Radiomaster R161 Receiver • Plus How to Fine Tune Multi Protocol Module

This is a first look video of the Radiomaster R161 s.bus receiver.
In this video, I'll show you:
• How to bind the receiver to your radio
• How to add telemetry sensors
• How to conduct frequency fine tuning
• Weight, measurements, and specifications of the R161
00:00 Intro
01:51 How to Bind
03:03 Bind Verification
03:33 Adding Telemetry Sensors
04:03 Frequency Tuning
06:30 Measurements
07:09 Specifications
07:43 Wiring
08:00 Wrap-Up
Thanks to Radiomaster for sending me this R161 for review. If you're interested in buying an R161, these retailers have them in stock as of the posting of this video:
► Banggood (Affiliate) www.banggood.com/custlink/v3D...
► BuddyRc bit.ly/2WmTk2A
► Grayson bit.ly/3r4RmC1
PRODUCT LINKS
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AFFILIATE LINKS
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#RCVideoReviews #opentx

[@randallwatts9840]

This video answered the frequency tuning that I had. Checked it out on one of my planes and receivers. Worked great.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Good. Just as a point of curiosity, what RSSI values did you see doing the same test after frequency tuning?

[@davidknutz3314]

Installed a R86 receiver into a plane today. Used your video to coach me through the fine tuning. Works like a charm! Thanks John. I will say I need 4 arms or I need to make a binding power switch for binding the Radiomaster receivers. I enlisted the wife for help this time.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Glad it worked out for you Dave. You might want to check out the ViFly Shortsaver--it has a built-in power switch.

[@woofie7520]

Great review John. I ordered a couple of them.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks Woofie. Let me know how you get on with them.

[@MrVasmikey]

I am becoming a huge Radiomaster fan!

[@RCVideoReviews]

They seem to have a very active product development funnel.

[@brucerumrey8894]

as always very helpful

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thank you.

[@radiomastersales6946]

awesome review

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks for the visit.

[@saramadu204]

Thanks for sharing. Like to see how it is installed.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I'll put it in the Drift and test it out. Maybe a pic on Discord or a follow-up video.

[@lasersbee]

Great info on the TX tuning I ordered at least one of each of their receivers... They're on their was here as we speak..

[@RCVideoReviews]

I'm just happy to have options at this price point.

[@lasersbee]

@@RCVideoReviews Yup... FrSky shot themselves in the foot with their Closed ACCESS protocol RC equipment. If these RadioMaster receivers test out good (on spec), FrSky will take another hit.

[@richcollins172]

Good job

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks.

[@spazztikk3544]

Thanks for the great review. I have ordered 6 of these R161 recievers and now I see that radiomaster has discontinued them.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yeah, I just heard about that myself. Apparently FrSky can't take the heat. I wouldn't worry about it too much though. Use them up. They'll still work with your radio.

[@spazztikk3544]

@@RCVideoReviews thanks for the info . Agreed FrSky is really getting bad .

[@FL_Engineer]

I'm ready to try one of these the next time I need a RX. They just need to round out the lineup with a long range option and stability modes.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I'm waiting to hear about an SxR-like design. It wouldn't surprise me to see an R9 option either.

[@gazzabyerun9048]

Thank you! Semper Fi..

[@RCVideoReviews]

Right on

[@missiletm]

I ordered 2 of these yesterday to use with ZOHD Kopilot. Also available in the US at Grayson RC.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I think that's where I'll use this one--with Kopilot on Drift. I added the link for Grayson. Thanks for the tip.

[@missiletm]

@@RCVideoReviews me too. I currently use a DMX PWM rx in mine. Stepping away from Spektrum. Too much money to upgrade to more channels. Your channel and the TX16S has helped with my decision to switch. I ordered the Radiomaster and it will be here Monday. Also got the Crossfire on order, want to try that on my Nano Talon.

[@RCVideoReviews]

The Crossfire has been rock solid so far. Radiomaster Rxs for park fly stuff and Crossfire for flying around the trees and you've got one potent combo. Have fun with your TX16s.

[@missiletm]

@@thomasedwards629 yes, they work great with the Kopilot. I also fine tuned them.

[@DeeJayEll]

You got my like at 0:19. 😂

[@RCVideoReviews]

:)

[@TheRealOzWookiee]

Got one of these puppies coming with a FlySky FC151 Flight Computer for my 3D Printed P-40B

[@RCVideoReviews]

These RXs are developing a strong reputation for distance.

[@MtnCommando]

Hi John, Good god! Your videos are a GOLD MINE for an OpenTX noob like me. My mouse nearly caused a mini sonic boom hitting that 'Subscribe' button. I'm VERY tempted by the size and range of these little gizmos. My question: do you see any issues running two of these in parallel into a powerbox, for a giant scale 85cc aircraft, controlled by the T16s max transmitter? Or same setup with the Jumper R8, which is the same price but touts higher range? You opinion would be HIGHLY regarded! Cheers.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I have no experience running two Rxs in parallel, but this is a 16ch s.bus Rx, so are you suggesting you need 32 channels? I also have no hands-on experience with an R8, so I couldn't offer an opinion. Regarding the TX16s, I've been flying all of my planes with mine for about 6 months and have no complaints when it comes to range.

[@RadBudaspectrum-photography]

I love this receiver, there is only one but... I wish those silly pigtails were the same length as the main wires. Silly thing to do Radiomaster. I hate splicing :)

[@jeremypeake8169]

Great video! Waiting for an FPORT version that doesn’t have the signal inverted now for all of us using F4 flight controllers with limited UARTS available

[@RCVideoReviews]

Do you know if RM is working on an FPORT version?

[@jeremypeake8169]

@@RCVideoReviews No unfortunately, I live in hope :-)

[@RCVideoReviews]

They have a channel on my discord server....

[@hansleatherby1032]

Great video thanks - just one question - should the receiver be rebound after tuning the TX to the centre of the frequency ?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Not necessary.

[@caspervanbeek1220]

Hi John, Thank you for your videos, they help me a lot in this digital age. I last flew 15 years ago and I am now starting over. Much has changed. Your videos help me on my way, I have the Radio Master TX16S transmitter. I just ordered the receiver R161. But what I don't understand - like we used to do - the servos plugged directly into the receiver. How does that work now? Do I have to buy another device? I am going to install the Kopilot Lite, will all sevo's be plugged in here? Lots of questions that I don't have an answer to yet. Greetings from the Netherlands, Casper

[@RCVideoReviews]

sbus encodes all channels on a single signal wire, but it does not drive PWM (servos) directly. There are s.bus servos, but that's another topic for another day. This type of receiver is meant to connect to a device that can decode s.bus and parse the channel commands to the appropriate PWM port. Most flight computers do this. s.bus in with channels 1-16 on a single signal wire. The computer parses channel commands and delivers them to the PWM output which operates/drives servos.

[@dingalarm]

Just connect an "SBUS to PWM converter" (~$10) between the R161's (SBUS) output and your servos. The Kopilot Lite accepts both SBUS and PWM, so just plug the R161 into the SBUS input. Your servos can then be plugged into the appropriate PWM outputs on the Kopilot Lite.

[@stefaanbolle6572]

Great video (again!) How do you put the S.Port wire to an FRSky sensor? Do you only have to connect the blue one or do you also need to Y the ground and power lead to the S.Port connector for the sensor?

[@RCVideoReviews]

S.port sensors have a data out/data stream port. Connect that to the S.port wire on the Rx. You'll have to power the sensor from a BEC.

[@stefaanbolle6572]

@@RCVideoReviews Is it also possible to power the sensor via the receiver V and GND or is it a bad idea?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Personally I wouldn’t but electrically speaking it probably wouldn’t matter especially if you powered the Rx and the sensor from the same BEC meaning they shared the same voltage line. If you connected to a flight computer like an F722, I would let the Rx port power the Rx and I’d find another BEC on the board for the sensor.

[@melvinbrown4139]

Flight Controllers and Receivers are new to me. I have watched a number of your videos on receivers and flight controllers and became motivated to take apart a Syma S39, an inexpensive RTF heli purchased from Amazon, to see if I could identify the RC components but I didn't see the kind of RC components setup the you and many others speak of. I saw one card; not multiple and I don't think that that one card was a RX, nor Flight controller. I tried to see if there were any pads for servos but there were none. Do you have a video that would help me understand this?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Most of those RTF based quads are proprietary. My channel deals primarily with hobby grade gear.

[@divadonroda5]

If you change the frequency tuning value it is best to re-bind the receiver(s).

[@RCVideoReviews]

Why? The reception is obviously impacted in real time as evidenced by the changing RSSI. What does rebinding change?

[@vonSchwartzwolfe]

Can you do a video on their R88 and what the connection on the side is for and how to use it? I picked up two of them but there is nothing about this connector and wire. Also can you explain what spot and rssi are and how they are used. I'm old school and started with a simple 3 ch raido. Moved up to a Ds6 about 7 years ago and now have a Tx16s that can use all this stuff but trying to find info on how to use it and just what it is confusing. Like I looked up Rssi and get 1000s of posts on Wi-Fi set ups.🤔

[@RCVideoReviews]

SPOT should say s.port and it's used as a data line for s.port devices. RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator. Basically it's your RX reporting back to your TX how strong the Received Signal from the TX appears on the Rx. For FrSky protocols like D16 and D8, conventional wisdom says 42dbi is the low point for RSSI. Anything lower than that and you should get your Rx closer to your Tx.

[@davidsettles5706]

can you get rssi in the sbus data stream like the xm+ ?? ps you make great videos

[@RCVideoReviews]

I don't know the answer to that one as I didn't try connecting it to iNav, but RSSI does come directly back to the radio. Are you asking so you can include it in your OSD?

[@davidsettles5706]

@@RCVideoReviews yes like in ch 16 of xm+

[@randallwatts9840]

Where do you get the interface cable between the m8s tool kit and receiver? I see the toolkit for $59 but you also need to buy the power source for $20. Is there anything else needed?

[@RCVideoReviews]

That's just a 3pin extension cable. You can find all that stuff on Amazon.

[@solarstrategy9967]

Hi John, I just ordered a couple of R161 Receivers. Then I thought will these work with my Spektrum Radio Controllers? I am getting the FMS Super EZ V4 PNP and other FMS planes which only comes with the Reflex v2 Stabliser? I was going to install the R161 in it. Or should I get some other receivers? Thanks John. Sorry for the bother.

[@RCVideoReviews]

You asked this question on Patreon too, and I answered it there. The R161 won't bind with a Spektrum radio. You'll need a DSM(x) Rx like a Lemon or an Orange.

[@eruktationcx14]

Nice Video. I bought 2 of them. Frsky lost it. I have a jumper and flashing is just annoying.

[@RCVideoReviews]

And now they want to write their own OS. I think they're going to crash. They're making the wrong decisions.

[@eruktationcx14]

@@RCVideoReviews why on every website say that the receiver do 4.5-6V isnt that wrong?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Most receivers will do up to 6v.

[@propsoff]

I hear ya 4shO... Got 3 Nano sized Radiomaster receivers from BuddyRc for 8 BUCKS! Same exact size as a depinned r-xsr, just the way I like them.. OstaLasagna Frsky ...🤣

[@RCVideoReviews]

Let me know how you get on with them. That's a killer price.

[@North49RC]

Man you use the ToolKitRC a lot, do I need to buy one?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I use that device all the time. Aside from the built-in tools, it's also a 400w charger and I ran it at that power output. Here's an affiliate link: www.banggood.com/custlink/KKKRJlHuKW

[@turgaytet]

Hello, It works with Frsky Taranis QX7 internal module? Thanks.

[@RCVideoReviews]

It uses FrSky D16 protocol. So I'm sure it will but I haven't tried it.

[@scrc511]

Hi John, how would you wire this Rx to work with let’s say ikon or the clone mini Vbar called the Kbar? I know it has sbus, but wiring wise how it’s gonna go to external FBL Unit? Thanks

[@RCVideoReviews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHvOaIGufttrZ8U

[@scrc511]

@@RCVideoReviews thanks John, hopefully it’ll work with Mini kbar also. I’m just concerned of the white wire for the telemetry, unlike the ikon the kbar doesn’t have 456 port, RXA on kbar but not sure if it’ll support that wire.

[@scrc511]

@@RCVideoReviews I might get the ikon later on, used to have it.

[@thelittlebigoneru]

could you identify the type of the 5-pin connector? also, the cable, supplied with the R161 by Radiomaster, is it 3-wire or 5-wire? do I need some additional cable/connector/pigtail etc to wire telemetry to S.Port pin?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I believe it is a Mini JST-SH 1mm. Don't hold my feet to the fire on that though. You can probably contact Radiomaster directly and they should be able to make sure you have the specifics. The one that came with my Rx had all 5 wires. I didn't add them. I'm aware most of the pics only show 3.

[@thelittlebigoneru]

@@RCVideoReviews nope, most probably it's 1.25mm Molex Picoblade or something very similar. I've extracted pin pitch from the product image and 21mm dimention from the product's data. Also, FrSky uses 1.25mm 5-pin cables, probably Picoblade, for some S.Bus receivers.

[@dhavesy5730]

Hi. Can It bind to jumper t8sg? Cause there is no adjustment in changing the d16 and d8 on jumper t8sg

[@RCVideoReviews]

Sorry, I have no idea. I don't have a T8SG, so I have no way to test.

[@oded_10]

Good video. On the device I have 4 options of Frsky. Frsky L LR12, Frskyx2 D16 Frsky X D16 FrskyRx RX What to choose between them, to bind R161?

[@RCVideoReviews]

FrSky X D16 for firmware

[@oded_10]

@@RCVideoReviews These are the only options I have in tx16s. Your video has a Frsky D16 option, I do not have such an option. What does it mean that I can not bind the receiver?

[@RCVideoReviews]

@@oded_10 Have you tried binding it? Have you put your cursor on D16 and scrolled?

[@oded_10]

@@RCVideoReviews Thanks, I was able to bind the reciever is bright green. I bought the reciever and also the ZOHD DRIFT. Now I need to bind, the Kopilot of the DRIFT.

[@rumbey1]

Hi, I have just purchased 2 and neither bind as per the instructions. I dont beleive both are faulty so does the TX16s have to be a certain firmware revision?

[@RCVideoReviews]

No particular firmware revision is required that I know of. Just FrSky X D16 mode.

[@rumbey1]

@@RCVideoReviews Thanks for this. In Europe its LBT EU mode. Interestingly I couldnt bind with a voltage at or under 5v. I used a supply at 6v and it worked? Once bound it was fine down to 4.5v. It was driving me mad!!!

[@ChristKrew-Rev1.8]

Is there a rx from radiomaster that had the ability to do smart audio without a flight controller? Looking to be able to control my vtx from my radio. I know the nano rx and pro32 can do it... but looking for a more inexpensive route.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@ChristKrew-Rev1.8]

@@RCVideoReviews Thanks.

[@duschiavon]

Hey John, you said this is probably not a rx to use as stand alone. What you mean by that is because theres no servo ports or even with a sbus decoder to pwm this is not a stand alone rx? Thanks bud. Safe landings

[@RCVideoReviews]

Right, because there is no PWM output, you can't drive servos with it. It needs to be paired with something that can decode s.bus and send signals to devices looking for a PWM signal like servos and ESCs.

[@brucerumrey8894]

John, my radio was saying RSSI LOW a lot so I did the "fine tuning" and it has reduced the amount of time it telling me that RSSI LOW to once our twice a flight. any ideas of what to try I have not found any thing to tell me the placement of the antennas. I have been installing one straight back from the receiver and the other at 90 degrees of the other. could this be my problem Thanks

[@RCVideoReviews]

You need to consider the plane of propagation for antennas. Putting two on the same plane isn’t great. You want them 90 degrees out if you can or in a V configuration.

[@archades54]

Would this be equivalent or better than the R-XSR?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It's my go-to Rx for planes requiring s.bus.

[@anshusky5184]

The 5 pin connector is jst sh 1.0 or df13 connector?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I don't know.

[@VulpeculaJoy]

Pretty sure it's a JST SH, but even though I own the RX and I'm looking right at that connector, it's so hard to tell.

[@ShidiqITChannel]

i have problem tu set failsafe for this rx, FS not working

[@RCVideoReviews]

Please elaborate a little. I'm not sure what you mean. Maybe you can hop on discord and we can help you out: discord.gg/jSFTASU

[@michaelwheatland4565]

If connecting this reciever to a Kopilot which I have installed in my drift how do you set failsafe, do set for no pulse and if so will the Kopilot still RTH or am I being a noob ( haven’t a clue what that means but seen it used recently) MikeW

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yes set Failsafe for no pulses. You can test it on the bench by turning the radio off and your Kopilot LEDs should switch to solid on which is RTH. THE Kopilot is designed to activate RTH on no pulses. Make sure you test it.

[@michaelwheatland4565]

@@RCVideoReviews Thank you, it in my minds eye has been counterintuitive when rx connected to Kopilot so yes just tested on the bench and it works fine. I suppose that’s the moral of this, test and test again prior to any flight

[@RCVideoReviews]

​@@michaelwheatland4565 You got it. Test, test, and when you think you're ready to fly, test it one more time.

[@erwinfelisarta]

Did yours come with 5 wires? Or did it come with 3 wires and you just add the other two?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It came with 5. All the images show just the three.

[@16-BITFPV]

I have a R161 that's bound and working good to a TX16S on OpenTx. I'm trying to find tune the frequency and I scroll + or - and the RSSI doesn't move it stays between 87- 89. The fine tune was preset to -20 so I put it back for now since it's working. Can anyone give advice? I went all the way to -0 and +0 there was no RSSI change.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Did you put it in low power mode? I have always been able to get rssi to drop eventually. Usually somewhere around -60 on the negative side and 75 on the positive side.

[@16-BITFPV]

@@RCVideoReviews I think I got it -87 + 45 ÷ 2 = -21? It randomly failsafed today for some reason so I'm trouble shooting it. I posted a DVR video on my channel.

[@dandork20]

Anyone know why the 161 is never in stock?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It’s been-sadly-discontinued.

[@DavidRJones82]

Do they have satellite receiver?

[@RCVideoReviews]

No, these do not use satellites.

[@chrisf5475]

I still don’t think the T16 is good enough to replace my Taranis but with receivers, as long as they work they work... I don’t have to touch them or look at them much. I can see these things going in all my models soon!

[@RCVideoReviews]

I used to say they could take my Taranis out of my cold dead hands. Not anymore. Agreed on the RXs though. I haven't personally done the testing, but I've heard rumors they're good for about 2 miles....and you simply can't beat the price.

[@FASTFREDDIE-R.C.]

hmm

[@boumbo45]

Good value for money if you don't need redundancy. Frsky is still way ahead regarding R&D

[@RCVideoReviews]

FrSky has R&D'd themselves into the latest Apple clone. They are a brand I'm no longer interested in.

[@Jangter]

It's cheaper than the Jumper R1 receiver.

[@RCVideoReviews]

It is, and it has the protective housing.

[@colebz420]

Lol

[@RCVideoReviews]

:)

[@oldanalog_synth9244]

This is not an receiver, this is a brick.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Not much of a brick at 6 grams. Care to elaborate a little?

[@tektkite7255]

Just FYI: The race to the bottom is NOT a good thing. And if its the end to your hobby if your RX costs 10 vs 20 then end it now

[@RCVideoReviews]

You have a poor grasp of economics and supply and demand. Competition is always a good thing. It drives innovation and prevents monopolistic behavior. There is nothing in this video that suggests this is a race to the bottom. What does that even mean? I would be willing to bet the hardware and software in this receiver is better than the hardware and software we saw in the same type of equipment even a year ago. Don't be dogmatic. I don't have the patience for it. Embrace the reality that is competition. If you want to pay overinflated prices to established players who have grown fat and slow--be my guest.