Display RSSI in your BetaFlight OSD with FrSky XM // XM+ // XM Plus // No telemetry // Full Setup

If you're using a receiver that's telemetry enabled like the FrSky R-XSR, it will automatically show the RSSI on your Taranis transmitter. But what if you're using an FrSky XM and full range XM+ that don't have telemetry?
In this video I show you how to use the RSSI data on channel 8 or 16 of an XM or XM+ and setup BetaFlight to display it on the OSD in your goggles.
XM+ firmware : bit.ly/35vc7g4
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[@leffler2]

Thanks WB! Your helping a lot of newer folks understand these setups!

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helps. Thanks for watching.

[@vizzieizzy]

Thank you so much! Older video but still applies. I got the new Radiomaster Rx-R81 rx which are basically Frysky that you don't have to flash and I could not get RSSI on my OSD. This cleared that up and now I'm good. Thanks again, other videos bounced around the store you covered 👍

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@SirFlukealot]

Excellent guide, got mine working just the same, good to know when I'm going to drop out of range well ahead of time. Working on the XM+ beautifully

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@pavlosgrivas343]

BRILIANT!! Articulate, correct and to the point. Bravo.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@sbqp3]

Thanks a bunch for the thorough walkthrough and explanations. This helped me a lot, I appreciate it.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped!

[@johnvodopija]

Thank you for sharing this very useful information. I use xm and xm+ on all my quads and now know how to configure rssi thanks to you. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@padroooo]

As usual you were a big help. I need repetition to remember all this stuff. Thank You sir.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Me too.

[@justinjohnson5752]

Thank you! No other videos covered the RSSI ADC switch.

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's seriously misunderstood but so many people at all levels.

[@TonyChallis]

Thanks for the very informative video. It helped me sort out the RSSI on my XM+ I have " Liked and Subscribed" as we all should when we come accross treasures like this.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching and the sub.

[@swimadamswim]

Brilliant video and so helpful. I have the XM+ and got this feature enabled and another tool in the armoury for a lost drone ! Cheers

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@swimadamswim]

@@WhirlyBloke hi. Really could do with some help.as new to FPV. Would you have a FB messenger link ? Really informative videos. One Brit to another ! Cheers Adam

[@imager09tube]

Excellent one of the best explanation I have seen!

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks for the feedback - it's always appreciated. This has been a popular video, so I must have got something right. 😕

[@dakzer55]

Thank you for this. I am considering changing my rekon 5 to use a BN-880 GPS module so I can try iNav. This video is good news to me that my existing Frsky XM+ receiver has already been flashed with the RSSI firmware.

[@chrisflint6479]

Best description of this issue, thanks.

[@WhirlyBloke]

You're welcome!

[@sebwer7]

Perfect mate realy useful especially I am just setting it in my XM receiver and has always 20 now I kno why thx again !!!

[@WhirlyBloke]

Yep, that catches so many people out.

[@RebelGoatFPV]

Perfect, thanks for the excellent tutorial! Got my XM+ RSSI working.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks for watching.

[@FPVHans]

Wow! That helped me a lot! To bad i have already soldered my xm+ with the wrong firmware to the flightcontroller :( Hopefully i will have some time the other day to fix it. Thank you so much for explaining!

[@WhirlyBloke]

It doesn't take long to fix it up.

[@paraurti]

thank you! very useful video, I have a xm+ and I was going crazy... now it is working. liked and subscribed!

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@paraurti]

@@WhirlyBloke thank you mate

[@tremorflow3614]

Fantastic Video!! Helped me sort out my XM+

[@WhirlyBloke]

So many people get confused over this - I just had to do a how-to video. I'm glad it helped.

[@NickKendle]

Extremely helpful video, thank you so much.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samdharma350]

Explained so clearly 🙏🙏🙏

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks for watching.

[@ocedric]

Perfect ! It finally works thanks to you...

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@Wow88z]

Solved my RSSI problem too. I was stuck at 0% RSSI and this helped me. I just had to enable the RSSI to channel 16 in the receiver tab and now it shows my RSSI values about 85-99%

[@WhirlyBloke]

Awesome. Glad it helped. That's why I do these videos.

[@fpvnme4845]

subbed due to your time doing this cheers pal

[@WhirlyBloke]

This is one of the most misunderstood areas on RSSI/telemetry/OSD There's lots of mis-information out there that's confusing.

[@user-dl2vz5pm9m]

Thank you friend,even though I don't know English very well I'm from Russia,but your video helped me GOOD luck I just got into this hobby and only learn everything from the very bottom.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad to hear that!

[@chrissofpv3017]

Many thanks!..I could never get RSSI working,.. I did it SUCCESSFULLY yesterday,on 3 of my homebuild,non Crossfire kwads,thanks to you= SUBBED !!.👍🤸🍺🍺🐈

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@orechris21]

Very helpful video! Keep it up you help us noobs!

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks, will do!

[@donphobos]

Great video. I could finally solve this on my Phoenix 2,5" with XM+ receiver. Thank you!

[@WhirlyBloke]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@zawisza__czarny]

Super explained , thank you very much.

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[@sebofpv3219]

I learned something ! Thank you 😃

[@WhirlyBloke]

You’re welcome 😊

[@xyk_fpv]

Thank you . Was very helpful .Now I get RSSI on my googles .

[@WhirlyBloke]

You are welcome

[@JDnator]

You are a legend! Cheers 👍

[@WhirlyBloke]

Wow, thanks

[@MegaSchweiger]

Also for me it was very helpfull. Many thanks Mario

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@furulevi]

Thanks for the tip at 10:55!

[@WhirlyBloke]

Everyone misses that.

[@stevenrusso7298]

Fantastic video

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks.

[@gregorydahl]

Thanks . That clears up the reason rssi stays at a value when the tx is off . I could have been flying along looking at rssi value and then lose control , go into failsafe but think it seems to be holding steady when I'm way out there (until everything dropped )

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped.

[@gregorydahl]

@@WhirlyBloke New ones the osd in the flight controller sends rssi display to goggles over the video out wire to the vtx and the vtx antenna to your goggles . No tx telemetry channel configuratio on d8 with eart ARM MODES TURT . AND THE TX SAID " RSSI LOW " . WHAT A UNMESS OF STUFF HAPPENS IN 3 YEARS

[@doktordrone]

thank you very much for this useful sharing, may all the best for you 👍👍👌🍺❤️

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@VFXDuude]

thanks a lot! flying for a long time but never know it!

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's an easy one to miss or mis-understand. Thanks for the feedback.

[@babakzekibi315]

Thanks that works perfectly

[@WhirlyBloke]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@michey7822]

Great and very clear! Thanks

[@WhirlyBloke]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@Hurikaneful]

Thank you! Ivo Silva- Planaltina/ Brasilia-DF - - Brazil

[@WhirlyBloke]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@nickvledder]

Great explanation. It was hard for me to grasp the idea that the Rx transmits the rssi to the Tx, which transmits this rssi (clibrated if necessary) to the Rx, which passes it on to Bètaflight, passing it over to the vtx to be displayed on the osd. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@WhirlyBloke]

You're not the only one to get confused. Glad it helped.

[@ecavinato]

The best tutorial,

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@RobertAlexanderRM]

Thanks a lot Sir!

[@WhirlyBloke]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@Hellmuthsilva]

Hello, I got the diatone r349 and I went with frsky R-XSR and after I have done what you did. I got no rssi on bf only on radio so I saw you said it needs to update software. I did that and now I get a value but is only 49 so how can I fix that?

[@nglonglonvideosdiraf7635]

Great Video thank you very much :) very helpfull

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks. And thanks for watching.

[@UmKa-xv8xk]

very good thx u!!!

[@JMathieson]

Thanks

[@EricLaermans]

Thanks a lot!

[@WhirlyBloke]

No problem.

[@hoschie86]

Thx!

[@mrtokyo1989]

Thank you :)

[@WhirlyBloke]

No problem.

[@tedang77]

Thank you

[@WhirlyBloke]

Thanks for watching.

[@imcrazy695]

Hii, I would like to know which is better the "emax hawk 5" or the "diatone gtr 349" thank you!!.....love all your videos btw!

[@user-eq9oq7nd1d]

Хорошее и нужное видео.

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

Thanks man! I had my RSSI to analog thingy turned on ! and I was getting 12 to 13 % LQ - Also The RSSI channel wouldnt allow me to set it. Now I am ready to do a test flight

[@WhirlyBloke]

That's why I did the video cos the majority get this wrong. I'm really glad it helped.

[@RC-Flight]

Excellent video and thanks for pointing out about the settings! I guess though unless I do the FPV WTF hack on my DJI V2 goggles, I won’t be able to see the rssi % anyways?

[@WhirlyBloke]

That's correct. Thanks for watching.

[@feryllafpv9010]

hello mine rssi is not getting lower is growing how to fix this?

[@2d-reginaldomariakristinan330]

I understand and learn more than Bardwell's version. Honestly.

[@WhirlyBloke]

You flatter me. Thanks for watching. New stuff coming soon.

[@hafizuddinismail443]

thanks!.. got the answer. was wondering why rssi aux keep disabled after refresh

[@WhirlyBloke]

This catches loads of people out. This explains all kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfPf5SNisp0d7c

[@FRY_FPV]

Could you help with the ACCESS firmware on the XM receiver? I can't see the RSSI value, in fact, I can't see anything in the Telemetry page of the taranis after discovering sensors

[@WhirlyBloke]

I've kept away from ACCESS, so I can't really help.

[@CHDGREATEST]

Hi, in the second quad that you show in this video, still the signal icon can't appear in the Taranis remote display right?

[@WhirlyBloke]

Correct. Fundamentally, if the RX doesn't have telemetry, you can't display RSSI on your TX - only on the OSD in your goggles.

[@jonasdeleon5846]

Hi WB, great video learned a lot! However, on my Geprc Cinepro 4K F7 i have an XM+ and i can see the RSSI signal on aux12 but not on my Taranis...I also cannot see OSD/ telemetry on my Goggles. Is this the firmware of the receiver or the vtx is not sending the data? The quad is flashed with BF 4.0. Help!

[@WhirlyBloke]

The xm+ doesn't have telemetry so you can't get it on your transmitter. But you can have it on your OSD as I explain. If you want it on your transmitter get an R-XSR receiver. They are about 50% more expensive.

[@bwasfpv]

i cant seem to display the rssi..it show zero..

[@pateachongthu]

My xm+ receiver only works within 100mter range. Quite strange

[@abin3475]

10:55 why telemetry output in your bfsetup on?

[@JonJon501]

I've followed the entire vid closely. When on ch 8 or 16, it shows a constant RSSI of 49 and doesn't change. On other channels it shows 0. Can you help me with this. Using an XM+

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's difficult to analyse what your problem is without having it in my lab. But, I suggest starting again and double/triple checking everything. This technique does work and I use it on all my quads that have the XM+. Let me know if you fix it.

[@alba2946]

do you have to bind the reciever (on 1-16 CHmode) with or without RSSI ? using a XM+ thx

[@WhirlyBloke]

It's easiest to bind 1-16. Some people prefer 1-8 cos of the shorter frame time, but for most humans it's not noticeable. I assume you mean Telemetry, not RSSI (makes no sense otherwise). It doesn't matter for the XM+. The Telemetry option is needed when you have multiple receivers.

[@nevercry8115]

I still have dubs about the rssi channel that fluctuates. I am going to explain why that. I bought the modula 7 drone with the the FrSky XM+ EU-LBT. By default the channel 16 behaves like your case, that's not stable. So i decided, through betaflight settings, to disable the external receiver (XM+) and enable the on board Frsky receiver (Not EU). After done the pairing, the rssi is stable as it should be (no fluctuations) Does the rssi on the external rssi really work?

[@WhirlyBloke]

I've been relying in the direct RSSI signal from XM+ for a long time. It's never going to be 100% accurate but is perfect for showing you when you should start thinking about turning back or moving a bit quicker behind a building or something and not get an RXLOSS. If you're concerned that's not good enough, just use an R-XSR and implement the full telemetry loop via your transmitter. Or upgrade to CrossFire if you've got the the money.

[@edwinroper5458]

i triedto turn on the invert in the cli but couldnt whats the command for that i tried the the one i thought was it but it said unknown command

[@WhirlyBloke]

set rssi_invert = ON and set rssi_invert = OFF

[@swimadamswim]

hi again, is there anyway at all to get the RSSI showing on my Jumper T16 - obv just RSSI and no other telemetry? Or would i need to invest in R-XSR for TX telemetry? thanks

[@WhirlyBloke]

You'll need a receiver with telemetry to do that. Like the R-XSR.

[@domanater480]

Had a random rxLoss with my xm+ today not even 150m out. What caused it possibly ?

[@WhirlyBloke]

Difficult to say cos it depends on the environment. But it's a good idea to check it in a known good area.

[@lukeiam0]

Thank you for the video! I have a question in regard to "fiddle with all the scaling" comment 3:50. I am used to XM+ and am displaying RSSI signal as you described here. Recently I built a quad to R-XSR to gain the telemetry. However, my RSSI signal is constantly low. When my radio is a foot away, I dont get more than 56%. When I fly it does not get far to be under 40% and start the warning. What do I need to change?

[@lukeiam0]

OMG! I fixed it. I was googling using the wrong words. I used "scaling" in my search and found I needed to do this: set rssi_scale = 200 Seems the scale in R-XSR is different from XM+. Thanks!

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@lukeiam0 Good find.

[@alessandrogaietta8058]

@@lukeiam0 My new drone with R-XSR is always displaying RSSI = 49 in OSD. On the opposite, my XM+ is always > 75 and I had a failsafe at 65. Where did you find the proper scalings to apply?

[@stickboyfpv4742]

If 12 is 16.. wouldnt 4 be 8? Not 5? Great vid thank youu!

[@andrewdahawk]

What if the signal strength is flashing between 8-10 on the OSD on my tinyhawk3 rtf?

[@WhirlyBloke]

If the signal strength is flashing between 8-10 on the OSD (on-screen display) on your Tinyhawk3 RTF, it could indicate that there are intermittent signal losses between your transmitter (controller) and receiver. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as interference from other electronic devices or physical obstructions between your transmitter and receiver. To troubleshoot the issue, you can try the following: 1. Make sure your transmitter batteries are fully charged and that the transmitter is on the same frequency as the receiver. 2. Check the antenna on both your transmitter and receiver to make sure they are properly installed and not damaged. 3. Move closer to the drone and see if the signal improves. If it does, then the issue may be related to distance or obstructions. 4. Try changing the channel or frequency on your transmitter to avoid interference from other devices in the area. 5. Consider upgrading your antennas to high-gain antennas to improve signal strength and range. It's important to address signal strength issues before flying your drone to ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience.

[@RHINOTACTICAL]

Quick question....so I am going to order a iflight nazgul 5 inch but I waht an xm receiver because i have that ib my little quads....but it says xm+ no telemtry as a choice. Does this mean it wont even display battery voltage and stuff like that theough my goggles? And I take it that your videobshows us how to link this up? I have a tyrannis xlite radio and fatshark box goggles. Please let me know. I subbed to your channel thankyou!!

[@WhirlyBloke]

With and XM+ you can see see your battery voltage etc in the goggles as well as the RSSI.

[@piobrzo152]

For XM+ I STRONGLY recommend to set up the scale and offset to 200 and -100 correspondingly. I assume it corresponds to WEIGHT and OFFSET settings on the transmitter in case of telemetry capable receivers (like R-XSR). Otherwise the RSSI shown in OSD is way to high. I noticed the RX LOST shortly after the RSSI of 70 was displayed. When this scaling is applied it gives 2*70-100 -> 40 !!! - the diffrence is significant and it grows with signal weakening - for 90 it gives 80, for 80 - 60 and for 70 - 40.

[@WhirlyBloke]

That's correct. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@piobrzo152]

@@WhirlyBloke My xm+ fitted quad is sitting in the corn field waiting for a combine to come and crush it ;) I did not set the scaling up and rx_lost happened at RSSI 6X (3X after scaling)

[@feryllafpv9010]

hello i have same problem how do u set this to be able to see the real rssi i have same problem

[@likulakuku]

Hope this method is not expired yet.. I have a problem with my RSSI that atuck only in 50%. It has no change at all wherever i go.. near or far, it keeps only 49 in my OSD. I use R9M module in QX7 TX and R9mini ota receiver.. Please help.. I really stucked already in trying to fix this problem. Thank you.

[@jlauby7777]

Been doing it wrong. Now know why. Ty.. J

[@WhirlyBloke]

You're not the first one. Glad this helped.

[@revd13]

Great info. Solved my issue! Only thing that would have made this 100%. Talk faster, be more concise :)

[@WhirlyBloke]

Settings -> Playback speed -> 2

[@revd13]

@@WhirlyBloke lol you and I think alike. 😁

[@WhirlyBloke]

​@@revd13I can't remember the last time I broke a prop. 3 years ago, my flight bag was full of them and now I don't even bother taking spares out. I must be doing something right or not trying hard enough. BTW the reason I want HD on a cinewhoop is cos people pay for it. I get loads of work indoors, on stage and in tight spaces where they want HD footage around people and breakable things. But wait until you see my next build. It's gonna be scary.....

[@seanscott4503]

no firmware on frsky page.. is there somewhere else i can get the firmware

[@WhirlyBloke]

bit.ly/35vc7g4

[@smdemmery]

@@WhirlyBloke To be more precise I think he means there is no firmware with the Telem. that link takes you to the ACESS firmware (which I dont want) & one that says XM PLUS (Mini SBUS Non-telemetry Full Range) Have frSky removed it perhaps? Or am I confused, quite probably :-) Great Channel BTW

[@seanscott4503]

@@smdemmery yes your right i found is its on the frsky site understand firmware at the bottom its a download tab towards the left of the screen

[@slyplaymike1]

Is it just me ? Im not finding those files on FrSky xm download page

[@WhirlyBloke]

They deliberately make it hard to find in my opinion. www.frsky-rc.com/xm-plus-mini-sbus-non-telemetry-full-range/ Expand the ACCST D16 FIRMWARE link History firmware DOWNLOAD (not compatible with v2.x.x) hit DOWNLOAD link to get the firmware. Very annoying

[@slyplaymike1]

@@WhirlyBloke Works. Thank you so much for your help and response its really appreciated.👍👍

[@smdemmery]

Anyone tried to do this recently? I think the link to the files have changed, seems very limited options either ACCESS or Non Telem Firmware. I think we need file XM+FCC170313-RSSI16.frk but I cant find it anywhere. :-(

[@smdemmery]

Ha that didnt take long only been looking all night & then noticed the link with history files on the same page trying to avoid version v2.1.0 as TX and all other Rx need to be upgraded

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@smdemmery There's a download link at the bottom of that page to get the old firmwares. Grab 'em quick.

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@smdemmery I wonder why FrSky is making it hard to find their firmware. 😏

[@smdemmery]

@@WhirlyBloke Understand they are attempting to make people foolishly upgrade to 2.1.0 which I understand locks users out to switch to the Jumper Tx range. They dont like competition it seems :-)

[@WhirlyBloke]

@@smdemmery They're going all Apple on us.

[@pearlwinston5033]

xm plus failsafes when close ??

[@WhirlyBloke]

Yes. If the tx is to close to the rx you lose connection.

[@pearlwinston5033]

@@WhirlyBloke I'm on EU firmware RSSI enabled in Osd but it goes from 20 to 99 all the time / failsafed once further away so I'll have to replace with an r xsr... Don't trust it anymore :/

[@NicuIrimia]

new BF messed this up. not working anymore

[@702Wolfi]

yep not working for me either on 10.5.1

[@lukeclancy5007]

type "get rssi" into the cli and make sure rssi_channel is set to match your rssi receiver channel. I also had to set the rssi_scale to 100 to get it to read accurately.

[@jlauby7777]

Prolly wont be the last either. Lol.