only product i have had that has been solid of theirs is there nano ELRS transmitter module.

I also have the literadio 3 pro. No issue with the power button. As for the lubrication - from time to time I just put some lithium oil because the sticks are not easily movable. The worst thing happened to me was that one cable from the gimbal went off ending with a crash (fortunately I was flying sim). If it happened in real life I would most probably crash the drone badly :/ My advice to anyone who buys betafpv controllers: unscrew everything, check the cables, add some epoxy to the cables so they wont rip off and you are good to go

[@evandoyle891]

I use elrs just because I have 5 inch freestyle quad, A cinewhoop, and a 3 inch quad. The fact that all I have to do Is power up any quad and they automatically connect is great.

[@GazzaJollyRoger8152]

Thank you! I actually got both from Radio master, I got the Zorro 4 in 1 and the TX 12 Mark ll ELRS, I actually wished RadioMaster would do the TX12 Mark ll , a fully customized like the TX16S Mark II MAX Radio Controller (Customized Version), That would be nice.

[@JohnAldred]

4x power for 2x range makes sense. Inverse square law n' all that. Light works the same way. When you double the distance from a light source to the subject, you need 4x as much light (2 stops more output) to get the same level of brightness hitting that subject.

[@MarkFisch]

Nice to see u back

[@flyingbaguettefpv]

I can't help but recommend people to stay away from the t-pro, not only do the gimbals need lube to be decent they sometimes come defective from the factory (not centering properly). As for the increased output power which is the main selling point, setting it to 500mW or higher introduces noise in the gimbal signal, so that negates that advantage too. The zorro is a much better choice in my opinion and will certainly last much longer.

[@MrTechcat]

I do like the BetaFPV Literadio 3 Pro the most. Mine gimbals are way better than on any Jumper, DJI or BetaFPV radio I had. And the radio is so awesome works as wireless gamepad for sim, so small, compact, really the best of all.

[@MrTechcat]

And I did have Jumper Tlite, which I hated, it's was the cheapest radio. I did not even work without fixing the battery contacts and gimbals do not even feel like halls. Returned the radio. Probably, should have returned your BetaFPV model as it was definitely faulty.

[@Steamrollger]

Love your videos trying to get into drones and fpv, and this helps a lot when deciding what to buy.

[@billmcdonald4335]

My daily driver's an original RadioMaster TX12. I have a 1-watt Happymodel ELRS module, and AG01's will be fitted as soon as the stock gimbals give out. I love the thing.

[@kurtzFPV]

Love mine too. It is a great backup or when I pack smaller and lighter than my tx16s. Plus it has the same size module bay, so I can use all my modules on either one. Like you, I will swap gimbals one day, but the potentiometer gimbals it comes with are smooth enough for me right now. And it is really no bigger than a Zorro with the extended battery pack and battery life is great. I'd rather have the v1 than the v2 because I still have a couple of frsky whoops.

[@billmcdonald4335]

Just ordered the AG01 Minis. The stock gimbals are working just fine, but I decided on my Xmas prezzy. Got 'em at a 40% discount. 'Bout CDN$150 all-in, over on AliExpress.

[@kurtzFPV]

@@billmcdonald4335 thanks for the heads up. I might grab a pair too at that price. Happy thanksgiving. Edit: sorry, it just sunk in that you are Canadian, so I'm a little late.😃

[@billmcdonald4335]

@@kurtzFPV No worries, eh? Just wanted to let you know I got my set today and I can tell you they're worth whatever they're charging for 'em, full price or no. A must-have if you can afford 'em.

[@Johnygoodfellow]

Hi Matt! Great video and a very good work for all community, as usual. However I reckon goggles buyer's guide is the issue you're thinking of as well. Upcoming HdZero goggles might be the last player at the table we are waiting for to complete the list.

[@lemonsquareFPV]

The goggles are really exciting! I am just uncertain about the 16:9 screens. Everything else is literally TOP! I guess I gotta get used to widescreen… I struggle with the inconsistency of retransmission systems, and HDZero’s current implementation. Which makes me very excited for the new HDZero goggles!!! I also hope the G2/O3 can improve upon this inconsistency. Also Avatar’s fixed latency mode… If so, we will finally have some good options. Which is super exciting!

[@Johnygoodfellow]

@@lemonsquareFPV I guess you're one of beta testers ? Lucky guy you are !

[@lemonsquareFPV]

@@Johnygoodfellow I wish!!! I just know optics really well. I fly 4:3, tried 16:9 but can’t get used to it. Also the optics work better with a square screen in my opinion (they are round after all), the wider screens show an uneven distortion side to side for me.

[@jakeyfpv]

5:42 3rd time watching this video and I wish I had listed bought the Cetus x kit the controller gimbal made me lose the drone just the the thing too😢

[@deltatango3653]

Thanks Matt. I really enjoy your presentations, and appreciate the information you impart. I have DJI's FPV drone with the V2 goggles and have done a small amount of Manual flight with it. Enough to know that it isn't the drone I want to ever crash, and if I continue it will surely happen. I'm currently trying to decide whether to just break down and also get the Avata, or to get a small FPV drone with digital. Of course this would necessitate another controller also, so the cost difference between the two choices is not that great. Anyway, love your presentation style (although sometimes when you get excited you wave your arms a lot;-) Thanks again.

[@Liam.Devčić]

HIii Matt im a fpv beginner and i want a good action cam to mount on my fpv drone could you check out the RunCam Thumb pro 4k

[@emmanuelwafwana5583]

i have TX16s and i'm so happy with it since day one. I bought the BETAFPV one for something smaller and it never worked correctly. Exactly the same issues. I complained but it did not change anything. To avoid.

[@DearlBarnes]

I like this your videos. It's weird because (no offense) you aren't like a top pilot, but you give the most info next to Bardwell. I will always recommend you over someone like Mr. Camps, even though the list might be exactly the same. One of the biggest points that I love in this video is that you talk about the range. I always get buggered by my video output way before I loose telemetry.

[@Xuvier]

Hey Matt I would love this exact same video, but for goggles lol

[@MattPochwat]

Noted! It'll come. I'm working towards doing a new buyer's guide before the end of the year. It's been a while since the last one!

[@roylaon]

Just getting in to buying a BNF drone... i have the DJI controller 2 and going to buy a dji O3 bnf 5" drone to connect it with... my question is, can i buy a BNF drone with lets say TBS Crossfire, and dissregard that reciever and just bind it directly with the DJI o3? i was thinking of either getting the ESLR or TBS on the drone in case i wanted to switch later on to another controller. will that work? or am i forced to use TBS if i order the O3 with the TBS reciver on? or will i have both options?

[@istim]

Mistakenly bought a Lite Radio 3 as my first radio. I say mistakenly because it’s terrible, and worse than that the left gimbal was sending erratic signals so it was randomly and relatively frequently max Yaw left of right. I’d not recommend their products at all. Have a TX16S ELRS now and it’s been fantastic

[@kadenwhite9992]

i have the zoro and and for me the battery lasts a long time but if your somebody that flys all day i would recommend bringing a battery back that you can put in your pocket but for me ive never had it die while im flying

[@andrewdecavia7553]

Any chance you plan to do a video like this comparing affordable goggles for someone getting into the hobby? Was considering a TinyGo for myself and the CetusX for the daughter. Love how the CetusX runs ELRS and can bind with other tiny whoops. Now looking at options vs the TinyGo, so the Zorro is a great option. Any BNF 65 whoops and goggles you can recommend?

[@deadbyteDrones]

Jumper T-lite V2 ELRS only goes up to 100mW Jumper T-pro caveat on higher power levels: Gimbal Jitter iFlight Commando 8: it doesn't have an internal module in the truest sense. The ELRS module on it is "externally wired" (so it uses External RF, not Internal RF)

[@baptiste_nonat]

I have the iflight commando 8 which is more expensive but just the best elrs compact radio you could get. I don’t include the zorro because its screen wastes everything… otherwise a great radio. If you want something compact, practical and with insane battery, go for commando 8 ! This radio just won’t die.

[@boris9885]

i was literally waiting for this video

[@Stanisslayer]

Why trotle on the left always? im more comfortable to use gas on righ. There is controlres with right trottle?

[@scottyd035ntknow]

Full size just got with the TX16S Mk2 with built in ELRS and call it a day. Or if you have a little more budget get the 4 in 1 and then an external ELRS and then you can bind with anything and Edge TX with a full color touchscreen is insanely better than any option presented here. Unless you just don't want a full size radio...

[@Adrian-sd8ck]

if you have an ExpressLRS transmitter and receiver you have many miles of range, but how do you get many miles of video transmission. Or is the video transmission through the ExpressLRS system? thank you for your nice work, have a good day

[@Senpai_Alex]

I am new and i did not know anything about fpv we can cant any controller but now i know and can u plaease make a video for good goggels i would be very happy

[@fpsninja1]

Hi matt Quick question I've recently ordered my first drone, a tinyhawk 3. It's a bnf (I brought a betafpv 2 controller before this video to use in a simulator based on your previous video lol) and some fatsharks recon goggles. My question is, if I decide to stick with fpv, should I either: A) buy more 1s batteries, and then look to upgrade to a bigger quad that takes 1s like the emax tinyhawk freestyle 2. It would accept 2 of the 1s batteries Or Buy something like the darwinfpv babyape and a receiver, but then I'd need to spend loads of money buying 2s batteries and a new charger? Thr Pro here as I see it is that it's more future proof because I could get further quads in the future but this will take a lot more money and I would aim to save it by no buying more 1s for thr tinyhawk. Thanks for your videos so far

[@Braincho]

Hi, watching it in 2023... looks like there is Radiomaster TX12 MK2 - with hall gimbals and looks pretty nice. What do you think in this scenario taking this or how would you compare it to Radiomaster Boxer for example?

[@colewrege9169]

how about the beta fpv literadio 1. no one has one a review on it and I don't have the money for the literadio 2? it this controller worth it at all or should I just get an xbox controller for a simulator?

[@Blackhawk7734]

Got a question about which controllers are best for simulation. Thank you TJ

[@Legacy2.00]

So glad you made this video amigo , keep it up ☕️

[@ChrisQuadFPV]

You still have the QX7 ? Still works good for me 😊

[@sslcm56]

Matt, could you please look into the Star Gazer drone for me?

[@oSevenTV_]

I have the jumper t-lite 4in1 controller and it doesn't have an ESLR. Do you think it's better to get an ESLR module for the controller or a drone with FRSKY R-XSR? I'm about to buy GEPRC cinelog35 v2 and install FRSKY R-XSR. what is your opinion? Thanks

[@lucafpv9034]

hey matt i am starting with fpv and you are really my inspiration!!!

[@DigitalCruzer]

i have had both jumpers and use radiomaster zoro as my daily, i had to mod my zoro to work as id like, i loved my jumper t-lite v1, but hated only one battery, the t-pro suckerd cause it was a slippery bar of soap i constantly dropped, i have nerve damaged hands.... i would realy love to see the turnigy evolution pro come in elrs

[@gbj6581]

Have you tried the Junper T20. Seems like a nice option?

[@citronovastava]

What is best budget added value/price controller only for the sim please?What is best budget added value/price controller only for the sim please?

[@jeffmorris5452]

I’m just getting started. Really new to this.

[@NorgeSquad]

Could you do a video on Decent radios. Like T20. X9D Upgraded and those

[@mtperlma]

Help! I'm looking to get into FPV drones but I'm drone-illiterate. Will A GEPRC Cinelog30 with a TBS Crossfire Nano receiver work with a JumperRC T-Lite V2 controller?

[@volaertus]

We have plenty of the zorro batteries in stock 😉 Awesome video!

[@bluelv702]

So which one would be the best out of all these! I need help, I have lil experience and would love to learn to make it into a side business. Thank you for your videos!

[@md.mahamudulislamshawcha2456]

I want to ask a question if i use any tbs crossfire long range module which receiver i have to use then? The one that comes with the long range module or receivers like radiomaster r161? I hope u will ans this

[@jasonstewart8535]

What FPV drone would you recommend for a beginner?

[@shannonhawkins1665]

I had no idea that i needed a protocol when i bought my zoro but it works on drone☺

[@SkyborneProductions]

How to reverse the scroll wheel direction for Radiomaster Zorro ?

[@GAMEmaster-ir8ge]

hi please i need help i bought mc7rb and mc6c transmitter and it cant communicate and i dont know why?

[@moneyshift8190]

Noob question, do these work with sims on a mac? Or do i need a different type of controller for that?

[@jasonwilliams1806]

What radio do you fly with? Your go to.

[@HiddenValley-g6h]

What would be the best option for spektrum receiver?

[@newera3757]

Why you not reviewing this one ? FrSky X18s Radio

[@BlueDroneBlues]

I am surprised you didn’t bring up the RadioMaster Boxer. ❤

[@seanzawko09]

I want to get into this so bad. I can’t figure out where to start? I don’t think I want dji.

[@hughburch2415]

I just broke my betafpv radio 2 se and am looking to upgrade into something I'll be able to use for a while. I'd love one of the ones you're giving away of course :) but I'm looking into the jumper t pro

[@jacksoncovington4849]

hey i have a question. i’m just starting out in this and i’m wondering what the difference is between the cc2500, 4-1, and the ELRS is when i click on the Zorro link. if you happen to know, that would be very appreciated.

[@augustin72]

I don't find the radiomaster zorro for 100$ in my country is 150$😢 still worth the money??

[@amorton94]

I bought a TX12 awhile ago, so this makes me feel alright about my choice. Not that it really matters though, because I have yet to even power on the FPV quad I bought. Too daunting. I've been wanting to play with a simulator but don't have a PC at home, only a macbook, so I've just let it complete dust instead. 😅

[@timon72489]

You can run orqa fpv skydive on almost every device and it's free

[@amorton94]

@@timon72489 I'll give it a shot later today! Thank you.

[@DanMirkz]

Awesome vid. Currently in the process of searching for my first 'real' controller. Had my tinyhawk 2 RTF kit for a couple weeks and looking to upgrade to something more premium. Have been checking out the Zorro or possibly even extending for a TX16S as these seem to be quite popular. I don't really want to be feeling like I need/want to upgrade again in 6 months time (but even with a TX16S who knows if I'll want to stick with that). How would you compare the zorro/tx12 & tx16s ? Is the 16s really worth double the price for the max or is the base mark 2 good enough for a newbie?

[@MrAlucardDante]

The Max just has metal buttons and a carbon fiber faceplate. You are paying extra just for looks. Don't buy the Max unless you got money burning a hole in your pocket.

[@DanMirkz]

@@MrAlucardDante Ended up getting the base model and to be honest I'm not disappointed at all. Glad I didn't stretch for the extra fluff. Was a little worried the base radio would feel a bit too plastic etc, but it feels solidly built and has a quality feel. I'm sure the Max is great, but perhaps I just upgrade components at a later date or add another one to my collection after I've matured in the hobby.

[@vinnies8in]

you have come long way good stuff

[@vital_pal]

Thanks for the video! can I use all these controllers with a simulator on windows?

[@alfaisalalmaawali2718]

Do you know a flying simulator works with DJI mini 2 controller?

[@blackterminal]

Have you tried the Boxer?

[@jarzan1653]

HE IS BACK🎉

[@lennchadful]

great video. im going to go with the TX12 V2 as i like the traditional look over the game controller look. i love the DJI FPC controller, but im usually not a fan of the gaming controller for FPV. im brand new to FPV, i actually bought a full kit but sold it because im scared lol. i have ZERO throttle management. i have decided to suck it up and learn it. now to find a budget FPV drone build. do you know a channel that has any videos showing some? lol

[@kalooniee]

Train your throttle control in a simulator! You can even switch to horizon mode with angle limiting to prevent flipping over 🙂

[@MarcusFPV]

Mr Matt! Would you be able to hook me up with a model for beta fpv literadio3 pro? Trying to teach myself to make one but I’m struggling.

[@ryanmason491]

Great video Matt 👍, daft question but do drones generally come with a 'return to home' feature as standard? And is that straight forward to set up with one of the switches/buttons?

[@DanRichmondFPV]

Most FPV drones no. If it has a GPS module installed on it then yes it's easy to setup

[@l_lov3_my_cat]

How do i know what Remote is compatible with what Simulator???

[@WhattaFook]

I went with 2nd hand stuffs. Bought a actually new Emax E8 for simulator for 10€ and a Jumper T20 in mint condition for 45€.

[@TACOMAN2355]

I got two questions 1.why not talk about the base model tx16s the cheapest one cost $200? 2. Why haven’t you talked about the radio master pocket it only cost $65?

[@jiujitsu6744]

What camera should i get for my drone?

[@jacky0621]

Are all of those controllers usable for the Simulator?

[@PsychoticEwok]

i've been looking to get a radio been playing a couple of the simulators, using an xbox controller and feel like it's really holding me back does anyone know if the jumper t pro V2 will work ok with the simulators?

[@sathviknarayan7057]

Can we connect it to any drone and any simulator

[@detomatorcz910]

Which one is best for pincher ?

[@joelmulder]

I love the Jumper T-light, but WHY does it not have a lanyard hook? Absolute dealbreaker…