JUST RELEASED! New RadioMaster ExpressLRS Hardware: ELRS just grew up a little more..

[@radiomasterrceu7675]

As always a fantastic review Lee! Both as a retailer and personal hobbyer I follow you from the beginning thank to the always very clear and comprehensive reviews and tutorials! So great to hear that you like the new ranger ELRS modules!

[@theflyinggrip]

Perfect timing on this one…great distraction as Nicole rages outside. THX!!

[@madtoffelpremium8324]

Also worth mentioning is that the fancy full size version is actually capable of 2W, but that requires a small firmare mod because they can't legally sell it as such. Wezley Varty made a video about it.

[@Painless360]

That was supposed to be hush hush... Happy flying

[@MCsCreations]

Really impressive devices, Lee! Fantastic review! 😃 And I absolutely agree, I wouldn't buy ELRS stuff from many other companies today. I just hope they start making 900mhz stuff as well! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@k5utc]

there really are few options for 900mhz

[@haroldseaman4243]

Very cool I just got my TBS crossfire module and it was super easy to update and bind. This is why I didn't go ELS I'm not a computer guy and seemed to be complicated way over my head!!! Hopefully this makes it easier for us bnf guys lol!!! I love that its made by Radiomaster just got my RM controller Outstanding piece of equipment. Thanks for the video full of info!!!

[@spyder000069]

You made the right choice. ELRS can be a giant pain to update. Some manufactures are better than others. I had a module and receiver that would refuse to update over the web interface and after an hour of messing with them I found a work around. This is coming from a guy who develops with the esp chips used in the modules. TBS has it down. Update the radio via usb and the radio can then update any of the receivers over the air. Its so simple I can't believe ELRS didn't try to duplicate it. My guess is they just took the easy way out since the chips already had wifi instead of developing their own loader program.

[@PerceptionFPV]

Im also kinda a Bnf guy but elrs is easy once you understand it (other than spi receivers wich are a living hell to setup) but crossfire is definitely still a good choice 👍

[@pfeerick]

Woohoo... first! 🤣🤣 Excellent video Lee. I can say with first-hand experience that RadioMaster is indeed working *with* devs and actively asking for feedback and ideas to improve their products, and ensure that they make good quality gear. As an end user, my experience with RadioMaster was already that they seemed to make good quality product for the money, and now being in more direct contact when them, I cannot praise them enough for their attention to detail, striving to do their bit to improve the hobby for us all. The Ranger module is a great piece of hardware, and also surprised me with the heft of it. For me, the need to remove it from my original MPM TX16S radio is no different to how I used to transport that before - as I also couldn't leave my older CRSF module in without damaging the aerial. I've had no need for its power, and for normal flying have used like 25mw with it set to dynamic power so it can ramp up if it needs to. But there is some piece of mind knowing that the power and range are there if it is ever needed, and with all that aluminium, it could sit there all day (well, if the battery doesn't go flat!) and not miss a beat. I'm sure the other modules are great, and at the end of the day, will suit a lot of people's needs. But for me, it was the versatility of it fitting both Micro and Nano bay that drew me to that module over the others. I'll be interested to see how it goes with Futaba users, as apparently it can be used with their radios also using that cable in the box.

[@malte9999]

I absolutely agree with you. Engagement and communication with RadioMaster is really great

[@ksweens01]

I might try out the nano version on my Zorro 4 in 1. Hopefully it runs fine off of the internal batteries and doesn't mess with the form factor too much.

[@tubamanandy2]

Hope they're planning to launch 865/900mhz as well

[@MrVasmikey]

Thx Lee! Any news regarding 900 MHz?

[@Painless360]

Not a lot. 2.4Ghz seems to be the focus at the moment..

[@dpkgray]

Can the RadioMaster Tx communicate with Bluetooth and accelerometer in the Ranger module? I mean specifically through EdgeTx and the Lua system so that we can use that hardware for interesting things like accelerometer Tx control and/or remote Bluetooth head tracking? Now that would be interesting.

[@Painless360]

It would... Stay tuned!

[@bjornkullberg3793]

Great review! Can this system be used to stream mav link data from ardupilot to missionplanner?

[@savvyone2737]

I just purchased the zorro with elrs configured on it. Do I still need this module for any extra benefits or is this designed for controllers that don't already have elrs?

[@Qromer]

Awesome, do they have a 900mHz version as well?

[@pfeerick]

Not yet. I'm sure if there is enough interest they will do one though.

[@couchastronmers3292]

Love the channel an all the help you give. Just a couple of things as I just recently purchased the radiomaster ranger. Very nice product but I noticed a couple of annoying things. Except for the tiny piece of paper on firmware flash, specs and bind etc the was no installation manual and nothing on their website even today. Is there some documentation especially as it took me a while to figure out how to power it on. Also ther seems to be no recommended firmware level for the module, lua script for Express LRS and Radio software version. You mentioned 2.7.1 or greater is there a place you would suggets to get the right combination at the moment? Lastly while you mentioned build quality I found the fan is noisy as there is a constant buzzing sound unless that is somthing else when the module is at 250 mW or above? Could you mention if this is present in the module you have Or have other heard this? Only reason I am asking is if I neeed to return the product if I have a faulty fan. Apart from this looks good and performs well Thank you for this review.

[@Painless360]

See www.expresslrs.org/ for the basics. ExpressLRS is a great system but nowhere near as simple to use as it could be, yet! Best of luck!

[@couchastronmers3292]

@Painless360 This is super helpful, and the documentation is easy to follow.

[@dronepilot260rc]

I don’t fly with FC’s so I have happymodel module and like 3 ex and couldn’t get it to bind

[@davidlondon3111]

Thanks Lee. Wondering what the accelerometer is for in the high end module?

[@Painless360]

Stay tuned! How about control of something via tilting the radio?

[@dg9bfc]

Accelerometer can be used to switch power down to 25mw if you put the radio down on table and do not move it for over 20 seconds (call it pit mode)...

[@fiveleafcloverfpv4445]

Would love to see the micro size version with small LCD like TBS. The full size is way to chunky compared to the other two. Maybe a bit thicker but not huge.

[@spyder000069]

I was a big fan of the lcd on the crossfire equipment. However, now with lua scripts you can get everything right from the radio screen so I don't even look at the lcd anymore. The radio buttons are easier to navigate than the tiny joystick. The ELRS lua is the same situation for me. So I don't see any real advantage of the full ranger other than being able to unlock it to 2 watts.

[@tmc-fpv]

The whole point to elrs was that it could be a long range system like crossfire or a racing system like tracer or ghost at a price point that was representative of the open source nature of its development. Elrs hardware at the same price point of the competition doesn't make any sense to me. I'll be sticking with HM, betafpv and others. I've been 6km with a quad and 20km with a wing without issue.

[@beefybeef1326]

Agree with you

[@tomevansc]

I went and bought the elrs radio Master radio and Maytek receiver and with those two together I still can't even get past 700 m without it saying it's losing connection think I'm going back to R9mm fryskyr9mm I was getting miles and miles out of my flight... So I will not be trusting to buy another elrs product.

[@tomevansc]

@@marc_frank Smd,, and I have the radio master elrs version and I'm definitely not getting the range with 500 Hertz

[@tmc-fpv]

@@tomevansc you definitely won't at 500hz. Higher the packet rate the shorter the range. It's the trade-off. 100mw and 150hz is all I use. If I'm racing in the field next to me I'll go to 500hz.

[@torpedoLaw]

Crossfire who? Hahahahah

[@jstmag]

Have a question I haven’t seen yet. I have an older taranis running off a 3s lipo, will the full size ranger module have any issues with that?

[@Painless360]

Should be OK. XT30 Power supply voltage: DC 6V - 16.8V

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Very nice modules......

[@UAVSkies]

Hi, Questions for you. 1. Will the ranger works with FrtySky Horus? 2. Will it work with any Futaba 18 series radios? 3. The radiomaster TX16S Mark II says 4N1 "or" ELRS. What does thsi emans? Does it eman it can be switched between either or?

[@derektran9404]

Quite surprised that Radiomaster went into the module market.

[@seattleitefpv]

I am wondering why I would choose this micro tx over the betafpv micro tx also capable of 1W... Any advantages?

[@Painless360]

It is all about the difference in quality, interaction with the ELRS project and the compliance with the specs..

[@RcMcNutt]

Curious Lee, why no youtube creators have done any follow up vids on these? There were a bunch of release videos but no one has done testing vids. I ordered the micro combo package in November and still haven't received it. I know why, I just wish there was more follow up content.

[@Painless360]

They just work. These are now the modules I use here. Happy flying!

[@aowi7280]

They need a 915MHz version JR module.

[@dg9bfc]

The bigger radio module should be mounted a bit shifted upwards cause some users use an extended battery case (i have 4x 21700 and a higher case)..

[@hugoenriquez2558]

Will the higher end version of these 3 work with frsky and dsmx/dsm2 protocols?

[@TechTimeElectronics]

Is it possible to connect that Arduino Nano 33 ble via Bluetooth to use for head tracking?

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

Why do they have external power plugs? Do they not work off power from the radio? Hate to have to hang a Lipo off the back to use them.

[@Painless360]

They are needed for the higher power settings..

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

@@Painless360 Sounds like a pretty ugly solution to me. You're supposed to strap a Lipo on the back? Talk about kludgy. At what wattage do you need to use one?

[@dg9bfc]

If you have a batt pack with an xt60 and a balance connector in your tx16s rhen you can run the xt60 to the tx module and the balance connector to the tx16s.. There is a precut hole to run the xt60 and cable through.. Result is that the current for the tx module does not run over the tx16s internals

[@dg9bfc]

So lowest edge should be top end of battery case.

[@johncarr123]

Will this module work with Taranis X9D?

[@Fabvelloso758]

Express ELRS fixed the conection lost bug?

[@Painless360]

Github is the best place to report and check on the status of issues... Best of luck

[@hakancakirkan2319]

nice products from RadioMaster

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

Also, what does the big-expensive version actually do that the others don't? Or are you just paying for a flashy screen that doesn't do anything the radio interface can't?

[@Painless360]

A few things (higher power for one)...

[@grumpyrse]

Any info on using ELRS with Ethos?

[@Painless360]

I'm getting confusing messages from Frsky on this so if I get to the bottom of it, I'll make a video... Happy flying

[@grumpyrse]

@@Painless360 Look forward to this, would be the icing on the cake! Cheers Lee :)

[@outboxfpv4360]

Will the Nano support Tango 2

[@Painless360]

Should do, ideally you want EdgeTX on the radio too...

[@publicname515]

Could you comment on the fan speed/vibration on the nano module? I currently have the Happymodel and it works great, however the one thing I don't like is that it vibrates the Zorro when the fan comes on.

[@Painless360]

I've not noticed that on the one I have... Happy flying

[@bhishanhemrajani1602]

@@Painless360 Thank you!

[@lightbulbjim]

It's a shame they didn't go with a straight foldable antenna (like the main radio antenna). The T and Moxon antennas often mean the radio doesn't fit back into its original carry case. I have a folding antenna on my BetaFPV module and it means that I just leave the module in all the time. I don't even notice that it's there when I'm not using it.

[@Painless360]

Radio still fits in the RadioMaster cases I have here... Happy flying

[@lightbulbjim]

@@Painless360 Fair enough! I have a Q-X7 and it only fits in the case if the module has a folding antenna.

[@JPREEDY77]

Still don't know if I will ever get one. Going on 3 months now. Bahhh

[@ChainsawFPV]

Pawel did a video on it to.

[@juanfeliperinconcolmenares6730]

Ranger module is suitable for using with a Futaba 14SG radio?

[@Painless360]

Can it talk CRSF to the module bay?

[@juanfeliperinconcolmenares6730]

@@Painless360 I don't think so.

[@markl.mobley6365]

Is the Radio Master Ranger module compatible with Radio Master TX12..?

[@Painless360]

Should be.. Happy flying

[@carlosnunes2096]

I just bought a RadioMaster Zorro and I want to buy an ELRS module for it. Can you advise me on which is the best ELRS module for this Radio? Thanks

[@Painless360]

I ma a fab of the RadioMaster modules but there has been an issue found with powering them from an external battery. See the post in my community section... Best of luck

[@carlosnunes2096]

@@Painless360 Yes, I heard about that problem, but if you don't use the external power port, you consider this NANO module as the best one, right?

[@Painless360]

Appears so. I'm waiting on an update from RM once they are all back from CNY. Stay tuned!

[@dronesluveco386]

Why is only 2.4 Ghz? Where is the 900 Mhz?

[@MsVideoaccount]

because x-fire is better, I guess 8)

[@HeliZero]

Is this for Quads only or can a airplane with lets say 8 channel use this also? The Rx are so small - where do you put the servoplugs?

[@pfeerick]

For the small RXs like the RP1/RP2 you would normally use with a flight controller for either multi-storey, plane, car, etc. But you can get CRSF->SBUS adapter also. But for tradiontal planes, you would want their ER5A/ER5C PWM RX, and stay tuned for RXs with more PWM channels... they're under development.

[@HeliZero]

@@pfeerick Looking forward to that - thanks. I would really like to try this system one day.

[@SonAndDadFPV]

You can connect a Sbus to PWM convertor to the receiver. Just make sure you add an extra 5V regulator for the servo's do not connect them to the 5v of the receiver

[@benjaming9835]

3X modules and no 915mHz? Disappointing, I'll need to stick with my old betafpv 915 :(

[@jacobsimpson347]

How can I get 50+ miles of range? Remote is a tx16s ii.

[@Painless360]

No idea, in most places that is illegal (it is here in the UK) so I don't have any experience. For trusted long range, most pilots use Crossfire..

[@dg9bfc]

Here we are only allowed to fly line if sight.. Abd if you use fpv yoz need a spotter.. Wondering how you or your spotter see 50 miles hi hi 50 miles and 2.4 gig?? Thats not easy.. Grin

[@zvonimirtrgovcic5499]

Does it work on taranis x9d plus on opentx 2.3.14.?

[@Painless360]

Should do but will not support the faster speeds. You need EdgeTX for that..

[@zvonimirtrgovcic5499]

I great, the only thing I hesitate to switch my taranis to edgetx is because of losing the model and I want R9M to work on flex firmware

[@filiped7298]

With so many RC links available it makes it hard to choose one. There’s a risk of investing in one that drops support.

[@Painless360]

That's the beauty of ELRS. It isn't owned by a hardware manufacturer and available from lots of places making it a far more viable option for vendor independent flying... Happy flying

[@JohnStenborg]

…well that did not went to well…bought 1w nano other brand because radiomaster was yet to be…but got the ranger and its very good but heavy n clumsy n over the top…i like that…hopefully radiomaster survive the nano mishap…they worth it…by the way…who can resist the 2w hack…

[@flyhigh_hifi]

1W on 2.4 is not a big deal, waiting for someone making >1W 900Mhz and high-power telemetry to compete with crossfire.

[@spyder000069]

Supposedly the full size ranger can do 2w after modification. I don't believe any receivers to more than 100mw telemetry though.

[@PerceptionFPV]

Yup a maximal power of 1watt nothing more not at all definitely not able to use 2watts 🤫