Radiomaster TX16S vs Taranis X9D Plus - RC Transmitter Comparison

[@AngryPepper1964]

Im brand new to the hobby and I just want to say that your videos and the way you explain them is so helpful, and really nice of you to take your time and make these. Between you and JB ive learned so much. Thank you very much.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Awesome, thank you! Glad to help.

[@AngryPepper1964]

@@RCVideoReviews And yes I did hit that “subscribe” button 👍

[@steven.j.heaton1850]

Respect and appreciate your decision not to replicate work done adequately elsewhere and link to it. Class act :)

[@WTJimmy]

Good to see there is a fair amount of competition among all of the radio manufacturers. It will push innovation. Enjoy the new radio and keep us posted on your experiences!

[@RCVideoReviews]

You hit the nail directly on the head there. Competition is great for us. You're absolutely right. I will definitely keep the channel updated.

[@WTJimmy]

Thanks for keeping the channel updated with this radio. It has piqued my interest and as a result, this radio is due to arrive on my doorstep tomorrow. I’m very new to Open TX and was reserved about learning it, but your tutorial series has changed that. 👍🏻

[@RCVideoReviews]

@@WTJimmy Oh wow! Ok, well don't be afraid to jump in and have at it. The channel monitors are great and can really help you see what's going on. Once you get a good working basic model setup, you can use it as a template and copy/duplicate it as a basis for any subsequent model. Most of all, have fun and tinker with it. There is a whole lot of material on KZbin supporting OpenTx. Enjoy!

[@toys5355]

I have just found your channel. Thanks for the excellent content. I have been successful programming my three Spektrum BNF planes via the multi protocol module. All fly great, no issues. I also use for my quads, which were previously flown with a Taranis. The options on this radio are almost endless. My only roadblock now is trying to setup my Timber X to use the Flaperon option. I get confused with Input/mixing programming. Spektrum spoiled me on that, as the manual had the exact steps to follow. Despite that, I prefer this radio for its cost and flexibility.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Glad you found the channel. Thanks for commenting. I'll be posting a video on mixing soon. Stay tuned for that. In the meanwhile I'll tell you it's very simple to do. First, you have to have two aileron channels because while using ailerons they run opposite, when using flaperons they run the same (both down), and while using spoilerons they run the same (both up). Let's say you put Ailerons on channels 1 and 5. Under channel one, press and hold the wheel, click "insert after". That will make a copy of the Aileron entry on channel 1. Edit that entry, change the source to something like RS (right slider), set the weight to -30% or +30% depending on direction of travel. Finally, make a curve that goes from 0 to 100 only, not -100 to +100. Apply that curve to the "RS" entry and you're done. Again, I'll make a video, it's really simple once you've done it once or twice.

[@peterwaine923]

Ok having a nice screen but can you see anything on it outside in bright sunlight. On the TX16s?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I can see it well enough and I live in Florida. It's not ideal of course, but it's bright enough to see/edit settings. I do it all the time.

[@lostalaska]

I just ordered a TX16S to upgrade from my Taranis X9D plus, the breaking point for me was how slow the LUA scripts were for the ELRS external module I was using. It took nearly 3-4 minutes to run the LUA script and would crash regularly since it was right on the edge of having enough memory and processing power for the scripts. I'm slapping some old D8 receivers in my older drones and passing it all on to my nephew who's interested in RC and drones.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I enjoyed my Taranis for a lot of years but the TX16s has been a very worthy successor. Good luck with your new radio.

[@felipehol1]

I did the exact opposite a year ago. I really love my X9D plus SE 2019 :-). It fits perfectly in my hands. Remembering that this latest version of the Taranis comes with a STM32 F4 processor just like the one used in the TX16s. Frsky made this change exactly to not slow down the execution of LUA scripts.

[@ShadowOppsRC]

Good job buddy! Now i want one!

[@RCVideoReviews]

I'm flying with it tomorrow for the first time. I'll report back how it goes. It appears they just got another batch out to retail so if you want one, you better get it now. These are VERY difficult to find and the price shoots up when stocks are low.

[@ALACHOCHO]

I want to learn and teain my skills for fpv on my laptop. Which controller can i use ?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Anything with EdgeTX works as a joystick on windows computers.

[@biffoswilly]

So why the change Radiomaster 16S not as reliable as expected?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I changed to the Radiomaster TX16s and have been using it ever since. I actually own three of them now and that's all I fly.

[@jhue73]

im still using the x9d and have alot of frsky x8r and s8r receivers. how is the range on the tx16s when you bind with frsky receivers?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It would be nice to say the range is the same, but since I haven't done a side-by-side comparison, I can't just say that. You'd have to test. I can tell you that I've been flying TX16s for a couple of years and I have some D16 RXs like SxRs in some planes and have not noticed any issues with range.

[@jhue73]

@@RCVideoReviews ok thanks. i was just thinking about getting one to try out. i have the 4 in 1 module in my taranis that i use for my smaller dsmx/dsm2 models but i have never tried it on frsky receivers. if i bind in dsmx i get a low rssi warning but not in dsm2 and what ive read its something to do with telemetry on dsmx and not range but i have not tested the actual range on dsmx.

[@RCVideoReviews]

RSSI telemetry is completely inconsistent across brands. You really need to do your homework to understand the correct values per protocol. I'm dealing with this exact issue on an AFHDS2A Rx from FlySky which reports 75dbm max.

[@jhue73]

@@RCVideoReviews its not a protocol value at least i dont think. its just the way it is or at least for dsmx. if you go to multi-module site it says to turn off the warnings for dsmx and that is what i did and have not had a problem but im not flying very far with my umx planes with the irangex 4-in-1 module. i believe its the short range telemetry on the umx planes that cause the problem. you may want to check out there site and see what they are saying about the AFHDS2A protocol. selecting range test on the taranis i walked about 75 yards and rssi went to the high 20s and low 30s with my back turned and in the path of the antenna which is low i think but i havent tested further.

[@madzr3093]

What’s the max range on these?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It depends on the RF tech being used. With ELRS for example, 60-70 miles.

[@WallStreet749]

Id like to see a review on the difference between the FlySky FS PL18 Paladin vs RadioMaster tx16S

[@vyoufinder]

To me, it's a choice between a hi-fi stereo and a mid grade modern entertainment system with satellite radio. Once you've had both for a while, somehow the old megawattblaster from the seventies just sounds better. Notice the attention to detail on the Tarains; subtle grippage for your fingers and molded cutouts for thumb placement, styling on the body for finding your way around without looking, practical charging reliability, etc. IWhen you look at switches and parts, the Radiomaster's cost more. I agree on the pot stiffness, but the no detent pots are like a Marantz and I also upgraded my gimbals. I realize they're both made of plastic, but the Radiomaster looks like it's made of plastic. The Taranis has retro styling that reminds me of the '80's and my thinking is that the Taranis has taken everything learned from black boxes with a swicth and two gimbals until now and incorporated it, whereas the Radiomaster put out a sleek yet somehow generic looking touch screen. The touch screen doesn't come without a trade-off. Ergonomics on the Taranis are like a well fitted glove but the Radiomaster feels out of balance. Better would have been to put the screen up above and not under your hands. The only thing I don't love about the X9d+ is the color, but actually it makes sense when you're flying in really hot sunny weather as it stays cooler. The Radiomaster has more power for Lua scripts, but so far I can run all I need. So I think the Taranis is the best thought out design for minimalists and retropurists. Anything based on opentx or other open source firmware is a good radio though.

[@storm14k]

Gotta say I've had a Taranis for years and always felt like all that retro molded plastic was cheesy and kind of toyish looking. Maybe if some of it were metal... When Jumper and Radiomaster came out I liked the clean look better. I just got the clear TX16s mk2 and even with it being clear and having LEDs it just looks and feels cleaner to me. But either way I agree it's great to have all of these choices packed with so many features at price points that lower the bar of entry into RC. I remember being younger and being put off by the prices of Futaba.

[@biffoswilly]

When will or has the touch screen been activated yet?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It's been active on EdgeTX for a couple of months. I no longer use OpenTX so I can't speak to what's going on there.

[@FLYWDRAGHIL]

Quality vice which one is better x9d vs t16s??

[@RCVideoReviews]

TX16s 100%

[@IAmWhil]

I've been trying to figure this out for a few days. Will this pair with the Frsky x4r-sb? Or do you need to get a module? I'm looking at picking up a radio and have a bunch of x4r-sb receivers. Don't know if its worth going the Taranis x9D route (to stick with the receivers), if the TX16s Will talk to them, or just get the TX16s and buy some new receivers... Thanks for your input!

[@RCVideoReviews]

It pairs with the x4r in D16 mode.

[@IAmWhil]

@@RCVideoReviews Aces! Thanks for your time mate! I'm going for it! Thanks! FYI You don't seem to have an amazon link to the TX16S in your video details. If you change that we'll get you some affiliate love on this purchase!

[@RCVideoReviews]

@@IAmWhil As much as I appreciate the offer of support for the Amazon affiliate link on the TX16s, I couldn't hardly recommend buying it there. Every Amazon vendor has it highly overpriced. Even the basic version is $30 more than the Hall Sensor Touchscreen version. So thank you--really--for the support, but check out DefinaceRC. They're out now but they say more are arriving this month: www.defiancerc.com/products/radiomaster-tx16s-opentx-multi-protocol-radio-w-hall-gimbals

[@IAmWhil]

@@RCVideoReviews Holy cow I didn't notice that! Thanks for being on point! Greatly appreciated! :heading to defiancerc:

[@davidpaker626]

That radio definitely has a lot more features than my Futaba at less than half the price but what I like the best is now I can grab the sticks to fly so we're going to have to do the Smooth video again longer sticks help a lot when you don't have any fingers😂

[@RCVideoReviews]

Hey, I know how to adjust them now, so you'll be flying that Smoove again soon!

[@witneydiggersrc3251]

It looks like all the switch options are the same, having looked inside do you think it’s possible to add an additional potentiometer

[@RCVideoReviews]

You can add two more pots and two more switches. The main board is equipped to accept them. Here's a picture of the pinouts: discord.com/channels/761870396085108757/764327917144113192/766011871140511814

[@DrDiff952]

That is exactly why I abandoned my Taranis XD9 Plus SE for a Radiomaster T16S

[@RCVideoReviews]

Did you want multi-protocol or does ACCESS bother you? Or both? I was really disappointed in their choice to implement ACCESS.

[@erasertech9785]

Nice,you did not mention the 6 buttons on the radiomaster which are great for flight controller modes.

[@RCVideoReviews]

This was just a side-by-side compared to Taranis. There will be quite a bit more to come. Hang tight.

[@airicfpv9868]

Yes definitely a slap on the face from Frsky. I bought a Horus X10 express and was very disappointed to find out that it’s not compatible with D8 protocol without an external module. I’m selling the Horus X10 express for that reason. Lesson learned. I have a crossfire module now and also just recently found out that the Baudrate is still not good enough on the Horus X10 without having to solder another piece of equipment (mod) to fully experience long range flight. Very disappointed because Horus X10 is such a beautiful looking transmitter 👍. But functionality and adaptability not so good 😕 It’s probably just me Time will tell what Frsky does (sell ) next. Great review! 👍. I have the Radiomaster TX16S now and I’am happy. 🙂

[@RCVideoReviews]

FrSky cinched it with me when they implemented Access.

[@MrZeek101]

LOL John i just got the T18 pro and they would feel taller because its a thinner transmitter great comparison

[@MrZeek101]

Oh yeah and slider could be 3d printed taller and a touch thicker

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks Robert. How are you liking your T18? That's another one I considered.

[@MrZeek101]

@@RCVideoReviews pretty much the same as tx 16 I had both in my hands one offers a better upgrade and the other has 5i n 1 multi protocol I think there pretty much the same thing plus for me is R9 transmitter 1000 w

[@MrZeek101]

@@RCVideoReviews LOL and its been so windy here took out my slope planes

[@RCVideoReviews]

Florida has had a real attitude for a few months. It's either cold and windy or hot and windy, or calm and rainy. Unbelievable really. I saw those 3D printed sliders. I might fool with those when I get all my planes moved over.

[@sams0748]

I’m so confused w all the access stuff will this work with any xm+ reciever and bnf frsky drones

[@RCVideoReviews]

As long as they aren't using ACCESS. It has to be ACCST protocol. ACCESS is encrypted and FrSky doesn't share encryption info.

[@sams0748]

@@RCVideoReviews thanks a lot i really want to get some drones soon but am so confused with all the access stuff. I want to get a nazgul5 v2 with an xm+ reciever and a Geprc phantom. Could you recommend a radio? I was mainly choosing between the x9 lite tx16s or xq7 or x9d lite thanks

[@EldarKinSlayer]

I am going from a Spektrum Dx6E to a TX16S which USPS says will be here Saturday. I ordered mine with the TBS Crossfire Micro Module as I want to get into FPV which is why I started in this Hobby recently, yes I'm a total absolute Noob. When I was in High School it was free flight and control line, Radio Control was literally for Rich Old Men with time and LOTS of money, a basic set up was equivalent to a nice new car.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Times have definitely changed. I think you made a good choice for your next transmitter. This radio has impressed me so far.

[@EldarKinSlayer]

@@RCVideoReviews I had a pre-order on the Jumper T18, but the internal 2.4ghz PCB Antenna struck me as a bad idea, not to mention FrSky's shenanigans and seeing how TBS Crossfire is MUCH better received overall in the Community. I cancelled my pre-order and ordered from Helination, less than a week later and my Radio is en route, the Jumper has been on pre-order since early May.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I think you made the right call. Aside from the fact you now have your TX16s in-hand, I was not too excited about an internal control antenna either. While I searched for stock on the TX16s, I saw Helination as one of the few that had it. Good to hear they're a reliable supplier.

[@gerritjanbaarda1255]

Hi, let me first say that I would agree with you regarding the choice of gimbals. I too think that hall sensor gimbals are better in reality. However this is purely on the base of reliability, not accuracy. I suspect that the alps sensor will indeed be more accurate in the sense that they translate absolute angle to a voltage on the pot wiper. The comparison you make, by comparing the linearity of the pot and the hall sensor is incorrect in the sense that the hall sensor linearity is something else. It is the output voltage verses the absolute magnetic field strength the the sensor is exposed to. Note that in itself this says nothing about the angle of the stick. The system works by connecting a magnet to the stick, and then measuring the strength of the magnetic field strength with the sensor. So the linearity of the system is determined by the quality of the sensor, but at least as much by the magnetization of the magnet and for example how well it is centered respectively to the sensor. Having done quite some calculations on magnetic circuits, I would be expect the linearity of this system to be no better then 5%, more likely 10%. However, the question is if you would notice. The system is not linear, but highly reproducible. And each of us will adjust the stick curve so that we like it with expo etc. So I doubt very much if this linearity has any value, and for that reason I still will prefer the hall sensor.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks for offering the clarification. Very valuable.

[@johnfaustus1]

This is almost always overlooked by reviewers. Worth posting in other spots.

[@airbus7379]

Awesome

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yeah, that multi-protocol is something else. Really makes this a flexible option.

[@davidknutz3314]

So it sounds like you can try different makes of receivers. If it does DSMX you could try Spektrum or the Admirals from Motion. One of our members is getting something like this and I was considering it because of Price and Features.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yup, that's a definite benefit. They can bind with Spektrum. I haven't looked into the Admiral device protocol yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if they worked as well. As much as I like the S6R Rx from FrSky their desktop configuration tools have been an abject failure for some time and they don't seem interested in fixing them. The only way I've been able to configure SxR receivers is via LUA on the radio. So I will be exploring other stabilizer Rx options.

[@davidknutz3314]

RC Video Reviews Admirals use the same protocol as Spektrum. Admiral has a 6 Channel receiver with 3 axis gyro for $30. It has its limitations but it’s pretty cool for a receiver and gyro for $30. Plus you can actually use the Bind Port as a Seventh channel if needed. Anyway, I’ll be interested to know what you think of this Transmitter. 16 channels and 1/2 the price of my Spektrum!

[@RCVideoReviews]

I've spammed you guys enough for today with videos. I have more equipment coming, more planes coming, a giveaway coming. Sigh...I need a bigger hard drive and faster CPU to keep up with the video material.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I didn't know Admiral used Spektrum. I'll do a little reading and see what I can find out. I think it's SUPER cool to not be tied to any brand of Rx. The modern world of tech can really be amazing sometimes.

[@WTJimmy]

According to the Admiral thread on RCGroups, The Admiral uses DSMX protocol and is manufactured by Lemon RX... www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2973424-Admiral-RX600SP-6-axis-stabilizer-from-MotionRC. Lemon RX has a pretty good reputation, and Motion RC sells the Admiral 6-axis version for $29.00. No pc or standalone keypad need to adjust the gains. If there’s too much oscillating, you can simply land the plane and adjust the pots manually. I have two of these receivers, but have not installed yet.

[@lokaero]

Hi can u give away your x9d? haha it will be very helpful for me switching from flysky to opentx.

[@RCVideoReviews]

That x9d isn't trustworthy anymore. It's the reason I made the change.

[@lokaero]

​@@RCVideoReviews 😅thats alright..thanks..😅

[@DKAS-g4h]

usb-c charging? say no more

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yes, nice upgrade.

[@WallStreet749]

usefull info knobs are a little harder to turn. (lol) Go to the Gym

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yeah, I should have eaten my Wheaties that day.