Good for Drift? Radiomaster MT12 FULL SETUP on a RWD RC Drift Car

This new Radiomaster controller is MAKING WAVES in the surface RC world.
One of the biggest questions I got: Can this $130 radio really work well for RC drifting? That is what I look to find out in today's video.
See more about the Radiomaster MT12 here: www.radiomasterrc.com/product...
The main competitors to this controller:
- Flysky Noble NB4:
- Futaba 4PM: bit.ly/479mFjS
Video timeline:
0:00 MT12
0:41 Installation
1:22 PROBLEM
2:56 Drifting
3:26 Gyro Gain
6:00 Solution
7:33 Steering Reverse
8:12 Jitters
10:26 Throttle EXP
14:02 Result
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Music provided by the KZbin library.

[@pkendall64]

Hi, I'm one of the ELRS devs. All ELRS PWM receivers can be configured to output SBUS on one of the pins. The easiest way is to put the receiver into wifi mode and connect to it with a laptop and configure one of the pins for Serial and set the protocol to SBUS. The pin that can do serial will depend on the receiver. In an upcoming version we have affordances in the UI to show what features are available on which pins.

[@RoadsideRC]

Oh my!!! This is very interesting! If you are familiar with the RC drift world at all, there are certain components from Futaba and Acuvance that offer the SBUS connections. When doing so, the gyro or ESC can then be tuned from the controller. If you can help show us new folks how to do that...then this controller is doing things we currently pay $250+ for!!!!

[@SamZombiXBL]

Can you provide a link to the hardware you are talking about?@@RoadsideRC

[@gvngoheavy]

Hey @pkendall64 Is there a way to make that sbus port be a ws2812 rgb led control by running a lua script on the radio?

[@gammagonad1657]

EDGE TX and ELRS are very powerful tools. You can basically do anything you can imagine, you just have to know how to do it. It’s definitely something that you need to learn more about though. It’s not like all of the “dumb” transmitters the are very prevalent in the RC ground hobby. I also come from the FPV drone world, so I had a much easier time than you lol. One tip is that with ELRS AUX1(channel 5) needs to be in the high position for everything to work properly. It’s basically the “Arming” switch for drones. Things like variable power output etc, will not work if it is not in the high position. If it is not being used, just set it to max all the time. Watch Joshua Bardwell‘s videos on it. He’s a drone guru that is also getting into ground vehicles with the MT12, and is very Edge TX savvy.

[@gammagonad1657]

Just got to the EdgeTX and ELRS pages. They are both open source projects, there is exceptional documentation and the community is always there to help

[@verigone2677]

Also, keep in mind that this is an OpenSource controller, meaning as more drifters get this controller the better it can be customized for that purpose.

[@RoadsideRC]

Exactly! Could be GREAT

[@JPspinFPV]

These are really well built radios and EdgeTX is a very powerful tool for your setup. Once you get through a few setups you'll get the hang of it. RadioMaster, EdgeTx, and the ELRS devs are really killing it.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I think it has a TON of potential!

[@idealautofactory]

Oh nice. A full setup video. 🙌🏾

[@funeralatpizzahut]

exciting video! can't wait to see what people do with this transmitter

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree 100%!!!

[@dirtyfingersninja]

perfect im in the market for a new radio was looking at this vs the 4pm. thanks for all the drift videos, def helped me get set up.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help! If you are able to swing the extra $$$, I would suggest going with the 4PM if you are looking for drift-specific radio. This is MOSTLY because of the connections to the Futaba GYD550 and easier setup. If you are thinking about using it for a variety of uses - then maybe go with the Radiomaster.

[@dirtyfingersninja]

@@RoadsideRC i was leaning this way, glad you mentioned it. it was gonna be my next question!

[@slappomatthew]

there are TONS of videos on setting up opentx ( the previous version of edgeTX) on youtube. if you search for what you want to do there is almost certainly a video on how to do it.

[@idealautofactory]

Amen. Easier because we are used to it. This radio is definitely gonna be my next purchase. Potential is through the roof.

[@RoadsideRC]

Sweet! I need some smart brains like yours to help figure out all of the potential.

[@power21100]

​@@RoadsideRCi would recommend giving Joshua Bardwell's tutorial a go, he's great at sharing those tips and tricks with edge tx

[@narr0wm1nd49]

@@power21100 Bardwell is good so is Painless360.

[@hughjanus5518]

ArminRC has some good ones as well.

[@princefpv1]

For a drone guy this tx is best bro best love it

[@idealautofactory]

OH MY GOSH! The throttle exp feature is my kind of party!

[@RoadsideRC]

YES! Very tunable. Just imagine once we start to really crack open the power of this thing!

[@billyb5057]

seems setting it up is complex and a real learning curve good luck *💯always full views💢Au👍hit the like👍*

[@princefpv1]

Good thing I'm a drone guy before drifter all.set up is super easy love this radio

[@hughjanus5518]

Same. If you're a tinkerer this thing is a dream. I find myself playing with just the radio discovering new features. My name is Randall amd I'm a nerd.

[@idealautofactory]

“Look at us” I was definitely trying to solve this with you actually. 😂

[@RoadsideRC]

KZbin video: 9min Real-world time: 1hr, with lots of head scratching. :)

[@gainsrc]

Looking forward tovgetting one of these to tinker with. Should be a ton of expansion capability here. Thanks for the video.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help! We need the community to really help with this - our collective brains working on how to figure it out.

[@niz76]

I already preordered mine to replace my crappy Kyosho controller I've been racing with. Coming from FPV world and just getting into surface RC racing the timing is fantastic. My Tango2 FPV controller uses FreedomTX (similar to OpenTX and EdgeTX) so hopefully I can catch on to this fairly quickly...

[@gainsrc]

@@niz76 I had no idea you were into fpv.. would be awesome to get some chase cam footage next time we are at the track.

[@niz76]

@@gainsrc Yep. My batts are kinda trashed from sitting unused so long, but yes I do have a 5" w/Gopro that would make killer chase footage. We'll have 2 make it happen sometime soon.

[@theanxiousbagel]

When you're in inputs and mixes and the source is flashing you should be able to just use whatever input and the radio will detect it, so you don't have to scroll through. I'm really excited to get my hands on this radio!

[@RoadsideRC]

I thought the same thing - but couldn't get it to actually do it. Perhaps I was just doing something wrong.

[@thomasblair7996]

Great video,but alot of things I do not know, seems to have a awful lot to offer,great to have you to be able to explain alot of it!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I feel I am barely scratching the surface on this one!

[@princefpv1]

Mine will be here next week

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Hope you like it!

[@philipeville9506]

To get rid of the steering jitters, turn on the ADC filter in the model settings.

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Good job on staying with it. Looks to be a solid controller with a really smart interface. Maybe smarter than me. I’m sure for competitive rc it’s gonna be worth looking at!💯😎👊🏼

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi there! Question: ADC filter was set to "global" as you see it in the video. Changing it to "on" or "off" seem to make no difference. That was on menu #2. Other ideas?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I've set up my Gyro parameters to the P1 knob. Felt to me like a more organic way of adjusting the amount of countersteer. It's a deep radio, no doubt, and I think we're just scratching the surface!

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree! This radio has a lot of potential. A couple local software engineers just picked them up. I am going to keep pushing them to help figure it all out.

[@RoadsideRC]

Also - I didn't think you did much drifting. Which chassis do you have?

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@RoadsideRC ​​⁠I don’t do a ton, still getting the hang of it. But I’ve got a Yokomo YD2-S and a Reve-D RDX. Great fun and so Zen when you get it right.

[@8da11en]

You can set up simple expo without custom curve, when editing an input change the diff option to expo and set a percent, positive is more sensitive near 0, negative more sensitive at the extremes less near 0. Can also be set on mixes but usually more flexible and better to set on input.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the input!!! There is a lot to learn with this controller.

[@crazylarryjr]

The chattering of the wheels (what we used to call it is possibly a sensitivity setting) I had a Associated RC10GT i converted to electric, on anything other than blacktop it wouldn't hold straight when i nailed the throttle, I used a heli gyro to compensate for the bad weight distributing of the conversion. When I had the sensitivity up, it'd chatter like that, Could also be a servo program issue as well, no experience there.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I don't think it is the gyro - as it didn't do that with a different controller. It is something about the signal coming from the controller.

[@narr0wm1nd49]

I suspect if the MT12 does as well as the reviews suggest we will see more surface radios from Radiomaster. My wild guess is that we will see at least two more in a year. A budget model at the $60~ price point. Likely a much smaller screen and maybe not hall effect trigger or wheel. Then we will see a $200~ model that will be a color touch screen among other improvements. All will be ELRS or 4in1 and have module support. This is the first edgeTX surface radio that wasn't made in someone's basement. I suspect we will start to see surface radio features filter in and in that year we will see fast improvement. The real question is will anyone follow Radiomaster with surface radios. Both Jumper and Betafpv make edge tx radios with ELRS. Both of those could easily ship surface radios. Then the next question is would would flysky ship a surface radio with edgetx? They do have a the EL18 that runs edgetx. And there are community builds for a few of their other radios.

[@RoadsideRC]

I love your thinking here! I truly do believe this radio could be a game-changer. BUT, it will require a larger learning curve than many other radios. IF Radiomaster can come out with one that has an easier user interface, then I expect it will be immensely popular. N

[@Splinterx182]

Here is another potential use case for ELRS. It has a feature called Airport which lets you use a second set of ELRS tx and rx as a wireless data tunnel so you could potentially use it for tuning your esc with a program card wirelessly

[@RoadsideRC]

Oh my! That could be epic!!! And I have no clue how to do that... :)

[@FinalSlice]

Whats up roadside, so about the jitter issue, I purchased some new servos to replace the rtr servos in my kyosho, stock servos worked fine no jitter on any voltage. the new servos have the jitter but only on HV 7.4 lipo pack but not with regular AA batteries in the receiver.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@Splinterx182]

One of the thing I've noticed with ELRS is that the channels values are unfiltered. Meaning that they are very noisy since the potentiometers in the remote are not always going to be 100% precise. I always had servo chatter with ELRS. Drone flight controllers usually have an input filter to smooth out the input signal, we don't have that when we connect a servo directly the reciever

[@RoadsideRC]

Maybe that is why my steering servo has the jitters!

[@techstuff6829]

@@RoadsideRC As has already been said, you might try turning on the ADC filter in the per-model settings. This adds a bit of filtering to the sticks to remove jitter in the analog-to-digital conversion of the potentiometer position.

[@JacobScherer]

There is a hardware issue with many of the ELRS PWM RX's where there is a bunch of data blasted out on CH2 of the RX on boot up. This is not a problem that can be fixed with firmware. RC Video Reviews has a video from August on the issue and how to figure out which RX's are impacted. As you found, there are servos out there that don't like this blast of data on boot, and I worry there will be ESCs that don't like it either, so I don't know if moving the ESC to CH2 is going to be the solution for everyone.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! Thanks for the info.

[@radmoore4998]

I use edge tx in air planes with t16s uses same software looks like ,try calibration the the controller in the calibration setting?

[@RoadsideRC]

I can try! What would that help me with?

[@ceh_rc]

Troy, probably you've figured out already, but did you change pwm port speed/frequency. It is default value is 50Hz, that gives us delay about 20ms, but it can be raised up to 400Hz. System->ELRS->receiver->port mapping. Also, you better check if reciever and transmitter has equal version of firmware - that could be reason of problem in start consequince. If you will update receiver by web interface, probably you will fail with that, than you need ordinary ttl adapter like FT232RL.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the tips!

[@user-qd2mk3gu3e]

Does this transmitter control the built-in gyroscope in other brands of receivers? Flysky, radiolink built-in gyro

[@RoadsideRC]

Great question! I don't know yet!

[@polizei16]

Has anyone made a force feedback controller? The tech in the PS5 controller triggers is really amazing when used.

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope - I have not!

[@DJ.1001]

Would like to see you check out the dumbo ddf350. It's the cheapest full color screen radio

[@RoadsideRC]

I have not seen that one. I will need to check it out!

[@timmyd463229]

I ordered one form aliexpress but canceled it once I found out about the mt12 lol

[@kpopRC]

avoid channel 2 on the reciever all together. some servos/gyros will stop the reciever from booting.

[@kpopRC]

i believe it's some kind of Sbus startup on boot. that locks the reciever on channel 2. there may be a fix. not sure

[@RoadsideRC]

I got it to work on channel 2. Just had to reassign throttle and steering. Still has that little jitter - but works. Have helped a few local folks set them up as well this way. So far, so good!

[@howardkey6152]

Apparently it has better latency than the Nobel nb4. It’s also a lot cheaper and open source. The last part could be good or bad but I feel it’s a plus.

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree! This controller has the opportunity to really change things in the surface world - we just need the smart folks to help figure it out!

[@Bluespade115]

Wanted to ask, have you done a review on Flysky GT3C, I have heard it is good with lower/mid lvl parts, but really bad with higher lvl parts. I run one and really like it, but would like to know if its worth upgrading once I start upgrading or will it be a good long use controller. Thank You

[@RoadsideRC]

The GT3C is actually what I started drifting with as well. Once I went into the Futaba controllers, I did find better performance. With that said - I do have a GT3C on the workbench for a drift video!

[@Bluespade115]

@@RoadsideRC I just upgraded my GT3C to a MT12!! Your The Best!! Thank You for the Videos!!

[@RoadsideRC]

@@Bluespade115 Glad to help!

[@MrAaronBahner]

What are you using for the drift barriers?

[@RoadsideRC]

Some cheap pieces I made - here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIrcpYh3i8uLjM0

[@kellykuretich6366]

👍👍😎😎

[@johndavid7840]

I really enjoyed your video and thanks, I have a Q regarding MT12 if you figure it yet, if not no problem 1- Can I set a back light with only back throttle 2- can we set a head lights with only a front throttle 3- along with the previous setting can we set the lights to a different channel as stand alon

[@RoadsideRC]

Great question! I see where you are going there. Assuming each was on a different channel on the receiver, and that they were each hooked to a basic light controller - I think you could.

[@johndavid7840]

That's a good news, in this case we can use all the rest of the buttons, for lights works independent, at the same time functions with throttle front/back, steering left/right, enabled/disabled, parking, etc. now you have a new project/video, good luck for us, we will customize all vehicles, and I will consider this controller the most fun and useful controller

[@narr0wm1nd49]

@@johndavid7840 You absolutely can do this with edgetx. One basic way to do it is you setup 'logical' switches that represent the lights. Then setup conditions that change toggle the state of the logical switches. Then the logical switches are tied to correct output and it all works. You can setup driving lights for forward, backups lights for reverse. You could set high beams at specific throttle input.

[@Limitless_Potato]

Did you ever figure out the jittering? I am having the same issue but a bit more agressive

[@RoadsideRC]

I never did. It didn't seem to bother drifting at all, so I just ignored it.

[@Limitless_Potato]

​@@RoadsideRCI resolved my issue by changing frequency to 333hz through the receivers wifi

[@RoadsideRC]

@@Limitless_Potato Nice tip!

[@rm4213]

Which one would you recommend radiomaster or futaba 3PV?

[@RoadsideRC]

This Radiomaster has A LOT more features than the 3PV.... But the 3PV is MUCH more user friendly. I would go Radiomaster.

[@rm4213]

@@RoadsideRC Ok I ask because I found a deal for a 3PV for $90 bucks with a 6ch receiver

[@rcvg69420]

Im guessing your issue with the stuff not working is related to the uart rx or tx being on pin 2 and the gyro and receover confuse each otger on bootup. Its kind of a hardware issue from my understanding. I have a larger 60 inch aerobatic plane with fancy brushless servos and i had to not use one of the receivers outputs because the servo would not work on startup. Most things are fine, some arent sadly. Elrs is still waaaay worth the lesrning curve for the cheap light and reliable high performance you get.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. The only thing I still have is the servo jitter. I'm guessing the gyro doesn't like something in the signal from the controller.

[@rcvg69420]

@@RoadsideRC As other have mentioned if you enable the hardware ADC filter I think this should calm the jitter. If you are still having a jittery servo after that there could be a deadband setting you could dial in on the gyro or maybe radio, but the ADC filter should take care of it. In my experience ELRS is totally fine when hooked directly up to a servo. I have a RadioMaster boxer though, not an MT12. It's entirely possible the MT12 just has a shite sensor in it causing a lot of jitter. Which would be a real bummer because this radio is so cool. Exciting to see EdgeTX and ELRS come to a pistol grip radio. Unfortunately it might be just a little too steep a learning curve to catch on...

[@RoadsideRC]

@rcvg69420 Thanks! From the factory, the ADC filter is set to "global". I tried it at both "off" and "on" as well - no change to the jitter.

[@sto1vall]

Back in the day, I believe sometimes either the wiring or the carbon fiber would create an interference.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting!

[@rm4213]

I'm confused on the versions it says choose between 4in1 or ELRS? Also region FCC or LBT

[@RoadsideRC]

If you are in the US, you want the FCC version. The ELRS is the long-range control version. It is what I have, and it is a mistake. The 4in1 has the ability to connect to MANY different receiver types AND you can always add a long-range module on top of it later. Tldr: you want the FCC 4in1

[@rm4213]

@@RoadsideRC thank you for the reply I had the ELRS in my cart changing it to 4in1 now 👍

[@rcvg69420]

I agree the 4in1 is the way to go. But that's mainly because you can get a higher 1 watt elrs module for 40 bucks but an external 4in1 is 60. So if you want both it's cheaper and better to go internal 4in1 and external elrs. Elrs is awesome!

[@eriksapien4528]

If you had to choose....this or a futaba 3pv for a drift build?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is a hard one! They are just two completely different controllers. 3PV is much more user friendly, but has a lot less features and potential. The MT12 is the exact opposite. How much of a tinkerer are you? Do you just want plug-and-play or do you like figuring things out?

[@eriksapien4528]

@@RoadsideRC I do like to tinker for sure I'm partial to the 3pv just because I've had one in the past and am slightly intimidated by the mt12s complexity...but I would hate to be wanting more out of the futaba later

[@timmyd463229]

Does the transmitter feel like a premium transmitter?

[@RoadsideRC]

What does "premium" mean to you?

[@timmyd463229]

@@RoadsideRC hmm good question lol. Id say not much lag on throttle and steering input. Buttons feel good. Screen is nice. Nothing rattles in the controller haha.

[@RoadsideRC]

@timmyd463229 Then yes, it does feel premium if that is your definition. Only minor gap is the screen isn't as Dancy as others. But - the price point is also only $130...

[@TestECull]

I've found that a good car does enough of the work on its own that it doesn't need a fancy drift-optimized radio. I just bought an HPI WR8 Nitro and it drifts pretty damn nice right out of the box.

[@RoadsideRC]

RWD drifting is very different than AWD.

[@TestECull]

@@RoadsideRC It's also not typically done at 20-30mph in the dirt haha. Still, that car practically demands to be sideways at all times and I love it.

[@RookieRotors]

jitter problem, try: model, page 2 ("setup"), "ADC filter", turn it "Off". see, if that fixes the problem.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! There must be something there, as you are not the only one to suggest it. However, OFF, ON, or GLOBAL there is no change to the jitter.

[@RookieRotors]

@@RoadsideRC did you powercycle the radio?

[@RookieRotors]

@@RoadsideRC then try: start elrs lua script, turn down the Hz to below 100. try 50Hz to begin with to see if the jitter will disappear.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@RookieRotors I did not! Good call!

[@wakeCTR]

​@@RookieRotors he said he is using a futaba Rx. If I'm not mistaken, that means he is running a multiprotocol module instead of ELRS

[@Super_Mario_Fpv]

Did you figure out the jitter?

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope! Asked the engineers. They said to turn on a filter. I did - no change. Honestly, not a big deal though. Have driven with it multiple times, doesn't impact anything once driving.

[@ScaleScience]

Troy, I wonder if you changed the damper point and strength of it would eliminate. The shark front end had jitters like this until I changed both to 1 in the reve d programmer suite. Might be worth a shot

[@RoadsideRC]

@@ScaleScience Thanks for the tip! I have not tried to change the settings in the servo to fix it. Good call.

[@alizuma233]

Go onto the settings of the elrs receiver and change the latency to 300hz or something around there. Stock is 50hz and maybe it forced your programmable servo to that. Another thing it could be is the elrs code. When you first power on, the rx sends out a weird chunk of pwm data on ch1/ch2 and that can mess with programmable servos or esc’s. Try plugging servo or esc to ch3. Here is the video that explains it better - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZfbp3qupM-Dj8U

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the tips!!!

[@mika_models]

I love easy to use things.😅 MT12 isn’t my pieceof cake. Thank for this video, I’m not going to buy it.👍

[@RoadsideRC]

You’re welcome 😊 I agree that some folks will not want to deal with learning the interface.

[@slappomatthew]

yes edgetx has a quite steep learning curve. ELRS even more so IMO. they are insanely powerful and affordable but they come at the cost of being a investment in time to learn how to use.